Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX16833AUE/V+TQA

Overview

MAX16833AUE/V+TQA from Maxim Integrated is a peak current-mode-controlled high-voltage LED driver IC for boost, buck-boost, SEPIC, flyback, and high-side buck topologies. It features integrated high-side current sensing (200mV full-scale), 3A gate driver for external n-MOSFET, and dedicated p-MOSFET dimming driver (DIMOUT) enabling fast PWM dimming without transient over/undervoltage. Designed for automotive exterior lighting including DRLs and adaptive front-light assemblies.

For engineers reviewing the MAX16833AUE/V+TQA datasheet, MAX16833AUE/V+TQA pinout, MAX16833AUE/V+TQA application, or MAX16833AUE/V+TQA equivalent, key selection criteria include its 5V–65V input range, programmable 100kHz–1MHz switching frequency via RT/SYNC, -40°C to +125°C operation, and support for analog dimming via ICTRL with 195–203mV current-sense voltage accuracy.

Technical Context

The MAX16833AUE/V+TQA implements constant-frequency peak current-mode control with externally programmable slope compensation to prevent subharmonic oscillation above 50% duty cycle. Its transconductance error amplifier (GM = 2100–4900 µS) interfaces with high-side current sense (gain = 6.15 V/V) and supports dynamic compensation via COMP pin.

It integrates a 7V LDO (VCC) with 50mA sourcing capability for gate drive, a dedicated -7V referenced p-MOSFET driver (DIMOUT), and dual protection architecture: OVP input (1.19–1.26V threshold) and open-drain FLT output for short-circuit, overvoltage, and thermal faults (TSHDN = +160°C).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX16833AUE/V+TQA is housed in a thermally enhanced 16-pin TSSOP package (5mm × 4.4mm) with exposed pad (EP) for PCB heat sinking. Pin numbering follows standard top-view orientation with EP electrically connected to PGND.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LED driver applications.

Compared with MAX16833BUE/V+TQA and LM3410XSD/NOPB, the MAX16833AUE/V+TQA uniquely combines high-side current sensing, integrated p-MOSFET dimming drive, and spread-spectrum capability in a single AEC-Q100–capable package-making it optimal for automotive DRL and adaptive lighting where EMI, fault tolerance, and topology flexibility are critical.

Availability

MAX16833AUE/V+TQA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive exterior lighting, commercial LED streetlights, and industrial machine vision lighting requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.

Supply support for MAX16833AUE/V+TQA 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, automotive, and communications applications.

The MAX16833 family targets high-brightness LED driver applications requiring wide input range, high reliability, and integrated protection - specifically engineered for automotive-grade exterior lighting and ruggedized commercial lighting systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage supported by the MAX16833AUE/V+TQA?

The MAX16833AUE/V+TQA supports an operational supply voltage range of 5V to 65V. Its absolute maximum rating for the IN pin is +70V, allowing safe operation during automotive load-dump transients (per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a). This makes the MAX16833AUE/V+TQA suitable for 12V, 24V, and 48V automotive and industrial DC bus systems without external voltage clamping.

Does the MAX16833AUE/V+TQA support both analog and PWM dimming simultaneously?

Yes, the MAX16833AUE/V+TQA supports concurrent analog and PWM dimming. The ICTRL pin accepts a DC voltage (0.2465V–1.4V) to set baseline LED current, while the PWMDIM pin accepts a PWM signal to modulate that current. When both are active, the resulting LED current is the product of analog scaling and PWM duty cycle - enabling fine-grained brightness control in applications like adaptive front-lighting.

What package type and thermal characteristics does the MAX16833AUE/V+TQA have?

The MAX16833AUE/V+TQA uses a 16-pin TSSOP package (5mm × 4.4mm) with exposed pad. Its junction-to-case thermal resistance (θJC) is 3°C/W, and junction-to-ambient (θJA) is 38.3°C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC board. The exposed pad must be soldered to a thermal pad on the PCB for effective heat dissipation - essential for maintaining reliability at full 3A gate drive loads in -40°C to +125°C environments.

How does the high-side current sensing in the MAX16833AUE/V+TQA improve system robustness?

The MAX16833AUE/V+TQA's high-side current sensing allows the LED string's positive terminal to be shorted directly to either the IN supply or PGND without damaging the IC. This fault-tolerant architecture eliminates the need for additional isolation components and enables simplified mechanical mounting (e.g., LED heatsink tied to chassis ground). It also avoids ground-loop issues common in low-side sensing topologies used in multi-string or distributed lighting systems.

Can the MAX16833AUE/V+TQA be synchronized to an external clock, and what are the requirements?

Yes, the MAX16833AUE/V+TQA supports external clock synchronization via the RT/SYNC pin. An AC-coupled square wave (4V–5V amplitude, 20%–80% duty) must be applied through a capacitor. The external frequency must be ≥1.1× the free-running fSW (set by RRT), and the sync pulse width must satisfy tPW < 0.5×tCLK and tPW > 1.05×tOSC. A typical 200ns pulse width works reliably up to 250kHz sync frequency.