• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Subscribe
  • Advertise

Power Electronic Tips

Power Electronic News, Editorial, Video and Resources

  • Products
    • Power Supplies
    • AC-DC
    • DC-DC
    • Battery Management
    • Capacitors
    • Magnetics
    • MOSFETS
    • Power Management
    • RF Power
    • Resistors
    • Transformers
    • Transistors
  • Applications
    • 5G
    • AI
    • Automotive
    • EV Engineering
    • LED Lighting
    • Industrial
    • IoT
    • Wireless
  • Learn
    • eBooks / Tech Tips
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQ
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars & Digital Events
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • LEAP Awards
    • Podcasts
    • White Papers
    • Design Fast
  • Video
    • EE Videos & Interviews
    • Teardown Videos
  • EE Forums
    • EDABoard.com
    • Electro-Tech-Online.com
  • Engineeering Training Days
  • Newsetter Subscription

2.5 V to 5.5 V, 3A reversible buck/boost regulator measures just 218mm2

June 9, 2021 By Redding Traiger

System architects seeking backup power using supercapacitor or other energy sources can now deliver the best combination of highest efficiency and smallest size with the Continua MAX38889 2.5V-to-5.5V, 3A reversible buck/boost regulator from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. The latest addition to Maxim’s Continua family of backup regulators delivers the industry’s tightest output regulation of 2.5 percent to support critical applications that demand high accuracy.

The MAX38889 features 94 percent peak efficiency, 9 percent higher than the closest competitive solution, allowing it to support longer backup time. Additionally, at one-third the size, it enables easier integration into space-constrained designs.

In applications such as smart utility meters or automotive dashboard cameras, the MAX38889 Continua regulator operates in buck mode to charge a backup power source, such as a supercapacitor. When the 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 entire MAX38889 solution is 64 percent smaller than the closest competitor (218mm2 vs. 606mm2), allowing designers to reduce component count, cut board space and save BOM cost. The smaller size also makes it easier to integrate into new and existing designs with tight space constraints. The MAX38889 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 the home, building, automotive, industrial automation, and healthcare IoT.

Highest Efficiency: 94 percent peak efficiency is 9 percent higher than the closest competitor
Smallest Size: One-third the size of the closest competitive solution
Tightest Regulation: Delivers 2.5 percent voltage regulation demanded by 5V applications

The MAX38889 is available at Maxim Integrated’s website for $2.36 (1000-up, FOB USA); also available from authorized distributors. The MAX38889EVKIT# evaluation kit is available for $63. EE-Sim models are available.

You may also like:


  • Basics of motion-control profiles, Part 3: Implementations
  • ramp profiles
    Basics of motion-control profiles, Part 2: Ramp profiles
  • motion-control profiles
    Basics of motion-control profiles, Part 1: Context

  • AC/DC power supply testing and qualification – Virtual Roundtable, Part…

  • How to verify ac/dc power supply performance

  • Power system design considerations for wireless IoT nodes and wearables…

  • Power system design considerations for wireless IoT nodes and wearables…

  • Forced air cooling keeps cool with fans and blowers

Filed Under: Automotive, Development Tools, Industrial, IoT, Medical, Power Components, Power Management, Regulators, Security Tagged With: maximintegratedproductsinc

Primary Sidebar

Featured Contributions

Robust design for Variable Frequency Drives and starters

Meeting demand for hidden wearables via Schottky rectifiers

The case for vehicle 48 V power systems

GaN reliability milestones break through the silicon ceiling

Developing power architecture to support autonomous transportation

More Featured Contributions

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: 5G Technology
This Tech Toolbox covers the basics of 5G technology plus a story about how engineers designed and built a prototype DSL router mostly from old cellphone parts. Download this first 5G/wired/wireless communications Tech Toolbox to learn more!

EE ENGINEERING TRAINING DAYS

engineering
“power
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.
“bills

RSS Current EDABoard.com discussions

  • VHF radio
  • Phase shift full bridge with SiC FETs is irresponsible?
  • I think i have devised a new type of "super_transformer" for the Electricity grid?
  • Finding past posts on edaboard?
  • Industrial Relay Board Design for Motorcycle Use

RSS Current Electro-Tech-Online.com Discussions

  • Data is not transferring to Data register of SPI in MG32F157VCT6
  • Sump pit water alarm - Kicad 9
  • Pic18f25q10 osccon1 settings swordfish basic
  • Anyone jumped from Easyeda std to Easyeda pro?
  • turbo jet fan - feedback appreciated.

DesignFast

Component Selection Made Simple.

Try it Today
design fast globle

Footer

EE World Online Network

  • 5G Technology World
  • EE World Online
  • Engineers Garage
  • Analog IC Tips
  • Battery Power Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • DesignFast
  • EDA Board Forums
  • Electro Tech Online Forums
  • EV Engineering
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips

Power Electronic Tips

  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact us
  • About us

Copyright © 2025 · WTWH Media LLC and its licensors. All rights reserved.
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media.

Privacy Policy