Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1718EEI-TG068

Overview

MAX1718EEI-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, 0.6V–1.75V dynamically adjustable output via 5-bit VID DAC, ±1% DC output accuracy, and supports 2V–28V battery input for single-stage buck conversion in high-efficiency laptop CPU supplies.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1718EEI-TG068 datasheet, MAX1718EEI-TG068 pinout, MAX1718EEI-TG068 application, or MAX1718EEI-TG068 equivalent, key selection criteria include IMVP-II compliance, voltage-positioning offset control, slew-rate programmable DAC transitions, and dual-mode VID multiplexing for Performance/Battery/Suspend states.

Technical Context

The MAX1718EEI-TG068 implements a feed-forward, constant-on-time PWM architecture where DH on-time is inversely proportional to V+ and directly proportional to VOUT + 0.075V, enabling near-constant switching frequency across wide input/output ratios. Its internal 5-bit DAC accepts three independent VID codes-Performance, Battery, and Suspend-selected via ZMODE/SUS logic with precision slew-rate control synchronized to an external TIME resistor.

Voltage positioning is achieved through differential offset inputs (POS/NEG), scaling output by (POS − NEG) × DAC-dependent gain factor to reduce capacitor count and system power loss. Protection includes overvoltage (2.00V ±25mV trip), undervoltage fault blanking (256 clocks), thermal shutdown (150°C), and current-limit thresholds configurable between 35mV–110mV.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX1718EEI-TG068 is housed in a 28-pin QSOP package (5.3mm × 10.2mm, 0.65mm pitch) with exposed pad for thermal dissipation. Pin functions are validated per Maxim's official datasheet Rev 4 (8/05).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX1719EEI+, MAX1718EEI-TG068 requires an external 5V bias but achieves lower standby current (2µA vs. 5µA); versus ISL6262CRZ, it maintains strict IMVP-II timing and VID compatibility essential for Pentium M/Core Solo platforms but lacks IMVP-6 feature set.

Availability

MAX1718EEI-TG068 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook CPU core supplies, IMVP-II-compliant laptop platforms, and high-efficiency single-stage buck converters requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MAX1718EEI-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 fast transient response, voltage positioning, and multi-mode VID control in space-constrained mobile platforms.

FAQ

What is the function of the TIME pin on the MAX1718EEI-TG068?

The TIME pin on the MAX1718EEI-TG068 sets the internal slew-rate clock frequency by connecting an external resistor to GND. A 47kΩ–470kΩ resistor configures the clock from 38kHz to 380kHz, directly controlling the speed of DAC code transitions between Performance, Battery, and Suspend modes to minimize battery surge currents. This timing is critical for stable IMVP-II mode switching in the MAX1718EEI-TG068.

Does the MAX1718EEI-TG068 support voltage positioning, and how is it implemented?

Yes, the MAX1718EEI-TG068 supports voltage positioning via dedicated POS and NEG pins. The output voltage shifts by (POS − NEG) multiplied by a DAC-code-dependent scale factor (e.g., 1.05 at 0.75V, 1.45 at 1.9V), allowing real-time compensation for IR drops across PCB traces. This reduces required output capacitance and total system power dissipation, a key design value in the MAX1718EEI-TG068 for notebook CPU supplies.

What are the valid logic levels for the D0–D4 pins on the MAX1718EEI-TG068?

The D0–D4 pins on the MAX1718EEI-TG068 accept standard TTL/CMOS logic levels: low = 0–0.4V, high = 2.6–5.5V. When ZMODE = low, they operate as high-impedance digital inputs; when ZMODE = high, VID code is determined by impedance (≤1kΩ for logic low, ≥100kΩ for logic high). These inputs define the 5-bit VID code for Performance mode in the MAX1718EEI-TG068.

How does the SKP/SDN pin control operating modes in the MAX1718EEI-TG068?

The SKP/SDN pin on the MAX1718EEI-TG068 combines shutdown and skip-mode control: GND forces shutdown (2µA I_CC), open enables forced-PWM mode (low-noise, recirculating inductor current), and VCC activates pulse-skipping mode. Driving SKP/SDN to 12–15V disables OVP/UVP protection while preserving normal operation - a unique feature documented for the MAX1718EEI-TG068 in its absolute maximum ratings table.

What is the purpose of the ILIM pin on the MAX1718EEI-TG068, and what are its configuration options?

The ILIM pin on the MAX1718EEI-TG068 configures the current-limit threshold for the GND–LX sense node. Connecting ILIM to VCC sets a fixed 100mV threshold; connecting to REF yields 200mV; applying 0.5V–3V yields an adjustable threshold of 1/10th that voltage (35mV–65mV range). This flexibility allows optimization of overcurrent protection for different MOSFET R_DS(on) values in the MAX1718EEI-TG068 design.