Nordic Semiconductor Launches nPM2100 Evaluation Kit for Ultra-Low Power Primary-Cell Applications

Nordic Semiconductor has announced the launch of an evaluation kit for the company’s nPM2100 power management integrated circuit (PMIC) to boost battery life in low-power designs by optimizing power efficiency and system performance. The new power management chip features a very low-power hibernation mode that uses less than 200nA, built-in safety systems called watchdogs, and a 35nA “ship mode” that can also work as an on/off button.

The Nordic Semiconductor nPM2100 is a power management IC (PMIC) with an ultra-efficient boost regulator for primary-cell batteries. It features one boost converter that can provide voltages of 1.8 V to 3.3 V output from input voltages of 0.7 V to 3.4 V.

Nordic Semiconductor nPM2100 PMIC Key features:

• Ultra-efficient boost regulator:
  • 8 to 3.3 V output
  • 150 mA (max) boost converter with up to 95% efficiency
• LDO/Load switch supplied by the boost regulator:
  • 8 to 3.0 V in LDO-mode
  • 50 mA max
  • 35 nA Ship Mode with multiple wakeup options for safe battery shipping and on/off control
  • 175 nA hibernation mode with programmable wake-up times
  • Fuel gauge for primary cell batteries
• Power Supply: 0.7 to 3.4 V supply voltage
• Multiple package options:
  • 9 x 1.9 mm WLCSP
  • 4 x 4 mm QFN16

Other features of the nPM2100 PMIC chip include an integrated battery fuel gauge, an external watchdog which can reset the host processor or optionally power-cycle the entire system, a hard-reset function which should mean an end to having to remove and reinsert batteries from uncooperative devices, and a failed-boot recovery system which can restart the device automatically if the host processor fails to load.

Since the introduction of the device back in January 2025, early customers have started designing it into various primary cell applications, ranging from personal health monitoring to wireless industrial sensors.

The nPM2100 Evaluation Kit is designed for a simple evaluation and code-free configuration of the nPM2100 Power Management IC (PMIC). The Nordic nPM2100 EK Kit provides seamless integration and code-free configuration with the nPM PowerUP desktop app.

The kit includes six battery holders for different types and series combinations. The battery holders are for AA and AAA alkaline batteries, single and two-in-series, and standard coin-cell batteries in 20mm and 11.6mm diameter variants, such as CR2032 and LR44. Integrated LEDs and pushbuttons enable the evaluation of the PMIC’s built-in LED drivers and GPIOs.

The new nPM2100 Evaluation Kit costs around $51 and is available for order through Nordic´s distribution partners. WLCSP and QFN packaged devices will enter volume production in June and September 2025, respectively. More information is available on the company’s website.

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