Single-chip PMICs for Icera’s E400/E450 platform

SUNNYVALE, USA: Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAX8982A/MAX8982X, power-management ICs (PMICs) for LTE/WCDMA/GSM/GPRS/EDGE data cards based on Icera’s E400/E450 platform.

These devices integrate four high-efficiency step-down converters and nine low-dropout linear regulators (LDOs) to power all RF and baseband circuitry. This integration completely eliminates external components, including the external converter normally required for GSM power amplifier (PA) modules. They thus reduce solution size by 60% and BOM cost by over $1.50, making them ideal for USB dongles (MAX8982A) and PC cards (MAX8982X).

To increase design flexibility and reduce system power consumption, the MAX8982A/MAX8982X allow system designers to program individual output voltages and enable/disable all regulators using the I2C interface or the dedicated control input (PWR_REQ).

These PMICs also feature three current regulators with eight dimming current options (up to 24mA) and an embedded flash timer. All LDOs include programmable voltage options and offer greater than 60dB PSRR, less than 45microvolts of output noise, and minimal cross-coupling noise between the LDOs.

The MAX8982A operates from a 4.1V to 5.5V supply, and the MAX8982X operates from 2.9V to 5.5V supply. Both devices are offered in a 3.75mm x 3.20mm, 42-bump wafer-level package (WLP) and are fully specified over the -40 degrees Celsius to +85 degrees Celsius extended temperature range. Pricing starts at $2.85 (1000-up, FOB USA).