'MAX77596' New Product, USB Type-C Transceiver Power Supply
Optimized for battery-operated applications

Maxim Integrated Products Korea (CEO Kim Hyun-sik) has launched the new 'MAX77596', an ultra-low standby current buck converter. Designers of USB-C small form factor devices can use the MAX77596 to implement an always-on rail.

Products utilizing the high data transfer rates and enhanced power transfer capabilities of USB-C ports require a low-voltage supply rail to power the Type C port controller. By using the MAX77596, products in the Power Delivery (PD) voltage range (5–20V) can generate an always-on digital supply rail (1.8V/3.3V/5.0V) for the Type C port controller. The MAX77596 buck converter, with an operating voltage of 3.5–24V, can adjust the voltage from the traditional 5V USB power up to 20V, the highest value in the PD range.


Portable devices such as tablets, laptops, cameras, and drones can easily evolve to Type C PD using the MAX77596's flexible power supply. In the past, designing power supplies for USB-C port controllers was subject to constraints on input voltage range, standby current, and size. Therefore, two-chip solutions supporting the wide voltage range of PD standards using a high-input voltage switch along with a low-input voltage linear regulator have been widely used.

The MAX77596 supports a wide input voltage range and ultra-low standby current, and provides a compact TDFN (Thin Dual Flat No Lead) package that shortens design time and reduces solution size compared to two-chip solutions.

The MAX77596 buck converter is available in 3.3V and 5V fixed output versions, as well as a version where the output voltage can be adjusted from 1 to 10V using a resistor divider. It can support DC loads up to 300mA. A robust integrated circuit (IC) featuring short-circuit and thermal protection, the MAX77596 has a 6.67ms internal soft-start that minimizes inrush current, a proven current mode control architecture, and a maximum input voltage tolerance of 42V.


“Maxim has launched an ultra-compact buck converter that supports a wide range of input voltages by leveraging its strengths in power management and integration. The MAX77596 simplifies customers’ design processes as a single chip rather than two. It also minimizes power consumption in end applications and extends battery life,” said Samei Kapoor, Senior Business Manager for Mobility Power at Maxim Integrated.

Bob O'Donnell, President and Chief Analyst at Technalysis Research, said, “The proliferation of USB-C presents new possibilities in terms of device connectivity.” "USB-C will lead to the extensive development of the most useful docking stations and port replicators, centered around laptops, tablets, and smartphones," he said.