Maxim Integrated Continua Regulator Delivers Smallest Size and Tightest Accuracy for Supercapacitor Backup

SAN JOSE, Calif., June 1, 2021

The MAX38889 features 94 percent peak efficiency, 9 percent higher than the closest competitive solution, allowing it to support longer backup time. Additionally, at one-third the size, it enables easier integration into space-constrained designs.

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In applications such as smart utility meters or automotive dashboard cameras, the MAX38889 Continua regulator operates in buck mode to charge a backup power source, such as a supercapacitor. When main power goes away, the regulator reverses direction automatically, boosting the supercapacitor voltage to power the system, until main power is restored.

For convenient adoption, the entire MAX38889 solution is 64 percent smaller than the closest competitor (218mm² vs. 606mm²), allowing designers to reduce component count, cut board space and save BOM cost. Smaller size also makes it easier to integrate into new and existing designs with tight space constraints. The MAX38889 regulates backup power for a wide range of both portable and non-portable applications, such as retail price scanners and surveillance cameras, and others used in home, building, automotive, industrial automation and healthcare IoT.

Key Advantages

• Highest Efficiency: 94 percent peak efficiency is 9 percent higher than closest competitor
• Smallest Size: One-third the size of the closest competitive solution
• Tightest Regulation: Delivers 2.5 percent voltage regulation demanded by 5V applications

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