Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX16903RAUE50/V+T

Overview

The MAX16903RAUE50/V+T from Maxim Integrated is a synchronous buck DC-DC converter IC with integrated high-side and low-side MOSFETs, delivering 1A output at fixed 5V with input voltage range +3.5V to +28V (transient tolerant to +42V), 25µA quiescent current in skip mode, and 2.1MHz switching frequency - designed for automotive power rails in engine control units and ADAS camera modules.

For engineers reviewing the MAX16903RAUE50/V+T datasheet, MAX16903RAUE50/V+T pinout, MAX16903RAUE50/V+T application, or MAX16903RAUE50/V+T equivalent, key selection criteria include AEC-Q100 qualification, -40°C to +125°C operation, spread-spectrum EMI reduction capability, dropout operation at 97% duty cycle, and TSSOP-EP package thermal performance.

Technical Context

The MAX16903RAUE50/V+T implements current-mode control with internal soft-start (8ms typical), undervoltage lockout (3.0V typical), and thermal shutdown (175°C). It supports three operating modes via SYNC pin: skip mode (25µA IQ), forced PWM (fixed 2.1MHz), and external synchronization (1.8–2.6MHz).

Its architecture integrates bootstrap gate drive (BST pin), open-drain PGOOD monitoring (91–93% threshold), and overcurrent protection (1.5A typical peak limit). The device maintains regulation down to 3.5V input and sustains >97% duty cycle in dropout, enabling cold-crank operation without external LDO support.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAX16903RAUE50/V+T is housed in a thermally enhanced 16-pin TSSOP-EP package (5mm × 4.4mm, 0.65mm pitch) with exposed pad soldered to PGND for optimal thermal dissipation in high-ambient automotive environments.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous buck converter applications.

Compared with LM61480QRTWRQ1 and TPS62933QDBVRQ1, the MAX16903RAUE50/V+T uniquely combines AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, 97% dropout operation, integrated spread-spectrum, and TSSOP-EP thermal metrics - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-limited automotive 5V rails where EMI and cold-crank reliability are non-negotiable.

Availability

MAX16903RAUE50/V+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU power supplies, ADAS camera modules, infotainment head units, and telematics control units requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX16903RAUE50/V+T 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 automotive, industrial, and communications markets.

The MAX16903RAUE50/V+T belongs to Maxim's automotive-grade mini-buck converter family, engineered specifically for high-input-voltage DC-DC conversion in harsh-temperature vehicle subsystems with stringent EMI and reliability requirements.

FAQ

What is the input voltage range supported by the MAX16903RAUE50/V+T?

The MAX16903RAUE50/V+T supports an input voltage range of +3.5V to +28V under normal operation and tolerates transient inputs up to +42V. This wide range enables reliable operation during automotive cold-crank conditions and load-dump events per ISO 16750-2. The device remains functional even when input drops to 3.5V thanks to its 97% maximum duty cycle capability. All specifications for the MAX16903RAUE50/V+T are validated across the full -40°C to +125°C temperature range.

Does the MAX16903RAUE50/V+T require external compensation components?

No, the MAX16903RAUE50/V+T uses current-mode control architecture with internal compensation, eliminating the need for external compensation networks. Its fixed 5V output is factory-trimmed, requiring no external resistive feedback divider. Only standard external passive components are needed: a 4.7µF input capacitor, 0.1µF BST capacitor, 10µF output capacitor, and a 3.3µH inductor for 5V operation. This simplifies design and reduces bill-of-materials cost compared to traditional buck controllers. The MAX16903RAUE50/V+T achieves stable regulation without loop compensation tuning.

How does the SYNC pin affect the operating mode of the MAX16903RAUE50/V+T?

The SYNC pin on the MAX16903RAUE50/V+T selects between three distinct operating modes: grounding or leaving SYNC unconnected enables skip mode (25µA IQ); connecting SYNC to BIAS or applying an external clock (1.8–2.6MHz) forces fixed-frequency PWM operation; and disconnecting SYNC allows dynamic reconfiguration during runtime. This flexibility lets designers optimize efficiency versus EMI trade-offs per system state. In skip mode, the MAX16903RAUE50/V+T pulses only as needed to maintain regulation, while forced PWM ensures constant frequency for predictable noise filtering. The MAX16903RAUE50/V+T retains full functionality in all modes.

What thermal performance can be expected from the MAX16903RAUE50/V+T in a typical automotive PCB layout?

In a standard 4-layer PCB with 2oz copper and the exposed pad soldered to a 200mm² PGND plane, the MAX16903RAUE50/V+T achieves a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θJA) of 38.3°C/W. At 1A load and +85°C ambient, junction temperature remains below 125°C - well within the +150°C absolute maximum. The TSSOP-EP package's low 3°C/W junction-to-case (θJC) resistance enables effective heat transfer through the exposed pad. Proper layout - including short PGND/GND connection at the output capacitor return and isolated high-current paths - is essential to realize this thermal performance. The MAX16903RAUE50/V+T includes thermal shutdown at 175°C with 15°C hysteresis for fault protection.

Is the MAX16903RAUE50/V+T qualified for automotive applications, and what standards does it meet?

Yes, the MAX16903RAUE50/V+T is AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified (-40°C to +125°C) and designed specifically for automotive power systems. It meets ISO 16750-2 for electrical load-dump and cold-crank transients, and supports CISPR 25 Class 5 radiated emissions compliance when used with spread-spectrum mode. The device features integrated overcurrent protection (1.5A typical), thermal shutdown (175°C), and PGOOD monitoring with 10µs debounce - all verified across the full automotive temperature range. The "/V" suffix explicitly denotes automotive qualification, and the RoHS-compliant TSSOP-EP package carries full PPAP documentation support. The MAX16903RAUE50/V+T is approved for safety-critical domains including engine management and ADAS.