Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6496ATA+T

Overview

MAX6496ATA+T from Maxim Integrated is an overvoltage-protection switch/limiter controller designed to drive external pMOSFETs for reverse-battery protection and nMOSFETs for overvoltage limiting in automotive and industrial 12V–72V systems. It operates from +5.5V to +72V, features adjustable overvoltage threshold (1.22V–1.26V at OVSET), integrated charge-pump gate driver (10V enhancement above IN), and GATEP output for pMOSFET biasing. It supports voltage-limiting mode with sawtooth GATE waveform to clamp OUTFB during transients.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6496ATA+T datasheet, MAX6496ATA+T pinout, MAX6496ATA+T application, or MAX6496ATA+T equivalent, this page delivers verified functional identity, confirmed 6-pin TDFN package mapping, validated pin roles (IN, SHDN, OVSET, GND, GATE, GATEP), exact overvoltage/thermal shutdown thresholds, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative parts - all extracted from Maxim's official MAX6495–MAX6499 datasheet Rev 18 (2/21).

Technical Context

The MAX6496ATA+T implements dual-path overvoltage control: one path monitors OVSET referenced to IN for switch-mode disconnection, another references OUTFB for limiter-mode regulation. Its internal charge pump delivers 100µA sourcing current to enhance GATE up to VIN + 10V (≥14V), while GATEP provides clamped bias to ensure pMOSFET conduction during normal operation and turn-off during reverse-battery conditions.

It integrates fast fault response (<0.5µs GATE clamp to OUTFB on overvoltage), thermal shutdown at +160°C with 20°C hysteresis, and supports both latched-off behavior (via SHDN cycling) and continuous limiter operation. The device is AEC-Q100 qualified and specified across –40°C to +125°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6496ATA+T is housed in a thermally enhanced 6-pin TDFN package (3mm × 3mm, exposed pad), designated by package code T633+2 per Maxim's land pattern 90-0058. The exposed pad (EP) is internally connected to GND and must be soldered to the PCB ground plane for optimal thermal performance (θ_JA = 42°C/W on 4-layer board).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar overvoltage-protection controller applications.

Compared with MAX6495ATA+T and TPS26631RGER, MAX6496ATA+T uniquely combines adjustable overvoltage limiting, reverse-battery pMOSFET control via GATEP, and AEC-Q100 qualification - making it the only option among the three capable of replacing both series diode and discrete limiter circuits in automotive-grade 12V/24V systems.

Availability

MAX6496ATA+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLC power inputs, telecom remote radio units, and notebook docking stations requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX6496ATA+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 MAX6495–MAX6499 family was developed specifically for high-reliability overvoltage protection in 12V–72V transient-prone environments - emphasizing adjustable threshold accuracy, fast fault response, thermal robustness, and AEC-Q100 compliance.

FAQ

What is the primary function of the MAX6496ATA+T?

The MAX6496ATA+T is an overvoltage-protection switch/limiter controller that manages external MOSFETs to protect downstream circuitry from input overvoltage transients. It supports two operating modes: switch mode (disconnecting load during overvoltage) and limiter mode (regulating output voltage via sawtooth GATE drive). Unlike earlier variants, MAX6496ATA+T adds GATEP output to drive a series pMOSFET for reverse-battery protection - eliminating the need for an external diode.

How does the MAX6496ATA+T implement reverse-battery protection?

The MAX6496ATA+T uses its dedicated GATEP output to bias an external pMOSFET placed in series with the input rail. During normal operation, GATEP ensures the pMOSFET is fully enhanced. During reverse-battery conditions, GATEP is actively pulled low to turn off the pMOSFET, blocking reverse current. The GATEP voltage is clamped to prevent gate oxide damage during load-dump events - a feature not present in MAX6495ATA+T or MAX6497ATA+T.

What is the overvoltage threshold adjustment range for the MAX6496ATA+T?

The MAX6496ATA+T has a fixed internal OVSET comparator threshold of 1.22V to 1.26V (rising) with 5% hysteresis. This threshold is applied to the voltage at the OVSET pin, which is set using an external resistive divider from either IN (for switch mode) or OUTFB (for limiter mode). For example, a 20V overvoltage trip requires R1 = 3.74MΩ and R2 = 249kΩ, yielding RTOTAL ≈ 4MΩ - selected to keep bias current error below 1% given the ±50nA OVSET input current.

Does the MAX6496ATA+T include thermal protection?

Yes, the MAX6496ATA+T incorporates thermal shutdown that activates at +160°C junction temperature and recovers at +140°C (20°C hysteresis). This protection responds to both internal self-heating and external thermal coupling - especially important when the IC is mounted near the external MOSFET on the same thermal island. The datasheet explicitly recommends placing the MAX6496ATA+T in close thermal contact with the MOSFET to ensure accurate detection of MOSFET overheating during overvoltage-limiter operation.

Is the MAX6496ATA+T AEC-Q100 qualified?

Yes, the MAX6496ATA+T is AEC-Q100 qualified (Grade 0, –40°C to +125°C ambient). This qualification is explicitly stated in the "Benefits and Features" section of the MAX6495–MAX6499 datasheet Rev 18 (2/21) for "MAX6496ATA/V+T". The qualification covers stress testing for temperature cycling, humidity, ESD, and mechanical shock - confirming suitability for automotive under-hood and chassis-mounted applications.