Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1563ETC+

Overview

The MAX1563ETC+ from Maxim Integrated is a programmable 4A USB current-limited high-side power switch with autoreset, fault blanking, and selectable active-high/active-low enable logic. It operates from 4V to 5.5V input, delivers up to 4A continuous load current, features 26mΩ typical on-resistance, and provides open-drain FAULT output for thermal, overcurrent, short-circuit, and UVLO fault reporting - designed for USB port power management in notebook and docking station applications.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1563ETC+ datasheet, MAX1563ETC+ pinout, MAX1563ETC+ application, or MAX1563ETC+ equivalent, key selection considerations include its 12-pin Thin QFN (4mm × 4mm) package, resistor-programmable current limit (1A–4A), 20ms fault-blanking timeout, -40°C to +85°C operating range, and integrated autoreset recovery after short-circuit removal.

Technical Context

The MAX1563ETC+ integrates a low-R_ON NMOS high-side switch driven by an internal micropower charge pump, enabling operation from a single 4V–5.5V rail without external gate drive. Its dual-mode current limiting distinguishes V_OUT > 1V (continuous ILIM regulation) from V_OUT < 1V (pulsed short-circuit mode at ~1.3× ILIM).

Fault handling combines three independent detection paths: undervoltage lockout (2.9V–3.8V threshold), thermal shutdown (+160°C with 15°C hysteresis), and time-gated current-limit assertion (20ms blanking for overload, 18ms for short-circuit). The SEL pin configures ON polarity, and FAULT asserts low immediately for UVLO/thermal faults but only after blanking expires for current-limit events.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX1563ETC+ uses a 12-pin Thin QFN package (4mm × 4mm) with exposed pad (EP) thermally connected to GND. The EP must be soldered to a large ground plane using multiple vias for thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar USB current-limited switch applications.

Compared with TPS2051BDBVR and AP22653AW5-7, the MAX1563ETC+ uniquely combines 4A programmability, selectable enable logic, 20ms fault blanking, and autonomous autoreset in a thermally optimized 4mm × 4mm QFN - making it optimal for multi-port USB systems requiring robust, self-healing power delivery.

Availability

MAX1563ETC+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook computers, USB hubs, and docking stations requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX1563ETC+ includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) is a semiconductor company specializing in analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, computing, and communications applications.

The MAX1563ETC+ belongs to Maxim's USB power switch product line, engineered specifically for high-reliability, current-limited 5V rail switching in portable and docked computing platforms with stringent thermal and fault-response requirements.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current supported by the MAX1563ETC+?

The MAX1563ETC+ supports a programmable continuous output current from 1A to 4A, set by an external resistor on the ISET pin. At RISET = 4.22kΩ, the device delivers up to 4A (typical) with ±15% accuracy across temperature. This rating assumes proper thermal management via the exposed pad and adequate PCB copper area.

How does the MAX1563ETC+ handle short-circuit conditions on the output?

When the MAX1563ETC+ detects VOUT < 1V, it enters short-circuit current-limit mode, pulsing output current at ~1.3× the programmed ILIM. If the condition persists beyond the 18ms short-circuit blanking timeout, FAULT asserts low and the device enters autoreset mode - sourcing 25mA to monitor for recovery. Once VOUT exceeds 0.5V for 20ms, the switch fully re-enables.

Can the enable logic polarity of the MAX1563ETC+ be changed after PCB assembly?

Yes - the MAX1563ETC+ uses the SEL pin to configure ON polarity: driving SEL high selects active-high enable, while driving SEL low selects active-low enable. This allows a single PCB layout to support either control scheme via simple firmware or strap resistor configuration, unlike fixed-polarity alternatives such as the MAX1562 or MAX1562H.

What is the purpose of the FAULT output, and how should it be interfaced?

The FAULT output of the MAX1563ETC+ is an open-drain signal that asserts low for UVLO, thermal shutdown, or sustained current-limit faults (>20ms). It should be pulled up to VIN (typically 5V) via a 100kΩ resistor. The host microcontroller monitors this signal to initiate corrective action - e.g., disabling downstream loads or logging fault events - without requiring continuous polling.

Does the MAX1563ETC+ require external components for basic operation?

Yes - the MAX1563ETC+ requires at minimum: (1) a 1µF ceramic capacitor from each IN pin to GND, (2) a 4.7µF ceramic capacitor from OUT to GND, (3) a pullup resistor (100kΩ) on FAULT, and (4) an ISET resistor to GND for current programming. The exposed pad (EP) must also be soldered to a thermal ground plane using ≥4 vias for reliable 4A operation.