Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX16938ATERA/V+

Overview

MAX16938ATERA/V+ from Maxim Integrated is a 36V, 2.5A current-mode synchronous step-down converter with integrated high-side and low-side MOSFETs, designed for automotive power supplies requiring 5V/3.3V fixed or 1V–10V adjustable output, 220kHz–2.2MHz resistor-programmable switching frequency, and 28µA no-load quiescent current. It supports 98% duty cycle during cold-crank transients and features AEC-Q100 qualification for under-hood applications.

For engineers reviewing the MAX16938ATERA/V+ datasheet, MAX16938ATERA/V+ pinout, MAX16938ATERA/V+ application, or MAX16938ATERA/V+ equivalent, key selection considerations include its 42V load-dump protection, 180° out-of-phase SYNCOUT for cascaded supplies, tight ±2% fixed-output accuracy, FPWM/skip-mode selectability via FSYNC, and thermal shutdown with automatic recovery over –40°C to +125°C.

Technical Context

The MAX16938ATERA/V+ implements current-mode control with cycle-by-cycle current limiting and automatic LX slew-rate adjustment-4ns rise time above 1.1MHz, 8ns below-to optimize EMI vs. efficiency trade-offs. Its dual-supply architecture (SUP for logic, SUPSW for switch) enables stable operation down to 3.5V input while supporting 42V transient tolerance.

It integrates a 5V BIAS linear regulator (±2% over temperature), power-good monitoring with 95%/92% VFB thresholds, and overvoltage protection with tighter 105% threshold (vs. 107% on MAX16936), making it suitable for safety-critical automotive rails where output overshoot must be minimized.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX16938ATERA/V+ is housed in a 16-pin TSSOP-EP package with exposed thermal pad (EP), optimized for automotive thermal management on multilayer PCBs. Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance is 38.3°C/W (JEDEC 51 standard).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX16936ATERA/V+, the MAX16938ATERA/V+ offers tighter overvoltage protection critical for 3.3V logic rails, while the LMQ66430QRGTRQ1 trades integration for higher current and lower quiescent current-making MAX16938ATERA/V+ optimal for space-constrained, EMI-sensitive automotive modules needing robust 2.5A regulation.

Availability

MAX16938ATERA/V+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, ADAS camera modules, and industrial telematics gateways requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MAX16938ATERA/V+ 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 delivers highly integrated, AEC-Q100-qualified DC-DC converters targeting automotive front-end power rails-designed to replace discrete buck controllers + MOSFETs in space- and reliability-constrained ECU designs.

FAQ

What is the maximum duty cycle supported by the MAX16938ATERA/V+?

The MAX16938ATERA/V+ supports up to 98% maximum duty cycle, enabling stable regulation during undervoltage transients such as automotive cold-crank events down to 3.5V input. This capability is achieved through internal off-time monitoring and forced low-side conduction, allowing the device to maintain output voltage even when input approaches the programmed output level. The 98% figure is typical and confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table under "Maximum Duty Cycle".

Does the MAX16938ATERA/V+ require an external Schottky diode?

Yes, the MAX16938ATERA/V+ requires an external Schottky diode connected between LX and PGND-even though it integrates both high-side and low-side MOSFETs. This design choice improves light-load efficiency and thermal performance beyond what the internal low-side FET alone can achieve. The diode is explicitly called out in the General Description, Pin Descriptions (LX pin function), and Typical Application Circuit sections of the datasheet.

How does the MAX16938ATERA/V+ differ from the MAX16936ATERA/V+?

The MAX16938ATERA/V+ differs from the MAX16936ATERA/V+ primarily in its tighter overvoltage protection threshold (105% vs. 107% of VFB), which reduces output overshoot during fault conditions-critical for protecting 3.3V logic interfaces. Both share identical pinout, package, operating range, and feature set including SYNCOUT, FSYNC mode control, and AEC-Q100 qualification. The MAX16938ATERA/V+ is the preferred choice where enhanced OVP precision is required.

What is the purpose of the SYNCOUT pin on the MAX16938ATERA/V+?

The SYNCOUT pin on the MAX16938ATERA/V+ provides an open-drain 180° out-of-phase clock signal relative to the internal oscillator. This enables phase interleaving when cascading multiple MAX16938ATERA/V+ devices-reducing input capacitor RMS current and system-level EMI. The signal is intended to drive the FSYNC pin of a second converter, and its timing is guaranteed across temperature and supply variations per the datasheet's Typical Operating Characteristics.

Can the MAX16938ATERA/V+ operate with a 3.3V enable signal?

Yes, the MAX16938ATERA/V+ EN pin is compatible with 3.3V logic levels: its enable threshold is specified as 2.4V (min) for high and 0.6V (max) for low, with 0.2V hysteresis. This allows direct interfacing with 3.3V microcontrollers, CAN transceiver inhibit pins (INH), or KL30-switched automotive signals without level-shifting. The EN pin also tolerates up to 42V, enabling robust connection to battery rails.