Summary of NORDIC POWER MANAGEMENT IC FOR NRF52/NRF53 SERIES SOCS
Nordic Semiconductor’s nPM1100 is a compact PMIC for nRF52/nRF53 SOCs, combining a USB input regulator, 400 mA battery charger, and 150 mA DC/DC step-down converter. It delivers 3.3–5 V unregulated output up to 500 mA, supports Li-ion/LiPo batteries, includes input overvoltage protection to 20 V, and a DC-DC regulator with up to 90% efficiency, selectable outputs (1.8/2.0/2.7/3.0 V), soft-start and PWM/hysteretic modes. The charger is a three-stage design with thermal protection and discharge current limiting to maximize battery life and device reliability.
Parts used in the nPM1100 PMIC Project:
- nPM1100 power management IC
- USB input voltage regulator (integrated in nPM1100)
- 400 mA battery charger (integrated in nPM1100)
- 150 mA DC/DC step-down converter (integrated in nPM1100)
- Rechargeable Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer battery
- External inductor for DC-DC converter (implied)
- USB power source or connector
- Battery thermal protection circuitry (integrated)
- Overvoltage protection circuitry for input (integrated)
Nordic Semiconductor’s nRF52/nRF53 series of SOC (System On Chip) devices embed a powerful ARM microprocessor and is compatible with Bluetooth Low Energy and other communication standards. This compatibility provides the freedom to develop your wireless system using the technology that suits your application the best. These SOCs are power efficient, allowing you to make ultra-low power wireless solutions. nRF53 series, moreover, provides security solutions and has extensive wireless protocol support, including Bluetooth 5.1 Direction Finding, Bluetooth 5 Long Range, NFC, Bluetooth Mesh, Thread, and Zigbee.
Dedicated to these Bluetooth Low Energy SOCs, Nordic Semiconductor announced the launch of its first power management IC (PMIC), the nPM1100. The PMIC consists of an input USB voltage regulator, 400mA battery charger, and 150mA DC/DC step-down converter in an extremely compact form factor. nPM1100 ensures reliable power supply and stable operation for Nordic’s nRF52 and nRF53 SOCs as well, for any application using rechargeable Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer batteries. It can supply 3.3V to 5V unregulated voltage to any application at the maximum output current of 500mA. It aims to efficiently charge and power the applications and maximize the battery life.
The PMIC, just like any other power management device, draws its power from either the USB input or from the connected battery input. The input voltage regulator includes overvoltage protection for transient voltage spikes up to 20V.
The DC-DC step-down voltage regulator features an efficiency of 90% down to below 100µA load current. The output regulated voltage is selectable from 1.8, 2.0, 2.7, or 3.0V. The regulator features soft startup and automatic transition between hysteretic and pulse width modulation (PWM) modes. It also has a forced PWM mode (this mode allows reverse current from the inductor at light load) to ensure the cleanest power operation possible.
The battery charger is a three-stage charger. In the very first stage, a constant current is applied to the battery until it is 80% charged. In the second stage, the constant voltage is maintained across the battery, and the charging power continues to increase. In the final trickle charging state, a steady current is applied to maintain its fully charged level. The charger in the PMIC also features battery thermal protection and a discharge current limitation.
Read more: NORDIC POWER MANAGEMENT IC FOR NRF52/NRF53 SERIES SOCS
- What devices is the nPM1100 designed for?
The nPM1100 is dedicated to Nordic Semiconductor nRF52 and nRF53 series SOCs. - Can the nPM1100 charge Li-ion or LiPo batteries?
Yes, the nPM1100 is designed to efficiently charge and power applications using rechargeable Lithium Ion or Lithium Polymer batteries. - What is the maximum unregulated output current the nPM1100 can supply?
It can supply up to 500 mA of unregulated output current between 3.3 V and 5 V. - Does the input regulator protect against voltage spikes?
Yes, the input voltage regulator includes overvoltage protection for transient voltage spikes up to 20 V. - What output voltages does the DC-DC step-down regulator support?
The regulated output voltage is selectable from 1.8 V, 2.0 V, 2.7 V, or 3.0 V. - How efficient is the DC-DC regulator?
The DC-DC step-down regulator features an efficiency of 90% down to below 100 µA load current. - Does the DC-DC regulator have different operating modes?
Yes, it supports automatic transition between hysteretic and PWM modes, plus a forced PWM mode. - What type of battery charger topology does the nPM1100 use?
The charger is a three-stage charger: constant current to 80%, then constant voltage, and finally trickle charging. - Does the charger include thermal or discharge protections?
Yes, the charger features battery thermal protection and discharge current limitation.
