AW3320
Awinic AW3320 integrated PMIC with multiple buck converters and LDOs for wearable device power management.
Product Overview
Description
The AW3320 is a highly integrated power management IC (PMIC) designed specifically for wearable devices such as smartwatches and fitness trackers.
This device integrates two high-efficiency buck converters and three LDO regulators in a compact package, providing complete system power from a single Li-Ion battery.
The intelligent power sequencing and low quiescent current maximize battery life in always-on wearable applications.
Product Series
AW
Primary Application
Smartwatches
Key Features
- Integrated 2 buck + 3 LDO channels
- Intelligent power sequencing
- Ultra-low quiescent current
- I2C control and monitoring
- Power good indicators
- Thermal and overload protection
Specifications
| Input Voltage | 3.0V - 4.5V (Li-Ion battery) |
|---|---|
| Buck Converters | 2x (up to 500mA each) |
| LDO Regulators | 3x (up to 200mA each) |
| Quiescent Current | <50μA (all channels) |
| Efficiency | >92% (buck converters) |
| Package | QFN-24 |
Applications
Smartwatches
Electronic system design
Fitness trackers
Electronic system design
Smart bands
Electronic system design
Wearable health monitors
Electronic system design
TWS earbuds
Electronic system design
FAE Expert Insights
"The AW3320 is an excellent PMIC solution for wearables that I've used in several smartwatch projects. The integration of multiple power rails in a single chip significantly reduces BOM count and board space - replacing what would typically require 5 separate ICs. The power sequencing is particularly well-designed for wearable SoCs, ensuring proper startup and shutdown sequences. The quiescent current of <50μA is critical for wearable battery life - I've measured it at 35μA in sleep mode. The I2C interface allows dynamic voltage scaling to optimize power consumption based on activity level. The two buck converters efficiently power the processor and display, while the three LDOs provide clean power for sensors, audio, and RF. I recommend this PMIC for any wearable design requiring multiple power rails with minimal board space."
Highly integrated PMIC perfect for space-constrained wearable designs
— Sarah Liu, BeiLuo
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PMIC and why use one?
PMIC (Power Management Integrated Circuit) combines multiple power regulation functions in a single chip. Benefits of using AW3320 PMIC: Reduces component count - replaces 5+ discrete ICs. Saves board space - single QFN-24 vs multiple packages. Simplifies design - integrated sequencing and control. Optimized for wearables - low quiescent current, compact size. Cost reduction - lower total BOM cost than discrete solution. The AW3320 specifically integrates 2 buck converters and 3 LDOs, covering typical smartwatch power requirements: Buck1: Processor core (1.0-1.2V). Buck2: Display and peripherals (1.8-3.3V). LDO1: RF transceiver (1.8V). LDO2: Audio codec (1.8V). LDO3: Sensors (2.8V).
How low is the quiescent current?
The AW3320 achieves ultra-low quiescent current of <50μA with all channels enabled in sleep mode. This is critical for wearable battery life. Current breakdown: Buck converters: ~15μA each in PFM mode. LDO regulators: ~5μA each. Control circuitry: ~10μA. Total: 35-50μA depending on configuration. For a typical 300mAh smartwatch battery, this quiescent current allows months of standby time. The device supports multiple power modes: Active mode: Full performance with higher quiescent current. Sleep mode: Reduced quiescent with maintained regulation. Deep sleep: Ultra-low power with wake-on-interrupt.
How do I configure output voltages?
The AW3320 output voltages are configurable via I2C interface: Buck converters: Programmable from 0.6V to 3.4V in 10mV steps. LDO regulators: Programmable from 1.0V to 3.3V in 50mV steps. Configuration options: Factory default settings for typical applications. Runtime adjustment via I2C for dynamic voltage scaling. OTP (One-Time Programmable) for custom default voltages. Power sequencing order and delays are also configurable. This flexibility allows optimization for different processor and peripheral requirements. Awinic provides software drivers and reference configurations for popular wearable platforms.
What is power sequencing and why is it important?
Power sequencing is the controlled order in which power rails are turned on and off. Proper sequencing is critical for: Preventing latch-up in CMOS circuits. Ensuring proper reset and initialization of processors. Avoiding bus contention during power transitions. Protecting sensitive analog circuits. The AW3320 provides programmable power sequencing: Configurable turn-on order for all 5 channels. Adjustable delays between channel enable. Power-good monitoring with interrupt capability. Automatic controlled shutdown sequence. Typical sequence for smartwatch: 1. LDO3 (sensors) - 2ms delay - 2. LDO2 (audio) - 2ms delay - 3. LDO1 (RF) - 5ms delay - 4. Buck2 (peripherals) - 2ms delay - 5. Buck1 (processor).
How do I monitor power status?
The AW3320 provides comprehensive power monitoring through I2C: Real-time voltage monitoring for all 5 channels. Current monitoring on buck converters (optional). Temperature monitoring with overtemperature alarm. Power-good status for each channel. Fault detection and reporting. Interrupt generation for fault conditions. This monitoring capability enables: Proactive power management and optimization. Fault detection and graceful degradation. Battery life estimation and low-battery warnings. System debugging and diagnostics. The I2C interface operates at standard (100kHz) and fast (400kHz) modes. Awinic provides Linux and RTOS drivers for easy integration.