Maxim Integrated Continua MAX38889 buck/boost regulator

System architects seeking backup power using supercapacitor or other energy sources can now deliver a combination of high efficiency and small size with the Continua MAX38889, a 2.5–5.5 V, 3 A reversible buck/boost regulator from Maxim Integrated Products.

The latest addition to the Continua family of backup regulators, the product delivers tight output regulation of 2.5% to support critical applications that require high accuracy. The device also features 94% peak efficiency — said to be 9% higher than the closest competitive solution — allowing it to support longer backup time.

In applications such as smart utility meters or automotive dashboard cameras, the 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 product is designed to be 64% smaller than the closest competitor (218 vs 606 mm²), 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 unit 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.