Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX17201X+T

Overview

MAX17201X+T from Maxim Integrated is a stand-alone ModelGauge™ m5 fuel gauge IC for single-cell Li-ion/Li-polymer battery packs, featuring SHA-256 authentication, 64-bit unique ID, and ultra-low quiescent current (18µA active / 9µA hibernate). It delivers milliampere-hour (mAh) and percentage (%) state-of-charge (SOC) with industry-leading accuracy across temperature, aging, and discharge-rate variations - deployed in smartphones, tablets, and portable medical equipment.

For engineers reviewing the MAX17201X+T datasheet, MAX17201X+T pinout, MAX17201X+T application, or MAX17201X+T equivalent, key selection criteria include its I²C interface (2-wire), single-cell monitoring capability, nonvolatile parameter storage, ModelGauge m5 algorithm's no-calibration operation, and integrated SHA-256 security for anti-cloning - all in a 3mm × 3mm, 14-pin TDFN package.

Technical Context

The MAX17201X+T implements the ModelGauge m5 algorithm, which fuses coulomb counting with voltage-based estimation and real-time temperature compensation to eliminate drift and error near empty voltage. It autonomously adapts to cell aging and load dynamics without host intervention or full/empty calibration cycles.

It supports precision analog measurements: ±0.5% voltage accuracy (VBATT), ±1°C internal die temperature, and ratiometric external thermistor inputs (up to two). Communication occurs via standard SMBus/I²C (400kHz max), with SBS 1.1–compatible register mapping for seamless integration into existing battery management firmware stacks.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX17201X+T is housed in a lead-free, 3mm × 3mm, 14-pin TDFN package with exposed thermal pad (EP). Pin functions are validated per Maxim's official datasheet Rev 2 (8/2016), page 23–24.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fuel gauge applications.

Compared with BQ27426YZFT and MAX17055G+T, the MAX17201X+T uniquely combines single-cell optimization, hardware SHA-256 security, and ultra-low hibernate current - making it the optimal choice for secure, space-constrained, single-cell consumer and medical battery packs.

Availability

MAX17201X+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphones, portable medical equipment, and e-readers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and anti-counterfeit protection.

Supply support for MAX17201X+T includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for demanding industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The MAX1720x family targets secure, stand-alone battery fuel gauging - engineered to eliminate host dependency, reduce calibration burden, and prevent third-party battery cloning in premium portable electronics.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX17201X+T in a battery management system?

The MAX17201X+T serves as a stand-alone fuel gauge IC that accurately reports state-of-charge (SOC) in % and mAh for single-cell Li-ion/Li-polymer batteries. It operates autonomously using the ModelGauge m5 algorithm - requiring no host configuration, full/empty calibration, or characterization. The MAX17201X+T integrates voltage, current, and temperature sensing, I²C communication, and SHA-256 authentication to deliver secure, maintenance-free battery monitoring.

Does the MAX17201X+T support multi-cell battery packs?

No, the MAX17201X+T is specifically designed for single-cell Li-ion/Li-polymer battery packs only. It does not include cell balancing circuitry or multi-cell voltage monitoring capability. For 2S or 3S packs, Maxim specifies the MAX17205/MAX17215 variants. Using the MAX17201X+T in multi-cell configurations will result in incorrect voltage readings and invalid SOC estimation.

What interface does the MAX17201X+T use, and is it compatible with standard microcontrollers?

The MAX17201X+T uses a standard 2-wire I²C/SMBus interface operating up to 400kHz, with SBS 1.1–compatible register mapping. It is fully compatible with common microcontrollers (e.g., ARM Cortex-M, ESP32, Nordic nRF52) that support I²C master mode. No special drivers or protocol translation is required - standard SMBus read/write commands access all fuel gauge registers including RepSOC (006h), TTE (011h), and Age (007h).

How does the SHA-256 authentication feature work in the MAX17201X+T?

The MAX17201X+T includes dedicated hardware for SHA-256 cryptographic operations and stores a 160-bit secret key in one-time-programmable (OTP) memory. During authentication, the host sends a random challenge; the MAX17201X+T computes the SHA-256 hash using the secret key and returns the response. This prevents unauthorized battery pack replication. The MAX17201X+T also incorporates a unique 64-bit ROM ID for device identification - both features are active upon power-up and require no host firmware overhead.

What is the thermal performance and temperature measurement capability of the MAX17201X+T?

The MAX17201X+T provides internal die temperature measurement with ±1°C accuracy and supports two external ratiometric thermistor inputs (AIN0 and AIN1) for precise pack-level thermal profiling. Its 3mm × 3mm TDFN package includes an exposed thermal pad (EP) tied to GND, enabling efficient heat dissipation. Thermal design requires direct soldering of EP to ≥100mm² PCB copper pour - this reduces junction-to-board thermal resistance to ≤45°C/W, ensuring stable operation under continuous 18µA active current at ambient temperatures up to +85°C.