Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1718BEEI-TG068

Overview

MAX1718BEEI-TG068 from Maxim Integrated is a notebook CPU step-down controller implementing Intel Mobile Voltage Positioning (IMVP-II) for core power delivery. It features Quick-PWM™ constant-on-time control, ±1% DC output voltage accuracy over line/load, 0.6V–1.75V dynamically adjustable output via 5-bit DAC, and supports single-stage buck conversion from 2V–28V battery input to CPU core rail in high-efficiency laptop power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1718BEEI-TG068 datasheet, MAX1718BEEI-TG068 pinout, MAX1718BEEI-TG068 application, or MAX1718BEEI-TG068 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed IMVP-II timing compliance, real-world slew-rate control behavior, and precise gate-driver performance metrics under battery-input conditions.

Technical Context

The MAX1718BEEI-TG068 implements a free-running, constant-on-time PWM architecture with input voltage feed-forward, where DH on-time is inversely proportional to V+ (2V–28V) and directly proportional to VOUT. Its internal 5-bit DAC accepts three VID code sets-Performance, Battery, and Suspend-via ZMODE/SUS-controlled multiplexing, synchronized to a precision slew-rate clock set by the TIME pin resistor.

It integrates dual offset-control inputs (POS/NEG) enabling voltage positioning to reduce output capacitance and system power loss, while its VGATE open-drain power-good output asserts low when FB deviates >±10% from DAC-set voltage. Fault protection includes overvoltage (2.00V ±25mV trip), undervoltage (70% of DAC voltage), thermal shutdown (150°C), and current-limit thresholds configurable between 35mV–110mV.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX1718BEEI-TG068 is housed in a 28-pin QSOP package (5.3mm × 10.2mm, 0.65mm pitch), thermally optimized for notebook PCB layouts with exposed pad grounding and minimal trace inductance paths for LX/V+.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar notebook CPU step-down controller applications.

Compared with MAX1719BEEI+, the MAX1718BEEI-TG068 offers identical IMVP-II functionality at lower unit cost and simpler REF decoupling, while RT8802AGQW provides modern protocol support but demands redesign of VID sequencing, slew control, and fault-handling logic - making MAX1718BEEI-TG068 the most direct fit for existing IMVP-II laptop power architectures.

Availability

MAX1718BEEI-TG068 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook CPU core power supplies, IMVP-II-compliant laptop designs, and high-efficiency synchronous buck converters requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX1718BEEI-TG068 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 computing, communications, and industrial applications.

The MAX1718 product line was designed specifically for Intel IMVP-II notebook CPU core power delivery, emphasizing ultra-fast transient response, precision voltage positioning, and seamless integration with mobile chipset power-state transitions.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX1718BEEI-TG068 in a notebook power system?

The MAX1718BEEI-TG068 serves as the core step-down controller for Intel IMVP-II-compliant CPU power rails. It regulates output voltage from 0.6V to 1.75V using a 5-bit VID DAC, implements voltage positioning via POS/NEG inputs, and manages dynamic mode transitions (Performance/Battery/Suspend) with synchronized slew-rate control. Its Quick-PWM™ architecture ensures <100ns transient response and stable switching frequency across 2V–28V battery input ranges, making it essential for efficient, reliable CPU core power in ultraportable laptops.

Does the MAX1718BEEI-TG068 require an external 5V bias supply, and why?

Yes, the MAX1718BEEI-TG068 requires an external 5V bias supply connected to both VCC (PWM core) and VDD (gate drivers). This design improves overall efficiency by avoiding on-chip linear regulation losses and enables use of the notebook's existing 95%-efficient 5V system rail. The 5V supply powers internal comparators, DAC, error amplifier, and gate drivers - without it, the MAX1718BEEI-TG068 cannot initiate or sustain regulation, regardless of V+ battery voltage presence.

How does the MAX1718BEEI-TG068 implement voltage positioning, and what is its practical benefit?

The MAX1718BEEI-TG068 implements voltage positioning using differential inputs POS and NEG. The output voltage shifts by (POS − NEG) × scale factor (0.81–0.91 V/V), where the scale factor depends on the DAC-set voltage. This intentional droop under load reduces peak output capacitor current, allowing smaller, lower-ESR bulk capacitors while maintaining tight regulation at no-load. In practice, this cuts total output capacitance by ~35% and lowers system power dissipation in high-transient CPU workloads.

What are the valid logic levels and configurations for the ZMODE and SUS pins on the MAX1718BEEI-TG068?

ZMODE and SUS are CMOS-compatible control inputs with logic-high threshold ≥2.4V and logic-low ≤0.8V. When SUS = high, the Suspend-mode VID code (set by S0/S1) is routed to the DAC; when SUS = low, ZMODE selects between Performance-mode (ZMODE = low, D0–D4 logic-driven) and Battery-mode (ZMODE = high, D0–D4 impedance-driven). Both pins must be actively driven or pulled to valid logic levels - floating states cause undefined VID selection and potential regulation failure.

Can the MAX1718BEEI-TG068 operate with a 5V-only input (no battery), and what modifications are needed?

Yes, the MAX1718BEEI-TG068 can operate with a fixed 5V input by connecting V+ to the same 5V rail used for VCC/VDD. However, the V+ pin must still be present and stable before SKP/SDN enable, as the PWM one-shot timing depends on V+. No additional components are required beyond standard bypass capacitors (0.22µF on VCC, 1µF on VDD), but the 2V–28V input flexibility is forfeited, and the controller will behave identically to a battery-powered system with V+ = 5V - including full IMVP-II VID mode support and voltage positioning.