Smart Electronic Design with Low IQ (.PDF Download)

As it turns out, low I_Q is a good thing. A least when you’re designing electronic equipment for low power consumption.   

A device’s quiescent current, or I_Q, is an important parameter to understand for battery-powered, energy-efficient designs. This article defines I_Q and explains how it affects the design of switch-mode power supplies and the equipment they serve.

I_Q Defined

Quiescent current is that small amount of current required to keep an IC or other circuit operational. I_Q doesn’t include any other input or output currents. I_Q assumes a no-load condition. And as it turns out, this is the lowest amount of current drawn when the IC isn’t being accessed or used. It’s the least amount of current that a device requires to stay operational. And more importantly, I_Q truly defines the total run time of the product.