It can withstand 40V load dump and reduce board space by up to 50%.

Maxim Integrated Korea has launched the 'MAX20075' and 'MAX20076', ultra-small pin-compatible step-down converters with integrated compensation that provide the lowest operating current (I _Q ) and highest efficiency.

These products are ideal for always-on automotive applications because they can withstand 40V load dumps and reduce board space by up to 50% with minimal components.

Consumers expect an improved user experience when using always-on applications. Creating such applications presents design challenges, requiring considerations for size, power savings, and high efficiency, while also supporting advanced features.

The MAX20075/76 offer the industry's lowest operating current and highest efficiency. While existing solutions offer 15-30µA I _Q , Maxim's new step-down converters operate at 3.5µA I _Q . This is a key factor in meeting stringent OEM supply current consumption requirements, which are typically limited to 100µA per module.

This provides the ability to flexibly distribute power consumption, shorten startup times, reduce power consumption, and minimize uptime. It also boasts an industry-leading efficiency of 91% compared to competing solutions.

Maxim's new step-down converter meets CISPR 25 Class 5 electromagnetic interference (EMI) standards with pin-controlled spread spectrum and low-noise operation at a fixed 2.1MHz frequency. Operating at 2.1MHz and featuring integrated compensation circuitry, this design enables a smaller solution size and bill of materials (BOM) compared to non-synchronous devices operating in AM (radio frequency) frequencies. This design also helps address the increasing processing power required for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) applications.

The MAX20075/76 operate in a low minimum operating time mode, enabling the converters to support large input-to-output conversion ratios. From V _batt input at 2.1MHz to V _out below 3V, no secondary supply is required, reducing overall bill-of-materials costs and providing flexibility in integrating new features into designs.

The AEC-Q100 qualified MAX20075/76 are available in a 3mm x 3mm TDFN package and operate over the -40°C to +125°C temperature range.

“The pin-compatible MAX20075 and MAX20076, which feature the industry’s lowest quiescent current, deliver high peak efficiency and fast startup times,” said Chintan Parikh, executive business manager, Automotive at Maxim Integrated. “Our solution offers the industry’s lowest quiescent current of 3.5µA I _Q , which is a key factor in meeting stringent OEM operating current consumption requirements, which are typically limited to 100µA per module. This allows engineers to deliver powerful processing power with many features and enhancements.”