Wearable Device Power Solution
Application
Description
Ultra-low power management solution for wearable devices featuring compact chargers, efficient fuel gauging, and minimal standby current using SouthChip power management ICs.
Core Advantages
Recommended Bill of Materials (BOM)
| Item | Part Number | Description | Quantity | Datasheet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SC9017 | Ultra-Low Power Battery Charger | 1 | 📄 Download |
| 2 | SC2720 | Ultra-Low Power Fuel Gauge | 1 | 📄 Download |
| 3 | SC5325 | Power Path Management IC | 1 | 📄 Download |
| 4 | Ceramic Capacitors | 0201/0402 ceramic capacitors | 4 | 📄 Download |
| 5 | Sense Resistor | 20mΩ current sense resistor | 1 | 📄 Download |
| 6 | Programming Resistor | Charge current programming resistor | 1 | 📄 Download |
| 7 | Battery Connector | Compact battery connector | 1 | 📄 Download |
| 8 | USB Connector | Micro-USB or USB-C connector | 1 | 📄 Download |
Applications
Technical Specifications
Customer Success Stories
Wearable Device Manufacturer
Consumer Electronics |
Challenge
Needed ultra-low power charging and monitoring for fitness tracker with 7-day battery life target
Solution
Implemented SouthChip wearable power solution with SC9017 charger and SC2720 fuel gauge
Results
- Achieved 10-day battery life (exceeded target)
- Reduced solution size by 40%
- Accurate battery level indication
- Passed all certification requirements
TWS Earbud OEM
Audio Electronics |
Challenge
Needed compact charging solution for TWS charging case with minimal standby drain
Solution
Implemented SC9017 charger with SC2720 fuel gauge in charging case
Results
- Sub-1μA standby current achieved
- Compact solution fit in small case
- Reliable charging and monitoring
- Extended case battery life
FAE Expert Insights
Sarah Liu
Senior FAE - Battery Management
Professional Insights
I've implemented this wearable power solution in numerous designs, and the results are consistently impressive. The key to success is the combination of SC9017's ultra-low standby current and SC2720's efficient fuel gauging. For a typical 200mAh battery, the total standby drain is less than 2μA - that's negligible compared to the battery's self-discharge. The SC9017's 280mA charge current is perfect for the small batteries used in wearables, and the SOT-23-5 package fits almost anywhere. The SC2720's WLCSP-6 package is incredibly small but still provides accurate gauging. Key design tips: place the fuel gauge sense resistor close to the IC with Kelvin connections, use small ceramic capacitors (0402 or 0201) for minimal size, and ensure good thermal design for the charger even at low currents. The I2C interface allows the main processor to monitor and control all power functions. This solution really shines in applications where battery life is critical.
Key Takeaways
- Combined standby current <2μA extends battery life significantly
- Compact packages enable smallest wearable designs
- Kelvin connections critical for accurate fuel gauging
- Small passives (0201/0402) minimize solution size
Decision Framework
Steps:
- Define battery capacity and target battery life
- Select SC9017 for ultra-low standby charging
- Add SC2720 for accurate low-power fuel gauging
- Include SC5325 for power path management
- Design compact PCB with small passives
- Implement I2C host control and monitoring