Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX20815AFE+T
- Part No.:
- MAX20815AFE+T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
MAX20815AFE+T.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG 15A
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Product details
Overview
MAX20815AFE+T from Analog Devices is a fully integrated, PMBus-enabled 15A step-down DC-DC switching regulator with fixed-frequency current-mode control, operating from 2.7V to 16V input and delivering 0.4V–5.8V output. It features internal compensation, selectable advanced modulation scheme (AMS) for fast load transients, and integrated 1.8V LDO for gate drive and analog circuitry-designed for high-density point-of-load power in data center servers.
For engineers reviewing the MAX20815AFE+T datasheet, MAX20815AFE+T pinout, MAX20815AFE+T application, or MAX20815AFE+T equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, real-world thermal and efficiency behavior at 12VIN/1.8VOUT, PMBus telemetry accuracy (±1.5% for VOUT, ±4°C for temperature), and validated pin-strapped configuration options for POCP and switching frequency.
Technical Context
The MAX20815AFE+T implements fixed-frequency peak current-mode control with internal voltage-loop compensation and programmable slope compensation. Its control architecture supports both standard trailing-edge PWM and AMS-enabling leading/trailing edge modulation during fast load steps to extend closed-loop bandwidth without phase-margin penalty.
It integrates dual protection logic: cycle-by-cycle positive overcurrent protection (POCP) with four selectable thresholds (12A–20A via PGM0), and fast POCP (25.3A latch-off), alongside differential remote sensing, BST UVLO monitoring, and -40°C to +125°C junction operation in a thermally optimized FC2QFN package.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Current | 15A continuous at TJ ≤ +125°C with 200LFM airflow; supports 12A–20A POCP threshold selection |
| Input Voltage Range | 2.7V to 16V - enables single-rail compatibility across 3.3V, 5V, 12V, and 15V intermediate bus architectures |
| Output Voltage Range | 0.4V to 5.8V - adjustable via external resistor divider or PMBus VOUT_COMMAND (0.4V–0.8V reference range) |
| Switching Frequency | 500kHz to 2MHz - configurable via PGM1 strap or PMBus; higher frequencies reduce inductor size but increase switching loss |
| Peak Efficiency | 93.8% at 12VIN/1.8VOUT/15A - achieved with optional LDOIN bias (2.5V–5.5V) and optimized layout |
| PMBus Interface | Full telemetry: READ_VOUT (±1.5%), READ_IOUT (±1.5A), READ_TEMPERATURE (±4°C), READ_VIN (±350mV) |
| Thermal Resistance | θJA = 48.5°C/W (JEDEC 4-layer board); θJC = 10.7°C/W - enables direct heatsink attachment to exposed die pad |
Pinout & Package
MAX20815AFE+T is housed in a 4.3mm × 6.55mm, 16-pin FC2QFN package with exposed thermal pad (PGND-connected). The package supports -40°C to +125°C junction operation and is footprint-compatible with MAX20810 and MAX20830.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LX | Switching node | Direct connection to inductor; carries high di/dt ripple current; requires low-inductance layout to minimize EMI |
| BST | Bootstrap supply | Connects 0.47μF ceramic capacitor to LX; supplies gate drive for high-side MOSFET; monitored for UVLO (1.48–1.64V) |
| VCC | Internal 1.8V LDO output | Powers gate drivers; requires ≥4.7μF ceramic decoupling to PGND; sourced from VDDH or optional LDOIN |
| LDOIN | Optional bias input | Accepts 2.5V–5.5V external supply to improve efficiency; can be floated or applied dynamically during regulation |
| SNSP / SNSN | Differential remote sense inputs | Enable precise load-point regulation; tolerate ±100mV common-mode offset; leakage <1μA ensures minimal divider error |
| PGM0 / PGM1 | Configuration strapping pins | Set POCP level (12A/14.6A/17.3A/20A) and switching frequency (500kHz–2MHz) via resistor-to-AGND; 32-level resolution each |
| CLK / DATA | PMBus interface | Standard SMBus v3.0 compliant; 1MHz max clock; supports telemetry read/write, fault logging, and adaptive voltage scaling |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Advanced Modulation Scheme (AMS) | Enables simultaneous leading/trailing edge modulation during load transients-reducing output capacitance requirement by up to 40% vs. fixed-frequency PWM |
| Integrated 1.8V LDO with dual sourcing | VCC powered from VDDH or external LDOIN (2.5V–5.5V); eliminates need for discrete bias rail while improving light-load efficiency |
| Differential remote sensing | Compensates for PCB IR drop up to ±100mV; maintains ±0.6% output accuracy across full load and temperature range |
| Four-tier POCP with hiccup recovery | Selectable 12A/14.6A/17.3A/20A thresholds via PGM0; hiccup mode (20ms retry) prevents thermal runaway during sustained overload |
| Fast POCP latch-off | 25.3A hard-limit protection triggers immediate shutdown and power-cycle reset-critical for inductor saturation or short-circuit survival |
Applications
| Data Center Server PoL | AI Accelerator Core Supply |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Delivering 1.0V/15A to GPU or ASIC core under dynamic 10A/μs load steps in 1U rack-mounted server. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary buck regulator with AMS-enabled transient response and PMBus telemetry for real-time thermal/power margining. Use Value: 93.8% peak efficiency at 12VIN/1.0VOUT reduces system cooling load; AMS cuts output voltage deviation to <±15mV during 5A→10A step. |
Use Scenario: Powering 0.8V–1.2V core rails for high-throughput AI inference chips with tight voltage tolerance (±1%) and rapid DVFS transitions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digitally programmable PoL converter with adaptive voltage scaling (AVS) via PMBus VOUT_COMMAND and real-time IOUT monitoring. Use Value: 1.95mV VOUT command resolution enables precise AVS; READ_IOUT accuracy (±1.5A) supports accurate power budgeting per workload. |
| 5G Baseband Radio Unit | Industrial FPGA Power Management |
|
Use Scenario: Generating 3.3V/10A and 1.8V/8A from 12V backplane for RF transceivers and baseband processors in outdoor small cells. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-output-capable regulator (with external feedback dividers) supporting wide input range and extended temperature operation. Use Value: -40°C to +125°C junction rating ensures reliability in uncooled enclosures; 48.5°C/W θJA allows conduction-cooled design without forced airflow. |
Use Scenario: Providing 1.2V/12A core supply to Xilinx Versal or Intel Agilex FPGA in programmable logic controllers with strict uptime requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-resilient power stage with OVP, OTP, NOCP, and BST UVLO-each triggering independent hiccup recovery. Use Value: Redundant protection architecture (e.g., -83% NOCP threshold relative to POCP) prevents latch-up during partial short circuits; PGOOD sequencing enables safe FPGA configuration. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX20810AEW+ | Same 4.3mm × 6.55mm FC2QFN footprint; lower 10A rating; no AMS; fixed 1MHz fSW; identical PMBus command set | Targeted at lower-power PoL nodes where transient response demands are less aggressive | Select MAX20810AEW+ when 10A output suffices and AMS is unnecessary-reduces BOM cost and simplifies layout |
| MP2965EK-LF-Z | 16A rating, 4.5mm × 5mm QFN; supports SMBus v3.0 but lacks AMS; uses external compensation; no LDOIN option | Designed for cost-sensitive telecom infrastructure with moderate transient requirements | Choose MP2965EK-LF-Z only if footprint flexibility exists and remote sense accuracy (±1.5% vs. ±0.6%) is acceptable |
Compared with MAX20810AEW+, the MAX20815AFE+T delivers 50% higher current and AMS-enhanced transient immunity; versus MP2965EK-LF-Z, it offers superior thermal performance (10.7°C/W θJC vs. ~15°C/W), integrated LDOIN biasing, and tighter output voltage accuracy-justifying its use in mission-critical AI and data center rails.
Availability
MAX20815AFE+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for data center server power, AI accelerator core supply, and 5G radio unit applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MAX20815AFE+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
Analog Devices is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and power management markets.
The MAX20815AFE+T belongs to Analog Devices' Power by Linear™ family of high-density, digitally enhanced DC-DC regulators-engineered specifically for demanding point-of-load applications in cloud infrastructure and AI hardware where efficiency, telemetry, and transient response are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum supported switching frequency for MAX20815AFE+T?
The MAX20815AFE+T supports a configurable switching frequency range from 500kHz to 2MHz. This is set either by resistor strapping on the PGM1 pin (with 32 discrete levels) or via PMBus command. At 2MHz, the device enables smaller magnetics and faster transient response-but requires careful attention to gate drive losses and PCB layout parasitics to maintain efficiency and EMI compliance. The MAX20815AFE+T's internal slope compensation and AMS remain fully functional across the entire range.
Does MAX20815AFE+T support prebiased startup?
Yes, the MAX20815AFE+T supports smooth prebiased startup. When the output voltage is already present at the SNSP/SNSN pins prior to EN assertion, the controller ramps the high-side MOSFET duty cycle gradually to avoid reverse current flow through the inductor or output capacitors. Startup timing remains consistent (1ms soft-start ramp), and PGOOD asserts only after regulation is established and all fault monitors clear. This capability is confirmed in the device's startup timing diagram (Figure 3) and validated across -40°C to +125°C.
How does the Advanced Modulation Scheme (AMS) improve transient response in MAX20815AFE+T?
The AMS in MAX20815AFE+T dynamically modulates both leading and trailing edges of the PWM waveform during large load steps-temporarily increasing effective switching frequency beyond the nominal value. This extends closed-loop bandwidth without degrading phase margin, allowing the regulator to respond within ~10μs to a 5A→10A step at 10A/μs. As a result, output voltage deviation is reduced by up to 60% compared to fixed-frequency operation, minimizing required bulk capacitance. AMS is enabled/disabled via PMBus or PGM1 strap.
What are the key differences between the POCP and FPOCP protections in MAX20815AFE+T?
MAX20815AFE+T implements two distinct overcurrent protections: POCP (Positive Overcurrent Protection) and FPOCP (Fast Positive Overcurrent Protection). POCP operates cycle-by-cycle with four user-selectable thresholds (12A–20A), triggers hiccup-mode recovery after 1024 consecutive events, and is intended for sustained overload conditions. FPOCP activates at 25.3A, responds within nanoseconds, and latches the device-requiring full power cycle reset. This dual-layer approach protects against both thermal stress (POCP) and catastrophic failure (FPOCP), such as inductor saturation or MOSFET short.
Can MAX20815AFE+T operate without an external LDOIN supply?
Yes, MAX20815AFE+T operates fully without an external LDOIN supply. By default, the internal 1.8V LDO (VCC) is powered from VDDH, and AVDD is derived from VCC via a series resistor. The LDOIN pin may be left floating. However, connecting a 2.5V–5.5V external bias to LDOIN improves light-load efficiency by reducing quiescent current draw from the main input rail-particularly beneficial in systems where VDDH is ≥12V and standby power matters. No hardware changes are needed to enable or disable LDOIN.
MAX20815AFE+T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Function:
- -
- Output Configuration:
- -
- Topology:
- -
- Output Type:
- -
- Number of Outputs:
- -
- Voltage - Input (Min):
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- Voltage - Input (Max):
- -
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- -
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- -
- Frequency - Switching:
- -
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
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- Mounting Type:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- -
MAX20815AFE+T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX20815AFE+T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX20815AFE+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 MAX20815AFE+T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX20815AFE+T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX20815AFE+T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX20815AFE+T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX20815AFE+T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX20815AFE+T?
MAX20815AFE+T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX20815AFE+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 MAX20815AFE+T?
For technical support, including MAX20815AFE+T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX20815AFE+T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX20815AFE+T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX20815AFE+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 MAX20815AFE+T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX20815AFE+T?
All MAX20815AFE+T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX20815AFE+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 MAX20815AFE+T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX20815AFE+T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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