Power Management IC MAX16923: Solving Design Complexity and Board Size Issues
Buck converter, LDO, and watchdog timer implemented as a single chip

Maxim Integrated Korea has launched the MAX16923, a 4-output automotive display power management integrated circuit (IC).
Automotive electronic system designers can now use the MAX16923 with a watchdog timer to equip vehicles with more displays.

With recent vehicles being equipped with advanced instrument panels, infotainment, head-up displays, center displays, rear-seat entertainment, and smart mirror applications, the power supply circuits required for the screens must compete for space with electronic systems within a limited area.

The MAX 16923 provides high integration with four power rails and incorporates a high- and low-voltage buck converter, high- and low-voltage LDO, electromagnetic interference (EMI) mitigation, and a watchdog timer all on a single IC. Due to this high level of integration, it implements existing automotive power solutions, which previously consisted of four to five ICs, into a single chip without increasing heat generation.

In addition, the size of the power solution was reduced by up to 50% compared to competitors, and the PCB size and Bill of Materials (BOM) costs were also lowered. Through this, automotive designers have been able to increase the number of displays installed per vehicle to two to five or more.

The MAX16923 enhances the reliability of each display through EMI mitigation and a watchdog timer. Additionally, it reduces EMI interference to the low-noise signals of the displays using spread spectrum, slew rate-controlled switching, and programmable switching frequency.

“The MAX16923 solves design complexity and board size issues by reducing the number of ICs required for each display,” said Szukang Hsien, Business General Manager of Maxim Integrated’s Automotive Business Unit. “Through a highly integrated power solution, it meets the power requirements for displays 12.3 inches or smaller.”

Greg Basich, Director of Automotive Infotainment Telematics Services at Strategy Analytics, said, “The automotive display sector will see robust growth over the next five years as the number and size of displays installed in vehicles increase. Some premium vehicles can be equipped with more than 10 displays, so designers must address the problem of increasing electronic devices being installed in the limited interior space of the vehicle.”