Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX20815AFE+
- Part No.:
- MAX20815AFE+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
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MAX20815AFE+.pdf
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Product details
Overview
MAX20815AFE+ from Analog Devices is a fully integrated 15A, 2MHz step-down DC-DC switching regulator with PMBus interface, operating from 2.7V to 16V input and delivering 0.4V–5.8V output. It features fixed-frequency current-mode control, internal compensation, selectable Advanced Modulation Scheme (AMS), and differential remote sensing - deployed in high-density data center point-of-load (PoL) power rails.
For engineers reviewing the MAX20815AFE+ datasheet, MAX20815AFE+ pinout, MAX20815AFE+ application, or MAX20815AFE+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its 15A continuous load capability at +125°C junction, PMBus telemetry of voltage/current/temperature, programmable POCP thresholds (12A–20A), and footprint compatibility with MAX20810/MAX20830 for drop-in migration.
Technical Context
The MAX20815AFE+ implements fixed-frequency peak current-mode control with internal voltage-loop compensation and slope compensation. Its control architecture supports both standard trailing-edge PWM and AMS-enabled dual-edge modulation to extend closed-loop bandwidth during fast load transients without phase-margin penalty.
It integrates a 1.8V internal LDO (VCC) powered from VDDH or optional external 2.5V–5.5V LDOIN bias, plus separate AVDD supply for analog circuitry. Protection includes hiccup-mode positive/negative overcurrent (POCP/NOCP), output overvoltage (OVP), BST UVLO, and +155°C overtemperature shutdown with 20°C hysteresis.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Current | 15A continuous at TJ ≤ +125°C with 200LFM airflow; enables single-rail CPU/GPU core power delivery |
| Input Voltage Range | 2.7V to 16V - supports 3.3V, 5V, 12V intermediate bus architectures |
| Output Voltage Range | 0.4V to 5.8V with ±0.6% feedback accuracy at 0.5V reference - covers DDR, ASIC, FPGA, and SoC core rails |
| Switching Frequency | Configurable 500kHz–2MHz via PGM1 resistor or PMBus - balances size (inductor/capacitor) vs. efficiency/noise |
| Peak Efficiency | 93.8% at VDDH = 12V, VOUT = 1.8V, IOUT = 15A - reduces thermal load in dense server PCBs |
| PMBus Interface | Full telemetry (READ_VOUT, READ_IOUT, READ_TEMPERATURE) and configuration (VOUT_COMMAND, ON_OFF_CONFIG) at up to 1MHz clock - enables real-time system power management |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +125°C junction - qualified for industrial and enterprise-grade server environments |
Pinout & Package
Package: 4.3mm × 6.55mm, 16-pin FC2QFN (F164A6F+2), RoHS-compliant, exposed thermal pad (PGND-connected).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LX | Switching node | Direct connection to power inductor; carries high di/dt ripple current - requires short, low-inductance layout |
| BST | Bootstrap supply | Connects 0.47μF ceramic capacitor to LX; powers high-side gate driver - critical for MOSFET turn-on reliability |
| VCC | Internal 1.8V LDO output | Supplies gate drivers and digital core; requires ≥4.7μF decoupling to PGND for stability |
| LDOIN | Optional external bias input | Accepts 2.5V–5.5V supply to improve efficiency; floating disables external bias mode |
| AVDD | Analog 1.8V supply | Powered via 2.2Ω–4.7Ω resistor from VCC; requires ≥1μF decoupling to AGND for analog accuracy |
| SNSP/SNSN | Differential remote sense inputs | Enable precise load-point regulation by sensing voltage directly at the load - eliminates IR drop error |
| PGM0/PGM1 | Configuration strapping inputs | Set POCP level (12A–20A), switching frequency (500kHz–2MHz), and PMBus address via resistor-to-ground |
| CLK/DATA | PMBus interface | Standard SMBus-compatible 1MHz bidirectional interface for telemetry, fault logging, and adaptive voltage scaling |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Advanced Modulation Scheme (AMS) | Enables leading/trailing-edge modulation during load transients - reduces output voltage deviation by >40% vs. standard PWM and minimizes required bulk capacitance |
| Internal Compensation | Eliminates external compensation components - reduces BOM count and design iteration time for PoL applications |
| Differential Remote Sensing | Compensates for PCB trace resistance between regulator and load - maintains ±0.5% output regulation under dynamic load conditions |
| Four Configurable POCP Thresholds | Selectable 12A/14.6A/17.3A/20A via PGM0 resistor - allows optimization of short-circuit protection margin versus inductor saturation risk |
| Integrated 1.8V LDO with Bias Flexibility | VCC derived from VDDH or external LDOIN - improves light-load efficiency by up to 3% when using 3.3V bias instead of 12V input |
Applications
| Data Center Power | Communications Equipment |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Core voltage regulation for AI accelerators and high-performance CPUs in 1U/2U rack servers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary point-of-load regulator delivering 15A at 0.8V–1.2V with <100μs transient response. Use Value: AMS and differential sensing maintain <±15mV output deviation during 10A/μs load steps - avoids system reset or throttling. | Use Scenario: Powering multi-core baseband processors and FPGAs in 5G macrocell and small-cell radio units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency intermediate bus converter stepping 12V down to 1.8V/3.3V rails with PMBus telemetry. Use Value: Real-time READ_IOUT and READ_TEMPERATURE enable predictive thermal derating - extends field lifetime in sealed enclosures. |
| Networking Equipment | Servers and Storage |
Use Scenario: Providing clean, tightly regulated power to switch fabric ASICs and SerDes lanes in 100G/400G line cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, high-PoL regulator with 2MHz switching to minimize EMI near high-speed serial interfaces. Use Value: Fixed-frequency operation and internal compensation ensure stable loop behavior across temperature - eliminates need for re-tuning. | Use Scenario: Redundant 15A power rails for NVMe SSD controllers and memory buffers in enterprise storage arrays. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-resilient regulator with hiccup-mode OVP/POCP/OTP - prevents cascading failures in multi-rail systems. Use Value: 20ms auto-retry on fault clears enables unattended recovery - reduces service calls in distributed data centers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-current, PMBus-enabled buck regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX20810AFE+ | 10A rated, identical 4.3mm × 6.55mm FC2QFN package and pinout; shares same control architecture and PMBus command set | Lower current capacity suits mid-tier ASICs or lower-power FPGA domains where 15A headroom is unnecessary | Select when thermal budget or cost sensitivity outweighs need for 15A margin - enables direct PCB reuse |
| MP2960DQ-LF-Z | 15A rating, 2.7V–16V input, but uses proprietary digital interface (not PMBus); no AMS or differential sensing | Lacks telemetry granularity and transient optimization - suitable for cost-driven, non-telemetry applications like industrial PLCs | Choose only if PMBus integration is not required and system-level monitoring is handled externally |
Compared with MAX20810AFE+, the MAX20815AFE+ delivers 50% higher current in the same footprint with enhanced transient response and telemetry depth; compared with MP2960DQ-LF-Z, it provides standardized PMBus compliance and superior load-step performance at the cost of slightly higher BOM complexity.
Availability
MAX20815AFE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for data center power, communications equipment, and networking infrastructure requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and full PMBus interoperability.
Supply support for MAX20815AFE+ 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 is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving precision, power, and connectivity markets.
The MAX20815AFE+ belongs to Analog Devices' Power by Linear™ family of intelligent, digitally configurable DC-DC regulators - designed specifically for high-density, telemetry-rich power delivery in cloud-scale computing and 5G infrastructure.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous output current supported by the MAX20815AFE+ under industrial temperature conditions?
The MAX20815AFE+ delivers 15A continuous output current at junction temperature ≤ +125°C with 200LFM airflow, as validated in the Safe Operating Area curves (Figure toc08). At 85°C ambient with no airflow, derating applies per SOA plots - e.g., ~12A at VOUT = 1.8V. All thermal ratings assume proper PCB copper area and thermal via design per land pattern 90-100191.
Does the MAX20815AFE+ support prebiased startup, and how is it enabled?
Yes, the MAX20815AFE+ supports smooth prebiased startup without reverse current flow. It is enabled automatically when the output voltage is detected above 0.2V during EN assertion - no configuration required. Startup timing (Figure 3) shows VOUT ramp begins only after initialization completes, ensuring controlled sequencing even with prebiased rails.
How does the Advanced Modulation Scheme (AMS) in the MAX20815AFE+ improve transient response compared to standard PWM?
The AMS in the MAX20815AFE+ enables simultaneous leading- and trailing-edge modulation during large load steps, temporarily increasing effective switching frequency beyond the configured fSW. This reduces output voltage deviation by >40% and cuts required output capacitance by up to 30%, as verified in load-transient waveforms (Figure toc21). AMS is enabled via PMBus or PGM1 strap.
Can the MAX20815AFE+ operate without an external LDOIN supply, and what is the impact on efficiency?
Yes, the MAX20815AFE+ operates fully functional with LDOIN floating - VCC is then derived from VDDH. However, using an external 3.3V LDOIN improves light-load efficiency by ~2–3% (per Figure toc06) and reduces VDDH supply current. No hardware change is needed: LDOIN is auto-detected and seamlessly transitions between sources.
What protection features are implemented in hardware versus those configurable via PMBus in the MAX20815AFE+?
Hardware protections in the MAX20815AFE+ include VDDH UVLO, BST UVLO, OVP, POCP/FPOCP, NOCP, and OTP - all active at power-up with fixed thresholds. PMBus-configurable features include VOUT_COMMAND (0.4V–0.8V), ON_OFF_CONFIG, and telemetry reporting rates. Critical fault responses (e.g., hiccup timing, latched FPOCP) remain fixed in silicon for safety.
MAX20815AFE+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
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- Package/Case:
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- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Active
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MAX20815AFE+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX20815AFE+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX20815AFE+ 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 MAX20815AFE+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX20815AFE+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX20815AFE+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX20815AFE+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX20815AFE+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX20815AFE+?
MAX20815AFE+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX20815AFE+ 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 MAX20815AFE+?
For technical support, including MAX20815AFE+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX20815AFE+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX20815AFE+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX20815AFE+ 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 MAX20815AFE+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX20815AFE+?
All MAX20815AFE+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX20815AFE+, 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 MAX20815AFE+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX20815AFE+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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