Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX16907SATE+T

Overview

MAX16907SATE+T from Maxim Integrated is a 3A, current-mode, automotive-grade step-down DC-DC converter with integrated 70mΩ high-side MOSFET, operating from 3.5V to 36V input and delivering 5V fixed or 1V–10V adjustable output at up to 3A continuous load. It features 30µA standby current, 2.2MHz switching frequency (adjustable 1–2.2MHz), and operates across –40°C to +125°C for engine control units and ADAS power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MAX16907SATE+T datasheet, MAX16907SATE+T pinout, MAX16907SATE+T application, or MAX16907SATE+T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 42V transient tolerance, 98% max duty cycle during cold-crank undervoltage events, spread-spectrum EMI reduction (S-version), PGOOD monitoring, and TQFN-16 (5mm × 5mm) thermally enhanced package with exposed pad.

Technical Context

The MAX16907SATE+T implements constant-frequency current-mode control with internal transconductance error amplifier (gm = 900µS), 80ns minimum on-time, and fast-loop architecture enabling stable regulation under ±3A load transients. Its dual-supply inputs (SUP and SUPSW) decouple bias and switch drive paths, supporting high-duty-cycle operation during 3.5V cold-crank conditions.

It integrates a 5V/100mA linear regulator (BIAS) with 3.1V UVLO, synchronization input (FSYNC) accepting external clocks >10% above internal f_SW, and skip-mode operation below 300mA load to achieve 30µA no-load quiescent current. Overvoltage (110% V_FB trip), thermal shutdown (+175°C), and hiccup-mode overload protection are embedded.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX16907SATE+T is housed in a 16-pin TQFN package (5mm × 5mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad (EP) requiring connection to a large-area ground plane for thermal management. Pin count and layout match the TSSOP-16 variant but offer superior thermal performance (θ_JA = 35°C/W vs. 38.3°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM61480QPWPRQ1 and TPS62933RTER, the MAX16907SATE+T uniquely combines 42V transient tolerance, 98% cold-crank duty cycle, integrated BIAS LDO, and PGOOD in a single TQFN-16 package - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, high-reliability automotive power rails where board area and external component count must be minimized.

Availability

MAX16907SATE+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU, ADAS domain controllers, industrial IoT gateways, and railway onboard electronics requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q100 qualification and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MAX16907SATE+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) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for automotive, industrial, and communications markets.

The MAX16907 belongs to Maxim's automotive power management portfolio, designed specifically for demanding 12V/24V vehicle electrical systems requiring high transient immunity, ultra-low standby power, and seamless integration into ASIL-B compliant power architectures.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage transient the MAX16907SATE+T can withstand?

The MAX16907SATE+T is rated for 42V input transients (t < 1s) per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a, enabling direct connection to automotive battery rails without external TVS diodes. This rating applies to both SUP and SUPSW pins, and is validated across the full –40°C to +125°C temperature range. The device remains functional and does not latch up during such events, resuming normal regulation once the transient subsides. This capability is intrinsic to the process and layout design of the MAX16907SATE+T.

Does the MAX16907SATE+T support synchronization to an external clock, and what are the requirements?

Yes, the MAX16907SATE+T supports external clock synchronization via the FSYNC pin. The external clock frequency must exceed the internal oscillator frequency by at least 10% for reliable locking - e.g., for a nominal 2.2MHz internal frequency, the external clock must be >2.42MHz. The FSYNC signal must meet TTL-compatible thresholds (V_{FSYNC_HI} ≥ 1.4V, V_{FSYNC_LO} ≤ 0.4V) and exhibits 1-cycle acquisition time. When synchronized, the internal spread-spectrum function is disabled, but external spread-spectrum clocks are accepted.

How does the MAX16907SATE+T achieve 30µA quiescent current, and under what conditions?

The MAX16907SATE+T achieves 30µA typical quiescent current in skip mode at no load and 5V output, verified at +25°C. This occurs when inductor current falls below 300mA, triggering skip mode - where most internal circuitry (including the BIAS LDO) is powered from V_OUT instead of SUP/SUPSW, drastically reducing supply draw. The 30µA value is specified with V_OUT = 5V and excludes current through external feedback resistors or PGOOD pull-up. At elevated temperatures, quiescent current increases slightly but remains below 60µA over –40°C to +125°C.

What is the purpose of the separate SUP and SUPSW pins on the MAX16907SATE+T?

The MAX16907SATE+T uses separate SUP and SUPSW pins to decouple the bias supply (SUP) from the high-side switch supply (SUPSW). SUP powers the internal control logic and BIAS LDO, while SUPSW directly supplies the gate driver and high-side MOSFET. This separation allows the device to maintain >98% duty cycle during cold-crank events: when SUPSW drops near the output voltage, the controller continues regulating using SUP-derived bias, preventing dropout. It also improves efficiency by minimizing conduction losses in the bias path.

Can the MAX16907SATE+T be used with a 3.3V output, and how is it configured?

Yes, the MAX16907SATE+T supports 3.3V output via the adjustable configuration. Connect FB to a resistive divider between OUT and GND, setting V_FB = 1.0V (typical). For 3.3V output, use R_FB1 = 23kΩ (OUT to FB) and R_FB2 = 10kΩ (FB to GND), yielding V_OUT = 1.0V × (1 + 23kΩ/10kΩ) = 3.3V. The device maintains ±0.5% load regulation and ±0.02%/V line regulation across the full input range, ensuring stable 3.3V rail for low-voltage MCUs and peripherals.