The HPM10 from onsemi is a Power Management IC that has been designed to offer an efficient solution for rechargeable batteries in hearing aids and hearing implant devices. It requires an input voltage of 4.8-5.2 V. This power management IC (PMIC) supports silver-zinc and lithium-ion battery chemistries. It also detects zinc-air and nickel-metal hydride batteries but does not charge them. This PMIC can be easily integrated into various types of hearing aids and does not require a connection to the hearing aid’s digital signal processor (DSP) for communication and control. It can also be closely integrated to enhance the communication with the processor.

This power management IC includes a charger communication interface (CCIF) to inform the hearing aid charger about the charging process. The CCIF allows users to interact with the PMIC and extract information such as battery voltage, charge mode phase, chemistry, and fault conditions. This PMIC manages the charging algorithms so that the battery autonomy and charging cycles are optimized. It uses high-precision current/voltage sources to manage the battery charge curves and optimize the battery life, ensuring that the battery performance does not fall below the critical levels. This IC is supported by a comprehensive suite of development tools to assist during battery management. It is available in a wafer-level package that measures 1.740 x 2.050 mm.