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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX16938ATERB/V+
- Part No.:
- MAX16938ATERB/V+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- 16-WQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX16938ATERB/V+.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK ADJ/1V 2.5A 16TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,253
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Product details
Overview
MAX16938ATERB/V+ 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/3.3V or adjustable 1V–10V output with ±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 includes AEC-Q100 qualification for under-hood navigation and radio head units.
For engineers reviewing the MAX16938ATERB/V+ datasheet, MAX16938ATERB/V+ pinout, MAX16938ATERB/V+ application, or MAX16938ATERB/V+ equivalent, key selection considerations include its 98% max duty cycle for cold-crank resilience, tight overvoltage protection (105% threshold), integrated BIAS LDO, thermal shutdown with automatic recovery, and compatibility with external Schottky diodes for efficiency optimization in 12V/24V automotive systems.
Technical Context
The MAX16938ATERB/V+ employs 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 reduction and efficiency. Its dual supply inputs (SUP and SUPSW) enable robust operation during load-dump (42V) and cold-crank transients, while the internal 5V BIAS regulator powers control circuitry until OUT reaches regulation.
It integrates a transconductance error amplifier (700µS gm), 1V FB reference with 0.02%/V line regulation, and programmable soft-start (5.6–12ms). The FSYNC pin selects between skip mode (200–500mA skip threshold) and FPWM mode, and the SYNCOUT pin provides open-drain 180° out-of-phase clock output for multi-phase synchronization without external logic.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 3.5V to 36V - supports full automotive battery range including cold crank (≥3.5V) and load dump (42V transient tolerance) |
| Output Current | 2.5A continuous - enables point-of-load regulation for microcontrollers, sensors, and RF transceivers in automotive ECUs |
| Quiescent Current | 28µA at no load - meets stringent ISO 16750-2 standby power requirements for always-on modules |
| Switching Frequency | 220kHz–2.2MHz, resistor-programmable - allows trade-off between inductor size (higher fSW → smaller L) and conduction vs. switching losses |
| Output Voltage Options | Fixed 5V/3.3V (±2%) or adjustable 1V–10V via FB divider - supports diverse SoC core/I/O rail requirements |
| Overvoltage Protection | 105% of VOUT (monitored at FB) - tighter threshold than MAX16936 (107%), critical for protecting downstream 5V logic |
| Thermal Shutdown | 175°C with 15°C hysteresis - ensures safe recovery after overload or poor heatsinking in sealed enclosures |
Pinout & Package
MAX16938ATERB/V+ is housed in a 16-pin TQFN-EP (5mm × 5mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed pad connected to PGND for thermal management. The package supports ≤2.286W continuous power dissipation at +70°C ambient (derated 28.6mW/°C above).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (SYNCOUT) | Open-drain clock output | 180° out-of-phase signal relative to internal oscillator - enables synchronized multi-converter designs without external phase-shift circuitry |
| 2 (FSYNC) | Mode select & sync input | Logic-controlled entry into skip mode (AGND) or FPWM mode (BIAS/external clock) - eliminates EMI variation in RF-sensitive applications |
| 3 (FOSC) | Frequency programming node | Resistor-to-AGND sets fSW (e.g., 12kΩ = 2.2MHz); enables precise EMI band placement and layout optimization |
| 4 (OUT) | Power output & internal supply | Delivers regulated output; powers internal circuitry when VOUT = 3–5.5V - reduces need for auxiliary bias rails |
| 5 (FB) | Feedback sensing input | 1.0V reference point - connects to resistive divider for adjustable outputs or directly to BIAS for fixed 5V/3.3V |
| 6 (COMP) | Error amplifier output | Drives external RC compensation network - stabilizes loop response across temperature and load variations |
| 7 (BIAS) | Integrated 5V LDO output | Powers analog/oscillator blocks; bypassed with 1µF capacitor - shuts down automatically once OUT regulates, saving power |
| 8 (AGND) | Analog ground reference | Separate from PGND to minimize noise coupling into feedback and oscillator circuits - improves regulation accuracy |
| 9 (BST) | High-side gate driver supply | Requires 0.1µF bootstrap capacitor between BST and LX - enables efficient high-side MOSFET drive without external charge pump |
| 10 (EN) | Enable input | 3.3V–42V compatible - allows direct connection to KL30 battery or CAN transceiver INH pin for system-level power sequencing |
| 11 (SUP) | Main logic supply input | Powers internal LDO and digital logic - bypassed with 4.7µF ceramic capacitor to suppress ripple from noisy battery sources |
| 12 (SUPSW) | Switch supply input | Directly powers high-side/low-side FET drivers - decoupled with 0.1µF + 4.7µF ceramics to handle high di/dt switching currents |
| 13–14 (LX) | Switching node | Connects to Schottky diode cathode and inductor - high dv/dt node requiring short, low-inductance PCB routing |
| 15 (PGND) | Power ground | Primary return path for high-current switch paths - must be tied to EP and separated from AGND at single-point star ground |
| 16 (PGOOD) | Open-drain power-good flag | Active-low signal asserting at 95% VOUT, deasserting at 92% - enables reliable power-supply sequencing with µCs and FPGAs |
| EP | Exposed thermal pad | Must connect to large-area PGND copper pour - accounts for >80% of thermal conduction; not a functional ground reference |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated 2.5A high- and low-side MOSFETs | Eliminates external switch components and reduces BOM count by ≥4 parts versus controller-based solutions |
| 98% maximum duty cycle | Enables stable 5V output even during 6V cold-crank events (e.g., engine start at low temperature), avoiding dropout |
| Tight overvoltage protection (105% threshold) | Reduces output overshoot during load transients - protects 5V I/O peripherals without external TVS clamping |
| 180° out-of-phase SYNCOUT | Allows two MAX16938ATERB/V+ devices to operate interleaved, cutting input/output ripple current by ~70% vs. parallel operation |
| AEC-Q100 qualified (Grade -40°C to +125°C) | Validated for under-hood deployment in automotive ADAS, infotainment, and body control modules |
| Spread-spectrum modulation (±6%) | Factory-enabled option reduces peak EMI by >10dB in 150kHz–1GHz range - simplifies CISPR 25 Class 5 compliance |
Applications
| Navigation Systems | Radio Head Units |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering GPS baseband processors, display controllers, and touch interface ICs in automotive center-stack displays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 5V/3.3V POL regulator delivering clean, sequenced power with PGOOD handshake to MCU boot sequence. Use Value: 28µA quiescent current extends battery runtime in accessory mode; 98% duty cycle prevents brownout during engine cranking. |
Use Scenario: Supplying audio DSPs, RF front-ends, and Bluetooth/Wi-Fi SoCs in OEM infotainment head units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-frequency FPWM mode selected via FSYNC to maintain constant switching frequency and minimize RF interference with AM/FM reception. Use Value: SYNCOUT-driven interleaving with second converter reduces input capacitor RMS current, enabling smaller 1210-case ceramics. |
| Distributed DC Power Systems | ADAS Camera Modules |
Use Scenario: Local voltage regulation for zone controllers in vehicle domain architecture, fed from 12V backbone bus. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Cascaded power supply using SYNCOUT-to-FSYNC daisy chain across multiple boards - synchronizes switching to suppress beat frequencies. Use Value: Resistor-programmable fSW allows matching to mechanical resonance frequencies of enclosure, reducing audible noise. |
Use Scenario: Providing 3.3V power to image sensors and serializer ICs in rear-view or surround-view camera ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability POL converter with thermal shutdown and 42V load-dump protection - withstands alternator surge events per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. Use Value: Tight OVP (105%) prevents damage to sensitive CMOS image sensors during transient overvoltage conditions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar step-down converter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX16936ATERB/V+ | OVP threshold 107% (vs. 105% on MAX16938ATERB/V+); identical pinout, specs, and package | Suitable where looser OVP margin is acceptable (e.g., non-safety-critical 5V rails) | Select MAX16936ATERB/V+ only if tighter OVP is unnecessary - same cost and availability |
| TPS650331ARGTR | 3A output, 2.7–5.5V input only, no spread spectrum, no SYNCOUT, QFN-16 (4×4mm) | Limited to low-voltage systems (e.g., USB-powered accessories); lacks automotive transient robustness | Use only in non-automotive, low-input-voltage applications where footprint is constrained and 36V operation is irrelevant |
Compared with MAX16936ATERB/V+, the MAX16938ATERB/V+ offers superior overvoltage protection for safety-critical 5V rails, while the TPS650331ARGTR trades automotive ruggedness for smaller size and higher current in low-voltage consumer-grade systems - neither is pin-compatible, but both serve adjacent design spaces.
Availability
MAX16938ATERB/V+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive navigation systems, radio head units, and ADAS camera modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and harsh electrical environments.
Supply support for MAX16938ATERB/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 was engineered specifically for automotive power conversion - emphasizing AEC-Q100 qualification, wide VIN range, low IQ, and transient resilience to meet ISO 16750 and ISO 7637-2 requirements.
FAQ
What is the key difference between MAX16938ATERB/V+ and MAX16936ATERB/V+?
The MAX16938ATERB/V+ features a tighter overvoltage protection threshold of 105% (vs. 107% on MAX16936ATERB/V+), making it preferred for applications where output overshoot must be minimized-such as powering sensitive 5V logic in automotive infotainment systems. Both share identical pinout, package, quiescent current, and all other electrical specifications.
Can MAX16938ATERB/V+ operate during automotive cold-crank conditions?
Yes. The MAX16938ATERB/V+ supports input voltages down to 3.5V and achieves up to 98% duty cycle, enabling stable 5V output even when battery voltage drops to 6V during engine cranking. This behavior is validated across the full –40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range.
How does the FSYNC pin configure operating mode on MAX16938ATERB/V+?
On the MAX16938ATERB/V+, connecting FSYNC to AGND enables skip mode for highest light-load efficiency, while connecting it to BIAS or an external clock forces fixed-frequency PWM (FPWM) mode to suppress EMI sidebands-critical for RF transceiver power supplies. The device synchronizes to external clocks within one cycle.
What is the role of the BIAS pin on MAX16938ATERB/V+ and how should it be decoupled?
The BIAS pin on MAX16938ATERB/V+ outputs a regulated 5V supply for internal circuitry. It must be bypassed with a 1µF ceramic capacitor to AGND. When VOUT is set between 3V and 5.5V, BIAS powers the IC until regulation is achieved, then shuts off-reducing no-load power consumption to 28µA.
Does MAX16938ATERB/V+ require an external Schottky diode, and why?
Yes. Although MAX16938ATERB/V+ integrates high- and low-side MOSFETs, it requires an external Schottky diode from LX to PGND to conduct current during dead-time and improve light-load efficiency. This topology leverages the diode's low forward voltage to reduce conduction loss when the low-side FET is off.
MAX16938ATERB/V+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-WQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Adjustable (Fixed)
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 3.5V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 36V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1V (3.3V)
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 10V
- Current - Output:
- 2.5A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 220kHz ~ 2.2MHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- Automotive
- Qualification:
- AEC-Q100
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TQFN (5x5)
MAX16938ATERB/V+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX16938ATERB/V+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX16938ATERB/V+ on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX16938ATERB/V+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX16938ATERB/V+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX16938ATERB/V+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX16938ATERB/V+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX16938ATERB/V+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX16938ATERB/V+?
MAX16938ATERB/V+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX16938ATERB/V+ order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX16938ATERB/V+?
For technical support, including MAX16938ATERB/V+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX16938ATERB/V+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX16938ATERB/V+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX16938ATERB/V+ products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX16938ATERB/V+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX16938ATERB/V+?
All MAX16938ATERB/V+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX16938ATERB/V+, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX16938ATERB/V+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX16938ATERB/V+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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