The MAX8588 power-management IC is optimized for devices using Intel X-Scale® microprocessors, including smartphones, PDAs, internet appliances, and other portable devices requiring substantial computing and multimedia capability at low power.

The IC integrates seven high-performance, low-operating current power supplies along with supervisory and management functions. Included are three step-down DC-DC outputs, three linear regulators, and a seventh always-on output. DC-DC converters power I/O, memory, and the CPU core. The I/O supply can be preset to 3.3V or adjusted to other values. The DRAM supply is preset for 3.3V or 2.5V, or it can be adjusted with external resistors. The CPU core supply is serial programmed for dynamic voltage management and can supply up to 0.5A. Linear-regulated outputs are provided for SRAM, PLL, and USIM supplies.

To minimize quiescent current, critical power supplies have bypass "sleep" LDOs that can be activated when output current is very low. Other functions include separate on/off control for all DC-DC converters, low-battery and dead-battery detection, a reset and power-OK output, a backup-battery input, and a two-wire serial interface.

All DC-DC outputs use fast, 1MHz PWM switching and small external components. They operate with fixed-frequency PWM control and automatically switch from PWM to skip-mode operation at light loads to reduce operating current and extend battery life. The core output can be forced into PWM mode at all loads to minimize noise. A 2.6V to 5.5V input voltage range allows 1-cell lithium-ion (Li+), 3-cell NiMH, or a regulated 5V input. The MAX8588 is available in a tiny 6mm x 6mm, 48-pin thin QFN package.