MAX9610 Tiny Current-Sense Amplifier Delivers Precision Monitoring and 1μA Supply Current for Battery Powered Applications

• The MAX9610 is a current-sense amplifier that provides precision monitoring for portable applications.
• Designed for battery-operated devices, the MAX9610 provides an extended, 1.6V to 5.5V input common-mode range (battery voltage).
• Additionally, the MAX9610's ultra-low, 1microamp quiescent-current consumption extends battery life.
• Available in tiny μDFN and SC70 packages, the MAX9610 is ideal for monitoring USB ports and single-cell, lithium-ion batteries in cell phones, PDAs, and other portable electronics.

Tiny Current-Sense Amp Has 1.6V to 5.5V Input Range and 1μA Supply Current

SUNNYVALE, CA—January 21, 2009—Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM) introduces the MAX9610, a high-side, current-sense amplifier that provides precision monitoring for portable applications. Designed for battery-operated devices, the MAX9610 uses a precision input stage to achieve an extended, 1.6V to 5.5V input common-mode range (battery voltage). This input range is excellent for monitoring the current of a single-cell, lithium-ion (Li+) battery, which at full-charge is 4.2V, typically 3.6V in normal use, and less than 2.9V when ready to be recharged. Additionally, the MAX9610 provides an ultra-low, 1μA supply current to extend battery life, and a low 500μV (max) V_OS and ±0.5% (max) gain error for maximum precision. Available in tiny μDFN and SC70 packages, this high-accuracy device is ideal for monitoring USB ports and single-cell, Li+ batteries in cell phones, PDAs, and other portable electronics.

The MAX9610 is a voltage-output device and is offered in three gain options: 25V/V, 50V/V, and 100V/V. An external sense resistor can be used to set the maximum sense voltage at full-scale battery load current. For example, at 2A, a sense resistor of 25mΩ will give a V_SENSE of 50mV, and a gain of 50V/V will provide an output voltage of 2.5V, which is suitable for matching the input range of a typical ADC.

Fully specified over the -40°C to +85°C extended temperature range, the MAX9610 is available in ultra-small, 1mm x 1.5mm x 0.8mm, 6-pin μDFN and 5-pin SC70 packages. Prices start at $0.64 (1000-up, FOB USA).

Maxim Integrated Products is a publicly traded company that designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance semiconductor products. The Company reported revenue in excess of $2 billion for fiscal 2008. Maxim was founded over 25 years ago with the mission to deliver innovative analog and mixed-signal engineering solutions that add value to its customers' products.