下载
Maxim > Design Support > Technical Documents > Application Notes > A/D and D/A Conversion/Sampling Circuits > APP 3741
Maxim > Design Support > Technical Documents > Application Notes > Amplifier and Comparator Circuits > APP 3741
Maxim > Design Support > Technical Documents > Application Notes > Battery Management > APP 3741
Keywords: low voltage, voltage regulator, data converter, op amp, current monitor, comparator,
microprocessor supervisor, uP, voltage reference, transceiver, RTC, real time clock, RS232, RS-232,
RS485, RS-485, USB, digipot, DAC, DAC
APPLICATION NOTE 3741
Analog ICs for Low Voltage Systems
By: Roger Griswold
Mar 23, 2006
Abstract: This article about low-voltage ICs discusses many types of low-voltage ICs, including voltage
regulators, data converters, op amps and current monitors, comparators, microprocessor supervisors,
voltage references, analog switches, and interface transceivers. It also present information on power
savings and how to manage issues related to low-voltage operation.
Introduction
Low voltages are most appropriate for use in systems where size, weight, and power consumption are
especially critical such as PDAs, cell phones, and other battery-operated portable equipment. Low
voltages also benefit line-powered systems because the lower power dissipation associated with lower
voltage operation allows the use of smaller power supplies, heat-sinks, and fans.
Low-voltage ICs are available in many of Maxim's product families including op amps, comparators,
microprocessor supervisors, interface, data converters, analog switches and multiplexers, voltage
references, DC-DC converters, digital potentiometers, and timing components such as real-time clocks.
This discussion covers many of the analog IC families mentioned above, the power savings inherent in
their operation, and how to handle some of the issues associated with low-voltage operation. It also
presents methods for generating the lower voltages from a 5V supply. Table 1 presents a selection of
Maxim's 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.0V, and 3.3V integrated circuits.
Table 1. A Selection of Maxim's Low-Voltage Parts
Category 1.8V 2.5V 3V 3.3V
µP Supervisors MAX6326 MAX6742 MAX6745 MAX6745
A/D Converters MAX1122 MAX1462 MAX1115 MAX1144
Analog Switches MAX4695 MAX4644 MAX4653 MAX4592
Charge-Pump Voltage Converters — MAX619 MAX1673 MAX1730
Inductor-Based, Step-Up Regulators MAX1687 MAX1706 MAX1678 MAX1709
Inductor-Based, Step-Down Regulators MAX1928 MAX1928 MAX1921 MAX1921
Comparators, Fast LMX331 MAX997 MAX997 MAX997
Page 1 of 19
