Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX16936RAUEA/V+T

Overview

MAX16936RAUEA/V+T from Maxim Integrated is a 2.5A current-mode synchronous step-down converter with integrated high-side and low-side MOSFETs, designed for automotive power supplies operating from 3.5V to 36V input. It delivers fixed 5V output (±2% accuracy), supports 220kHz–2.2MHz resistor-programmable switching frequency, achieves 98% max duty cycle during cold-crank transients, and consumes only 28µA quiescent current at no load - enabling robust point-of-load regulation in navigation head units.

For engineers reviewing the MAX16936RAUEA/V+T datasheet, MAX16936RAUEA/V+T pinout, MAX16936RAUEA/V+T application, or MAX16936RAUEA/V+T equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed automotive-grade thermal and protection specs (-40°C to +125°C, AEC-Q100 qualified), and real-world design implications for EMI-sensitive RF power rails and cascaded supply architectures.

Technical Context

The MAX16936RAUEA/V+T implements current-mode control with cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection and automatic LX slew-rate adjustment (4ns at >1.1MHz, 8ns at <1.1MHz) to balance EMI reduction and efficiency. Its dual-supply architecture separates logic (SUP) and switch (SUPSW) rails, enabling stable operation down to 3.5V input while supporting 42V load-dump tolerance.

It features a 5V BIAS linear regulator with auto-switching to OUT supply when VOUT is 3–5.5V and in regulation, plus an open-drain PGOOD output with 95%/92% rising/falling thresholds and 10–50µs debounce. The SYNCOUT pin delivers a 180° out-of-phase clock signal for synchronized multi-converter designs without external phase-shift circuitry.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX16936RAUEA/V+T is housed in a 16-pin TSSOP-EP package with exposed thermal pad (EP) connected to PGND. The package supports high-power dissipation (2088.8mW at +70°C, θ_JA = 38.3°C/W) and requires solder-reflow compatible layout per JEDEC JESD51-7 multilayer board standard.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX16938RAUEA/V+T, the MAX16936RAUEA/V+T offers higher OVP threshold for improved noise margin; versus LM61480QRNXTQ1, it delivers unique SYNCOUT phase control and integrated spread-spectrum - both critical for EMI-constrained automotive infotainment and ADAS power systems.

Availability

MAX16936RAUEA/V+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive navigation systems, telematics control units, and ADAS camera modules requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q100 compliance, extended temperature support, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MAX16936RAUEA/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) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for automotive, industrial, and communications markets.

The MAX16936RAUEA/V+T belongs to Maxim's automotive-grade power-management portfolio, engineered specifically for demanding 12V/24V vehicle electrical systems requiring ultra-low quiescent current, high transient tolerance, and EMI-robust operation in safety-critical ECUs.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage the MAX16936RAUEA/V+T can withstand during load-dump events?

The MAX16936RAUEA/V+T supports 42V transient input during load-dump events (per ISO 16750-2), with absolute maximum ratings specifying SUP and SUPSW pins up to +42V for ≤1s. This rating is validated under AEC-Q100 stress testing and enables direct connection to automotive battery rails without external TVS clamping in most implementations. The device remains functional and protects downstream circuitry throughout the event.

Does the MAX16936RAUEA/V+T require an external Schottky diode, and why?

Yes, the MAX16936RAUEA/V+T requires an external Schottky diode connected between LX and PGND. Although it integrates high-side and low-side MOSFETs, the diode provides conduction path during light-load skip mode and improves efficiency at low output voltages by reducing forward voltage drop compared to the body diode of the low-side MOSFET. This configuration is explicitly specified in the datasheet's application circuit and thermal design guidelines.

How does the MAX16936RAUEA/V+T achieve 98% maximum duty cycle, and what design benefit does this provide?

The MAX16936RAUEA/V+T achieves 98% maximum duty cycle by dynamically forcing the low-side MOSFET on for 150ns every 12µs once off-time drops below 25ns - a behavior triggered during deep undervoltage transients. This enables regulation down to ~3.5V input while delivering 5V output, making it ideal for cold-crank scenarios in automotive systems where input voltage may dip below nominal levels for hundreds of milliseconds.

Can the MAX16936RAUEA/V+T operate in forced PWM mode across all load conditions, and how is this enabled?

Yes, the MAX16936RAUEA/V+T supports fixed-frequency forced-PWM (FPWM) operation across the full 0–2.5A load range. This is enabled by driving the FSYNC pin high (to BIAS or an external clock), which activates the internal low-side MOSFET to maintain continuous switching - eliminating frequency variation and minimizing EMI peaks. FPWM mode is especially valuable in RF-sensitive applications like cellular modems or GNSS receivers integrated into automotive head units.

What is the role of the BIAS pin, and how does its behavior change based on output voltage?

The BIAS pin is a 5V linear regulator output that powers internal analog/digital circuitry. When the regulated output (VOUT) is set between 3V and 5.5V and reaches regulation, the internal LDO automatically disables and OUT supplies the IC - reducing quiescent loss. The BIAS regulator re-enables if VOUT drops below 3V, exceeds 5.5V, or if load current exceeds 100mA, ensuring robust startup and fault recovery. This auto-switching is intrinsic to MAX16936RAUEA/V+T operation and requires no external control.