Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX20038ATIA/V+T

Overview

MAX20038ATIA/V+T from Maxim Integrated is an automotive-grade synchronous step-down converter with integrated USB host charger adapter emulation, USB protection switches, and current-sense amplifier. It delivers 5V/3.5A output from 4.5V–28V input (40V load dump tolerant), supports USB BC1.2 CDP/DCP modes, Apple 1A/2.1A and Samsung Galaxy Tablet 2A charging profiles, and features short-to-battery protection on USB pins.

For engineers reviewing the MAX20038ATIA/V+T datasheet, MAX20038ATIA/V+T pinout, MAX20038ATIA/V+T application, or MAX20038ATIA/V+T equivalent, this device serves as a single-chip solution for automotive USB host ports requiring robust cable-drop compensation, programmable current limiting, spread-spectrum EMI reduction, and I²C-configurable operation across -40°C to +125°C.

Technical Context

The MAX20038ATIA/V+T integrates a fully synchronous buck converter with internal high-side and low-side MOSFETs, supporting programmable switching frequency from 310kHz to 2.2MHz via I²C or external resistor. It includes a dedicated USB data switch supporting 480Mbps/12Mbps/1.5Mbps signaling and integrated termination resistors for Apple and Samsung charge detection.

Its USB protection architecture provides short-to-battery protection on VBUS and D+/D− pins-distinguishing it from the MAX20037 (which offers short-to-VBUS instead). The device implements automatic output voltage compensation using a configurable gain amplifier to offset up to 600mΩ cable resistance, and supports remote wake-up via CEN pin with 16ms VBUS reset time.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX20038ATIA/V+T is housed in a 5mm × 5mm, 28-pin TQFN package with exposed thermal pad (TQFN-CU/28), optimized for thermal performance and compact automotive PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar USB host power management applications.

Compared with MAX20037ATIA/V+T and TPS65988DHAR, the MAX20038ATIA/V+T uniquely combines BC1.2-compliant USB-A host emulation, short-to-battery protected USB I/O, and automotive-grade buck conversion in one die - making it optimal for legacy USB-A integration where fault resilience and cable-drop compensation are mandatory.

Availability

MAX20038ATIA/V+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, telematics control units, and dedicated USB charging port designs requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 qualification, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MAX20038ATIA/V+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 automotive, industrial, and communications markets.

The MAX20038ATIA/V+T belongs to Maxim's automotive USB power management product line, engineered specifically for robust, single-chip USB host port implementation in vehicles - addressing cable-drop compensation, EMI control, and fault protection in harsh 12V/24V environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current supported by the MAX20038ATIA/V+T?

The MAX20038ATIA/V+T delivers up to 3.5A continuous output current at 5V from its integrated synchronous buck converter. This rating is validated over the full -40°C to +125°C operating temperature range and accounts for thermal derating in typical automotive PCB layouts with the 5mm × 5mm TQFN package's exposed thermal pad properly soldered to a thermal plane.

Does the MAX20038ATIA/V+T support USB Battery Charging Specification v1.2?

Yes, the MAX20038ATIA/V+T fully supports USB BC1.2, including CDP (Charging Downstream Port) and DCP (Dedicated Charging Port) modes. It implements all required detection sequences and termination resistors internally, enabling seamless compatibility with smartphones and tablets that rely on BC1.2 handshaking - confirmed in the official MAX20038 datasheet section 8.2.

How does the MAX20038ATIA/V+T handle voltage drop across long USB cables?

The MAX20038ATIA/V+T uses a user-programmable gain amplifier to adjust its 5V output upward based on measured USB load current, compensating for IR drop across captive cables up to 600mΩ. This closed-loop compensation is configured via I²C register writes or external resistors, ensuring stable 5V at the device connector regardless of cable length or gauge.

What protection features are implemented on the USB pins of the MAX20038ATIA/V+T?

The MAX20038ATIA/V+T provides short-to-battery protection on VBUS, D+, and D− pins - meaning each pin safely withstands direct connection to the 12V/24V vehicle battery without damage or latch-up. This differs from the MAX20037, which offers short-to-VBUS protection instead, and is verified per ISO 10605 and IEC 61000-4-2 ESD testing at ±15kV air / ±8kV contact.

Is the MAX20038ATIA/V+T pin-compatible with other devices in the MAX20037/MAX20038 family?

Yes, the MAX20038ATIA/V+T shares identical pinout, package (TQFN-CU/28), and footprint with MAX20037 variants and other MAX20038 suffix versions (e.g., MAX20038ATIB/V+T). However, functional differences - especially USB protection topology (short-to-battery vs. short-to-VBUS) - require validation of system-level fault behavior before substitution.