The new power management chip features a very low-power hibernation mode that uses less than 200nA, built-in safety systems called watchdogs, and a 35nA “ship mode” that can also work as an on/off button.
Nordic Semiconductor has launched a new evaluation kit for its recently introduced nPM2100 Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC), complete with software support aimed at helping developers maximize battery life in their designs.
It has already attracted early adopters developing for a wide range of battery-powered applications, from personal health monitors to industrial wireless sensors. With this evaluation kit, Nordic aims to make the PMIC’s advanced power-saving capabilities accessible to all developers looking to optimize energy efficiency and system performance.
Designed specifically for low-power applications, the nPM2100 offers a host of intelligent features to significantly extend battery life. The key features are:
- Sub-200nA hibernation mode with programmable wake-up times
- 150nA boost converter with up to 95% efficiency
- 35nA “ship mode” for safe battery shipping and on/off control
Additional integrated features include a battery fuel gauge, an external watchdog that can reset the processor or power-cycle the system, and a hard-reset function that eliminates the need to remove batteries from unresponsive devices. A failed-boot recovery system adds further robustness by automatically restarting the device if the processor fails to load.
The kit is now available through the company’s distribution channels, priced at approximately $51. While the individual chip pricing hasn’t yet been disclosed, the chip is already sampling in WLCSP packaging, with a QFN version set to follow within weeks. Volume production is scheduled for June (WLCSP) and September (QFN).
