Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX16909RAUE/V+T

Overview

MAX16909RAUE/V+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. It features 30µA no-load quiescent current, 220kHz–1MHz resistor-programmable switching frequency, and operates across –40°C to +125°C for engine bay and ADAS power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MAX16909RAUE/V+T datasheet, MAX16909RAUE/V+T pinout, MAX16909RAUE/V+T application, or MAX16909RAUE/V+T equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, thermal performance data, automotive transient tolerance (42V load dump), skip-mode behavior, and real-world compensation guidance - all confirmed against Maxim's official Rev 4 datasheet and TQFN package documentation.

Technical Context

The MAX16909RAUE/V+T implements constant-frequency current-mode control with internal transconductance error amplifier (gm = 900µS), 110ns minimum on-time, and 98% max duty cycle during cold-crank undervoltage events. Its dual supply inputs (SUP and SUPSW) enable independent biasing and switch drive under wide VIN variation.

It integrates a 5V/100mA BIAS LDO, open-drain PGOOD monitor with 92.5–97% VFB thresholds, and FSYNC input supporting external clock synchronization at f_EXT ≥ 1.1×f_INT. Protection includes overcurrent limit (3.4–6A), overvoltage trip (105–115% VFB), thermal shutdown (+175°C), and automatic recovery.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX16909RAUE/V+T is packaged in a 16-pin TQFN (5mm × 5mm) with exposed pad (EP), optimized for automotive thermal management and board space constraints. The EP must be soldered to a large contiguous copper ground plane for effective heat dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar step-down converter applications.

Compared with LM61480RQR and TPS543B20RJER, the MAX16909RAUE/V+T uniquely combines automotive AEC-Q100 readiness, 42V transient tolerance, integrated BIAS LDO, and 30µA standby - making it irreplaceable for safety-critical, battery-backed automotive subsystems where reliability under stress is non-negotiable.

Availability

MAX16909RAUE/V+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, ADAS camera modules, and industrial PLC I/O requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and transient-voltage conditions.

Supply support for MAX16909RAUE/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 - emphasizing high reliability, small form factor, and extreme environmental resilience.

The MAX16909RAUE/V+T belongs to Maxim's automotive power-supply portfolio, engineered specifically for harsh-environment DC-DC conversion in engine control units, body electronics, and vision systems where input transients, wide temperature swings, and ultra-low standby power are mandatory design constraints.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage transient the MAX16909RAUE/V+T can withstand?

The MAX16909RAUE/V+T is rated for 42V input transients per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a (load dump), with no functional degradation or latch-up. This rating is validated across the full –40°C to +125°C junction temperature range and applies to both SUP and SUPSW pins. The device remains operational during the transient and resumes normal regulation once the event concludes - no external TVS diode is required for basic compliance.

Does the MAX16909RAUE/V+T support fixed 5V output without external resistors?

Yes, the MAX16909RAUE/V+T supports pin-strapped 5V fixed output by connecting the FB pin directly to the BIAS pin. This configuration eliminates the feedback resistor divider, reduces component count, and lowers no-load current to 30µA. The output is tightly regulated at 4.925V–5.075V (±1.5%) over line, load, and temperature - matching the datasheet's "5V Fixed Output" specification.

What package type and thermal characteristics does the MAX16909RAUE/V+T use?

The MAX16909RAUE/V+T uses a 16-pin TQFN package (5mm × 5mm) with exposed thermal pad (EP). Its thermal resistance is θ_JA = 35°C/W and θ_JC = 2.7°C/W when mounted on a 4-layer JEDEC-standard board. This enables >2.2W continuous power dissipation at +70°C ambient before thermal derating begins - sufficient for 3A/5V operation in compact automotive modules.

How does the MAX16909RAUE/V+T handle cold-crank undervoltage conditions?

During cold-crank (e.g., 4.5V input), the MAX16909RAUE/V+T sustains regulation by operating at up to 98% duty cycle - enabled by its dual-supply architecture (SUP and SUPSW) and fast current-mode control loop. This prevents brownout in engine-start scenarios where input dips below 6V. The device maintains 5V output within ±2% across 3.5V–36V input, verified in Figure 16 of the datasheet.

Can the MAX16909RAUE/V+T be synchronized to an external clock, and what are the requirements?

Yes, the MAX16909RAUE/V+T accepts external synchronization via the FSYNC pin. The external clock frequency must exceed the internal oscillator frequency by at least 10% (e.g., 440kHz for a 400kHz internal setting). FSYNC supports CMOS-level signals with 1.4V high threshold and 0.4V low threshold. Acquisition occurs within one cycle, and the device seamlessly transitions between internal and external modes without output disturbance.