Microchip Halves the Power Required to Measure How Much Power Portable Devices Consume

Core Insights - Microchip Technology has introduced two new digital power monitors, the PAC1711 and PAC1811, which consume half the power of comparable solutions under typical operating conditions at 1024 samples per second [1][3]. Product Features - The PAC1711 is a 42V, 12-bit single-channel monitor, while the PAC1811 is a 16-bit monitor, both housed in Very Thin Dual Flat, No-Lead (VDFN) packages that are compatible with the SOT23-8 package, facilitating easier integration and upgrades [2]. - These power monitors function as independent "watchdog" peripherals, allowing the MCU or host processor to remain dormant until significant power events occur, thus conserving energy [3]. - The step-alert capability of the monitors maintains a running average of voltage and current, notifying the MCU of significant variations, and includes a slow-sample pin option to further reduce power usage [3][4]. Applications and Use Cases - The PAC1711 and PAC1811 are suitable for applications in computing, networking, AI/ML, and E-Mobility, as they can sense bus voltages from 0 to 42 volts and communicate over an IC® interface [4]. - An accumulator register in the monitors can manage logistical items, track battery aging, and provide historical data for long-term power usage [4]. Development Tools - Microchip provides a Click board™ for evaluating the features and performance of the devices, along with a Linux® driver and a generic C library for integration with various MCUs [5]. Pricing and Availability - The PAC1711 is priced starting at $0.58 each in 10,000-unit quantities, while the evaluation board is available for $15.00 [6].