Synopsis for Investor:
-- The MAX15022 is suitable for a wide array of multivoltage
applications including telecom/networking equipment, IP phones,
RFID card readers, and automotive multimedia.
-- The integration of two step-down regulators and two linear
controllers simplifies designs, while saving both board space and
cost compared to discrete devices.
The MAX15022 integrates dual synchronous DC-DC regulators (4A and 2A) and dual linear controllers to provide four outputs from a single IC. The integration of these regulators and controllers reduces the number of discrete components required by traditional designs. Overall board space and cost are reduced, while the overall design is greatly simplified.
The MAX15022 can be used in a vast array of applications that require multiple voltages. Ideal applications include telecom/networking equipment, IP phones, RFID readers, and automotive multimedia systems.
Limitations of Older Designs
Prior to the MAX15022 quad-switching converter, design solutions usually required multiple devices to provide the quad power rails essential for many applications. Those complex designs resulted in higher cost and needed considerably more board space.
Many older solutions also switched at lower frequencies that require larger, more costly inductors. Switching at those low frequencies can also generate more ripple output.
Finally, high-switching power supplies today are generally designed for lower-current applications, and not efficient enough to support higher-current applications.
Quad Voltage Rails Offer Unprecedented Design Flexibility, Save Space and Cost
The MAX15022 high-current switching solution offers designers substantial application flexibility. The device does not sacrifice efficiency or increase costs. High integration saves board space.
The MAX15022's integrated switches operate at frequencies from 500kHz to 4MHz, a flexible benefit that reduces inductor and capacitor size and thus lowers solution cost. The integrated switches also simplify design, reduce EMI, and improve reliability. Compared to a competitive high-frequency switching solution, the MAX15022 delivers higher output current (up to 4A) while providing outstanding efficiency. With this high-switching-frequency capability, small output capacitors can be used with minimal output ripple.
The dual converters also operate 180 degrees out of phase, thus reducing the input ripple current and allowing smaller, less expensive input capacitors to be used. With 20mA sink capability, the two integrated linear controllers can drive two external, low-cost PNP transistors to provide two additional power rails that deliver over 1A of output current. The four outputs offer a compact solution for a quad-voltage rail application.
The MAX15022 can externally compensate the switching regulator as well as adjust the output voltage from 0.6V to the input voltage. It will also allow monotonic startup into a prebiased output.
This MAX15022 has independent enable inputs with analog thresholds that allow for easy power sequencing during power-up and power-down. In addition, this device can be configured to track the converter output voltage coincidentally or ratiometrically, thus simplifying the design.
Other standard device features include: a digital soft-start/soft-stop, cycle-by-cycle lossless current sensing, hiccup-mode operation, and thermal protection. The MAX15022 is offered in a thermally enhanced 28-pin, 5mm x 5mm TQFN package and is fully specified from -40 degrees Celsius to +125 degrees Celsius. Prices start at $3.07 (1000-up, FOB USA). For more information please visit: www.maxim-ic.com/MAX15022DC-DC
Maxim offers an evaluation kit for the MAX15022. Contact the factory for availability.
Maxim Integrated Products is a publicly traded company that designs, manufactures, and sells over $2 billion of high-performance semiconductor products annually. It was founded over 25 years ago with the mission to deliver innovative analog and mixed-signal engineering solutions that add value to its customers' products. To date, Maxim has developed over 5800 products serving the industrial, communications, consumer, and computing markets. For more information, go to www.maxim-ic.com.
Editors' Contact: Drew Ehrlich Public Relations 408-737-7600 Readers' Contact: Customer Service 1-800-998-8800