Currently, there is a vision for innovation in the manufacturing sector through the implementation of a fully automated production system and the optimization of production processes using industrial IoT. The United States has already implemented manufacturing revitalization policies, accelerating the phenomenon of 'manufacturing reshoring' where companies that had moved overseas return to the country, while Germany is also strengthening its manufacturing competitiveness through 'Industry 4.0'.
In Korea as well, production site systems are becoming smart as manufacturers introduce sensors and new control structures. At this time, industrial form factors are shrinking to accommodate more features, and there is a growing trend of configuring boards with fewer components within that space.
 
However, the problem is that the high temperatures generated by the reduced size and increased functions can reduce the safety and reliability of the system. At this time, developers face the critical challenge of lowering the temperature by increasing efficiency because they cannot install devices such as cooling fans in the confined space.
 
Then, how can the high temperatures that threaten automation systems be lowered? To prevent overheating, the efficiency of the system must be maximized. This is made possible through power control, and Maxim has introduced a solution that enhances the efficiency of such automation systems.
 
Maxim's Himalaya series voltage regulator ICs and power modules enable smaller and simpler power supply solutions with low heat generation. The MAXM17504 integrates a switching-mode power supply controller, dual n-channel MOSFET power switches, fully shielded inductors, and compensation components into a single thermally efficient System-in-Package (SiP), offering a compact size of 9mm x 15mm x 2.8mm. This package not only reduces power loss and increases efficiency but is also suitable for automated circuit board assembly methods as it can be easily soldered onto a printed circuit board (PCB). This device can operate over an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +125°C. This high level of integration will reduce the development time and cost involved in power control, thereby easing the burden on engineers.
System efficiency is based on safety and reliability. However, in harsh industrial environments, there are cases where voltage and current are not input or output stably. For instance, even with an input voltage of 24V, the voltage can momentarily spike to 50V when a connector is plugged in; therefore, safety and reliability must be ensured for a voltage range of 50V or higher when using a 24V input voltage. Maxim supports a maximum of 60V as required by safety standards IEC61131-2 and IEC60664-1.
 
The MAX17504 operates over a wide input voltage range of 4.5V to 60V. It provides a continuous output current of up to 3.5A in an output voltage range of 0.9V to 12V with excellent input voltage regulation (Line Regulation) and output load regulation (Load Regulation), maintaining a constant output even with changes in input voltage, thereby enhancing stability and reliability. In addition, it operates using pulse width modulation (PWM), pulse-frequency modulation (PFM), or discontinuous mode (DCM) control methods to increase system efficiency.  
 
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According to one research firm, experts predict that the industrial Internet of Things (IoT) market, which was valued at $20 billion (approximately 21.31 trillion won) in 2012, will grow 25-fold to $500 billion (532.75 trillion won) by 2020. In particular, as it spreads across the entire industrial sector rather than just manufacturing, it is expected to be widely utilized in areas ranging from hospitals and port operations to logistics systems and healthcare. These changes will accelerate smart factories, and the stability and reliability of power systems depend on high-efficiency, low-power integrated technologies.