Maxim introduces Continua MAX38889 2.5V to 5.5V, 3A reversible boost/buck regulator

     Maxim Integrated Products announced the availability of Continua MAX38889 2.5V to 5.5V, 3A reversible boost/buck regulators to help system architects seeking to backup power with super capacitors or other energy sources achieve the best combination of maximum efficiency and minimum volume. The latest member of the Maxim Continua family of backup regulators offers the industry's most stringent 2.5% output adjustment accuracy, supporting critical applications that require high precision.

     The MAX38889 has a 94% peak efficiency, which is 9% higher than the closest competing solutions, enabling it to support longer backup times. In addition, ics are easier to integrate into space-constrained designs at one-third the size.

     In applications such as smart meters or automotive dashboard cameras, the MAX38889 Continua regulator operates in buck mode to charge backup power sources such as ultracapacitors. When the main power supply is unavailable, the regulator automatically reverses, raising the ultracapacitor voltage and powering the system until the main power supply is restored.

     For ease of design, the entire MAX38889 solution is 64% smaller than the nearest competitor (218mm2 vs. 606mm2), allowing designers to reduce the number of components, reduce board space, and save BOM costs. The smaller size also makes it easier to integrate into new and existing designs where space is strictly limited. The MAX38889 is capable of regulating backup power for a variety of portable and non-portable applications, such as retail price tag scanners and surveillance cameras, as well as other applications such as home, building, automotive, industrial automation and healthcare IoT.