Written by: Newton C. Braga
 

Maxim Integrated MAX16163/MAX16164 Nanopower Controllers are on/off controllers with programmable sleep time. The devices integrate a power switch to gate an output, which provides up to 200mA load current. The MAX16163/MAX16164 uses either an external resistor to program the sleep time or program the sleep time through an I2C bus. When the device powers up, it checks the connection on the PB/SLP pin; if the resistance between the PB/SLP pin and ground is larger than 5.5MΩ, the device is configured as I2C programmable. Otherwise, the device is configured as resistor programmable. When the MAX16163 powers up, it measures the resistance on the PB/SLP pin to the ground and sets the sleep time properly. It then asserts the OUT output. When the downstream device (e.g., a μC) finishes its task, it asserts a falling edge on the CLRB pin; the MAX16163 then de-asserts OUT, and the sleep timer starts. When the sleep timer expires, the MAX16163 asserts OUT again.

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