Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX5090CATE+T

Overview

MAX5090CATE+T from Maxim Integrated is an adjustable-output, high-voltage synchronous step-down DC-DC converter delivering up to 2A output current with input voltage range of 6.5V to 76V, fixed 127kHz switching frequency (or external synchronization), and 310µA no-load quiescent current. It integrates a 0.26Ω high-side DMOS FET and operates across the automotive temperature range (–40°C to +125°C) in a 16-pin TQFN-EP package.

For engineers reviewing the MAX5090CATE+T datasheet, MAX5090CATE+T pinout, MAX5090CATE+T application, or MAX5090CATE+T equivalent, key selection considerations include its adjustable 1.265V–11V output, internal frequency compensation, hiccup-mode short-circuit protection, thermal shutdown at +175°C, and compatibility with external soft-start capacitor for controlled startup sequencing.

Technical Context

The MAX5090CATE+T implements voltage-mode PWM control with voltage feed-forward, enabling stable regulation across wide VIN variations. Its internal 0.26Ω high-side DMOS switch and integrated gate drive (BST/LX bootstrap circuit) eliminate external driver components while supporting efficient operation up to 76V input.

It features automatic pulse-skipping mode at light loads to maintain high efficiency and low IQ, plus programmable soft-start via external SS capacitor. The device supports external clock synchronization (119–200kHz), undervoltage lockout (6.17V rising threshold), and cycle-by-cycle current limiting with 2.4A–5.0A peak switch current limit depending on temperature and VIN.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAX5090CATE+T is housed in a 16-pin, 5mm × 5mm thin QFN package with exposed pad (TQFN-EP), optimized for thermal dissipation (θJA = 30°C/W) and space-constrained PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-voltage buck converter applications.

Compared with LM5164QPWPRQ1 and TPS54260DGQR, the MAX5090CATE+T offers superior integration (internal FET, BST driver, sync input, hiccup protection) and automotive qualification out-of-the-box, reducing design risk and validation effort for 6.5V–76V, 2A applications requiring minimal external components.

Availability

MAX5090CATE+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, automotive body control modules, distributed telecom power, and railway signaling systems requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MAX5090CATE+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) designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for demanding industrial, automotive, and communications applications.

The MAX5090 series belongs to Maxim's MAXPower family of high-voltage DC-DC converters, engineered specifically for robust, compact, and easy-to-implement power solutions in harsh environments with wide input ranges and stringent reliability requirements.

FAQ

What output voltage range does the MAX5090CATE+T support?

The MAX5090CATE+T supports an adjustable output voltage range of 1.265V to 11V, set using an external resistor divider on the FB pin. Its internal feedback reference is precisely trimmed to 1.228V (±37mV), enabling accurate regulation across the full range. This makes the MAX5090CATE+T suitable for generating custom logic, analog, or interface supply rails where fixed-output variants (MAX5090A/B) do not meet system requirements.

How does the MAX5090CATE+T achieve low quiescent current at light loads?

The MAX5090CATE+T achieves 310µA typical quiescent current at no load by automatically entering pulse-skipping mode below a defined load threshold (~60mA). In this mode, the controller skips switching cycles while maintaining regulation, significantly reducing switching losses and gate drive consumption. This behavior is inherent to the IC's architecture and requires no external configuration - it is active across the full –40°C to +125°C temperature range for the MAX5090CATE+T.

Can the MAX5090CATE+T be synchronized to an external clock, and what is the supported frequency range?

Yes, the MAX5090CATE+T can be synchronized to an external clock applied to the SYNC pin, supporting frequencies from 119kHz to 200kHz. When SYNC is tied to SGND, the device defaults to its internal 127kHz oscillator. The external clock must meet minimum pulse-width (350ns) and voltage-level (0.8V low / 2.0V high) specifications. Synchronization helps reduce EMI by aligning switching noise to known system frequencies - a key advantage of the MAX5090CATE+T in noise-sensitive applications.

What thermal protection mechanisms are built into the MAX5090CATE+T?

The MAX5090CATE+T incorporates thermal shutdown at +175°C (rising) with 20°C hysteresis, causing the internal high-side FET to turn off and initiate soft-start recovery once the die cools to +155°C. It also includes cycle-by-cycle current limiting and hiccup-mode short-circuit protection that limits average power during sustained faults. These protections operate independently of external components and are fully specified across the –40°C to +125°C ambient range for the MAX5090CATE+T.

Is the MAX5090CATE+T pin-compatible with other members of the MAX5090 family?

Yes, the MAX5090CATE+T shares identical pinout, package (16-pin TQFN-EP), and footprint with the MAX5090AATE+T and MAX5090BATE+T. All variants use the same PCB layout, allowing design reuse across 3.3V, 5V, and adjustable-output configurations. However, the FB connection differs: MAX5090A/B require direct FB-to-VOUT connection, while MAX5090C uses an external resistor divider - a functional difference requiring minor schematic update but no layout change for the MAX5090CATE+T.