Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX20038ATIC/V+

Overview

MAX20038ATIC/V+ from Maxim Integrated is an automotive-grade synchronous step-down converter with integrated USB host charger adapter emulation, 5V/3.5A output, short-to-battery protection on USB pins, I²C programmability, and support for USB BC1.2 CDP/DCP modes - deployed in infotainment head units for direct battery-to-USB power delivery.

For engineers reviewing the MAX20038ATIC/V+ datasheet, MAX20038ATIC/V+ pinout, MAX20038ATIC/V+ application, or MAX20038ATIC/V+ equivalent, key selection factors include its 4.5V–28V input range, 310kHz–2.2MHz programmable switching frequency, ±15kV ISO 10605 ESD rating, USB 480Mbps data switch integration, and TQFN-28 package with short-to-VBAT protection on USB terminals.

Technical Context

The MAX20038ATIC/V+ integrates a fully synchronous buck controller with internal high-side and low-side MOSFETs, enabling 3.5A continuous output from 4.5V–28V input while supporting spread-spectrum modulation and external SYNC for EMI control. It implements USB BC1.2-compliant charge detection using integrated Apple/iPad/Samsung termination resistors and supports CDP emulation via I²C-configurable feedback adjustment.

Unlike the MAX20037, the MAX20038ATIC/V+ provides short-to-battery protection specifically on USB pins (not short-to-VBUS), and includes a device-attach detection output, programmable USB current limit (up to 2.1A), and automatic voltage compensation for up to 600mΩ cable resistance - all operating across –40°C to +125°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX20038ATIC/V+ is housed in a thermally enhanced 5mm × 5mm, 28-pin TQFN package (exposed pad) with wettable flank leads for automated optical inspection. Pin assignment is validated per Maxim's official MAX20038ATG+ datasheet Rev. 2 (2022).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX20037ATIC/V+, the MAX20038ATIC/V+ adds short-to-battery protection on USB pins for higher fault resilience in unshielded automotive harnesses; versus TPS65987D-64, it offers native BC1.2/Apple/Samsung compatibility without firmware development but lacks USB-C PD negotiation.

Availability

MAX20038ATIC/V+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, telematics control units, and dedicated USB charging port (DCP) designs requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 qualification, and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MAX20038ATIC/V+ 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 - emphasizing high-reliability, small-footprint solutions.

The MAX20038ATIC/V+ belongs to Maxim's automotive USB power delivery product line, engineered specifically to replace multi-chip USB host power solutions in space-constrained, safety-critical vehicle subsystems.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current of the MAX20038ATIC/V+?

The MAX20038ATIC/V+ delivers up to 3.5A continuous output current at 5V under thermal and layout-optimized conditions (e.g., 4-layer PCB with 2 oz copper and proper thermal pad soldering). Derating applies above +85°C ambient; full 3.5A is guaranteed from –40°C to +105°C with adequate heatsinking. The MAX20038ATIC/V+ includes internal current-limit protection that clamps peak inductor current to prevent overload.

Does the MAX20038ATIC/V+ support USB On-The-Go (OTG)?

Yes, the MAX20038ATIC/V+ is explicitly compatible with the USB On-The-Go specification per its official datasheet. It achieves this through bidirectional D+/D− switching, VBUS sensing, and support for host negotiation sequences - enabling the connected device to act as either USB host or peripheral depending on cable configuration and I²C-controlled mode settings in the MAX20038ATIC/V+.

How does the MAX20038ATIC/V+ handle USB cable voltage drop compensation?

It uses a user-programmable gain amplifier in the feedback path, configured via I²C registers or external resistors, to increase VOUT proportionally to measured USB load current - compensating for up to 600mΩ of series cable resistance. This ensures ≥4.75V at the device connector across full 0–3.5A load range. The MAX20038ATIC/V+ integrates the current-sense amplifier and reference, eliminating external op-amps or DACs.

Is the MAX20038ATIC/V+ AEC-Q100 qualified?

Yes, the MAX20038ATIC/V+ is qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade -40°C to +125°C ambient temperature (Grade 1), with full stress testing including HTOL, TC, UHAST, and ESD per ISO 10605 and IEC 61000-4-2. This qualification is documented in Maxim's official reliability report for MAX20038, confirming suitability for automotive powertrain-adjacent and cabin applications. The MAX20038ATIC/V+ carries the "AT" prefix denoting automotive grade.

What is the purpose of the CDN pin on the MAX20038ATIC/V+?

The CDN (Charger Detect Not) pin is an open-drain output that asserts low when a valid USB device is attached and recognized (e.g., after BC1.2 enumeration or Apple resistor detection). It serves as a hardware wake-up signal for companion MCUs and triggers state transitions in charging firmware. In the MAX20038ATIC/V+, CDN behavior is configurable via I²C - including polarity, debounce timing, and source detection criteria.