Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX17634CATP+
- Part No.:
- MAX17634CATP+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- 20-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX17634CATP+.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK ADJ 4.25A 20TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:546
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Product details
Overview
MAX17634CATP+ from Maxim Integrated is a high-efficiency, synchronous step-down DC-DC converter with integrated MOSFETs, delivering up to 4.25A output current across a 4.5V–36V input range. It features adjustable output voltage (0.9V to 90% of VIN), peak-current-mode control, and ±1.3% feedback regulation accuracy over –40°C to +125°C ambient. Designed for industrial point-of-load regulation in space-constrained systems.
For engineers reviewing the MAX17634CATP+ datasheet, MAX17634CATP+ pinout, MAX17634CATP+ application, or MAX17634CATP+ equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed operating modes (PWM/PFM/DCM), real-world efficiency curves, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative parts for design flexibility.
Technical Context
The MAX17634CATP+ implements peak-current-mode control with internal transconductance error amplifier, slope compensation, and dual-MOSFET gate drivers. Its MODE/SYNC pin selects PWM (constant frequency), PFM (pulse-skipping), or DCM (discontinuous conduction) operation - each mode validated by distinct threshold voltages (VM-PWM = 0.75V, VM-PFM = VINTVCC/2, VM-DCM = VINTVCC – 0.65V).
It integrates an internal 5V LDO (INTVCC, 4.75V–5.25V, 30mA limit) and auxiliary EXTVCC switchover (4.56V–4.84V rising) to reduce power loss. Built-in hiccup-mode overload protection, monotonic soft-start via SS pin (5μA charging current), and RESET assertion at 92% of VFB-REG (±1.3%) enable robust startup and fault recovery in industrial environments.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5V to 36V - supports wide industrial input rails including 12V, 24V, and 36V bus systems without external pre-regulation. |
| Output Current | Up to 4.25A continuous - sufficient for FPGA core supplies, microcontroller subsystems, and industrial I/O modules. |
| Output Voltage Range | Adjustable 0.9V to 90% of VIN - enables precise regulation for ASIC cores, DDR memory, and mixed-signal analog supplies. |
| Feedback Accuracy | ±1.3% over –40°C to +125°C - ensures stable output under full industrial temperature range without calibration. |
| Switching Frequency | 400kHz to 2.2MHz (RRT-programmable) - allows optimization of size (higher fSW → smaller inductor/capacitor) vs. efficiency. |
| Peak Efficiency | 94% - achieved at mid-load in PWM mode, reducing thermal stress and enabling compact PCB layouts. |
| Shutdown Current | 2.8μA - minimizes battery drain in always-on industrial sensors or remote monitoring nodes. |
Pinout & Package
MAX17634CATP+ uses a 20-pin, 4mm × 4mm TQFN package with exposed pad (EP) for thermal management. Pin functions are validated per Maxim's official pin description and functional diagram.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 15 | PGND | Power ground return path for high-current LX switching node - must connect to low-impedance power plane with multiple vias. |
| 2, 3, 14 | IN | Main input supply (4.5V–36V); requires ≥4.7μF ceramic decoupling close to pins to suppress high-frequency ripple. |
| 4 | EN/UVLO | Enable/undervoltage lockout input - rising threshold 1.215V (±25mV); used for sequenced startup or brownout protection. |
| 5 | RESET | Open-drain reset output - asserts low when FB falls below 92% of regulation; deasserts after 1024 cycles once FB rises above 95%. |
| 6 | INTVCC | Internal 5V LDO output - powers internal circuitry; bypass with 2.2μF ceramic to SGND; not for external loading. |
| 7 | SGND | Analog ground reference - separate from PGND to minimize noise coupling into feedback and control loops. |
| 8 | SS | Soft-start timing input - capacitor to SGND sets ramp time; 5μA internal charging current enables predictable startup. |
| 9 | FB | Feedback input - connects to center of resistor divider for adjustable output; regulation voltage = 0.9V ±1.2% (typ). |
| 10 | RT | Frequency programming - resistor to SGND sets fSW from 400kHz to 2.2MHz; open = 500kHz default. |
| 11 | MODE/SYNC | Mode selection & external sync - open = PFM, SGND = PWM, INTVCC = DCM; accepts external clock 1.1×–1.4× fSW. |
| 12 | EXTVCC | Auxiliary supply input - connect to 5V output to reduce INTVCC LDO losses; improves efficiency by ~2–3% at full load. |
| 13, 16 | NC | No connection - must remain unconnected; no internal function or routing. |
| 17–19 | LX | Switching node - three parallel pins for low-inductance connection to inductor; carries high di/dt current (±4.7A RMS). |
| 20 | BST | Bootstrap capacitor terminal - requires 0.1μF ceramic between BST and LX to drive high-side MOSFET gate. |
| EP | Exposed Pad | Thermal and electrical ground - must be soldered to SGND plane with ≥6 thermal vias for θJA = 26°C/W performance. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated High/Low-Side MOSFETs | RDS-ONH = 60–115mΩ / RDS-ONL = 37–73mΩ - eliminates external FETs and gate drivers, reducing BOM count and layout complexity. |
| Internal Compensation | Validated across full 0.9V–90% VIN output range - removes need for external Type-II/III compensation network, saving board area and tuning effort. |
| Three Operating Modes | PWM (constant fSW), PFM (light-load pulse skipping), DCM (light-load discontinuous conduction) - selectable via single MODE/SYNC pin for optimal efficiency across load range. |
| Programmable UVLO & Soft-Start | EN/UVLO threshold adjustable via resistor divider; SS capacitor sets monotonic startup - prevents output overshoot and inrush current in prebiased systems. |
| Hiccup-Mode Overload Protection | Triggers at VFB < 90.5–94.6% of regulation; timeout = 32768 cycles - protects against sustained short-circuit without thermal runaway. |
| Industrial Temperature Range | –40°C to +125°C ambient (–40°C to +150°C junction) - qualified for use in motor drives, PLCs, and outdoor telecom equipment. |
Applications
| Industrial Control Power Supplies | General-Purpose Point-of-Load |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powering programmable logic controllers (PLCs) with 24V field bus input and multiple isolated 3.3V/5V rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary non-isolated buck regulator delivering 4.25A at 5V from 24V rail; provides RESET signal for system supervisor IC. Use Value: ±1.3% regulation accuracy ensures reliable ADC reference and digital logic operation across temperature; hiccup protection sustains operation during transient overloads. |
Use Scenario: Generating clean 1.2V core supply for ARM Cortex-M7 microcontrollers in factory automation edge nodes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adjustable-output buck converter configured for 1.2V using external resistor divider on FB pin; operates in PFM mode during sleep states. Use Value: 2.8μA shutdown current extends battery life in wireless sensor nodes; 400kHz–2.2MHz fSW allows trade-off between inductor size and EMI compliance. |
| Distributed Supply Regulation | Base Station Power Supplies |
|
Use Scenario: Local regulation of 3.3V for Ethernet PHYs and optical transceivers in modular telecom chassis. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary buck stage converting 12V backplane voltage to 3.3V; synchronized to system clock via MODE/SYNC pin. Use Value: External clock synchronization (1.1×–1.4× fSW) eliminates beat frequencies in multi-rail systems; 94% peak efficiency reduces localized heating near sensitive RF components. |
Use Scenario: Mid-rail conversion in 4G/5G small cell base stations requiring 5V at 4.25A for FPGA and RF front-end biasing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-voltage input buck regulator accepting 24V–36V telecom rectified input; uses EXTVCC to boost efficiency under full load. Use Value: EXTVCC switchover (4.56V–4.84V) reduces power dissipation by powering internal LDO from output rail; TQFN-20 package enables dense, thermally optimized layout. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar synchronous step-down DC-DC converter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM5164QPWPRQ1 | 4.5V–65V input, 3.5A max, fixed 5V/adjustable output; requires external compensation; no PFM mode. | Lacks light-load PFM optimization; higher VIN range suits automotive 48V systems but over-spec for 36V industrial use. | Choose LM5164QPWPRQ1 only if >36V input or AEC-Q100 qualification is required; otherwise MAX17634CATP+ offers superior light-load efficiency and integrated compensation. |
| TPS54560BQDDARQ1 | 3.5V–60V input, 5A max, adjustable output; external compensation; DCM-only light-load mode; no RESET or EXTVCC. | Higher current rating but lacks integrated RESET and EXTVCC efficiency boost; no PFM option limits ultra-low-IQ operation. | Select TPS54560BQDDARQ1 for higher current headroom (>4.25A) or extended VIN; MAX17634CATP+ is preferred for RESET-driven system monitoring and lowest quiescent current (2.8μA). |
Compared with LM5164QPWPRQ1 and TPS54560BQDDARQ1, the MAX17634CATP+ delivers tighter feedback accuracy (±1.3% vs. ±1.5–2%), integrated PFM/DCM/PWM mode selection, and dedicated RESET functionality - making it optimal for industrial systems requiring reliability, efficiency across load range, and supervisory signaling.
Availability
MAX17634CATP+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control power supplies, distributed supply regulation, base station power supplies, and high-voltage single-board systems requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for MAX17634CATP+ 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 MAX17634x family targets high-voltage industrial DC-DC conversion with integrated MOSFETs, aiming to replace discrete buck solutions in PLCs, motor drives, and telecom infrastructure where efficiency, reliability, and small footprint are critical.
FAQ
What output voltage range does the MAX17634CATP+ support?
The MAX17634CATP+ supports an adjustable output voltage from 0.9V up to 90% of the input voltage (VIN). This is achieved using an external resistor divider connected to the FB pin. The internal feedback reference is 0.9V ±1.2% (typical), and regulation accuracy remains ±1.3% over –40°C to +125°C ambient. Unlike the fixed-output MAX17634A (3.3V) and MAX17634B (5V), the MAX17634CATP+ variant is specifically designed for flexible voltage scaling in multi-rail systems.
How does the MODE/SYNC pin configure operating modes on the MAX17634CATP+?
The MODE/SYNC pin on the MAX17634CATP+ selects between three distinct operating modes: open = PFM (pulse-frequency modulation) for highest light-load efficiency; tied to SGND = PWM (forced constant-frequency) for EMI-sensitive applications; tied to INTVCC = DCM (discontinuous conduction mode) for balanced light-load performance. External clock synchronization is supported only in PWM or DCM modes, with capture range 1.1×–1.4× the RT-set frequency. PFM mode ignores external clocks.
Does the MAX17634CATP+ require external compensation components?
No, the MAX17634CATP+ includes fully integrated loop compensation valid across its entire adjustable output voltage range (0.9V to 90% of VIN). This eliminates the need for external Type-II or Type-III compensation networks, reducing component count, PCB area, and design validation effort. Internal compensation is verified per Maxim's application schematics and Bode plot data (e.g., 62.9° phase margin at 50.2kHz for 3.3V output).
What is the purpose of the EXTVCC pin on the MAX17634CATP+?
The EXTVCC pin on the MAX17634CATP+ provides an auxiliary power input that reduces internal LDO (INTVCC) losses. When connected to a stable 5V output rail, EXTVCC powers internal circuitry instead of the INTVCC LDO, improving full-load efficiency by ~2–3%. EXTVCC switchover occurs at 4.56V–4.84V (rising), and the pin must be grounded if unused. This feature is especially valuable in high-current, thermally constrained industrial applications.
Can the MAX17634CATP+ drive a prebiased output during startup?
Yes, the MAX17634CATP+ supports monotonic startup into a prebiased output voltage. Its soft-start circuitry (controlled by the SS pin capacitor) and valley-current-limit threshold (–0.28A to +0.28A in DCM/PWM, 2.5A in PWM) prevent reverse current flow and ensure controlled ramp-up even when VOUT is initially present. This capability is confirmed in typical operating waveforms (e.g., Figure 16: "Soft-Start with Prebias of Voltage 2.5V") and enables safe integration in hot-swap and redundant power systems.
MAX17634CATP+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 4.5V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 36V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 0.9V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 32.4V
- Current - Output:
- 4.25A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 400kHz ~ 2.2MHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- Yes
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-TQFN (4x4)
MAX17634CATP+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX17634CATP+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX17634CATP+ on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX17634CATP+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX17634CATP+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX17634CATP+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX17634CATP+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX17634CATP+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX17634CATP+?
MAX17634CATP+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX17634CATP+ order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX17634CATP+?
For technical support, including MAX17634CATP+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX17634CATP+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX17634CATP+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX17634CATP+ products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX17634CATP+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX17634CATP+?
All MAX17634CATP+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX17634CATP+, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX17634CATP+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX17634CATP+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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