Maxim Integrated MAX20075 and MAX20076 step-down converters

System designers looking to create small and efficient 40 V load dump-tolerant applications can now utilise the ultracompact, pin-compatible MAX20075 and MAX20076 step-down converters from Maxim Integrated Products.

The step-down converters offer low quiescent current (I_Q) and come in an ultrasmall package with integrated compensation. This enables minimal external components that can lead to up to 50% savings in board space, making them suitable for always-on automotive applications.

With high peak efficiency of 91%, the converters support fast start-up times and consume low power. They draw I_Q of 3.5 µA in the low power operating mode, which is key to meeting the stringent OEM IQ consumption requirements of as low as 100 µA per module. This enables engineers to build in more processing power for more functionality and other features.

The converters enable low-noise operation via pin-controlled spread spectrum and fixed 2.1 MHz operation to meet CISPR 25 Class 5 EMI compliance. An added advantage of the 2.1 MHz 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, according to the company.

The products are available with a low minimum on-time mode operation, which allows them to support large input-to-output conversion ratios — for example, V_batt input to V_out of <3 V at 2.1 MHz — which translates to not having to use a secondary supply. Available in a 3 x 3 mm TDFN package, the converters meet AEC-Q100 and operate over the -40 to +125°C temperature range.