MAX16939ATERB/V+

The MAX16939ATERB/V+ is a DC-DC switching regulator that falls in the Power Management IC (PMIC) and Voltage Regulator family. It was designed to provide an excellent power solution to small portable and battery-powered electronics. The MAX16939ATERB/V+ has an adjustable output voltage and operates with a wide range of input voltages, allowing it to be used in an array of applications requiring a regulated output. This document discusses the application fields where the MAX16939ATERB/V+ could be beneficial and the working principle of this PMIC.

Applications

The MAX16939ATERB/V+ is a versatile part, suitable for a wide span of applications. It can be used, for example, in mobile phones, tablets, portable computers, GPS, and other battery powered applications. The main advantage of this part is its wide range of input voltages: from 2.7V to 5.5V, making it perfect for supplies with fluctuating voltages. In addition, the MAX16939ATERB/V+ supports output voltages from 0.6V up to 5.0V and it can be adjusted in 10-bit increments. The device also features 100 mV of step adjustment and current mode control.

The MAX16939ATERB/V+ also offers a power saving mode in its design. This mode decreases the power dissipation by reducing the switching frequency when the load current is low. This feature allows the part to increase the battery life in portable applications. Furthermore, it includes over temperature protection and fault protection.

There is also an auto-sleep mode. This enhances the power saving capabilities of the part, allowing it to automatically go into Sleep mode if the input voltage is too low. The auto-sleep mode will return the part to an active state when the input voltage increases again.

Working Principle

The MAX16939ATERB/V+ is a DC-DC buck converter. It works converting a higher direct current (DC) voltage into a lower DC voltage. It does this with the use of Discharge Transistor, Flyback transistor, P-Channel & N-Channel Power MOSFETs, a synchronic rectifier and a voltage feedback loop with an adjustable output voltage. This structure means that one power transistor is used to turn the input power on and off to create a relative low-frequency cycle between voltage and current. This is done depending on the requirements of the feedback loop.

The input power is switched off after a certain amount of time, determined by the current mode controller. The load current is then supplied by the output capacitor that had previously charged thanks to the inductor. After the output has been supplied, the cycle repeats.

In order to achieve the desired load current, the part uses the Load Regulation Mode technique. This technique consists of measuring the output voltage and adjusting the frequency accordingly. The input power is then regulated, depending on the output current. The frequency will also be adjusted depending on the output voltage.

The MAX16939ATERB/V+ offers major advantages for its customers. Its wide range of input and output voltages make it suitable for multiple applications. It also uses synchronous rectification for maximum efficiency, and it offers several power saving and fault protection modes. The combination of these features makes it one of the best choices for safe and efficient power management for small, battery-operated electronics.