Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX16936SAUEA/V+T

Overview

MAX16936SAUEA/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 supplies 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 supports forced-PWM (FPWM) and skip modes, features 180° out-of-phase SYNCOUT for cascaded supplies, and operates across –40°C to +125°C.

For engineers reviewing the MAX16936SAUEA/V+T datasheet, MAX16936SAUEA/V+T pinout, MAX16936SAUEA/V+T application, or MAX16936SAUEA/V+T equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed automotive-grade specifications (AEC-Q100 qualified), and real-world design implications-including 98% max duty cycle for cold-crank resilience, 42V load-dump protection, and spread-spectrum EMI reduction-enabling rapid integration into navigation head units, RF transceiver power rails, and distributed automotive DC systems.

Technical Context

The MAX16936SAUEA/V+T implements current-mode control with cycle-by-cycle current limiting and automatic LX slew-rate adjustment (4ns at >1.1MHz, 8ns otherwise) to balance EMI and efficiency. Its dual supply inputs (SUP and SUPSW) decouple logic and switch power paths, enabling stable operation during undervoltage transients down to 3.5V while maintaining 98% duty cycle.

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 operation above 100mA load. The FSYNC pin selects between skip mode (FSYNC = AGND) and FPWM mode (FSYNC = BIAS or external clock), with synchronization acquisition within one cycle and fallback to internal oscillator after two missing cycles.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX16936SAUEA/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 ambient) and requires multilayer PCB layout with large contiguous copper area under EP for thermal management.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM61480QRTWRQ1 and TPS62933QPWRQ1, the MAX16936SAUEA/V+T uniquely combines 2.5A integrated dual-FET operation, 180° SYNCOUT for interleaving, AEC-Q100 Grade-1 qualification, and FSYNC-selectable FPWM/skip modes - making it optimal for automotive systems demanding coordinated multi-rail power, EMI control, and extreme environmental robustness.

Availability

MAX16936SAUEA/V+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, telematics, ADAS sensor hubs, and industrial control systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q100-compliant performance.

Supply support for MAX16936SAUEA/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 MAX16936/MAX16938 product line was engineered specifically for automotive power conversion - emphasizing wide-input resilience, low-IQ standby, AEC-Q100 compliance, and EMI-aware features like spread-spectrum and SYNCOUT phasing.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage the MAX16936SAUEA/V+T can withstand during load-dump events?

The MAX16936SAUEA/V+T supports 42V transient input voltage during load-dump events (per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a), with absolute maximum ratings specifying SUP/SUPSW up to +42V for ≤1s. This eliminates the need for external TVS diodes in many automotive front-end designs, provided layout follows Maxim's recommended grounding and decoupling practices for the SUP and SUPSW pins.

Does the MAX16936SAUEA/V+T require an external Schottky diode, and why?

Yes, the MAX16936SAUEA/V+T requires an external Schottky diode connected between LX and PGND. Although it integrates both high-side and low-side MOSFETs, the low-side FET is used only for FPWM operation and cannot replace the diode's freewheeling function across the full load range. The diode improves light-load efficiency and ensures reliable operation during startup and fault conditions where the low-side FET may not conduct.

How does the FSYNC pin affect operating mode and EMI performance of the MAX16936SAUEA/V+T?

The FSYNC pin directly controls the MAX16936SAUEA/V+T's operating mode: connecting FSYNC to AGND enables skip mode (variable frequency, lowest IQ), while connecting to BIAS or an external clock enables fixed-frequency FPWM mode (constant fSW, minimal EMI variation). In FPWM mode, the device eliminates frequency jitter that could interfere with RF receivers - a key advantage for telematics and V2X applications.

What is the purpose of the SYNCOUT pin on the MAX16936SAUEA/V+T, and how is it used in system design?

The SYNCOUT pin on the MAX16936SAUEA/V+T outputs an open-drain 180° out-of-phase clock signal relative to the internal oscillator. It is used to synchronize multiple MAX16936SAUEA/V+T devices in interleaved configurations - reducing input/output ripple, lowering RMS capacitor currents, and increasing total system power capacity without increasing EMI peaks.

Is the MAX16936SAUEA/V+T pin-compatible with other variants in the MAX16936/MAX16938 family?

Yes, the MAX16936SAUEA/V+T shares identical pinout and package (16-pin TSSOP-EP) with all MAX16936 and MAX16938 variants, including MAX16936SAUEA/V+ (non-S version), MAX16936SAUEB/V+, and MAX16938 versions. Functional differences (e.g., OVP threshold, spread-spectrum enable) are internal and do not affect pin mapping, layout, or basic circuit implementation.