Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX16936RAUEB/V+T

Overview

MAX16936RAUEB/V+T from Maxim Integrated is a 2.5A current-mode step-down DC-DC converter with integrated high-side and low-side MOSFETs, designed for automotive power rails requiring 3.5V–36V input, 5V fixed output (±2% accuracy), 28µA no-load quiescent current, and resistor-programmable switching frequency from 220kHz to 2.2MHz. It enables FPWM or skip-mode operation via FSYNC and supports 98% duty cycle during cold-crank transients.

For engineers reviewing the MAX16936RAUEB/V+T datasheet, MAX16936RAUEB/V+T pinout, MAX16936RAUEB/V+T application, or MAX16936RAUEB/V+T equivalent, key selection criteria include AEC-Q100 qualification, 42V load-dump protection, spread-spectrum EMI reduction, 180° out-of-phase SYNCOUT for cascaded supplies, and compatibility with external Schottky diode for efficiency optimization in automotive navigation and radio head units.

Technical Context

The MAX16936RAUEB/V+T implements current-mode control with cycle-by-cycle current limiting and automatic LX slew-rate adjustment-4ns rise time at >1.1MHz, 8ns below-to balance EMI and efficiency. Its dual supply inputs (SUP/SUPSW) decouple logic and switch power paths, enabling stable operation down to 3.5V input while supporting 98% max duty cycle during undervoltage events.

It integrates a 5V BIAS linear regulator (4.7–5.4V output, ±200mV UVLO hysteresis) that powers internal circuitry until OUT reaches regulation, then transitions to OUT-supplied bias above 3V output. The device features open-drain PGOOD (95%/92% thresholds) and SYNCOUT (180° out-of-phase, open-drain) for sequencing and multi-rail synchronization.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX16936RAUEB/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 soldering per JEDEC JESD22-A113 standard.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX16938RAUEB/V+T, the MAX16936RAUEB/V+T offers higher OVP threshold for relaxed fault-margin designs, while versus LM61480RQWR it delivers AEC-Q100 compliance, 180° SYNCOUT for multi-rail coordination, and factory-enabled spread-spectrum-critical for automotive EMC certification.

Availability

MAX16936RAUEB/V+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive navigation systems, infotainment head units, and ADAS camera modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage transients.

Supply support for MAX16936RAUEB/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 high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for automotive, industrial, and communications markets, emphasizing reliability, integration, and power efficiency.

The MAX16936/MAX16938 product line targets automotive power management, delivering AEC-Q100-qualified DC-DC converters with ultra-low quiescent current, high-voltage resilience, and advanced EMI mitigation for infotainment and ADAS subsystems.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage the MAX16936RAUEB/V+T can withstand during load-dump events?

The MAX16936RAUEB/V+T is rated for 42V transient input during load-dump events (per AEC-Q100 stress testing), with absolute maximum ratings specifying SUP and SUPSW pins up to +42V for ≤1s. This ensures reliable operation in 12V automotive systems subjected to ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a surges without external TVS clamping.

Does the MAX16936RAUEB/V+T require an external Schottky diode, and why?

Yes, the MAX16936RAUEB/V+T requires an external Schottky diode connected between LX and PGND. Although it integrates high-side and low-side MOSFETs, the diode improves light-load efficiency by providing a low-loss freewheeling path-especially critical in skip mode where the low-side FET is inactive. The datasheet explicitly states this configuration enables "better efficiency."

How does the MAX16936RAUEB/V+T achieve 98% maximum duty cycle, and what is its practical benefit?

The MAX16936RAUEB/V+T achieves 98% maximum duty cycle by monitoring off-time and forcing the low-side FET on for 150ns every 12µs once 25ns off-time is detected continuously. This enables regulation during severe undervoltage transients like cold-crank (e.g., 5V output sustained from 5.1V input), preventing system reset in automotive start-stop scenarios.

Can the MAX16936RAUEB/V+T operate with a 3.3V fixed output, and how is it configured?

No-the MAX16936RAUEB/V+T variant is specified for 5V fixed output only. While the MAX16936/MAX16938 family includes 3.3V-fixed versions (e.g., MAX16936BAUEB/V+T), the RAUEB/V+T suffix denotes the 5V version. To set 3.3V, an external resistor divider must be used on the FB pin, yielding ±2% accuracy across temperature per the adjustable mode specifications.

What thermal management considerations apply to the MAX16936RAUEB/V+T in a TSSOP-EP package?

The MAX16936RAUEB/V+T in TSSOP-EP has θ_JA = 38.3°C/W and θ_JC = 3°C/W. Effective thermal design requires soldering the exposed pad (EP) to a large, low-thermal-resistance PGND copper plane (≥4 cm² recommended), using ≥6 thermal vias, and avoiding isolation gaps. Derating begins above +70°C ambient (26.1 mW/°C).