Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX77348BEWE+T

Overview

MAX77348BEWE+T from Analog Devices is an ultra-low quiescent current (3.5μA typ), non-inverting buck-boost DC-DC converter in a 16-bump WLP package (1.77mm × 2.01mm, 0.4mm pitch), delivering up to 3.5W output power with programmable 2.5V–4.8V VOUT and seamless buck/buck-boost/boost mode transition for Li-ion-powered portable audio and TWS earbuds.

For engineers reviewing the MAX77348BEWE+T datasheet, MAX77348BEWE+T pinout, MAX77348BEWE+T application, or MAX77348BEWE+T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.3V–5.5V input range, I²C-configurable dynamic voltage scaling, integrated active discharge, thermal shutdown, and low-noise operation eliminating need for post-filtering LDOs in RF-sensitive systems.

Technical Context

The MAX77348BEWE+T employs a peak/valley current-controlled hysteretic architecture with adaptive current control and configurable integrator (IntegEn bit) to trade load regulation error for transient response speed-enabling sub-150mV load transient recovery at 700mA step. Its unique switchover algorithm eliminates subharmonics and discontinuities across input/output voltage ratios by dynamically sequencing four switching phases (Φ1–Φ4) using internal MP1/MN1/MP2/MN2 FETs.

Operation supports two FET scaling modes: FETScale = 0 enables 1µH inductor use and 3.5W max output (VIN > 2.7V, VOUT ≥ 3.2V), while FETScale = 1 mandates 2.2µH inductor and limits output to 1.75W but improves light-load efficiency. Switchover source (SwoFrcIN) selects whether internal circuitry draws from VIN (lower IQ in boost-dominant apps) or VOUT (enables deeper discharge down to ~1.9V input).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX77348BEWE+T is housed in a 16-bump, 1.77mm × 2.01mm, 0.4mm pitch Wafer-Level Package (WLP) optimized for ultra-compact portable designs. Bump-side-down mounting requires controlled reflow profile per JESD-51.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS63802DLAR and RTQ2134BGQW, MAX77348BEWE+T uniquely combines ultra-low IQ, full I²C configurability, integrated active discharge, and noise-optimized architecture-making it the only choice for premium TWS and optical biosensing where runtime, precision, and diagnostics are co-prioritized.

Availability

MAX77348BEWE+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds, Narrowband IoT sensor nodes, and portable audio/wireless systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing for production ramp.

Supply support for MAX77348BEWE+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, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets with precision power, sensing, and signal chain solutions.

The MAX77348BEWE+T belongs to Analog Devices' MAX® Power Management family, engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, noise-sensitive portable electronics-including earbuds, wearables, and optical sensors-where battery life, compact size, and clean power delivery are critical design constraints.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for MAX77348BEWE+T to start up and maintain regulation?

The MAX77348BEWE+T guarantees startup at 2.3V and can operate down to ~1.9V input (below UVLO falling threshold) when SwoFrcIN = 0, leveraging VOUT to bias internal FETs. However, output power degrades linearly below 2.7V input, and stability above 1.75W requires VIN ≥ 2.7V with integrator enabled. Full 3.5W operation is specified only for VIN > 2.7V and VOUT ≥ 3.2V.

How does the FETScale setting affect MAX77348BEWE+T performance and component selection?

FETScale = 0 configures MAX77348BEWE+T for 3.5W output using a 1µH inductor and doubled output capacitance, prioritizing peak power and heavy-load efficiency. FETScale = 1 reduces max power to 1.75W but uses a 2.2µH inductor and standard output capacitance, improving light-load efficiency and reducing inductor RMS current. The setting directly controls internal FET RDS(on) scaling and must be matched to inductor value and application load profile.

Can MAX77348BEWE+T replace a discrete buck + boost solution in space-constrained designs?

Yes-MAX77348BEWE+T integrates all power switches, control logic, and protection circuitry into a 1.77mm × 2.01mm WLP, eliminating external MOSFETs, drivers, and compensation components required by discrete solutions. Its seamless mode transition removes the need for external mode-selection logic or dual-regulator sequencing, reducing PCB area by >40% versus discrete buck+boost implementations while maintaining 3.5W capability.

What protection features are built into MAX77348BEWE+T, and how are they signaled?

MAX77348BEWE+T includes undervoltage lockout (UVLO) on both IN (2.10V falling) and OUT (1.87V falling), thermal shutdown (135°C rising), and overtemperature hysteresis (120°C falling). All status flags-including 'In UVLO', 'Thermal Alert', and 'Power Good'-are accessible via I²C registers (0x06–0x07) and reported on the open-drain INT pin, enabling host MCU to implement predictive battery management and fault recovery.

Is MAX77348BEWE+T pin-compatible with other devices in the MAX77348 family, such as MAX77348AEWE+T?

Yes-MAX77348BEWE+T shares identical pinout, package dimensions, and electrical characteristics with MAX77348AEWE+T. The 'A' and 'B' suffixes denote factory-programmed default states: MAX77348A powers up with EN disabled (requires I²C wake), while MAX77348B powers up with EN enabled. No PCB changes are needed when substituting between A and B variants; only firmware initialization sequence differs.