Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX16938ATESB/V+

Overview

MAX16938ATESB/V+ 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 systems requiring 3.5V–36V input, 5V fixed output (±2% accuracy), 28µA no-load quiescent current, and AEC-Q100 qualification. It supports forced-PWM (FPWM) and skip modes, operates up to 98% duty cycle during cold-crank transients, and delivers stable 5V supply to RF transceivers and infotainment subsystems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX16938ATESB/V+ datasheet, MAX16938ATESB/V+ pinout, MAX16938ATESB/V+ application, or MAX16938ATESB/V+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its 5V fixed output with tight regulation, 220kHz–2.2MHz resistor-programmable switching frequency, integrated 180° out-of-phase SYNCOUT for cascaded supplies, and 42V load-dump protection - all validated for -40°C to +125°C automotive operation.

Technical Context

The MAX16938ATESB/V+ employs current-mode control with cycle-by-cycle current limiting 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 robust cold-crank operation down to 3.5V while maintaining 5V output via 98% max duty cycle.

It integrates a 5V BIAS linear regulator with UVLO (3.15V typ), a power-good (PGOOD) monitor with 95%/92% hysteresis thresholds, and overvoltage protection tuned to 105% of FB voltage - tighter than the MAX16936's 107%, making it suitable for safety-critical 5V rail regulation in ADAS and instrument clusters.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX16938ATESB/V+ 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 per JEDEC J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX16936ATESB/V+, the MAX16938ATESB/V+ offers tighter OVP (105% vs. 107%) and identical FPWM/skip mode control, while the LM61480QRNXTQ1 trades integrated features for higher current and lower BOM count - making MAX16938ATESB/V+ optimal for safety-aware, EMI-sensitive automotive domains.

Availability

MAX16938ATESB/V+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, ADAS camera modules, and instrument cluster power systems requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MAX16938ATESB/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 - delivering high-efficiency, low-I_Q, and robust transient handling in space-constrained, thermally demanding environments.

FAQ

What is the output voltage accuracy of the MAX16938ATESB/V+ under full automotive temperature range?

The MAX16938ATESB/V+ delivers 5V output with ±2% accuracy across -40°C to +125°C ambient temperature, measured at the FB pin under specified line, load, and frequency conditions. This tight regulation ensures reliable operation of downstream MCUs and sensors without additional post-regulation circuitry, and is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table (V_{OUT_5V} = 4.9V to 5.1V in FPWM mode).

Does the MAX16938ATESB/V+ require an external Schottky diode, and why?

Yes, the MAX16938ATESB/V+ 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 and supports continuous conduction mode during high-current transients. The datasheet explicitly states this requirement in both the General Description and Detailed Description sections.

How does the MAX16938ATESB/V+ handle cold-crank conditions below 4V input?

The MAX16938ATESB/V+ sustains regulation during cold-crank by operating up to 98% duty cycle, allowing output maintenance even when input drops to ~3.7V (calculated using V_SUP = V_OUT/0.98 + I_LOAD × R_{ON_H}). Its dual-supply architecture (SUP/SUPSW) and low 28µA quiescent current ensure functionality through deep battery sags typical of starter motor engagement.

What is the purpose of the SYNCOUT pin on the MAX16938ATESB/V+, and how is it used?

The SYNCOUT pin on the MAX16938ATESB/V+ provides an open-drain 180° out-of-phase clock signal relative to the internal oscillator. It is used to synchronize multiple MAX16938ATESB/V+ devices in cascaded or interleaved configurations - reducing input ripple current and system-level EMI. A pull-up resistor (100Ω–1kΩ) to OUT sets 2MHz operation; higher values support lower frequencies.

Is the MAX16938ATESB/V+ pin-compatible with the MAX16936ATESB/V+?

Yes, the MAX16938ATESB/V+ is fully pin-compatible and footprint-compatible with the MAX16936ATESB/V+. Both share identical TSSOP-EP packaging, pin assignments, and electrical interface. The only functional differences are tighter OVP (105% vs. 107%) and improved V_OUT accuracy (±2% vs. ±3%) on the MAX16938ATESB/V+, enabling drop-in replacement where enhanced protection is required.