Power Management IC From Maxim For 3G Intel Xscale Processor

(Product News, 18 Sep 2006)

Maxim Integrated Products has introduced the MAX8660 and MAX8661, power-management ICs (PMICs) designed for the Intel Monahans, the 3G Intel XScale technology-based applications processors. The MAX8660/MAX8661 PMICs and the XScale processor work together in smart cellular phones, PDAs, portable media players, GPS navigators, and other devices requiring substantial computing and multimedia capability at low power. The MAX8660 integrates eight high-performance and low-operating-current power supplies, an I2C interface, and supervisory functions in a lead-free, 5mm x 5mm x 0.8mm, 40-pin TQFN package. Fully compatible with the Monahans power I2C register set, the device meets all Monahans' processor voltage thresholds and power sequencing and ramp rate requirements. This high level of device compatibility minimizes software development and time to market.

The MAX8660 features four 2MHz ultra-high-performance and low-operating-current step-down converters with synchronous rectification. Two DC-DC converters are serially programmed for dynamic voltage management to power the CPU (1.6A) and internal SRAM (400mA). Two additional DC-DC converters supply I/O (1.2A) and DRAM (900mA), and can achieve up to 97% efficiency. A low-noise 200mA LDO supplies the processor's low-noise circuitry; two general-purpose 500mA LDO's support SD-CARD interfaces. A fourth always-on LDO supplies the Monahans' internal RTC and draws only 20 microamps in deep-sleep mode.

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