Power, heat, and safety standards must be addressed to improve system efficiency.
Step-down power modules, DC/DC converters, etc. implemented in small packages

Implementing as many functions as possible while making the device as small as possible, while also ensuring that heat is not generated, is a challenge for IC and module design engineers.

The problem is that squeezing multiple functions into a small space inevitably generates high temperatures, which threatens system stability. For engineers who must consider power loss, thermal issues, and safety standards in such confined spaces, Maxim Integrated (www.maximintegrated.co.kr) offers a meaningful solution.

Maxim's Himalaya series, including voltage regulator ICs and power modules, aims to improve system efficiency while also meeting functional safety standards for electronic safety management systems.

The Himalayan series, named after the snow-capped mountain range, is characterized by low heat generation. The MAXM17504 is an easy-to-use step-down power module that integrates key components—a switched-mode power supply controller, dual n-channel MOSFET power switches, fully shielded inductors, and compensation components—in a single, thermally efficient system-in-package (SiP).

The Himalaya synchronous step-down DC/DC converters (MAX17572 and MAX17574) are IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) and Safety Integrity Level (SIL) compliant, ensuring long-term system stability. The converters integrate MOSFETs and compensation to reduce solution size and operate at high switching frequencies and low minimum on-times. The internal compensation feature supports any combination of output voltage and switching frequency without compromising bandwidth, enabling rapid design.

System efficiency is based on stability and reliability, but sometimes, in industrial settings, voltage and current input and output are unstable. For example, when a 24V input voltage is connected to a connector, the voltage can momentarily spike to 50V. Therefore, safety and reliability must be ensured for a range exceeding 50V when using a 24V input voltage. Safety standards (IEC61131-2 and IEC60664-1) support a maximum voltage of 60V. The Himalaya series operates over a wide input voltage range of 4.5 V to 60 V and an industrial temperature range of -40 °C to +125 °C.

"Maxim has introduced the Himalaya series of 60V synchronous converters to the market. Compared to competitors, these converters reduce power loss by 40% and solution size by up to 50%," said Viral Vaidya, business manager at Maxim Integrated. "They also comply with functional safety standards, ensuring system efficiency, safety, and reliability. We will continue this innovative approach with our low-voltage synchronous solutions."