Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX17244ETESB+T

Overview

MAX17244ETESB+T from Maxim Integrated is a 3.5V–36V input, 2.5A synchronous step-down DC-DC converter with integrated high-side and low-side MOSFETs, fixed 5V/3.3V or adjustable 1V–10V output, 28µA quiescent current, and 42V transient protection. It operates in PWM or PFM mode and supports external synchronization for EMI-sensitive RF power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the MAX17244ETESB+T datasheet, MAX17244ETESB+T pinout, MAX17244ETESB+T application, or MAX17244ETESB+T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 98% max duty cycle for dropout operation, 2.2MHz switching frequency capability, spread-spectrum EMI reduction, power-good output, and 16-pin TQFN (5mm × 5mm) package with exposed pad.

Technical Context

The MAX17244ETESB+T uses current-mode control with selectable PWM or PFM operation: PWM ensures constant switching frequency across all loads, while PFM disables negative inductor current and skips pulses at light loads to achieve >90% peak efficiency. Its FSYNC pin enables mode selection-AGND for PFM, BIAS or external clock for forced-PWM.

It integrates a 5V BIAS linear regulator, 180° out-of-phase SYNCOUT for cascaded supplies, cycle-by-cycle current limiting, thermal shutdown with 15°C hysteresis, and overvoltage protection triggered at 105% V_FB. Automatic LX slew-rate adjustment (4ns/8ns) optimizes EMI vs. efficiency trade-offs based on selected f_SW.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX17244ETESB+T is housed in a 16-pin TQFN (5mm × 5mm) package with exposed pad (EP), rated for –40°C to +85°C ambient operation. The EP must be soldered to a large-area contiguous PGND copper plane for thermal management and cannot serve as sole ground connection.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous buck converter applications.

Compared with LM61480RQR and TPS54560BQDDARQ1, the MAX17244ETESB+T uniquely combines ultra-low 28µA quiescent current, integrated BIAS LDO with auto-transfer, factory spread-spectrum, and seamless PFM/PWM transition - making it optimal for space-constrained, EMI-sensitive, and battery-backed applications below 2.5A.

Availability

MAX17244ETESB+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment systems, industrial PLCs, RF transceiver power supplies, and smart meter battery backup circuits requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and consistent parametric performance.

Supply support for MAX17244ETESB+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, designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for demanding industrial, automotive, and communications applications.

The MAX17244 belongs to Maxim's high-efficiency synchronous buck converter product line, engineered specifically for wide-input industrial and automotive power supplies where low quiescent current, transient robustness, and EMI control are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum duty cycle supported by the MAX17244ETESB+T?

The MAX17244ETESB+T supports a maximum duty cycle of 98%, enabling operation in dropout conditions where input voltage approaches output voltage. This allows stable regulation during automotive cold-crank events (e.g., 6V_IN → 5V_OUT) without requiring a pre-regulator stage. The IC monitors off-time continuously and forces low-side FET conduction to maintain regulation when dropout is detected.

How does the MAX17244ETESB+T achieve ultra-low quiescent current?

The MAX17244ETESB+T achieves 28µA typical quiescent current through integrated power management: its internal BIAS LDO powers control circuitry at startup, then automatically transfers bias supply to the regulated OUT pin once VOUT reaches regulation (3V–5.5V range). This eliminates continuous LDO losses during steady-state operation, significantly reducing no-load consumption compared to conventional buck controllers.

Can the MAX17244ETESB+T be synchronized to an external clock?

Yes, the MAX17244ETESB+T can be synchronized to an external clock via the FSYNC pin. When driven with a logic-level signal between 1.8MHz–2.6MHz (for 2.2MHz internal setting), the device locks to the external clock within one cycle. Spread-spectrum modulation is disabled during external sync, but any modulation present on the driving clock passes through to the SYNCOUT pin.

What protection features are built into the MAX17244ETESB+T?

The MAX17244ETESB+T includes cycle-by-cycle current limiting, thermal shutdown with automatic recovery (175°C trip, 160°C restart), overvoltage protection (105% V_FB threshold), and 42V input transient protection for ≤50ns events. It also features soft-start (8ms internal ramp), power-good monitoring, and undervoltage lockout on the BIAS rail (3.15V rising threshold) to ensure controlled startup.

Is the MAX17244ETESB+T compatible with all-ceramic output capacitors?

Yes, the MAX17244ETESB+T is fully compatible with all-ceramic output capacitors. Its current-mode control architecture and internal compensation support stable operation with low-ESR ceramic capacitors such as the 22µF X5R/X7R types shown in the typical application circuit. This eliminates the need for bulkier, less reliable electrolytic or tantalum capacitors and enables compact, high-reliability designs.