| System efficiency reaches 74% at full load
| Includes functions such as overvoltage protection and undervoltage protection
| Minimizing coaxial cable inrush current at startup

Maxim Integrated Korea has launched the 'MAX20049', an ultra-small automotive 4-channel PMIC (Power Management IC) that integrates four power devices into a small space.
Due to size constraints, automotive camera modules require a power solution that integrates the necessary power and functionality into a small form factor. The 4-channel MAX20049 PMIC (38㎟) is approximately 30% smaller than the market average (53.3㎟) and offers the highest efficiency of any 4-channel power management IC in its class.

It provides four outputs (dual buck and dual LDO) in a 3mm x 3mm QFN package and achieves 74% system efficiency at full load. When applied to a standalone automotive solution, the system efficiency reaches 69%.

The MAX20049 supports modules that require a large number of output voltages for various combinations of sensors and serializers. This allows you to change the layout as needed or fine-tune the IC to suit specific application requirements.

It supports flexible sequencing and fixed output voltages to support various image sensors, and also includes overvoltage protection, undervoltage lockout (UVLO), external power good (PGOOD) signal, and cycle-by-cycle current limiting.

The dual buck converters and low-noise LDO support a wide voltage input range of 4 V to 17 V, enabling applications with 8 V to 10 V Power-over-Coax (PoC). An option is also available to use one buck converter as an intermediate supply between the sensor and serializer power rails, optimizing thermal performance and minimizing coaxial cable inrush current during startup. Spread spectrum and a 2.2 MHz switching frequency mitigate electromagnetic interference (EMI), meeting CISPR low-noise standards.

The MAX20049 provides fault mitigation features that flag output voltage failures and fluctuations to ensure proper camera operation. When an overvoltage or undervoltage signal is detected, the PGOOD pin is set low and when either output is disconnected, each converter performs cycle-by-cycle current limiting.

“We are continuously looking for integrated power devices that provide the power required for image sensors while minimizing size in vehicle-based imaging designs,” said Tsutomu Haruta, Deputy Senior General Manager, Sony Semiconductor Solutions Corporation. “Maxim’s power solutions will help us implement various camera functions and advanced driver safety systems in a small footprint.”

“Designers are faced with increasingly stringent constraints when designing tiny components inside cars, such as camera modules,” said Chintan Parikh, senior business manager, Automotive, Maxim Integrated.

“This is driving the need for more advanced power management ICs,” he continued. “The MAX20049 meets ADAS design criteria in terms of form factor, error mitigation, and power requirements, shortening design cycles and accelerating time to market.”