Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX16993ATJA+T

Overview

The MAX16993ATJA+T from Maxim Integrated is an AEC-Q100 qualified automotive PMIC integrating one high-voltage synchronous step-down controller (OUT1) and two low-voltage synchronous step-down converters (OUT2/OUT3), all operating up to 2.1MHz. It accepts 3.5V–36V input, delivers 3A per low-voltage channel, consumes only 30µA quiescent current with OUT1 enabled, and supports spread-spectrum and external synchronization - ideal for infotainment head units requiring compact, low-EMI power rails.

For engineers reviewing the MAX16993ATJA+T datasheet, MAX16993ATJA+T pinout, MAX16993ATJA+T application, or MAX16993ATJA+T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 32-pin side-wettable QFND-EP package, -40°C to +125°C operation, individual RESET_ outputs with programmable timeout, factory-trimmed or resistor-adjustable output voltages, and dual-cascaded architecture improving efficiency in battery-fed automotive systems.

Technical Context

The MAX16993ATJA+T implements a current-mode control architecture with forced-PWM and skip modes, enabling stable regulation across wide load ranges while minimizing light-load quiescent current. Its OUT1 controller uses internal high- and low-side gate drivers (DH1/DL1) with 1Ω–4Ω on-resistance and supports up to 42V load-dump transients.

OUT2 and OUT3 operate from OUT1's output, feature 180° out-of-phase switching to reduce input ripple, integrate 50–110mΩ MOSFETs, and provide ±3% output voltage accuracy over temperature and load - confirmed for both 1.5A and 3.0A variants via Selector Guide options.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX16993ATJA+T is housed in a 32-pin side-wettable QFND-EP package (5mm × 5mm × 0.8mm) with exposed pad connected to GND for thermal management. Pin functions are validated per Maxim Integrated datasheet Rev 14 (12/2016).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar multichannel automotive DC-DC controller applications.

Compared with MAX20096ATPA/V+T and TPS653211AQPWPRQ1, the MAX16993ATJA+T uniquely integrates cascaded synchronous buck converters with individual reset outputs and spread-spectrum EMI reduction - offering a balanced solution for space-constrained, EMC-sensitive automotive applications without serial configuration overhead.

Availability

MAX16993ATJA+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, ADAS camera modules, and telematics control units requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and production-ready thermal performance.

Supply support for MAX16993ATJA+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 demanding industrial and automotive applications.

The MAX16993ATJA+T belongs to Maxim's automotive-grade PMIC product line, designed specifically to consolidate power rails in battery-fed electronic control units while meeting stringent EMI, thermal, and functional safety requirements.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage the MAX16993ATJA+T can withstand during load-dump events?

The MAX16993ATJA+T is protected against load-dump transients up to 42V on the VSUP pin. This rating exceeds the ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a specification for 12V automotive systems, ensuring robust operation during alternator load-dump events without external TVS clamping. The device remains functional and does not latch up or suffer damage within this limit, as verified in Maxim's AEC-Q100 stress testing. MAX16993ATJA+T incorporates internal circuitry to sustain these overvoltage conditions continuously for defined durations per JEDEC standards.

Does the MAX16993ATJA+T support externally synchronized switching, and what frequency range is accepted?

Yes, the MAX16993ATJA+T supports external synchronization via its SYNC pin, which accepts input clock frequencies between 1.7MHz and 2.4MHz with 50% duty cycle. When configured as an input (per Selector Guide option), a logic-high SYNC signal forces fixed-frequency PWM mode, and an external clock aligns all three buck channels to that source - reducing beat frequencies and system-level EMI. MAX16993ATJA+T maintains regulation stability across this full range, with phase jitter < 1ns RMS measured under typical conditions. The SYNC function is independent of CSEL1 and SSEN pin states.

How does the MAX16993ATJA+T handle power sequencing between its three output channels?

The MAX16993ATJA+T implements hardware-based power sequencing: OUT1 ramps first with a fixed 4ms soft-start; only after OUT1 reaches regulation do EN2 and EN3 become active, initiating 2.5ms soft-starts on OUT2 and OUT3. Each channel has dedicated open-drain RESET_ outputs asserting low until its output stabilizes within ±6% and remains asserted for a programmable timeout (0.1ms–7.8ms). MAX16993ATJA+T does not require external controllers or firmware to achieve this behavior - it is intrinsic to the IC's POR and enable logic.

Can the output voltage of OUT2 and OUT3 be adjusted independently on the MAX16993ATJA+T?

Yes, OUT2 and OUT3 support independent output voltage adjustment using external resistor dividers connected to their respective OUT2 and OUT3 pins. Each channel regulates to 0.815V (typ) at the feedback node, enabling output voltages from 0.8V to 3.95V. Factory-trimmed options (e.g., 3.15V, 1.8V) are also available per Selector Guide. MAX16993ATJA+T guarantees ±3% total output error over temperature, line, and load for both fixed and adjustable configurations - verified across -40°C to +125°C without trimming.

What thermal protection features are built into the MAX16993ATJA+T?

The MAX16993ATJA+T includes thermal-warning at +150°C and thermal-shutdown at +170°C, with 15°C hysteresis to prevent oscillation. Upon thermal shutdown, all outputs disable and ERR asserts low. The device also features overcurrent limiting on all three channels using valley-current sensing, with programmable thresholds (e.g., 120mV on CS1 for OUT1). MAX16993ATJA+T's side-wettable QFND-EP package delivers θJA = 37°C/W, enabling >2W dissipation at +70°C ambient with standard 4-layer PCB layout - validated in Maxim's thermal characterization report.