Maxim Integrated MAX17260SEWL+T Fuel Gauge IC

The MAX17260SEWL+T is a high-precision fuel gauge integrated circuit (IC) from Maxim Integrated, designed to provide accurate state-of-charge (SOC) readings for a wide range of battery types. This compact, power-efficient IC is an ideal solution for portable devices where battery life estimation is critical, such as smartphones, tablets, and wireless headphones.

Featuring Maxim's patented ModelGauge™ m5 EZ algorithm, the MAX17260SEWL+T eliminates the need for battery characterization for most applications. This advanced algorithm provides industry-leading fuel gauging accuracy by combining the short-term accuracy and linearity of a coulomb counter with the long-term stability of a voltage-based fuel gauge, along with temperature compensation to provide a reliable SOC estimation under varying environmental conditions.

The IC supports a wide range of lithium-ion (Li-ion), lithium-polymer (Li-Po), and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, making it a versatile choice for designers. Its low quiescent current of just 5.1µA in full operation mode and 1.5µA in hibernate mode ensures minimal drain on the battery, thereby extending device runtime.

Integration is straightforward with an I2C interface for communication with the host processor, and the device comes in a compact, 1.5mm x 1.5mm, 9-pin WLP package, making it suitable for space-constrained applications. Additionally, it features a programmable alert output for SOC low or voltage low warnings, which can trigger external hardware to perform specific actions, such as saving data or shutting down the system to prevent battery damage.

With an operating range from -40°C to +85°C, the MAX17260SEWL+T is robust enough to handle a wide range of environmental conditions, ensuring reliable performance across various applications. Its accuracy, low power consumption, and ease of integration make it an excellent choice for any portable device designer looking to enhance the user experience by providing accurate battery life estimations.

Overall, the MAX17260SEWL+T from Maxim Integrated stands out as a sophisticated, yet user-friendly solution for battery management in modern portable electronics, helping to ensure that users are well-informed about their device's battery status at all times.