Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX20730EPL+T
- Part No.:
- MAX20730EPL+T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- 15-VFQFN, FCQFN
- Datasheet:
-
MAX20730EPL+T.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK ADJ 25A 15FCQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,391
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Product details
Overview
MAX20730EPL+T from Maxim Integrated is a fully integrated, PMBus-enabled step-down switching regulator designed for point-of-load (PoL) power delivery in high-density networking and telecom systems. It delivers up to 25A output current from a 4.5V–16V input, supports 0.6V–5.5V programmable output voltage, achieves 90.8% peak efficiency at 12VIN/1VOUT, and features valley current-mode control with fast transient response (up to 300A/μs load-step capability).
For engineers reviewing the MAX20730EPL+T datasheet, MAX20730EPL+T pinout, MAX20730EPL+T application, or MAX20730EPL+T equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed thermal and electrical specifications, real-world application mappings, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative parts for PoL DC-DC design.
Technical Context
The MAX20730EPL+T implements a valley current-mode control architecture with fixed-frequency PWM operation (400–900kHz), dynamically adjusting switching frequency during transients to minimize undershoot/overshoot. It integrates high-side and low-side MOSFETs, gate drivers, a precision DAC reference (0.6016V–1.0V), and an error amplifier with 20μs integrator recovery time.
It supports differential remote sensing (VSENSE+/VSENSE−) with open-circuit detection, uses internal current-sense technology for cycle-by-cycle overcurrent protection, and provides hiccup-mode OCP, programmable thermal shutdown (130°C or 150°C), and input UVLO with 350mV hysteresis.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5V to 16V - supports standard 5V, 12V, and 15V intermediate bus rails without external level-shifting. |
| Max Output Current | 25A continuous - rated for thermal operation at TA = 55°C, 200LFM airflow; derates to 15A at 85°C still-air. |
| Output Voltage Range | 0.6V to 5.5V - digitally programmable via PMBus or analog resistor divider; VREF accuracy ±1.0% over temperature. |
| Peak Efficiency | 90.8% at 12VIN/1VOUT/25A - enables compact thermal design with θJA = 16.3°C/W on 4-layer board. |
| Switching Frequency | 400kHz to 900kHz - selectable via CSEL_B or PMBus; higher frequencies reduce inductor size but increase switching loss. |
| Transient Response | Supports 300A/μs load steps - enabled by adaptive frequency scaling and fast integrator recovery (20μs). |
| PMBus Compliance | Fully compliant with SMBus 3.0/PMBus 1.3 - supports real-time telemetry of VIN, VOUT, IOUT, temperature, and fault status. |
Pinout & Package
MAX20730EPL+T is housed in a 15-pin, 5mm × 5mm, 0.5mm pitch QFN package (package code P154A6F+1, outline 21-100020) with exposed thermal pad for enhanced heat dissipation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VSENSE+ | Remote sense positive input | Connects to regulated output at load for Kelvin sensing; enables ±0.7% static load regulation. |
| VSENSE− | Remote sense negative input | Ground-referenced Kelvin return path; includes open-circuit detection to prevent regulation failure. |
| PGMA / PGMB | Programming interface nodes | Accept resistor-capacitor networks to set switching frequency, soft-start time, and OCP thresholds without PMBus. |
| VDDH | Main power input | Supplies high-side switch; requires local 60-mil bypass capacitor per layout guidelines to sustain 6A average input current. |
| VX | Switching node | Connects directly to buck inductor; rated for −10V to +23V (25ns pulse); critical for EMI and layout integrity. |
| BST | Bootstrap supply | Drives high-side gate via 0.22μF ceramic cap to VX; clamped to (BST − VX) ≤ +2.5V to avoid gate oxide stress. |
| OE | Enable input | Logic-controlled startup with 0.9V threshold and 200kΩ internal pulldown; supports precise power sequencing. |
| STAT | Open-drain status output | Indicates regulation health (high = OK); asserts low on PWRGD fault, OVP, OTP, UVLO, or BST fault. |
| CLK / DATA / SMALERT | PMBus interface | Standard SMBus 3.0 physical layer; supports 400kHz clock; SMALERT provides interrupt-driven fault reporting. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Differential remote sensing | Enables <±0.7% load regulation across PCB trace drops; includes automatic open-circuit detection on VSENSE−. |
| Valley current-mode control | Provides inherent short-circuit protection and stable operation with all-MLCC output capacitors; eliminates need for external current-sense resistors. |
| Programmable OCP thresholds | Four selectable positive OCP levels (9.3A–29.1A) and matching negative thresholds (−19A to −30A) for asymmetric overload handling. |
| Adaptive transient response | Increases switching frequency during load steps to limit VOUT undershoot; decreases frequency during unload to suppress overshoot. |
| Integrated telemetry engine | Reports VIN, VOUT, IOUT, die temperature with ±3% accuracy, 5ms update interval, and 1ms averaging window. |
Applications
| Networking Equipment | Servers and Storage Equipment |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering 100G/400G Ethernet PHYs and SerDes lanes requiring tight voltage tolerance and fast dynamic load response. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary point-of-load regulator delivering 0.8V–1.2V at up to 25A with PMBus telemetry for system-level power management. Use Value: Achieves 300A/μs transient support and ±0.7% load regulation-critical for maintaining signal integrity under burst traffic loads. |
Use Scenario: Supplying memory VDDQ and I/O rails in dual-socket server motherboards with strict sequencing and fault logging requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digitally programmable PoL converter enabling dynamic voltage scaling and real-time current monitoring per rail. Use Value: PMBus telemetry enables per-rail power budgeting and predictive thermal management; hiccup OCP prevents cascading failures. |
| µP Chipsets | Point-of-Load Voltage Regulators |
Use Scenario: Delivering core voltage (VDD) to high-performance ASICs and FPGAs with rapidly varying current demands. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current, high-efficiency buck regulator with soft-start ramp control and precise enable sequencing. Use Value: 0.75ms–6ms programmable soft-start prevents inrush current; OE pin enables synchronized multi-rail startup. |
Use Scenario: Replacing discrete controller + MOSFET solutions in space-constrained telecom line cards and optical modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fully integrated monolithic buck IC reducing solution size to 509mm² including inductor and output caps. Use Value: Eliminates external power switches, drivers, and current-sense components-reducing BOM count and layout complexity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-current, PMBus-enabled step-down regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MP8770GQ-Z | 4.5V–16V input, 25A max, 400kHz–2.2MHz fSW, no integrated PMBus; requires external MTP for configuration. | Lacks native PMBus telemetry; suitable where digital control is handled externally or not required. | Select MP8770GQ-Z when cost sensitivity outweighs need for embedded telemetry and full PMBus compliance. |
| TPS546D24RQFPR | 4.5V–18V input, 60A max, 400kHz–2MHz fSW, PMBus 1.3 compliant, but larger 6mm × 6mm QFN package. | Higher current rating and wider input range; better suited for multi-phase or higher-power PoL applications. | Select TPS546D24RQFPR when >25A output or extended input voltage margin (up to 18V) is required. |
Compared with MP8770GQ-Z and TPS546D24RQFPR, the MAX20730EPL+T offers the smallest footprint (5mm × 5mm), highest integration (integrated DAC, current sense, and telemetry engine), and optimal balance of PMBus functionality and thermal performance for 25A-class PoL designs.
Availability
MAX20730EPL+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for networking equipment, servers and storage systems, and high-performance µP chipset power delivery requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MAX20730EPL+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) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for demanding industrial, communications, and computing applications.
The MAX20730 belongs to Maxim's high-density PoL regulator product line, engineered specifically for space-constrained, thermally aggressive environments in datacom and telecom infrastructure where efficiency, telemetry, and reliability are non-negotiable.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous output current supported by the MAX20730EPL+T?
The MAX20730EPL+T supports 25A continuous output current under specified thermal conditions: TA = 55°C with 200LFM airflow. At 85°C still-air, the thermal rating drops to 15A. Peak current capability is 50A, limited by internal OCP settings and layout-dependent thermal performance. The actual achievable current depends on PCB copper weight, heatsinking, and ambient airflow-verified using the MAX20730EVKIT# reference design with 4-layer, 2oz copper.
Does the MAX20730EPL+T require external MOSFETs or gate drivers?
No, the MAX20730EPL+T is a fully monolithic buck regulator that integrates both high-side and low-side power MOSFETs, gate drivers, PWM controller, current-sense circuitry, and PMBus interface. No external power switches or drivers are needed-only passive components (inductor, input/output capacitors, programming resistors/capacitors) are required to complete the power stage.
How does the MAX20730EPL+T handle overcurrent events?
The MAX20730EPL+T implements cycle-by-cycle valley current limiting with hiccup-mode recovery. Positive OCP thresholds are programmable (9.3A–29.1A), and negative OCP thresholds provide reverse-current protection (−19A to −30A). Upon OCP trigger, the high-side switch is disabled until inductor current falls below the hysteresis-adjusted threshold (IOCP2), preventing thermal runaway while allowing automatic recovery after fault clearance.
Can the MAX20730EPL+T be configured without using PMBus?
Yes, the MAX20730EPL+T supports analog configuration via external resistors and capacitors on PGMA and PGMB pins. These components set switching frequency (400/600/800kHz), soft-start time (0.75/1.5/3/6ms), and OCP thresholds without requiring PMBus communication-ideal for systems lacking digital management infrastructure or needing simplified bring-up.
What is the purpose of the VSENSE+ and VSENSE− pins on the MAX20730EPL+T?
The VSENSE+ and VSENSE− pins implement differential remote sensing to compensate for IR drop between the regulator output and the load. VSENSE+ connects to the load-side of the output rail, and VSENSE− connects to the load ground via a dedicated Kelvin path. This topology ensures ±0.7% static load regulation and includes open-circuit detection to disable regulation if VSENSE− is disconnected or shorted to VDDH.
MAX20730EPL+T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 15-VFQFN, FCQFN
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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):
- 16V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 0.65V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 5.5V
- Current - Output:
- 25A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 400kHz ~ 900kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 15-FCQFN (6x4.15)
MAX20730EPL+T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX20730EPL+T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX20730EPL+T 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 MAX20730EPL+T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX20730EPL+T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX20730EPL+T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX20730EPL+T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX20730EPL+T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX20730EPL+T?
MAX20730EPL+T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX20730EPL+T 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 MAX20730EPL+T?
For technical support, including MAX20730EPL+T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX20730EPL+T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX20730EPL+T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX20730EPL+T 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 MAX20730EPL+T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX20730EPL+T?
All MAX20730EPL+T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX20730EPL+T, 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 MAX20730EPL+T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX20730EPL+T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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