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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX786CAI+
- Part No.:
- MAX786CAI+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Voltage Regulators - Linear + Switching
- Package:
- 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX786CAI+.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG QUAD BUCK/LNR SYNC 28SSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,899
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Product details
Overview
MAX786CAI+ from Maxim Integrated is a dual-output, synchronous buck PWM controller IC for notebook computer power systems. It integrates two independent current-mode PWM controllers (3.3V/5V), dual low-dropout linear regulators (VL/REF), two precision 1.65V comparators, and synchronized 200kHz/300kHz oscillator - delivering up to 95% efficiency at 2A, 420µA quiescent current, and 5.5V–30V input range. It targets battery-powered portable computing with integrated fault protection and soft-start sequencing.
For engineers reviewing the MAX786CAI+ datasheet, MAX786CAI+ pinout, MAX786CAI+ application, or MAX786CAI+ equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-buck topology with synchronous rectification, Idle Mode™ operation for light-load efficiency, fixed 3.3V output (standard variant), SSOP-28 package compatibility, and support for external N-channel MOSFETs in high-efficiency DC-DC conversion.
Technical Context
The MAX786CAI+ implements two independent current-mode PWM controllers sharing a common 3.3V reference (REF) and 5V logic supply (VL), each with dedicated gate drivers (DH3/DL3 and DH5/DL5), current-sense inputs (CS3/CS5), feedback pins (FB3/FB5), and soft-start controls (SS3/SS5). Its architecture eliminates external compensation via direct-summing comparator topology and supports seamless transition between full PWM mode (>25% load) and Idle Mode™ (<25% load) to minimize switching losses.
It features a programmable oscillator synchronized via SYNC pin (200kHz when tied to GND/VL; 300kHz to REF), internal boost circuits (BST3/BST5) for high-side N-MOSFET gate drive, and dual comparators (D1/D2 → Q1/Q2) with 1.65V threshold referenced to VL - usable as low-battery detectors or level translators driving external loads up to 500µA sink/20µA source.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 5.5V to 30V - supports wide-range battery inputs including 6-cell Li-ion (25.2V max) and legacy 24V industrial rails. |
| Output Voltages | +3.3V (standard), +5V - fixed outputs; no external resistor divider required; tracks REF voltage with unity (+3.3V) or 1.54x (+5V) closed-loop gain. |
| Efficiency | 95% at 2A load - achieved via synchronous rectification and optimized current-mode control; >80% maintained from 5mA to 3A. |
| Quiescent Current | 420µA (active), 70µA (standby), 25µA (shutdown) - enables long battery life in suspend/standby states while keeping VL/REF alive. |
| Oscillator Frequency | 200kHz or 300kHz - selectable via SYNC pin; higher frequency allows smaller inductors (e.g., 10µH) and output capacitors (e.g., 330µF). |
| Current Limit Threshold | 100mV across CSx–FBx - sets overcurrent protection using external sense resistors (e.g., 25mΩ for 3A limit); fast response within one clock cycle. |
| Unity-Gain Crossover | 60kHz - enables correction of output transients within 4–5 clock cycles; ensures tight regulation during line/load steps. |
Pinout & Package
MAX786CAI+ is housed in a 28-pin SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package) with 0.65mm pitch, optimized for compact notebook PCB layouts. Thermal performance supports 762mW continuous dissipation at +70°C ambient.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| FB3 / FB5 | Feedback & current-sense input | Closed-loop regulation point for +3.3V/+5V outputs; also serves as reference for 100mV current-limit comparator. |
| DH3 / DH5 | High-side gate driver output | Drives N-channel MOSFET gates above V+ via BST3/BST5 boost circuit; supports synchronous rectification. |
| DL3 / DL5 | Low-side gate driver output | Drives synchronous rectifier MOSFETs; includes break-before-make timing to prevent shoot-through. |
| CS3 / CS5 | Current-sense input | Monitors voltage drop across external sense resistor (CSx–FBx); triggers immediate high-side shutdown at 100mV. |
| ON3 / ON5 | Independent enable input | Active-high control for +3.3V/+5V PWM sections; tie to VL for automatic startup; supports power sequencing. |
| SS3 / SS5 | Soft-start ramp input | 4µA constant-current charge to external capacitor sets controlled current-limit ramp time (1ms/nF) for inrush limiting. |
| VH | Comparator supply input | External bias for D1/D2 comparators (3V–19V range); enables flexible low-battery detection or high-side load switching. |
| REF | 3.3V reference output | Stable 3.3V bandgap reference (±1.5% accuracy); sources up to 5mA; used as feedback reference and system reference rail. |
| VL | 5V logic supply output | Internal LDO output (5V ±3%); powers internal circuitry and can source 5mA externally; remains active in shutdown. |
| SYNC | Oscillator synchronization input | Selects 200kHz (GND/VL) or 300kHz (REF); accepts external 240–350kHz TTL/CMOS clock for EMI reduction. |
| SHDN | Global shutdown input | Active-low; disables all PWMs and gate drivers while keeping VL/REF active for memory backup power. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual synchronous buck controllers | Independent +3.3V and +5V outputs with integrated DH/DL drivers, BST boost caps, and current-mode control - eliminates need for external gate drivers or compensation networks. |
| Idle Mode™ operation | Reduces switching frequency at light loads (<25% full scale) by skipping clock cycles - cuts quiescent power to 70µA while maintaining regulation. |
| Integrated precision comparators | Two 1.65V threshold comparators (D1/D2 → Q1/Q2) with rail-to-rail output capability - usable as low-battery detectors or N-MOSFET gate drivers without external biasing. |
| Fixed-frequency PWM with sync | 200kHz/300kHz selectable oscillator with external synchronization support - enables deterministic EMI management in noise-sensitive pen-based or communication systems. |
| Unified reference and logic supply | On-chip 3.3V REF and 5V VL regulators remain active in shutdown - provides keep-alive power for RTC/CMOS memory without external LDOs. |
Applications
| Portable Data Terminals | Notebook Computers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered handheld terminals requiring dual regulated rails for CPU, display, and RF modules under variable load conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary power-supply controller managing +3.3V core logic and +5V peripheral bus with dynamic load-step response. Use Value: Achieves >90% efficiency across 5mA–3A load range and maintains <50mV output ripple during 3A load transients - extending runtime and reducing thermal stress. |
Use Scenario: Mainboard power delivery in slim-profile notebooks where board space and thermal density are constrained. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-output DC-DC controller enabling compact, high-efficiency conversion from single battery input to system rails. Use Value: SSOP-28 footprint and 300kHz operation allow use of 10µH inductors and 330µF output caps - reducing solution size by ~35% vs. 200kHz designs. |
| Pen-Entry Systems | Communicating Computers |
Use Scenario: Electromagnetic digitizer tablets requiring ultra-low-noise power to avoid interference with stylus signal acquisition. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Synchronized PWM controller with SYNC pin enabling phase-aligned switching to suppress beat frequencies in analog front-end. Use Value: External clock synchronization (240–350kHz) eliminates heterodyne noise in sensitive analog signal paths - critical for sub-millimeter stylus accuracy. |
Use Scenario: Mobile communication devices (e.g., ruggedized laptops) needing robust power sequencing and brownout protection during wireless transmission bursts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System power manager providing independent ON3/ON5 control, low-battery warning via D1/D2 comparators, and fast transient response. Use Value: 60kHz unity-gain bandwidth corrects 3A load steps within 5 clock cycles - preventing voltage droop that could reset baseband processors during TX bursts. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-output buck controller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX782CAI+ | Includes additional flyback winding regulator and PCMCIA VPP linear regulator; otherwise identical PWM architecture and pinout. | Required for systems needing +12V or programmable VPP for PCMCIA card slots; adds complexity and BOM cost if unused. | Select MAX782CAI+ only if flyback-derived +12V or VPP generation is required; MAX786CAI+ is leaner for pure dual-rail notebook designs. |
| TPS54290PWPR | Single 2-A dual-output buck controller (not two independent channels); uses external compensation; no integrated comparators or VL/REF LDOs. | Lacks built-in low-battery detection, memory backup rails, and independent enable/soft-start per channel - requires additional support ICs. | Choose TPS54290PWPR for cost-sensitive, lower-complexity designs where auxiliary functions are handled elsewhere; MAX786CAI+ offers higher integration for portable computing. |
Compared with MAX782CAI+, MAX786CAI+ removes redundant flyback circuitry for streamlined dual-rail operation; versus TPS54290PWPR, it delivers greater system-level integration - including comparators, backup supplies, and independent channel control - reducing total component count in notebook power trees.
Availability
MAX786CAI+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook computers, portable data terminals, pen-entry systems, and communicating computers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceability for OEM production programs.
Supply support for MAX786CAI+ 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 semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for portable, industrial, and communications applications.
The MAX786CAI+ belongs to Maxim's notebook power-controller product line, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, space-constrained battery-powered computing systems requiring dual regulated outputs, integrated protection, and intelligent light-load management.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the MAX786CAI+?
The MAX786CAI+ is rated for operation from 0°C to +70°C ambient temperature. This commercial-grade specification aligns with typical notebook internal thermal environments and is explicitly defined in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. The device uses thermal derating (9.52mW/°C above +70°C) and includes internal fault protection to maintain reliability within this range. MAX786CAI+ does not support extended industrial or automotive temperature grades - those are covered by the MAX786EAI+ variant (-40°C to +85°C).
Does the MAX786CAI+ support adjustable output voltages?
No, the MAX786CAI+ provides fixed output voltages: +3.3V (standard) and +5V. Its FB3 and FB5 pins are internally connected to precision reference circuitry and lack external resistor-divider feedback nodes. While other variants like MAX786RCAI+ offer 3.45V or 3.6V outputs for Pentium™ or PowerPC™ platforms, the MAX786CAI+ is factory-trimmed to 3.3V/5V and cannot be reconfigured. Output accuracy is ±1.5% for +3.3V and ±2% for +5V over line, load, and temperature.
How does the MAX786CAI+ achieve high efficiency at light loads?
The MAX786CAI+ achieves high light-load efficiency through Idle Mode™ operation, which dynamically reduces switching frequency by skipping oscillator pulses when inductor current falls below 25mV - indicating <25% of full load. In this mode, the controller draws only 70µA quiescent current while maintaining regulation. Unlike burst-mode controllers, Idle Mode™ preserves fixed-frequency behavior during active pulses, minimizing output voltage ripple and EMI spread. MAX786CAI+ transitions seamlessly between Idle Mode™ and full PWM mode based on real-time load demand.
Can the comparators in the MAX786CAI+ be used for low-battery detection?
Yes, the two comparators (D1/D2 → Q1/Q2) in the MAX786CAI+ are designed for low-battery detection. Each has a precise 1.650V threshold referenced to VL, with 1% hysteresis. By connecting a resistor divider from battery (V+) to GND, the divided voltage can be fed into D1 or D2. When battery voltage drops below the threshold, Q1 or Q2 sinks 500µA to GND - directly driving an LED, microcontroller interrupt, or power-MOSFET gate. MAX786CAI+ comparators remain functional down to V+ = 4V, ensuring detection before system brownout.
What is the purpose of the VL and REF pins on the MAX786CAI+?
VL (Pin 22) is the 5V output of an internal LDO regulator that powers all internal circuitry and can source up to 5mA for external loads such as RTC or CMOS memory. REF (Pin 10) is a precision 3.3V bandgap reference output, also capable of sourcing 5mA, used as the feedback reference for both PWM controllers. Both VL and REF remain active during SHDN assertion, enabling "keep-alive" functionality. MAX786CAI+ leverages VL to power REF, and both rails track tightly - ensuring stable, correlated regulation across the entire power system.
MAX786CAI+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 28-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Last Time Buy
- Topology:
- Step-Down (Buck) Synchronous (2), Linear (LDO) (2)
- Number of Outputs:
- 4
- Frequency - Switching:
- 300kHz, 200kHz
- Voltage/Current - Output 1:
- Controller
- Voltage/Current - Output 2:
- Controller
- Voltage/Current - Output 3:
- 5V, 5mA
- w/LED Driver:
- No
- w/Supervisor:
- No
- w/Sequencer:
- No
- Voltage - Supply:
- 5.5V ~ 30V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 28-SSOP
MAX786CAI+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX786CAI+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX786CAI+ 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 MAX786CAI+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX786CAI+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX786CAI+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX786CAI+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX786CAI+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX786CAI+?
MAX786CAI+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX786CAI+ 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 MAX786CAI+?
For technical support, including MAX786CAI+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX786CAI+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX786CAI+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX786CAI+ 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 MAX786CAI+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX786CAI+?
All MAX786CAI+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX786CAI+, 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 MAX786CAI+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX786CAI+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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