Maxim provides power and communication solutions for true wireless headphones

     Maxim announced the launch of the MAX20340, the industry's smallest 2-pin bi-directional DC powerline communications (PLC) device, which reduces the size of the power supply and communication interface of the charging base by 80% in ultra-low power portable and wearable applications. Powered and data communicating via a single line, the MAX20340 eliminates the pins and discrete components needed to communicate between the charging dock and true wireless headsets, wristbands, and other small wearable low-voltage devices.

     Compared to the closest competing solutions, this product effectively simplifies the design and saves 13mm2 of space per headset. For consumer products, especially wearable products, people are always pursuing smaller size and more comfortable and convenient. The latest ultra-small size PLC chips minimize physical contacts for charging and communication interfaces, effectively reducing costs, reducing points of failure and improving reliability.

     In addition, the MAX20340 integrates automatic in-line inspection to increase design flexibility and eliminate poor reliability and high cost alternatives, such as mechanical connectors or Hall effect sensors. The device can be configured as a communication host or slave using a single external resistor. Multiple operating modes help designers minimize power consumption according to application requirements. In addition, the MAX20340 manages all communication through the interface, requiring only a simple read and write I2C interface communication protocol.