Ultra-small step-down converters deliver low quiescent current, high peak efficiency for automotive uses

System designers looking to create small and highly efficient 40V load dump-tolerant applications can now utilize the ultra-compact, pin-compatible MAX20075 and MAX20076 step-down converters from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. The MAX20075 and MAX20076 step-down converters offer the industry’s lowest quiescent current (I_Q) and comes in an ultra-small size solution with integrated compensation. This enables minimal external components that can lead up to 50% savings in board space making them ideal products for always-on automotive applications.

Customers expect always-on applications to bring them experiences richer and more compelling than ever before. However, designers are challenged with having to balance delivering advanced features with meeting size constraints, power-saving features, and high efficiency.

The MAX20075 and MAX20076 in peak current mode draw the industry’s lowest I_Q—just 3.5µA in the low power operating mode, which is key to meeting the stringent OEM I_Q consumption requirements of 100µA per module. The converters enable low noise operation via pin-controlled spread spectrum and fixed 2.1MHz operation to meet CISPR 25 Class 5 EMI compliance. Furthermore, added advantage of the 2.1MHz operation and internal compensation is that it lowers the solution size and the bill of materials (BOM) compared to a non-synchronous device that operates in the AM band. The MAX20075 and MAX20076 are available with a low minimum on-time mode operation, which allows the converters to support large input-to-output conversion ratios. For example, V_batt input to V_out of <3V at 2.1MHz; this translates to not having to use a secondary supply, which reduces overall BOM cost by $0.30 to incorporate new functions into the design for greater flexibility. The MAX20075 and MAX20076 meet AEC-Q100, are available in a 3x3mm TDFN package, and operate over the -40^oC to +125^oC temperature range.

 

The MAX20075 and MAX20076 are  available at Maxim’s website. MAX20075EVKIT# and MAX20076EVKIT# evaluation kits are available