Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX17604AUA+

Overview

MAX17604AUA+ from Maxim Integrated is a dual-channel, noninverting high-speed MOSFET driver IC designed for gate driving in high-frequency power stages. It delivers 4A peak sink/source current per channel, features 12ns typical propagation delay, operates from +4V to +14V single supply, and supports CMOS-like high-noise margin (HNM) logic inputs. It is used in synchronous buck converters and half-bridge motor control stages.

For engineers reviewing the MAX17604AUA+ datasheet, MAX17604AUA+ pinout, MAX17604AUA+ application, or MAX17604AUA+ equivalent, key selection criteria include dual noninverting logic configuration, 8-pin µMAX-EP package with exposed pad, thermal shutdown protection, matched channel delays, and +4V to +14V VDD operation with HNM input thresholds.

Technical Context

The MAX17604AUA+ implements dual independent predriver stages with internal level-shifting and shoot-through prevention logic. Each channel includes dedicated enable (ENA/ENB), noninverting logic input (INA/INB), and high-current output (OUTA/OUTB), with internal 100kΩ pull-up resistors on EN pins.

It uses BiCMOS process technology to achieve fast switching (6ns rise / 5ns fall with 1nF load), low input capacitance (10pF typ), and robust input voltage tolerance (up to +16V regardless of VDD). UVLO activates below 3.5V with 200mV hysteresis, ensuring safe startup behavior.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX17604AUA+ is housed in an 8-pin µMAX-EP package (3mm × 5mm, 0.8mm height) with exposed pad (EP) internally connected to GND. The EP must be soldered to PCB ground plane for thermal and electrical performance but cannot serve as sole ground connection.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual noninverting MOSFET driver applications.

Compared with LM5112MYX/NOPB and UCC27524DSDR, MAX17604AUA+ uniquely combines HNM inputs, integrated EN pull-ups, thermal shutdown, and µMAX packaging - making it optimal for noise-prone, thermally demanding, and layout-sensitive industrial power designs.

Availability

MAX17604AUA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for switch-mode power supplies, motor control systems, and DC-DC converters requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MAX17604AUA+ 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 industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The MAX17600–MAX17605 family was developed specifically for high-frequency, high-current gate driving in compact power conversion systems - emphasizing timing accuracy, noise immunity, and thermal reliability in harsh environments.

FAQ

What logic family does MAX17604AUA+ support?

MAX17604AUA+ supports CMOS-like high-noise margin (HNM) logic inputs, with VIH = 4.25V and VIL = 2.0V. This differs from TTL-input variants (e.g., MAX17601) and provides superior noise immunity in electrically noisy power systems. The HNM threshold ensures reliable operation even with ground bounce up to ±1V, and the 0.9V hysteresis prevents chatter during slow input transitions. MAX17604AUA+ is not compatible with standard 3.3V or 5V TTL logic without level translation.

Does MAX17604AUA+ include thermal protection?

Yes, MAX17604AUA+ integrates thermal shutdown protection that activates at +150°C junction temperature. When triggered, the device disables both outputs (OUTA and OUTB) until the junction cools below the hysteresis threshold (~140°C). This feature protects external MOSFETs and the driver itself during overload, short-circuit, or inadequate heatsinking conditions. The µMAX-EP package's exposed pad enhances heat transfer, allowing MAX17604AUA+ to sustain 1.2W dissipation at +70°C ambient before shutdown.

Can the two outputs of MAX17604AUA+ be paralleled?

Yes, MAX17604AUA+ supports parallel operation of OUTA and OUTB to deliver up to 8A peak current. Because propagation delays are tightly matched (≤8ns max mismatch), paralleling maintains timing integrity and avoids shoot-through risk. However, external 0.5Ω–1Ω series gate resistors should be added to each output to balance current sharing. Note that paralleling increases effective output capacitance and may require re-tuning of gate drive loop stability - verify with oscilloscope measurements of gate voltage waveforms under full load.

What is the purpose of the exposed pad (EP) on MAX17604AUA+?

The exposed pad (EP) on MAX17604AUA+ is internally connected to GND and serves dual thermal and electrical functions. It reduces thermal resistance (θJC = 5°C/W) by conducting heat directly into the PCB ground plane, enabling higher continuous power dissipation. Electrically, it provides low-inductance grounding for high di/dt return currents during 4A switching events. The EP must be soldered to a solid copper ground area using ≥4 thermal vias; however, it cannot replace Pin 3 (GND) as the primary signal reference - both connections are required for full performance and EMI compliance.

How does MAX17604AUA+ prevent shoot-through in bridge configurations?

MAX17604AUA+ prevents shoot-through through internal logic circuitry that enforces a minimum dead-time during output-state transitions. Its functional diagram shows dedicated "BBM" (Break-Before-Make) control blocks in both channels, which briefly disable both high-side and low-side drive paths during direction changes. This hardware-level protection operates independently of input slew rate or enable timing, eliminating reliance on external timing networks. Unlike software-based dead-time insertion, this BBM logic ensures consistent shoot-through immunity across temperature (-40°C to +125°C) and supply voltage (+4V to +14V) ranges - a critical advantage in high-reliability power stages.