Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX16550GPN+
- Part No.:
- MAX16550GPN+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Specialized
- Package:
- 18-VFQFN
- Datasheet:
-
MAX16550GPN+.pdf
- Description:
- IC PROTECTION 12V BUS PMBUS
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:440
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Product details
Overview
MAX16550GPN+ from Maxim Integrated is a monolithic 12V power-distribution protection IC with integrated 1.9mΩ N-channel MOSFET, lossless current sensing, and PMBus/SMBus telemetry. It delivers controlled monotonic startup, three-tier overcurrent protection (moderate/severe/safe), input/output UVLO, overtemperature shutdown, and VIN overvoltage protection - all in a single 4mm × 4.5mm FCQFN package for server and networking 12V bus protection.
For engineers reviewing the MAX16550GPN+ datasheet, MAX16550GPN+ pinout, MAX16550GPN+ application, or MAX16550GPN+ equivalent, this page provides verified circuit role (hot-swap eFuse/circuit breaker), confirmed 30A continuous rating, validated 1.9mΩ RDS(ON), precise analog ILOAD reporting (±1.8% at 30A), and real-world soft-start programmability (CSS = 0–75nF) - critical for high-density 12V power rail design and PMBus-based system power management.
Technical Context
The MAX16550GPN+ implements a fully integrated hot-swap controller architecture with internal LDO (1.8V VDD), charge-pump gate drive (VBST), and proprietary lossless current sensing that eliminates external sense resistors while maintaining ±1.8% accuracy across 0–30A and temperature. Its digital control loop uses PMBus commands to configure OCP thresholds, PWRGD levels, and self-check parameters.
Three independent overcurrent protection tiers operate with distinct timing and isolation behavior: moderate OCP (programmable 15–35A, timeout 12.5µs–250ms), severe OCP (130–170% of moderate threshold, <5µs turn-off), and fail-safe safe OCP (60A, <250ns turn-off). Startup includes VIN short detection, CSS discharge validation, and VOUT self-check before enabling the pass FET.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Continuous Current Rating | 30A - supports high-power 12V loads without external heatsink under 200LFM airflow |
| RDS(ON) (Total Path) | 1.9mΩ - includes package resistance; enables <1W conduction loss at 30A |
| Analog Current Reporting Accuracy | ±1.8% at 30A - enables precise load monitoring without calibration |
| Safe OCP Turn-Off Time | <250ns - isolates faults faster than silicon-based fuses, protecting downstream components |
| Soft-Start Capacitor Range | 0–75nF - allows programmable inrush limiting from 1ms (no CSS) to >100ms (75nF) |
| PMBus Digital Reporting Accuracy | READ_IOUT ±2% at 30A - enables closed-loop power management via system controller |
| Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance | 0.31°C/W - supports thermal coupling to PCB ground plane for efficient heat dissipation |
Pinout & Package
MAX16550GPN+ is housed in an 18-pin 4mm × 4.5mm FCQFN package with exposed thermal pad (P184A4F+1 outline), optimized for low-inductance 12V power path routing and thermal performance. Pin 1 is SMBUS_CLK; pins 5–6 and 7–8 are dual-source/dual-drain VOUT/VIN power terminals respectively.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (SMBUS_CLK) | SMBus clock input | Drives synchronous communication with system controller; supports up to 400kHz operation |
| 2 (ILOAD) | Analog current monitor output | Delivers 5µA/A linear current representation; requires RILOAD resistor to ground for voltage scaling |
| 3 (SS) | Soft-start timing control | Connects to GND via CSS capacitor (0–75nF); sets monotonic VOUT ramp rate and duration |
| 4 (VBST) | Charge-pump gate drive supply | Bypassed to VOUT with 220nF capacitor; powers high-side gate driver for integrated MOSFET |
| 5–6 (VOUT) | 12V output power terminals | Dual pins reduce IR drop and inductance; connect directly to load-side 12V plane |
| 7–8 (VIN) | 12V input power terminals | Dual pins minimize path resistance; accept 10.8–13.2V nominal input with 22V transient rating |
| 9 (GND) | IC reference ground | Must connect to PCB ground plane via multiple vias for stable bias and noise immunity |
| 10 (EN/UVLO) | Enable and input UVLO sense | Resistor-divider from VIN sets 8V–12V programmable UVLO threshold; also serves as enable control |
| 11 (SMBUS_ALERT) | Open-drain SMBus alert | Signals asynchronous events (e.g., fault, telemetry ready) to system controller without polling |
| 12 (FAULT) | Bidirectional fault indicator | Latches low on OCP/OVP/OTP; requires EN/UVLO or VIN toggle to clear |
| 13 (PWRGD) | Power-good status output | Asserts low if VOUT < 11V (default) or VIN < 8V (default); hysteresis ensures clean state transitions |
| 14 (ROCP) | Moderate OCP threshold programming | Resistor to GND sets 15–35A trip point; also validates startup OCP and severe OCP scaling |
| 15 (SMBUS_DATA) | SMBus data bidirectional line | Open-drain interface compatible with 3.3V/5V systems; supports PMBus command set |
| 16 (SMBUS_ID) | Address configuration and hysteresis flag | Resistor to GND selects one of eight SMBus addresses; indicates current hysteresis mode |
| 17 (N.C.) | No-connect terminal | Internally unconnected; must tie to GND via 10kΩ resistor per layout guidelines |
| 18 (VDD) | Internal 1.8V LDO output | Supplies IC core logic; requires ≥1µF ceramic capacitor to GND; no external loading permitted |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 1.9mΩ MOSFET + lossless current sensing | Eliminates external sense resistor and associated power loss, saving >25% board area vs. discrete solutions |
| Three-tier overcurrent protection (moderate/severe/safe) | Enables granular fault response: recoverable overload (moderate), irreversible isolation (severe), and catastrophic event blocking (safe) |
| PMBus-programmable PWRGD and UVLO thresholds | Allows dynamic adjustment of power-good window and input lockout level to match system-level sequencing requirements |
| VIN short detection during startup | Prevents destructive current flow by verifying VOUT discharge before enabling pass FET - critical for hot-swap safety |
| Self-check and CSS discharge validation | Automatically verifies ROCP resistor value, soft-start capacitor integrity, and VOUT short condition prior to power-up |
Applications
| Server 12V Distribution | Network Switch Power Rail |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Protecting 12V backplane power delivery to ASICs, PHYs, and memory modules in multi-slot chassis. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Acts as intelligent eFuse between midplane and line-card power entry, enforcing strict current limits and reporting telemetry via PMBus. Use Value: Enables hot-plug capability with <250ns fault isolation, preventing cascading failures across slots during insertion/removal. |
Use Scenario: Securing 12V power to switch fabric and packet processor rails in 1RU/2RU Ethernet switches. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Functions as primary circuit breaker on each 12V domain, coordinating with system controller via SMBus_ALERT for predictive maintenance. Use Value: Delivers ±1.8% analog current reporting and digital READ_IOUT for real-time thermal derating and load balancing across parallel rails. |
| Storage Controller Power Management | AC/DC PSU Secondary-Side Protection |
Use Scenario: Managing 12V power to NVMe SSD controllers and PCIe retimers in enterprise storage enclosures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serves as programmable load switch with soft-start and startup OCP, ensuring inrush compliance during drive enumeration. Use Value: Supports CSS programmability (0–75nF) to meet PCIe CEM v5.0 inrush limits (<10A/ms) without external RC networks. |
Use Scenario: Adding smart protection to 12V output of telecom-grade AC/DC power supplies before distribution to baseband units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides secondary-side overvoltage (14–16V), overtemperature (140°C), and undervoltage lockout with latched fault signaling. Use Value: Replaces discrete OVP/OTP circuits with single IC, reducing BOM count and improving response time to <100ns for fault detection. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 12V hot-swap protection applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS25982LMLR (Texas Instruments) | Higher RDS(ON) (2.8mΩ), no integrated LDO, requires external 3.3V bias; supports higher 60A rating but larger 5mm × 5mm QFN | Targets higher-current industrial motor drives where 30A is insufficient; lacks analog ILOAD reporting | Select when >30A capacity is required and system already provides 3.3V bias; avoid if analog telemetry or space-constrained layout is critical |
| LT4210IMS#TRPBF (Analog Devices) | Discrete solution requiring external MOSFET and sense resistor; supports 10–80V input; no PMBus interface; only moderate OCP tier | Used in wide-input industrial power supplies where 12V specificity is not required and digital telemetry is unnecessary | Select for non-12V applications or where full PMBus integration is not needed; avoid for server/networking due to missing SMBus_ALERT and digital reporting |
Compared with TPS25982LMLR and LT4210IMS#TRPBF, the MAX16550GPN+ uniquely combines monolithic 1.9mΩ integration, 1.8V LDO self-bias, analog + digital current reporting, and three-tier OCP in a compact 4mm × 4.5mm footprint - making it optimal for space-constrained, telemetry-driven 12V server and networking platforms.
Availability
MAX16550GPN+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for server power distribution, network switch rail protection, and storage controller hot-swap applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MAX16550GPN+ 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, designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for demanding industrial, communications, and computing applications.
The MAX16550GPN+ belongs to Maxim's high-density power-protection product line, engineered specifically for intelligent 12V bus management in datacenter infrastructure - emphasizing lossless sensing, fast fault isolation, and PMBus-enabled system-level power orchestration.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous current rating of the MAX16550GPN+?
The MAX16550GPN+ supports 30A continuous current under typical operating conditions (TJ ≤ +125°C, 200LFM airflow). Its 1.9mΩ total RDS(ON) ensures <1W conduction loss at full load, eliminating need for external heatsinks in most server and networking PCB layouts. Derating applies above +125°C junction temperature or with reduced airflow.
How does the MAX16550GPN+ implement lossless current sensing?
The MAX16550GPN+ uses Maxim's patented integrated current-sense architecture that measures MOSFET channel voltage drop without external shunt resistors. This yields ±1.8% accuracy from 0–30A across temperature, reduces board area by >25%, and eliminates sense-resistor power loss - directly contributing to improved system energy efficiency and thermal performance.
Can the MAX16550GPN+ be used without PMBus communication?
Yes, the MAX16550GPN+ operates autonomously without PMBus. All protection functions - including UVLO, OCP tiers, soft-start, and thermal shutdown - are active using analog programming (ROCP, EN/UVLO divider, CSS). PMBus is optional for telemetry readback, dynamic threshold updates, and advanced diagnostics; default settings are factory-programmed and functional at power-up.
What is the purpose of the VBST pin on the MAX16550GPN+?
The VBST pin on the MAX16550GPN+ supplies the charge-pump voltage for driving the integrated N-channel MOSFET's gate. It must be bypassed to VOUT with a 220nF capacitor and cannot support external loads. This dedicated gate-drive supply enables full enhancement of the MOSFET even when VOUT is near 0V, ensuring reliable turn-on during hot-swap events and startup sequences.
Does the MAX16550GPN+ support input overvoltage protection (OVP)?
Yes, the MAX16550GPN+ supports programmable input overvoltage protection via PMBus. When enabled, it monitors VIN and latches the MOSFET off if voltage exceeds the programmed threshold (14–16V range). OVP is disabled by default and requires explicit PMBus command activation - a safety feature preventing unintended shutdown during normal transients.
MAX16550GPN+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 18-VFQFN
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Active
- Applications:
- Communications Controller
- Interface:
- SMBus
- Voltage - Supply:
- 10.8V ~ 13.2V
- Supplier Device Package:
- 18-FCQFN (4x4.5)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
MAX16550GPN+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX16550GPN+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX16550GPN+ on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX16550GPN+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX16550GPN+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX16550GPN+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX16550GPN+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX16550GPN+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX16550GPN+?
MAX16550GPN+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX16550GPN+ order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX16550GPN+?
For technical support, including MAX16550GPN+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX16550GPN+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX16550GPN+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX16550GPN+ products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX16550GPN+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX16550GPN+?
All MAX16550GPN+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX16550GPN+, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX16550GPN+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX16550GPN+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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