Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX18002AWT+T

Overview

MAX18002AWT+T from Analog Devices is an ultrasonic boost converter IC designed for low-noise, battery-powered systems. It operates from 0.5V to 5.5V input, delivers adjustable 2.5V–5.5V output in 100mV steps, features 3.6A cycle-by-cycle current limiting, True Shutdown™ with 7nA quiescent current, and automatic pass-through mode when VIN > VOUT - enabling use in wearable power rails and IoT sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the MAX18002AWT+T datasheet, MAX18002AWT+T pinout, MAX18002AWT+T application, or MAX18002AWT+T equivalent, key selection criteria include ultrasonic switching (29kHz typ) for audible-noise avoidance, single-RSEL voltage programming, short-circuit protection with 700mA current limit, and thermal shutdown at +165°C.

Technical Context

The MAX18002AWT+T uses adaptive on-time current-mode control to achieve fast transient response across load conditions while maintaining efficiency. It dynamically transitions between ultrasonic mode (USM), skip mode, and continuous conduction mode (CCM) based on load current - ensuring stable regulation from light-load (<1mA) to full-load (up to ~1.2A at 5VOUT).

Its architecture integrates a high-side PMOS with 60mΩ R_DS(ON) and low-side NMOS with 30mΩ R_DS(ON), enabling efficient boost conversion and seamless pass-through operation. The internal ADC reads the RSEL resistor to set output voltage without external feedback resistors, eliminating associated power loss and board space.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX18002AWT+T is housed in a 6-bump wafer-level package (WLP), outline number 21-100570, with 0.5mm pitch and 1.07mm × 1.57mm footprint. Bumps are arranged in a 2×3 grid (A1–B3), with bump-side-down mounting.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS610995YFFR and MP2155GQZ-P, the MAX18002AWT+T uniquely combines ultrasonic switching, single-resistor output programming, True Shutdown™, and sub-1V start-up - making it the only option suitable for noise-critical, multi-voltage, ultra-low-power portable systems.

Availability

MAX18002AWT+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable health monitors, IoT edge sensors, and portable medical diagnostics requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle availability, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX18002AWT+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

Analog Devices, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets.

The MAX18002 belongs to Analog Devices' ultralow-power boost converter product line, engineered specifically for battery- and energy-harvesting–powered portable electronics where acoustic noise, size, and multi-year runtime are critical design constraints.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for MAX18002AWT+T to start up?

The MAX18002AWT+T has a typical start-up voltage of 1.8V, with guaranteed operation beginning at 1.75V (rising) per its UVLO threshold. Below this, the device remains in undervoltage lockout until VIN rises sufficiently. This allows reliable boot from partially discharged single-cell batteries while maintaining compatibility with energy-harvesting sources that reach 1.8V after initial charge accumulation.

How does the RSEL resistor selection affect MAX18002AWT+T output accuracy?

The MAX18002AWT+T uses an internal ADC to read the RSEL resistor value, supporting output voltage selection from 2.5V to 5.5V in 100mV steps. A ±1% resistor tolerance is required to ensure output accuracy remains within ±1% (typical), as specified in the electrical characteristics table. Deviations beyond ±1% introduce quantization error in the ADC reading, potentially shifting the actual VOUT by up to ±0.1V.

Does MAX18002AWT+T support automatic transition between boost and pass-through modes?

Yes - the MAX18002AWT+T automatically enters pass-through mode whenever VIN exceeds VOUT, bypassing switching action and regulating VOUT to track VIN with minimal dropout. During pass-through, it continues operating in ultrasonic mode (29kHz typical) to avoid audible noise, and seamlessly re-enters boost mode when VIN drops below VOUT.

What happens during short-circuit conditions on the MAX18002AWT+T output?

When VOUT falls below 0.5V due to a hard short, the MAX18002AWT+T disables switching and limits current to 700mA (typical) through its high-side PMOS. It remains in this state until the fault is removed, then executes a controlled soft-start sequence: first PMOS slew (350µs) to bring VOUT up to VIN, then boost-slew (3V/ms) to target voltage - preventing destructive inrush or excessive overshoot.

Can MAX18002AWT+T operate with input voltages below 1V?

Yes - the MAX18002AWT+T supports input voltages as low as 0.5V after start-up, though it requires ≥1.8V to initiate startup. Once running, it sustains regulation down to 0.5V, enabling use with emerging ultra-low-VIN sources such as thermoelectric generators or low-output photovoltaic cells. Its adaptive on-time control maintains stability across this extended range without external compensation.