The NBM5100A/B is a battery energy management device designed to maximize usable capacity from non-rechargeable, primary batteries when used in low-voltage, low-power applications requiring burst current loads. The devices overcome voltage drop and battery life limitations associated with extracting high pulse currents (Figure 1) from lithium primary batteries such as 3.6 V lithium thionyl chloride (Li-SOCl₂), which are commonly used in wireless, low-power IoT sensor applications.

The NBM5100A/B contains two stages of high efficiency DC-DC conversion and an intelligent learning algorithm. The first stage DC-DC conversion transfers energy from the lithium battery at a low constant current to a capacitive storage element. Once charged, a second DC-DC conversion cycle utilizes this stored energy to supply a regulated voltage with high pulse load current capability on the VDH output pin. The battery is never directly subjected to large load pulse currents, resulting in a longer, more predictable battery lifetime.

The proprietary learning algorithm monitors the energy used during repetitive load pulse cycles and optimizes first stage DC-DC conversion to minimize the residual charge in the storage capacitor.

A serial interface allows a microcontroller to change default configuration settings and read-back system information.