MAX17303X+T vs MAX17320X20+T: Battery Fuel Gauge ICs Comparison

Quick verdict

For single-cell lithium-ion/polymer battery fuel gauging with integrated protection, the MAX17303X+T is the straightforward choice, offering a compact 15-WLP package and very low active current (~24μA) suited for highly power-sensitive designs. For applications requiring multi-cell support (1 to 4 cells), expanded protection features, and a larger package allowing for more complex integration, the MAX17320X20+T is the better fit, trading off increased size for flexibility.

Spec comparison table

SpecMAX17303X+TMAX17320X20+TNotes
FunctionFuel GaugeFuel GaugeEquivalent function
Battery chemistryLithium Ion/PolymerLithium Ion/PolymerEquivalent
Number of cells11 to 4MAX17320X20+T supports multi-cell packs, more flexible for multi-cell battery systems
Fault protectionOver Current, Over Temperature, Over Voltage, Short CircuitOver Current, Over Temperature, Over/Under Voltage, Short CircuitMAX17320X20+T adds undervoltage protection, increasing safety and battery longevity
InterfaceI2CI2CEquivalent
Operating temperature range-40°C to +85°C-40°C to +85°CEquivalent
Mounting typeSurface MountSurface MountEquivalent
Package case15-WFBGA (1.68 x 2.45 mm)30-WFBGA (2.37 x 2.55 mm)MAX17303X+T is smaller by area (~4.1 mm² vs ~6.0 mm²), better for space-constrained designs
Package size (W x L)1.68 mm x 2.45 mm2.37 mm x 2.55 mmMAX17303X+T offers smaller footprint
Typical active IC current24 μANot specified in provided dataMAX17303X+T low active current is advantageous for battery life in always-on applications
Typical hibernate current18 μANot specifiedLower current modes unknown for MAX17320X20+T
Ship mode current5 μANot specifiedMAX17303X+T optimized for ultra-low ship current
Deep ship current (typ)0.02 μANot specifiedMAX17303X+T excels in ultra-low deep ship currents
Absolute max input voltage40 VNot specifiedMAX17303X+T supports high voltage tolerance
Max output current100 mANot specifiedMAX17303X+T includes battery protection FET drivers capable of 100 mA
Input voltage range4.5 V min, 4.2 V max (typ 3.7 V)Not specifiedMAX17303X+T designed for typical Li-ion single cell voltage range
Switching frequency500 kHz min, 2 MHz typ, 5 MHz maxNot specifiedMAX17303X+T switching frequency specs provided; MAX17320X20+T data unavailable
Fault protection timers and thresholdsProgrammable (various registers)Not specifiedMAX17303X+T allows fine tuning of fault thresholds and timers
SHA-256 authenticationYesNot specifiedMAX17303X+T supports authentication for security
Internal self-discharge detectionYesNot specifiedMAX17303X+T supports detection of battery self-discharge
Memory size (non-volatile)~122 bytesNot specifiedMAX17303X+T memory size known
Design capacity1000 mAh typNot specifiedMAX17303X+T optimized for typical battery sizes
Operating voltage2.16 V min, 4.9 V typNot specifiedMAX17303X+T detailed voltage specs available
Protection featuresOvercurrent, overvoltage, overtemperature, short circuit, undervoltage, programmable timersOvercurrent, overvoltage, undervoltage, overtemperature, under voltage, short circuitMAX17320X20+T adds under voltage protection explicitly
Temperature measurementInternal die temperature + external thermistor (TH pin)Not specifiedMAX17303X+T provides thermistor interface for battery temperature measurement
Package pitch0.5 mmNot specifiedSmaller pitch for MAX17303X+T allows denser PCB layout
Communication speedUp to 400 kHz I2CNot specifiedMAX17303X+T supports standard I2C speeds
Thermal resistance (junction to ambient)54 °C/W (single layer PCB)Not specifiedMAX17303X+T thermal data available, relevant for thermal design
Temperature measurement accuracy±3°C typical over -40°C to +85°CNot specifiedMAX17303X+T detailed temperature accuracy specs
Protection disable capabilityPermanent disable of battery protection possibleNot specifiedMAX17303X+T can permanently disable battery protection for severe fault cases
Number of programmable charge currents4 charge currents and voltagesNot specifiedMAX17303X+T allows charge current flexibility
Low power modesShip, Hibernate, Deep shipNot specifiedMAX17303X+T supports deep power saving modes
Package type15-WLP (WLBGA)30-WLP (WLBGA)MAX17303X+T smaller, better for tight spaces

Note: Many detailed specs for MAX17320X20+T are not provided in the source data, limiting direct comparison in some areas.

Design trade-offs

The MAX17303X+T is clearly designed for compact, low-power single-cell applications. Its 15-WLP package (1.68 x 2.45 mm) minimizes PCB real estate, which is critical in small form-factor designs such as wearables or handheld devices. The detailed current consumption specs show it achieves very low active current (24 μA typical) and ultra-low ship/deep ship currents (down to 0.02 μA), which significantly prolongs battery life in standby or shipping states. Its internal thermistor interface and temperature compensation allow precise monitoring of battery conditions without additional external components.

In contrast, the MAX17320X20+T supports 1 to 4 cells, making it suitable for multi-cell battery packs common in larger portable electronics or power tools. The larger 30-WLP package (2.37 x 2.55 mm) reflects the increased complexity and additional internal circuitry required for multi-cell management and expanded protection features, including explicit undervoltage protection. While detailed current consumption figures are not available, the larger package and multi-cell support imply higher power consumption and a larger footprint, which might be unsuitable for ultra-low power or very compact designs.

From a firmware and system integration standpoint, the MAX17303X+T’s comprehensive protection registers and customizable thresholds facilitate fine-tuning for various battery chemistries and operating conditions. The presence of SHA-256 authentication ensures secure battery authentication, an important feature for OEMs concerned with counterfeit or unauthorized batteries. The MAX17320X20+T likely supports similar security features but details are not explicit.

Thermally, the MAX17303X+T’s lower junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (54°C/W on single-layer PCB) and small size simplify thermal management in low-power systems. The MAX17320X20+T’s thermal characteristics are unspecified but its larger size and complexity suggest it can handle higher thermal loads, necessary for multi-cell systems with higher current flows.

Cost-wise, the MAX17303X+T’s smaller size and simpler single-cell focus generally translate to lower BOM cost and assembly complexity. The MAX17320X20+T, with its multi-cell capability and larger package, will be more expensive and may require more complex layout and testing procedures.

Use-case fit

Choose MAX17303X+T when:

Choose MAX17320X20+T when: