Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX17625ATA+

Overview

MAX17625ATA+ from Analog Devices is a synchronous step-down DC-DC converter with integrated high-side pMOS and low-side nMOS FETs, operating from 2.7V to 5.5V input and delivering up to 700mA output current at adjustable 0.8V–1.5V. It features fixed 2MHz switching frequency, ±1% feedback accuracy, and 100% duty-cycle capability for battery-powered systems. Used in factory automation power rails where thermal efficiency and compact size are critical.

For engineers reviewing the MAX17625ATA+ datasheet, MAX17625ATA+ pinout, MAX17625ATA+ application, or MAX17625ATA+ equivalent, key selection considerations include its 2MHz fixed-frequency PWM operation, internal compensation enabling all-ceramic capacitor designs, prebias startup support, and robust protection including overcurrent, overtemperature, and UVLO - all in an 8-pin 2mm × 2mm TDFN package.

Technical Context

The MAX17625ATA+ implements peak-current mode control with internal slope compensation and a fixed 2MHz oscillator. Its controller latches the MODE pin state at power-up to enforce constant-frequency PWM operation (MODE tied to GND), eliminating pulse-skipping and ensuring EMI predictability. The architecture integrates gate drivers, error amplifier, soft-start ramp generator, and PGOOD logic with open-drain output.

It supports 100% duty cycle by holding the high-side FET fully on during dropout conditions, enabling minimum input voltage operation down to VOUT + IOUT × (RDS_ONH + DCR_L). Protection includes cycle-by-cycle peak/valley current limiting (1.46A typ / 1.14A typ), thermal shutdown at +165°C with 10°C hysteresis, and undervoltage lockout with 2.6V threshold and 200mV hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-pin TDFN (2mm × 2mm, 0.5mm pitch), RoHS-compliant, with exposed thermal pad (EP) requiring connection to GND plane via ≥4 thermal vias for thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous step-down converter applications.

Compared with TPS62865RQYR and MP2152GQZ-P, the MAX17625ATA+ provides superior thermal robustness (–40°C to +125°C ambient), tighter feedback accuracy (±1%), and unique features like prebias startup and 100% duty cycle - making it preferred for industrial and automotive-critical POL applications despite narrower VOUT range.

Availability

MAX17625ATA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for factory automation sensor nodes, portable medical monitors, industrial IoT gateways, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX17625ATA+ 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

Analog Devices, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, headquartered in Wilmington, MA, with design and manufacturing expertise spanning precision power, signal chain, and RF technologies.

The MAX17625ATA+ belongs to Analog Devices' MAX176xx family of integrated synchronous buck converters, engineered specifically for space-constrained, thermally demanding industrial and automotive point-of-load applications requiring high efficiency, robust protection, and minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum supported output current for MAX17625ATA+ under continuous operation?

The MAX17625ATA+ delivers up to 700mA continuous output current when mounted on a standard 4-layer PCB with the exposed pad properly connected to a thermal ground plane using ≥4 vias. This rating assumes ambient temperature ≤+125°C, input voltage ≥3.3V, and output voltage ≥1.2V. At higher ambient temperatures or lower input voltages, derating applies per the thermal equation TJ = TA + (85.3°C/W × PLOSS).

Does MAX17625ATA+ support startup into a prebiased output voltage?

Yes, the MAX17625ATA+ supports prebias startup in both PWM and PFM modes. During startup, it avoids discharging the output capacitor even if VOUT is already present at power-on - a critical feature for multi-rail systems where other regulators may be active. This behavior is enabled by internal circuitry that monitors OUTSNS and FB independently during soft-start initialization.

What is the purpose of the OUTSNS pin on MAX17625ATA+ and how should it be connected?

The OUTSNS pin on MAX17625ATA+ provides Kelvin sensing of the output voltage to reject voltage drop across PCB traces between the regulator and output capacitor. It must be connected directly to the positive terminal of COUT using a dedicated trace - not shared with the power trace - to ensure accurate feedback regulation. Failure to use Kelvin routing degrades load regulation and can cause instability under dynamic load conditions.

Can MAX17625ATA+ operate with 100% duty cycle, and what is the minimum input voltage required?

Yes, MAX17625ATA+ supports true 100% duty cycle operation, allowing regulation down to VIN = VOUT + IOUT × (RDS_ONH + DCR_L). For example, at 1.2V/700mA output with RDS_ONH = 120mΩ (typ) and DCR_L = 50mΩ, minimum VIN ≈ 1.2V + 0.7A × 0.17Ω = 1.32V - enabling full utilization of depleted Li-ion cells. This mode activates automatically when FB falls below regulation threshold.

How does the MODE pin configuration affect MAX17625ATA+ operation, and is it configurable after power-up?

For MAX17625ATA+, the MODE pin is latched at power-up to select forced PWM mode when grounded - matching its fixed 2MHz specification. Once latched, the MODE pin state is ignored during normal operation; changing its logic level has no effect. This ensures deterministic EMI behavior and eliminates frequency modulation artifacts in noise-sensitive applications like precision analog systems.