ICs Boost Battery Endurance

The MAX67xx series battery monitors breath new life into batteries with a power consumption of 3 µA and an accuracy of 1%. This level of accuracy allows batteries to drain down further than is typically considered safe. Consequently, equipment operates longer from a single charge. When a cell falls below an adjustable or fixed threshold, a low-battery output alerts users to the situation. The MAX6775, MAX6776, and MAX6777 offer a single low-battery output, while the MAX6778 and MAX6781 provide dual outputs capable of monitoring two independent battery voltages. The MAX6775, MAX6777, and MAX6779 include push-pull outputs, and the MAX6776, MAX6778, and MAX6780 employ open-drain output configurations. The MAX6781 has both push-pull and open-drain outputs. Depending on the device, options are available for fixed or user-adjustable hysteresis. Pricing starts at $0.89 each/1,000. MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, Sunnyvale, CA. (800) 998-8800.