Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX4193CTV

Overview

MAX4193CTV from Maxim Integrated is a CMOS micropower step-up switching regulator IC integrating a 1.31V bandgap reference, oscillator, voltage comparator, and 375mA N-channel output MOSFET in an 8-pin SO package. It operates from 2.0V to 16.5V input, delivers up to 5W output, achieves 85% typical efficiency, and features logic-level shutdown (<1µA quiescent current) and low-battery detection - used in battery-powered +3V-to-+5V and +5V-to-+15V DC-DC converters.

For engineers reviewing the MAX4193CTV datasheet, MAX4193CTV pinout, MAX4193CTV application, or MAX4193CTV equivalent, key selection considerations include its 70µA operating current, ±1.5% output voltage accuracy (per MAX630 spec alignment), 4Ω LX on-resistance, 40kHz typical switching frequency (set by 47pF CX capacitor), and compatibility with RC4191/2/3 bipolar regulators for drop-in upgrade paths in legacy designs.

Technical Context

The MAX4193CTV implements pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) with a constant-frequency oscillator and comparator-based feedback loop - not PWM - enabling ultra-low quiescent current across load conditions. Its internal 1.31V reference sets output via external resistor divider at VFB, while LBR/LBD pins provide independent low-battery monitoring with 1.31V threshold and open-drain sink capability up to 600µA.

It uses an integrated N-channel MOSFET (not bipolar) at LX with 4Ω typical on-resistance and 525mA peak current rating, eliminating base drive loss. Shutdown is asserted when IC pin is <0.2V or floating, reducing supply current to ≤1µA - critical for long-life battery systems requiring deep sleep modes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX4193CTV is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package, surface-mount compatible, with 1.27mm pitch and JEDEC MS-012AC outline. Thermal performance supports continuous operation up to +70°C ambient.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar step-up switching regulator applications.

Compared with MAX630CSA, MAX4193CTV offers extended temperature range and identical core regulation performance; versus TPS61040DRVR, it trades higher input voltage headroom for integrated low-battery detection and lower quiescent current - making it optimal for compact, battery-critical industrial sensors.

Availability

MAX4193CTV is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, uninterruptible +5V power supplies, 9V battery life extension circuits, and +3V-to-+5V logic conversion requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges.

Supply support for MAX4193CTV 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for industrial, communications, and consumer applications.

The MAX4193CTV belongs to Maxim's micropower DC-DC converter product line, engineered specifically for battery-constrained systems requiring high efficiency, minimal external components, and integrated system-monitoring functions like low-battery detection.

FAQ

What is the maximum output power achievable with MAX4193CTV in a standard SO-8 layout?

The MAX4193CTV supports up to 5W output power when paired with appropriate external components - including a 470µH inductor, Schottky catch diode (e.g., 1N5817), and low-ESR output capacitor - and operated within its 2.0V–16.5V input range. Thermal limits of the SO-8 package constrain continuous power to ~2.5W at +70°C ambient without forced airflow; derating applies above that temperature.

Does MAX4193CTV require external compensation components for stability?

No, the MAX4193CTV uses a comparator-based feedback architecture instead of an op-amp, eliminating the need for external compensation networks. Stability is inherent across all standard resistor-divider configurations at VFB. However, for R1/R2 values >50kΩ, a 100pF–10nF lead-compensation capacitor across R1 is recommended to counteract stray capacitance-induced phase lag.

Can MAX4193CTV be used in buck or inverting configurations?

The MAX4193CTV is optimized for boost-mode operation and does not support native buck or inverting topologies. Its internal architecture - including grounded-source N-MOSFET at LX and fixed reference polarity - requires the output to be higher than input. For buck or buck-boost, separate controllers like MAX17504 or external MOSFET drivers are required.

What is the exact function of the IC pin on MAX4193CTV, and how should it be interfaced?

The IC pin on MAX4193CTV is a logic-level shutdown input: driving it below 0.2V or leaving it floating disables the oscillator, comparator, LX driver, and LBD output, reducing total supply current to ≤1µA. For reliable operation, connect IC directly to +VS or use a CMOS gate/pullup resistor (≥10kΩ) - do not leave unterminated in noisy environments.

How does the low-battery detector (LBD) in MAX4193CTV differ from standard voltage supervisors?

The LBD in MAX4193CTV is an open-drain N-MOSFET output tied to an internal comparator referencing the same 1.31V bandgap used for regulation - ensuring matched temperature drift and no external reference needed. It sinks up to 600µA at 0.4V drop, enabling direct LED drive or MCU interrupt without pull-up resistors, unlike standalone supervisors requiring external biasing.