MAX17681AATB+

MAX17681AATB+ Application Field and Working Principle

The MAX17681AATB+ is a DC-DC switching regulator from Maxim Integrated’s Power Management Solutions (PMIC) group, and is specifically from the Voltage Regulators product offering. The MAX17681AATB+ is an ultra-low-noise, high-efficiency, step-down DC-DC regulator with built-in low-side MOSFETs, used for supplying power to memory, high-speed ASICs, FPGAs, and RF components.

Advantages

The MAX17681AATB+ provides multiple advantages over other DC-DC switching regulators. It offers ultra-low-noise operation, reducing interference to analog and mixed-signal components. The device offers 95.3% efficiency, reducing warm dissipation and improving overall power efficiency. Its low-side MOSFETs are capable of sourcing up to 3A of current, making it suitable for use in a variety of applications. The device also has integrated over-temperature and over-voltage protection for safety-critical designs.

Key Features

• Ultra-low-noise switching regulator
• 95.3% efficiency
• Up to 3A of low-side MOSFET current sourcing capability
• Integrated over-temperature and over-voltage protection
• Compact 6-lead SOT-23 package

Applications

The MAX17681AATB+ is suitable for use in a variety of applications, including wireless power adapters, digital signage, sensors, structured cabling systems, multimedia devices, automotive systems, and industrial robotics. It is well-suited for use in battery-powered systems, as it provides an efficient step-down voltage regulation with low quiescent current.

Working Principle

The MAX17681AATB+ is a DC-DC switching regulator that uses an external switch, an inductor, and a shunt diode to generate a regulated voltage output. The circuit operates in two modes. In the first mode, when the switch is closed, a current flows through the inductor, and the magnetic field around it accumulates. When the current exceeds a certain level, the switch is opened and the stored magnetic energy is discharged through the shunt diode. The output voltage from the diode is then rectified to obtain the regulated voltage output.

In the second mode, when the input voltage is below the output voltage, the switch stays open, and current flows back from the output to the input through the shunt diode. This is often referred to as ‘valley fill’ and ensures that the output capacitor is charged and the circuit is stable. When the input voltage rises above the output voltage, the switch is closed and the circuit operates as described above.

The MAX17681AATB+ provides fine-grained control of the switching frequency, output voltage, and other parameters. This allows the device to be optimized for a variety of applications, and helps minimize the impact of noise in the system. Additionally, the device incorporates over-voltage and over-temperature protection to ensure safe operation of the system.

Conclusion

The MAX17681AATB+ is a high-efficiency, low-noise DC-DC switching regulator from Maxim Integrated’s Power Management Solutions (PMIC) product group. The device offers 95.3% efficiency and up to 3A of low-side MOSFET current sourcing capability, as well as over-temperature and over-voltage protection. It is suitable for use in a variety of applications, including wireless power adapters, digital signage, sensors, structured cabling systems, automotive systems, and industrial robotics. The device\'s fine-grained control of the switching frequency, output voltage, and other parameters makes it easy to optimize for the particular application.