Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX20038ATID/V+

Overview

MAX20038ATID/V+ 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/Samsung charge detection, and features short-to-battery protection on USB pins. It is used in automotive infotainment USB charging ports requiring robust cable-drop compensation and EMI control.

For engineers reviewing the MAX20038ATID/V+ datasheet, MAX20038ATID/V+ pinout, MAX20038ATID/V+ application, or MAX20038ATID/V+ equivalent, key selection considerations include its 3.5A synchronous buck capability, I²C-programmable USB current limit and voltage gain, spread-spectrum EMI reduction, -40°C to +125°C operation, and TQFN-28 package with short-to-battery protection on USB terminals.

Technical Context

The MAX20038ATID/V+ integrates a fully synchronous buck converter with internal high-side and low-side MOSFETs, programmable switching frequency (310kHz–2.2MHz), and SYNC I/O for frequency parking. Its USB interface includes 480Mbps/12Mbps/1.5Mbps data switches and integrated termination resistors for Apple and Samsung devices.

It implements dual-stage USB current limiting-via fixed internal peak-current threshold of the DC-DC stage and user-configurable external sense-amplifier threshold-and provides automatic VBUS voltage compensation for up to 600mΩ cable resistance using programmable gain feedback adjustment.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX20038ATID/V+ is housed in a 5mm × 5mm, 28-pin TQFN package with exposed thermal pad (TQFN-CU/28). Pinout is validated per Maxim's official datasheet Rev. 1 (2018) and MAX20038EVKIT schematic.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar USB host charger emulator applications.

Compared with NXP TJA1044T and ON Semi NCV8853, the MAX20038ATID/V+ uniquely integrates buck conversion, USB data switching, BC1.2 emulation, and short-to-battery protected USB I/O in one AEC-Q100 Grade 1 package-reducing BOM count by ≥4 components and eliminating inter-IC timing dependencies.

Availability

MAX20038ATID/V+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment head units, telematics control units, and dedicated USB charging ports requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and production-ready USB host functionality.

Supply support for MAX20038ATID/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 applications.

The MAX20038ATID/V+ belongs to Maxim's automotive USB power and interface product line, engineered specifically to replace multi-chip USB charging solutions in vehicle head units and telematics modules with single-chip robustness and AEC-Q100 qualification.

FAQ

What is the maximum USB load current supported by the MAX20038ATID/V+?

The MAX20038ATID/V+ supports up to 3.5A output current from its integrated synchronous buck converter, with USB load current configurable via external sense resistor or I²C register. The device enforces this limit using both internal peak-current detection and user-adjustable external threshold-ensuring safe operation across temperature and input voltage ranges. This makes MAX20038ATID/V+ suitable for high-power tablet charging in automotive environments.

Does the MAX20038ATID/V+ support USB On-the-Go (OTG) functionality?

Yes, the MAX20038ATID/V+ is explicitly compatible with the USB On-the-Go specification per its official datasheet. It achieves this through bidirectional D+/D− data switching, VBUS sensing, and role negotiation support-enabling connected devices to act as either host or peripheral. This capability is built into MAX20038ATID/V+ hardware and requires no external firmware, making it ideal for automotive hubs and docking stations.

How does the MAX20038ATID/V+ handle voltage drop across long USB cables?

The MAX20038ATID/V+ implements programmable cable drop compensation via adjustable feedback gain, allowing it to boost VBUS output to offset up to 600mΩ of series cable resistance. This gain is set either by external resistors or I²C commands, ensuring ≥4.75V is maintained at the connected device-even with 3-meter captive cables common in automotive consoles. This function is integral to MAX20038ATID/V+ and operates autonomously.

What protection features does the MAX20038ATID/V+ provide on its USB pins?

The MAX20038ATID/V+ provides short-to-battery protection on all USB pins (USBIN/USBOUT), a feature distinguishing it from the MAX20037 (which offers short-to-VBUS instead). This allows the USB data lines to survive direct shorts to 12V/24V battery rails-a critical requirement in automotive wiring harnesses. It also includes ±15kV air/±8kV contact ESD protection per ISO 10605 and IEC 61000-4-2, fully integrated within MAX20038ATID/V+.

Is the MAX20038ATID/V+ pin-compatible with other devices in the MAX20037/MAX20038 family?

Yes, the MAX20038ATID/V+ shares identical pinout, package (TQFN-28), and footprint with MAX20037 variants and other MAX20038 suffix versions (e.g., ATIA/V+, ATIB/V+). All devices in the MAX20037/MAX20038 family use the same mechanical layout and signal mapping-enabling hardware reuse across designs targeting different protection schemes (short-to-battery vs. short-to-VBUS) or temperature grades. This uniformity applies directly to MAX20038ATID/V+.