Nordic Semiconductor Launches nPM2100 Power Management IC to Extend Battery Life in IoT Devices

• Chinmay
• January 24, 2025
• New Product Release
• battery-powered IoT, Bluetooth LE, energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, fuel gauging, IoT devices, Nordic Semiconductor, nPM2100, PMIC innovation, Power Management IC, primary batteries
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Nordic Semiconductor, a global leader in low-power wireless connectivity solutions, has expanded its portfolio with the launch of the nPM2100 Power Management IC (PMIC). Designed specifically for non-rechargeable battery applications, the nPM2100 promises to significantly extend battery life in Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE) devices like wireless mice, keyboards, asset trackers, remote controls, and medical devices.

Addressing Battery Waste and Inefficiency

The need for efficient battery usage has never been more critical. With over 28 billion primary batteries discarded annually worldwide, inefficient power management exacerbates the environmental impact. Nordic’s nPM2100 addresses this challenge with its ultra-efficient boost regulator and energy-saving features. The PMIC ensures that all stored energy in a primary cell is utilized, reducing waste and extending the operating time of devices.

The PMIC includes fuel gauging for precise energy tracking, helping users avoid premature battery replacement. This innovation not only optimizes energy use but also supports lighter, more compact product designs by enabling smaller batteries without compromising battery life.

Advanced Power Management for SoCs and MCUs

The nPM2100 is designed to support low-power SoCs and MCUs, including Nordic’s nRF52, nRF53, and nRF54 Series wireless multiprotocol products. Its I2C-compatible interface enables developers to easily configure advanced features like ship mode and fuel gauging.

With support for various primary battery types, such as AA/AAA, LiMnO2, and zinc-air coin cells, the nPM2100 is versatile across multiple IoT applications. Its boost regulator delivers 1.8 to 3.3 V output, powered from an input range of 0.7 to 3.4 V, ensuring high power conversion efficiency (up to 95% at 50 mA).

Energy Efficiency and Power-Saving Modes

Key features like ship mode and hibernate mode significantly enhance battery life in IoT devices. Ship mode allows products to remain inactive with minimal current draw (35 nA), making them ideal for transportation and storage. Additionally, the hibernate mode with a current draw of less than 200 nA can triple battery life in devices with infrequent Bluetooth LE advertising.

Precise Fuel Gauging

Unlike traditional PMICs that estimate remaining battery energy using voltage-based lookup tables, the nPM2100 incorporates an algorithm-based fuel gauging system. This approach leverages voltage and temperature data to provide accurate energy tracking, allowing end-users to confidently utilize the full capacity of their batteries.

Compact and Ready for Mass Production

The nPM2100 is available in an ultra-compact 1.9 x 1.9 mm WLCSP package, with a 4 x 4 mm QFN version planned for release. Full-scale production is anticipated in the first half of 2025, making it a promising solution for IoT developers seeking to improve device performance and energy efficiency.

Paving the Way for Sustainable IoT

Nordic Semiconductor’s nPM2100 reflects the company’s commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable solutions for IoT applications. As Geir Kjosavik, Product Director for PMICs at Nordic, emphasizes, the product aims to reduce energy waste, prolong battery life, and enable more compact and cost-efficient designs. The nPM2100 marks a significant step forward in addressing the environmental and technical challenges of non-rechargeable battery-powered IoT devices.