Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX16938AUESB/V+
- Part No.:
- MAX16938AUESB/V+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX16938AUESB/V+.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BCK ADJ/1V 2.5A 16TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,930
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Product details
Overview
MAX16938AUESB/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 rails requiring 3.5V–36V input, 5V fixed output (±2% accuracy), 28µA no-load quiescent current, and 98% max duty cycle during cold-crank transients - deployed in navigation head units and RF-sensitive infotainment systems.
For engineers reviewing the MAX16938AUESB/V+ datasheet, MAX16938AUESB/V+ pinout, MAX16938AUESB/V+ application, or MAX16938AUESB/V+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q100 qualification, 180° out-of-phase SYNCOUT for cascaded supplies, FPWM/skip mode selectability via FSYNC, and tight overvoltage protection (105% at FB) distinguishing it from MAX16936.
Technical Context
The MAX16938AUESB/V+ implements current-mode control with cycle-by-cycle current limiting and automatic LX slew-rate adjustment (4ns rise time at >1.1MHz) to balance EMI and efficiency. Its dual-supply architecture separates logic (SUP) and switch (SUPSW) domains, enabling stable operation down to 3.5V input while supporting 42V load-dump tolerance.
It features a dedicated 5V BIAS LDO (4.7–5.4V output, ±650mV UVLO hysteresis) that powers internal circuitry until OUT reaches regulation, then transitions to OUT supply above 100mA load. The 180° phase-shifted SYNCOUT enables interleaved multi-phase designs without external delay networks.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 3.5V to 36V - supports automotive battery rail including cold-crank (down to 3.5V) and load-dump survival up to 42V transient. |
| Output Voltage | Fixed 5V ±2% - factory-trimmed; no external feedback required when FB tied to BIAS. |
| Max Output Current | 2.5A continuous - validated with 3.75A peak LX current limit and thermal shutdown at +175°C junction. |
| Quiescent Current | 28µA at no load - enables always-on subsystems in vehicle body electronics without battery drain. |
| Switching Frequency | 220kHz to 2.2MHz resistor-programmable - higher frequencies reduce inductor size; 2.2MHz setting enables compact 2.2µH designs. |
| OVP Threshold | 105% of VFB (1.05V) - tighter than MAX16936's 107%, reducing output overshoot during line transients. |
| Operating Temp | −40°C to +125°C - qualified per AEC-Q100 Grade 1 for under-hood and dashboard mounting. |
Pinout & Package
MAX16938AUESB/V+ is housed in a 16-pin TSSOP-EP package with exposed pad (EP) connected to PGND for thermal dissipation. Pin count, layout, and thermal resistance (θJA = 38.3°C/W) match JEDEC MS-013AC standard.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (SYNCOUT) | Open-drain clock output | Delivers 180° out-of-phase signal relative to internal oscillator; enables synchronous interleaving of multiple converters without external phase shifters. |
| 2 (FSYNC) | Mode-select synchronization input | Logic-level control: tie to AGND for skip mode (light-load efficiency), to BIAS or external clock for forced-PWM (EMI-critical RF supplies). |
| 3 (FOSC) | Frequency-setting resistor input | Connects to AGND via RFOSC (e.g., 12kΩ for 2.2MHz); sets switching frequency with ±6% spread-spectrum modulation if enabled. |
| 4 (OUT) | Regulated output node | Provides 5V output; also powers internal circuitry once regulated - eliminates need for separate bias supply in 3–5.5V output configurations. |
| 5 (FB) | Feedback reference input | Internally referenced to 1.0V; tied to BIAS for fixed 5V output; used with resistor divider for adjustable 1–10V outputs. |
| 6 (COMP) | Error amplifier output | Connect RC compensation network here to stabilize loop response; critical for transient performance across temperature and load. |
| 7 (BIAS) | Integrated 5V LDO output | Supplies internal analog blocks; bypassed with 1µF ceramic; turns off when OUT is regulated and load <100mA. |
| 8 (AGND) | Analog ground reference | Separate from PGND to minimize noise coupling into error amplifier and oscillator circuits. |
| 9 (BST) | High-side gate driver bootstrap | Requires 0.1µF capacitor between BST and LX; enables efficient high-side MOSFET drive without external charge pump. |
| 10 (EN) | Enable input | 3.3V–42V tolerant; active-high; initiates soft-start (8ms) and enables BIAS LDO when pulled high. |
| 11 (SUP) | Logic supply input | Powers internal regulator and logic; bypassed with 4.7µF ceramic; decoupled from SUPSW to isolate noise from switching node. |
| 12 (SUPSW) | Switch supply input | Powers high-side/low-side MOSFET drivers; requires 0.1µF + 4.7µF ceramic bypassing directly at pin for low-impedance gate drive. |
| 13–14 (LX) | Switching node | Connects to Schottky diode cathode and inductor; slew-rate auto-adjusted (4ns/8ns) based on fSW to optimize EMI-efficiency tradeoff. |
| 15 (PGND) | Power ground return | Low-impedance return path for LX current and output capacitor; must be connected to EP for thermal management. |
| 16 (PGOOD) | Open-drain power-good flag | Asserts high when VOUT ≥95% of regulation (4.75V); deasserts at ≤92% (4.6V); enables safe power sequencing with downstream ICs. |
| EP | Exposed thermal pad | Must be soldered to large copper pour tied to PGND; primary thermal path - reduces θJA by >30% vs. non-EP packages. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Tight Overvoltage Protection | 105% FB threshold (vs. 107% on MAX16936) - reduces output overshoot during input transients, enabling smaller output capacitors in safety-critical automotive modules. |
| 180° Out-of-Phase SYNCOUT | Enables two-stage interleaved buck conversion without external delay ICs - cuts input/output ripple current by 50%, easing EMI filter design. |
| Auto Slew-Rate Controlled LX | Rise time adjusted to 4ns (fSW >1.1MHz) or 8ns (fSW <1.1MHz) - minimizes high-frequency EMI while preserving efficiency across full frequency range. |
| AEC-Q100 Qualified | Grade 1 (−40°C to +125°C) qualification with 42V load-dump immunity - meets ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a requirements for automotive front-end power supplies. |
| FPWM/Skip Mode Selectability | FSYNC pin selects between fixed-frequency PWM (EMI-controlled RF supplies) and skip mode (ultra-low IQ for always-on telematics). |
Applications
| Navigation Head Units | RF Transceiver Power Rails |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powering display controller, GPS baseband, and audio DSP in automotive infotainment head units subject to cold-crank (≤3.5V) and load-dump (42V) events. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 5V buck regulator delivering 2.5A with 98% duty cycle capability during undervoltage transients. Use Value: Maintains system operation through 100ms cold-crank dips without brownout, eliminating need for backup capacitors or secondary regulators. |
Use Scenario: Supplying clean, low-noise 5V power to cellular/Wi-Fi/BLE RF transceivers where switching noise must not interfere with receive sensitivity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-frequency forced-PWM (FPWM) regulator synchronized to external clock to lock switching harmonics away from RF bands. Use Value: Enables compliance with CISPR 25 Class 5 radiated emissions limits by eliminating variable-frequency noise spread across spectrum. |
| ADAS Camera Modules | Body Control Modules (BCM) |
|
Use Scenario: Powering image sensor, ISP, and serializer in rear-view or surround-view cameras mounted near engine bay or wheel wells. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: AEC-Q100 Grade 1 DC-DC converter providing 5V at −40°C to +125°C ambient with thermal shutdown recovery. Use Value: Survives under-hood thermal cycling and delivers stable power despite wide ambient swings - avoids camera dropout during highway driving. |
Use Scenario: Supplying always-on 5V rail for CAN/LIN transceivers, door lock controllers, and lighting drivers in vehicle body electronics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Ultra-low-quiescent-current (28µA) buck converter operating continuously during vehicle sleep mode. Use Value: Reduces parasitic battery drain to <100µA total system level - extends parked battery life beyond 90 days per ISO 19453-3. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar step-down converter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX16936AUESB/V+ | Same pinout and package; identical specs except OVP threshold (107% vs. 105%) and skip-mode current threshold (150–400mA vs. 200–500mA). | Less stringent OVP - suitable where output overshoot margin is relaxed; slightly lower light-load efficiency due to earlier skip entry. | Select MAX16936AUESB/V+ only if legacy design validation exists or OVP margin >2% is acceptable. |
| LM61480QRTWRQ1 | 3.5A rated, 3.5–36V input, 5V fixed, but no SYNCOUT, no 180° phase output, and no BIAS LDO - requires external bias supply. | Lacks cascading capability and integrated bias; simpler for single-rail applications but adds BOM cost and layout complexity. | Choose LM61480QRTWRQ1 only when higher current (>2.5A) is needed and SYNCOUT/BIAS features are unnecessary. |
Compared with MAX16936AUESB/V+, the MAX16938AUESB/V+ provides tighter overvoltage protection and higher skip-mode threshold for improved light-load efficiency; versus LM61480QRTWRQ1, it offers integrated phase-sync and bias generation - reducing component count and PCB area in multi-rail automotive systems.
Availability
MAX16938AUESB/V+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, ADAS camera power, and body control module designs requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for MAX16938AUESB/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) designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for automotive, industrial, and communications markets - emphasizing reliability, integration, and AEC-Q100 qualification.
The MAX16936/MAX16938 product line targets automotive power conversion with emphasis on cold-crank resilience, load-dump survival, and EMI-controlled operation in space-constrained infotainment and ADAS subsystems.
FAQ
What is the maximum duty cycle supported by the MAX16938AUESB/V+?
The MAX16938AUESB/V+ supports a maximum duty cycle of 98%, enabling operation during severe undervoltage transients such as automotive cold-crank events down to 3.5V input while maintaining regulated 5V output. This is achieved by forcing the low-side MOSFET on for 150ns every 12µs when off-time drops below 25ns, ensuring minimal dropout across the input range.
How does the MAX16938AUESB/V+ differ from the MAX16936AUESB/V+?
The MAX16938AUESB/V+ differs from the MAX16936AUESB/V+ primarily in its tighter overvoltage protection threshold (105% vs. 107% of FB voltage) and higher skip-mode current threshold (200–500mA vs. 150–400mA). These differences improve output voltage stability during transients and extend FPWM operation into higher light-load regions, enhancing EMI control in RF-sensitive applications.
Can the MAX16938AUESB/V+ operate without an external Schottky diode?
No - the MAX16938AUESB/V+ requires an external Schottky diode connected between LX and PGND, even though it integrates high-side and low-side MOSFETs. The diode supports continuous conduction mode across the full 2.5A load range and ensures reliable operation during light-load skip mode where the low-side MOSFET may not fully replace diode conduction.
What is the purpose of the SYNCOUT pin on the MAX16938AUESB/V+?
The SYNCOUT pin on the MAX16938AUESB/V+ provides an open-drain 180° out-of-phase clock signal relative to the internal oscillator. It enables direct cascading of multiple MAX16938AUESB/V+ devices to create interleaved two-phase buck converters - reducing input/output ripple current by up to 50% and relaxing EMI filter requirements without external timing components.
Is the MAX16938AUESB/V+ qualified for automotive use?
Yes - the MAX16938AUESB/V+ is AEC-Q100 qualified (Grade 1, −40°C to +125°C), supports 42V load-dump transients, and operates across the full automotive battery voltage range (3.5V–36V). Its thermal shutdown with automatic recovery, cycle-by-cycle current limiting, and robust ESD protection meet stringent automotive reliability standards for infotainment and ADAS applications.
MAX16938AUESB/V+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width) Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tray
- 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 (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TSSOP-EP
MAX16938AUESB/V+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX16938AUESB/V+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX16938AUESB/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 MAX16938AUESB/V+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX16938AUESB/V+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX16938AUESB/V+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX16938AUESB/V+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX16938AUESB/V+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX16938AUESB/V+?
MAX16938AUESB/V+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX16938AUESB/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 MAX16938AUESB/V+?
For technical support, including MAX16938AUESB/V+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX16938AUESB/V+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX16938AUESB/V+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX16938AUESB/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 MAX16938AUESB/V+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX16938AUESB/V+?
All MAX16938AUESB/V+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX16938AUESB/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 MAX16938AUESB/V+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX16938AUESB/V+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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