MAX16975

28V, 1.2A Automotive Step-Down Converter

with Low Operating Current
General Description Features
The MAX16975 is a 1.2A current-mode step-down con- S Wide 3.5V to 28V Input Voltage Range
verter with an integrated high-side switch. The device S 42V Input Transient Tolerance
operates with input voltages from 3.5V to 28V while using
only 45FA quiescent current at no load. The switching S 5V Fixed or 1V to 10V Adjustable Output Voltage
frequency is adjustable from 220kHz to 1.0MHz by using S Integrated 1.2A High-Side Switch
an external resistor, and can be synchronized to an exter- S 220kHz to 1.0MHz Adjustable Switching Frequency
nal clock. The device’s output voltage is pin-selectable to
S Frequency Synchronization Input
a fixed 5V or adjustable from 1V to 10V using external
resistors. The wide input voltage range makes the device S Internal Boost Diode
ideal for automotive and industrial applications. S 45µA Skip-Mode Operating Current
The device operates in skip mode for reduced current S Less than 10µA Shutdown Current
consumption in light-load conditions. An adjustable
S Adjustable Power-Good Output Level and Timing
reset threshold helps keep microcontrollers alive down
to the lowest specified input voltage. Protection features S 3.3V Logic Level to 42V Compatible Enable Input
include cycle-by-cycle current limit, soft-start, overvolt- S Current-Limit, Thermal Shutdown, and
age, and thermal shutdown with automatic recovery. Overvoltage Protection
The device also features a power-good monitor to ease
S -40°C to +125°C Automotive Temperature Range
power-supply sequencing.
The device is available in 16-pin QSOP and thermally Applications
enhanced QSOP-EP packages. It operates over the
Automotive
-40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range.
Industrial
Ordering Information appears at end of data sheet.
Typical Application Circuit

3.5V TO 28V

CIN1 CIN2 CIN3

47µF 4.7µF 0.1µF CBST
0.1µF
SUP SUPSW L1 VOUT = 1.25V AT
EN BST 10µH 1.2A AT 400kHz
LX
FSYNC
VOUT
COMP RFB1 COUT1 COUT2
D1
CCOMP1 OUT 25kI 47µF 47µF
5600pF CCOMP2 RFOSC MAX16975 RESETI
RCOMP OPEN 61.9kI VBIAS
12kI
FOSC FB RFB2
RRES 100kI
10kI
BIAS RES
CBIAS
1µF CRES
CCRES GND PLACE CIN3 (0.1µF) RIGHT NEXT TO SUP.
1nF

For related parts and recommended products to use with this part, refer to: www.maximintegrated.com/MAX16975.related

For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct
at 1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maximintegrated.com. 19-5673; Rev 1; 10/13
 MAX16975
28V, 1.2A Automotive Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
SUP, SUPSW, LX, EN to GND................................-0.3V to +45V Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70NC)
BST to GND ...........................................................-0.3V to +47V QSOP (derate 9.6mW/NC above +70NC)...................771.5mW
BST to LX ................................................................-0.3V to +6V QSOP-EP (derate 22.7mW/NC above +70NC).......1818.20mW
OUT to GND...........................................................-0.3V to +12V Operating Temperature Range......................... -40NC to +125NC
SUP to SUPSW......................................................-0.3V to +0.3V Junction Temperature......................................................+150NC
RESETI, FOSC, COMP, BIAS, Storage Temperature Range............................. -65NC to +150NC
FSYNC, CRES, RES, FB to GND..........................-0.3V to +6V Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s).................................+300NC
Output Short-Circuit Duration.....................................Continuous Soldering Temperature (reflow).......................................+260NC
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional opera-
tion of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to absolute
maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.

PACKAGE THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS (Note 1)

QSOP QSOP-EP
Junction-to-Ambient Thermal Resistance (qJA)......103.7°C/W Junction-to-Ambient Thermal Resistance (qJA)...........44°C/W
Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance (qJC)................37°C/W Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance (qJC)..................6°C/W

Note 1: Package thermal resistances were obtained using the method described in JEDEC specification JESD51-7, using a four-
layer board. For detailed information on package thermal considerations, refer to www.maximintegrated.com/thermal-tutorial.

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(VSUP = VSUPSW = 14V, VEN = 14V, L1 = 22FH, CIN = 4.7FF, COUT = 100FF, CBIAS = 1FF, CBST = 0.1FF, CCRES = 1nF, RFOSC =
61.9kI, TA = TJ = -40NC to +125NC, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25NC.)

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

VSUP,
Supply Voltage Normal operation 3.5 28 V
VSUPSW
Normal operation, no switching 2.9 mA
Supply Current ISUP
Skip mode, no load, VOUT = 5V 45 FA
Shutdown Supply Current VEN = 0V 9 FA
VSUP = VSUPSW = 6V to 42V, VOUT < 3V or
BIAS Regulator Voltage VBIAS 4.7 5.0 5.3 V
VOUT > 5.5V, ILOAD = 0A (Note 2)
BIAS Undervoltage Lockout VUVBIAS VBIAS rising 2.95 3.15 3.35 V
BIAS Undervoltage Hysteresis 550 mV
Thermal-Shutdown Threshold +175 NC
Thermal-Shutdown Threshold
+15 NC
Hysteresis
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (OUT)
Normal operation, VFB = VBIAS, ILOAD = 1A,
4.95 5 5.05
TA = +25°C
Output Voltage VOUT V
Normal operation, VFB = VBIAS, ILOAD = 1A,
4.9 5 5.1
-40°C P TA P +125°C
Skip-Mode Output Voltage VOUT_SKIP No load, VFB = VBIAS (Note 3) 4.9 5.05 5.2 V
Load Regulation VOUT = 5V, VFB = VBIAS, 30mA < ILOAD < 1A 0.3 %
Line Regulation 6V < VSUP < 28V 0.02 %/V

Maxim Integrated   2

*The parametric values (min, typ, max limits) shown in the Electrical Characteristics table supersede values quoted elsewhere in this data sheet.
 MAX16975
28V, 1.2A Automotive Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS* (continued)
(VSUP = VSUPSW = 14V, VEN = 14V, L1 = 22FH, CIN = 4.7FF, COUT = 100FF, CBIAS = 1FF, CBST = 0.1FF, CCRES = 1nF, RFOSC =
61.9kI, TA = TJ = -40NC to +125NC, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25NC.)

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

BST Input Current IBST VBST - VLX = 5V 1.7 2.5 mA
VSUP = 4.5V to 28V, VSUPSW = 14V,
1.5 1.8 2.0
LX Current Limit ILX TA = +25°C A
VSUP = 4.5V to 28V, VSUPSW = 14V 1.5 1.8
Skip-Mode Current Threshold ISKIP_TH 200 mA
RON measured between SUPSW and LX, ILX =
Power-Switch On-Resistance RON 300 550 mI
1A, VSUP = 4.5V to 28V, VBST - VLX = 4.5V
LX Leakage Current ILX,LEAK VSUPSW = 28V, VLX = 0V, TA = +25°C 0.01 1 FA
TRANSCONDUCTANCE AMPLIFIER (COMP)
FB Input Current IFB 20 nA
FB connected to an external resistive divider,
0.99 1.0 1.01
TA = +25°C
FB Regulation Voltage VFB V
FB connected to an external resistive divider,
0.985 1.0 1.015
-40°C P TA P +125°C
FB Line Regulation DVLINE 4.5V < VSUP < 28V 0.02 %/V
Transconductance (from FB to
gm VFB = 1V, VBIAS = 5V 1000 FS
COMP)
Minimum On-Time tON 110 ns
Cold-Crank Event Duty Cycle DCCC 94 %
OSCILLATOR FREQUENCY
RFOSC = 25.5kI, VSUP = 4.5V to 28V 1.0 MHz
Oscillator Frequency RFOSC = 61.9kI, VSUP = 4.5V to 28V 348 400 452 kHz
RFOSC = 120kI, VSUP = 4.5V to 28V (Note 3) 191 220 249 kHz
Oscillator Frequency Range fOSC (Note 3) 220 1000 kHz
EXTERNAL CLOCK INPUT (FSYNC)
External Input Clock Acquisition
tFSYNC 1 Cycles
Time
fOSC +
External Input Clock Frequency (Note 3) Hz
10%
External Input Clock High Threshold VFSYNC_HI VFSYNC rising 1.4 V
External Input Clock Low Threshold VFSYNC_LO VFSYNC falling 0.4 V
FSYNC Pulldown Resistance RFSYNC 500 kI
fSW = 400kHz 4 ms
Soft-Start Time tSS
fSW = 1.0MHz 1.6 ms
ENABLE INPUT (EN)
Enable On Threshold Voltage Low VEN_LO 0.8 V

Maxim Integrated   3

*The parametric values (min, typ, max limits) shown in the Electrical Characteristics table supersede values quoted elsewhere in this data sheet.
 MAX16975
28V, 1.2A Automotive Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS* (continued)
(VSUP = VSUPSW = 14V, VEN = 14V, L1 = 22FH, CIN = 4.7FF, COUT = 100FF, CBIAS = 1FF, CBST = 0.1FF, CCRES = 1nF, RFOSC =
61.9kI, TA = TJ = -40NC to +125NC, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA = +25NC.)

PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS

Enable On Threshold Voltage High VEN_HI 2.2 V
Enable Threshold Voltage
VEN,HYS 0.2 V
Hysteresis
Enable Input Current IEN 10 nA
RESET
VTH_RISING VFB rising, VRESETI = 0V 93 95 96.5
Reset Internal Switching Level %VFB
VTH_FALLING VFB falling, VRESETI = 0V 91 93 95
RESETI Threshold Voltage VRESETI_HI VRESETI falling 1.05 1.25 1.4 V
CRES Threshold Voltage VCRES_HI VCRES rising 1.07 1.13 1.19 V
CRES Threshold Hysteresis VCRES_HYS 0.05 V
RESETI Input Current IRESET VRESETI = 0V 0.02 FA
CRES Source Current ICRES VOUT in regulation 9.5 10 10.5 FA
CRES Pulldown Current ICRES_PD VOUT out of regulation 1 mA
RES Output Low Voltage ISINK = 5mA 0.4 V
RES Leakage Current (Open- TA = +25°C 1 FA
VOUT in regulation
Drain Output) TA = +125°C 20 nA
Reset Debounce Time tRES_DEB VRESETI falling 25 Fs

Note 2: When 3V < VOUT < 5.5V, the bias regulator is connected to the output to save quiescent current, VBIAS = VOUT.
Note 3: Guaranteed by design; not production tested.

Maxim Integrated   4

*The parametric values (min, typ, max limits) shown in the Electrical Characteristics table supersede values quoted elsewhere in this data sheet.
 MAX16975
28V, 1.2A Automotive Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
Typical Operating Characteristics
(VSUP = VSUPSW = 14V, VEN = 14V, L1 = 4.7FH, CIN = 4.7FF, COUT = 22FF, CBIAS = 1FF, CBST = 0.1FF, CCRES = 1nF, RFOSC =
61.9kI, TA = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.)
STARTUP WITH FULL LOAD
(OUT = 1.25V, fSW = 400kHz) EFFICIENCY vs. LOAD CURRENT
MAX16975 toc01
100

MAX16975 toc02
OUT 90
ILOAD = 1.2A 1V/div
80
0V
70

EFFICIENCY (%)
3.3V/400kHz
RES 60 8V/400kHz
0V 5V/div 5V/400kHz
50
1.25V/400kHz
40
EN
5V/div 30
0V
20
SUP
5V/div 10
0V 0
2ms/div 0 400 800 1200
ILOAD (mA)
SWITCHING FREQUENCY
vs. LOAD CURRENT (1.25V/400kHz) SWITCHING FREQUENCY vs. RFOSC
402.0 1200

MAX16975 toc04
MAX16975 toc03

PWM MODE 5V OUTPUT

401.6 1000
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)

401.2 800

400.8 600

400.4 400

400.0 200
200 450 700 950 1200 10 32 54 76 98 120
ILOAD (mA) RFOSC (kI)

SWITCHING FREQUENCY vs. TEMPERATURE LOAD-STEP RESPONSE

(1.25V/400kHz, 5V/400kHz) (1.25V/400kHz)
MAX16975 toc06
450
MAX16975 toc05

ILOAD = 1.2A, RFOSC = 64.87kI 0 TO 1.25A LOAD STEP

430
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)

5V/400kHz VOUT
VOUT
410 AC-COUPLED 100mV/div
0
390 1.25V/400kHz
ILOAD
370 1A/div
0

350
-40 -25 -10 5 20 35 50 65 80 95 110 125 4ms/div
TEMPERATURE (°C)

Maxim Integrated   5

 MAX16975
28V, 1.2A Automotive Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VSUP = VSUPSW = 14V, VEN = 14V, L1 = 4.7FH, CIN = 4.7FF, COUT = 22FF, CBIAS = 1FF, CBST = 0.1FF, CCRES = 1nF, RFOSC =
61.9kI, TA = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.)

COLD-CRANK PULSE (1.25V/400kHz) DIPS AND DROPS TEST (1.25V/400kHz)

MAX16975 toc07 MAX16975 toc08

VSUPSW VSUPSW
10V/div 10V/div
0V
0V
VOUT
0V
1V/div VOUT
1V/div
0V

VLX VLX
10V/div 10V/div
0V 0V

VRES VRES
0V 5V/div 0V 5V/div
10ms/div 10ms/div

OUTPUT SHORT-CIRCUIT TEST

SLOW VIN RAMP-UP TEST (1.25V/400kHz)
MAX16975 toc09 MAX16975 toc10

RLOAD = 0.3I
VSUP/SUPSW
10V/div
VOUT
2V/div
VOUT 0V
5V/div
ILOAD
0A 2A/div

VLX
VLX
10V/div 0V 10V/div

10s/div 1ms/div

QUIESCENT CURRENT VOUT vs. TEMPERATURE IN PWM MODE

vs. INPUT VOLTAGE (5V/400kHz)
90 2
MAX16975 toc12
MAX16975 toc11

ILOAD = 1.2A
80
OUTPUT VOLTAGE CHANGE (%)

70
QUIESCENT CURRENT (µA)

1 5V/400kHz
60
50
0
40
30
-1
20 5V/400kHz

10
0 -2
4 8 12 16 20 24 28 -40 -25 -10 5 20 35 50 65 80 95 110 125
INPUT VOLTAGE (V) TEMPERATURE (°C)

Maxim Integrated   6

 MAX16975
28V, 1.2A Automotive Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VSUP = VSUPSW = 14V, VEN = 14V, L1 = 4.7FH, CIN = 4.7FF, COUT = 22FF, CBIAS = 1FF, CBST = 0.1FF, CCRES = 1nF, RFOSC =
61.9kI, TA = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.)

VOUT vs. TEMPERATURE IN PWM MODE VOUT vs. TEMPERATURE IN SKIP MODE
(1.25V/400kHz) (5V/400kHz)
2 2

MAX16975 toc13

MAX16975 toc14
ILOAD = 1.2A ILOAD = 0A, SKIP MODE
OUTPUT VOLTAGE CHANGE (%)

OUTPUT VOLTAGE CHANGE (%)

1 1 5V/400kHz

0 0

-1 -1

-2 -2
-40 -25 -10 5 20 35 50 65 80 95 110 125 -40 -25 -10 5 20 35 50 65 80 95 110 125
TEMPERATURE (°C) TEMPERATURE (°C)

VOUT vs. TEMPERATURE IN SKIP MODE

(1.25V/400kHz) LINE REGULATION
2 5.10
MAX16975 toc15

MAX16975 toc16
ILOAD = 0A, SKIP MODE 5V/400kHz
OUTPUT VOLTAGE CHANGE (%)

1 5.05
VOUT (V)

0 5.00

-1 4.95

-2 4.90
-40 -25 -10 5 20 35 50 65 80 95 110 125 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28
TEMPERATURE (°C) VSUPSW (V)

Maxim Integrated   7

 MAX16975
28V, 1.2A Automotive Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
Pin Configurations

TOP VIEW TOP VIEW

+ +
CRES 1 16 RESETI CRES 1 16 RESETI

FOSC 2 15 RES FOSC 2 15 RES

FSYNC 3 MAX16975A 14 EN FSYNC 3 MAX16975B 14 EN

I.C. 4 13 SUPSW I.C. 4 13 SUPSW

COMP 5 12 LX COMP 5 12 LX

FB 6 11 SUP FB 6 11 SUP

OUT 7 10 BST OUT 7 10 BST

EP
GND 8 9 BIAS GND 8 9 BIAS

QSOP QSOP

Pin Description
PIN NAME FUNCTION
Analog Reset Timer. CRES sources 10FA (typ) of current into an external capacitor to set the reset timeout
1 CRES period. Reset timeout period is defined as the time between the start of output regulation and RES switch-
ing to high impedance. Leave CRES unconnected for minimum delay time.
Resistor-Programmable Switching Frequency Control Input. Connect a resistor from FOSC to GND to set
2 FOSC
the switching frequency (see the Internal Oscillator section).
Synchronization Input. The device synchronizes to an external signal applied to FSYNC. The external signal
3 FSYNC
period must be 10% shorter than the internal clock period for proper operation.
4 I.C. Internally Connected. Connect to GND.
Error-Amplifier Output. Connect a compensation network from COMP to GND for stable operation. See the
5 COMP
Compensation Network section.
Feedback Input. Connect an external resistive divider from FB to OUT and GND to set the output voltage
6 FB between 1V and 10V. Connect FB directly to BIAS to set the output voltage to 5V. See the Applications
Information section.
Connect OUT to the output of the converter. OUT provides power to the internal circuitry when the output
7 OUT voltage of the converter is set between 3V and 5.6V. During shutdown, OUT is pulled to GND with a 50I
resistor.
8 GND Ground
Linear Regulator Output. BIAS powers the internal circuitry. Bypass BIAS with a 1FF capacitor to ground as
9 BIAS
close as possible to the device. During shutdown, BIAS is actively discharged through a 32kI resistor.
10 BST High-Side Driver Supply. Connect a 0.1FF capacitor between LX and BST for proper operation.
Voltage Supply Input. SUP powers the internal linear regulator. Connect a 4.7FF capacitor from SUP to
11 SUP
ground. Connect SUP to SUPSW.
Inductor Connection. Connect a rectifying Schottky diode between LX and GND. Connect an inductor from
12 LX
LX to the output.

Maxim Integrated   8

 MAX16975
28V, 1.2A Automotive Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
Pin Description (continued)
PIN NAME FUNCTION
Internal High-Side Switch Supply Input. SUPSW provides power to the internal switch. Connect a 4.7FF
13 SUPSW
capacitor from SUPSW to ground. Connect SUP to SUPSW. See the Input Capacitor section.
14 EN Battery-Compatible Enable Input. Drive EN low to disable the device. Drive EN high to enable the device.
15 RES Open-Drain Active-Low Reset Output. RES asserts when VOUT is below the reset threshold set by RESETI.
Reset Threshold Level Input. Connect to a resistive divider to set the reset threshold for RES. Connect
16 RESETI
RESETI to GND to enable the internal reset threshold.
Exposed Pad (MAX16975A Only). Connect EP to a large-area contiguous copper ground plane for effec-
— EP
tive power dissipation. Do not use as the only IC ground connection. EP must be connected to GND.

Functional Diagram

SUP BIAS FOSC BST SUPSW

DRV
ISENSE

LEVEL LX
FSYNC
SHIFT
OUT
OSC SUM ILIM

PWM
REF EA LOGIC
EN STANDBY COMP
LDO
SUPPLY
FB
MUX
COMP
UVLO

LOGIC FOR
100% DUTY-CYCLE
SOFT- VBIAS OPERATION
START
10µA
CRES
RESETI COMP COMP RES

B.G.
REF MAX16975

GND

Maxim Integrated   9

 MAX16975
28V, 1.2A Automotive Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
Detailed Description Some microprocessors accept a wide input voltage range
(3.3V to 5V, for example) and can operate during dropout
The MAX16975 is a constant-frequency, current-mode of the device. Use a resistive divider at RESETI to adjust
automotive buck converter with an integrated high-side the reset activation level (RES goes low) to lower levels.
switch. The device operates with input voltages from The reference voltage at RESETI is 1.25V (typ).
3.5V to 28V and tolerates input transients up to 42V. The device also offers a capacitor-programmable reset
During undervoltage events, such as cold-crank condi- timeout period. Connect a capacitor from CRES to GND
tions, the internal pass device maintains 94% duty cycle to adjust the reset timeout period. When the output volt-
for a short time. age goes out of regulation, RES asserts low and the
An open-drain, active-low reset output helps to monitor reset timing capacitor discharges with a 1mA pulldown
the output voltage. The device offers an adjustable reset current. Once the output is back in regulation the reset
threshold that helps to keep microcontrollers alive down timing capacitor recharges with 10FA (typ) current. RES
to the lowest specified input voltage and a capacitor- stays low until the voltage at CRES reaches 1.13V (typ).
programmable reset timeout to ensure proper startup.
Dropout Operation
The switching frequency is resistor-programmable from The device features an effective maximum duty cycle to
220kHz to 1.0MHz to allow optimization for efficiency, help refresh the BST capacitor when continuously oper-
noise, and board space. A clock input, FSYNC, allows ated in dropout. When the high-side switch is on for three
the device to synchronize to an external clock. consecutive clock cycles, the device forces the high-side
During light-load conditions, the device enters skip switch off during the final 35% of the fourth clock cycle.
mode that reduces the quiescent current down to 45FA When the high-side switch is off, the LX node is pulled low
and increases light-load efficiency. The 5V fixed output by the current flowing through the inductor. This increases
voltage eliminates the need for external resistors and the voltage across the BST capacitor. To ensure that the
reduces the supply current by up to 50FA. inductor has enough current to pull LX to ground, an
internal load sinks current from VOUT when the device is
Linear Regulator Output (BIAS) close to dropout and external load is small. Once the input
The device includes a 5V linear regulator, VBIAS, that voltage is increased above the dropout region, the device
provides power to the internal circuitry. Connect a 1FF continues to regulate at the set output voltage.
ceramic capacitor from BIAS to GND. When the output
voltage is set between 3V and 5.5V, the internal linear The device operates with no load and no external clock
regulator only provides power until the output is in regula- at an effective maximum duty cycle of 94% in deep drop-
tion. The internal linear regulator turns off once the output out. This effective maximum duty cycle is influenced by
is in regulation and allows OUT to provide power to the the external load and by the optional external synchro-
device. The internal regulator turns back on once the nized clock.
external load on the output of the device is higher than System Enable (EN)
100mA. In addition, the linear regulator turns on anytime An enable-control input (EN) activates the device from
the output voltage is outside the 3V to 5.5V range. the low-power shutdown mode. EN is compatible with
External Clock Input (FSYNC) inputs from the automotive battery level down to 3.3V.
The device synchronizes to an external clock signal The high-voltage compatibility allows EN to be con-
applied at FSYNC. The signal at FSYNC must have a fre- nected to SUP, KEY/KL30, or the INH inputs of a CAN
quency of 10% higher than the internal clock frequency transceiver.
for proper synchronization. EN turns on the internal regulator. Once VBIAS is above
the internal lockout level, VUVL = 3.15V (typ), the control-
Adjustable Reset Level ler activates and the output voltage ramps up within 2048
The device features a programmable reset threshold cycles of the switching frequency.
using a resistive divider between OUT, RESETI, and
GND. Connect RESETI to GND for the internal threshold. A logic-low at EN shuts down the device. During shut-
RES asserts low when the output voltage falls to 93% of down, the internal linear regulator and gate drivers turn
the programmed level. RES deasserts when the output off. Shutdown mode reduces the quiescent current to
voltage goes above 95% of the set voltage. 9FA (typ). Drive EN high to turn on the device.

Maxim Integrated   10

 MAX16975
28V, 1.2A Automotive Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
VOUT
Applications Information
RFB1 Output Voltage/Reset Threshold
Resistive Divider Network
RESETI
Although the device’s output voltage and reset threshold
MAX16975
RFB2 can be set individually, Figure 1 shows a combined resis-
tive divider network to set the desired output voltage and
FB the reset threshold using three resistors. Use the follow-
ing formula to determine the RFB3 of the resistive divider
RFB3
network:
R × VREF
R FB3 = TOTAL
V OUT
Figure 1. Output Voltage/Reset Threshold Resistive Divider
Network where VREF = 1V, RTOTAL = selected total resistance of
RFB1, RFB2, and RFB3 in ohms, and VOUT is the desired
Overvoltage Protection output voltage in volts.
The device includes overvoltage protection circuitry that
protects the device when there is an overvoltage condi-
tion at the output. If the output voltage increases by more Use the following formula to calculate the value of RFB2
than 12% of its set voltage, the device stops switching. of the resistive divider network:
The device resumes regulation once the overvoltage
condition is removed.
R TOTAL × VREF_RES
= R FB2 − R FB3
Overload Protection V RES
The overload protection circuitry is activated when the
device is in current limit and VOUT is below the reset where VREF_RES is 1.25V (see the Electrical Characteristics
threshold. Under these conditions, the device enters table) and VRES is the desired reset threshold in volts.
a soft-start mode. When the overcurrent condition is
removed before the soft-start mode is over, the device The precision of the reset threshold function is depen-
regulates the output voltage to the set value. Otherwise, dent on the tolerance of the resistors used for the divider.
the soft-start cycle repeats until the overcurrent condition BST Capacitor Selection
is removed. for Dropout Operation
Skip Mode The device includes an internal boost capacitor refresh
During light-load operation, IINDUCTOR P 200mA, the algorithm for dropout operation. This is required to ensure
device enters skip-mode operation. Skip mode turns off proper boost capacitor voltage that delivers power to the
the internal switch and allows the output to drop below gate-drive circuitry. When the HSFET is on consecutively
regulation voltage before the switch is turned on again. for 3.65 clock cycles, the internal counter detects this
The lower the load current, the longer it takes for the and turns off the HSFET for 0.35 clock cycles. This is of
regulator to initiate a new cycle effectively increasing particular concern when VIN is falling and approaching
light-load efficiency. During skip mode, the device qui- VOUT at the minimum switching frequency (220kHz).
escent current drops to as low as 45FA. The worst-case condition for boost capacitor refresh time
is with no load on the output. For the boost capacitor
Overtemperature Protection to recharge completely, the LX node must be pulled to
Thermal-overload protection limits the total power dis- ground. If there is no current through the inductor then
sipation in the device. When the junction temperature the LX node does not go to ground. To solve this issue,
exceeds +175NC (typ), an internal thermal sensor shuts an internal load of about 100mA turns on at the sixth
down the step-down controller, allowing the device to clock cycle, which is determined by a separate counter.
cool. The thermal sensor turns on the device again after
the junction temperature cools by +15NC. In the worst-case condition with no load, the LX node
does not go below ground during the first detect of the
Maxim Integrated   11
 MAX16975
28V, 1.2A Automotive Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
3.65 clock cycles. The device waits for the next 3.65 1.13V × C
clock cycles to finish. As a result, the soonest the LX RESET_TIMEOUT = (s)
10µA
node can go below ground is 4 + 3.65 = 7.65 clock
cycles. This time does not factor in the size of the induc- where C is the capacitor from CRES to GND in Farads.
tor and the time it takes for the inductor current to build Internal Oscillator
up to 100mA (internal load). The device’s internal oscillator is programmable from
No load minimum time before refresh is: 220kHz to 1.0MHz using a single resistor at FOSC. Use
∆T (no load) = 7.65 clock cycles = 7.65 x 4.54μs (at the following formula to calculate the switching frequency:
220kHz) = 34.73μs
26.4 × 10 9 (Ω x Hz)
Assuming a full 100mA is needed to refresh the BST capac- fOSC (Hz) ≈
R
itor and depending on the size of the inductor, the time it
takes to build up full 100mA in the inductor is given by: where R is the resistor from FOSC to GND in ohms.
∆T (inductor) = L x ∆I/∆V (current build-up starts from the For example, a 220kHz switching frequency is set with
sixth clock cycle) RFOSC = 120kI. Higher frequencies allow designs with
L = inductor value chosen in the design guide. lower inductor values and less output capacitance.
Consequently, peak currents and I2R losses are lower
∆I is the required current = 100mA. at higher switching frequencies, but core losses, gate-
∆V = voltage across the inductor (assume this to be charge currents, and switching losses increase.
0.5V), which means VIN is greater than VOUT by 0.5V.
Inductor Selection
If ∆T (inductor) < 7.65 – 6 (clock cycles) then the BST Three key inductor parameters must be specified for
capacitor is sized as follows: operation with the device: inductance value (L), inductor
BST_CAP ≥ I_BST(dropout) x ∆T (no load)/∆V (BST saturation current (ISAT), and DC resistance (RDCR). To
capacitor) select inductance value, the ratio of inductor peak-to-
peak AC current to DC average current (LIR) must be
∆T (no load) = 7.65 clock cycles = 34.73μs.
selected first. A good compromise between size and loss
∆V (BST capacitor), for (3.3V to 5V) output = VOUT – 2.7V is a 30% peak-to-peak ripple current to average-current
(2.7V is the minimum voltage allowed on the BST capaci- ratio (LIR = 0.3). The switching frequency, input voltage,
tor). output voltage, and selected LIR then determine the
If ∆T (inductor) > 7.65 - 6 clock cycles then we need to inductor value as follows:
wait for the next count of 3.65 clock cycles making ∆T (no V (V -V )
L = OUT SUPSW OUT
load) = 11.65 clock cycles. VSUPSW fSWIOUTLIR
Assume ∆T (no load) to be 16 clock cycles when design-
ing the BST capacitor with a typical inductor value for where VSUPSW, VOUT, and IOUT are typical values (so
220kHz operation. that efficiency is optimum for typical conditions). The
switching frequency is set by RFOSC. The exact inductor
The final BST_CAP equation is:
value is not critical and can be adjusted to make trade-
BST_CAP = I_BST (dropout) x ∆T (no load)/∆V (BST offs among size, cost, efficiency, and transient response
capacitor) requirements. Table 1 shows a comparison between
where: small and large inductor sizes.
I_BST (dropout) = 2.5mA (worst case) Table 1. Inductor Size Comparison
∆T (no load) = 16 clock cycles INDUCTOR SIZE
∆V (BST capacitor) = VOUT - 2.7V SMALLER LARGER
Reset Timeout Period Lower price Smaller ripple
The device offers a capacitor-adjustable reset timeout Smaller form-factor Higher efficiency
period. CRES can source 10FA of current. Use the fol- Larger fixed-frequency
Faster load response
lowing formula to set the timeout period. range in skip mode

Maxim Integrated   12

 MAX16975
28V, 1.2A Automotive Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
The inductor value must be chosen so that the maximum The input-voltage ripple comprises DVQ (caused by the
inductor current does not reach the minimum current limit capacitor discharge) and DVESR (caused by the ESR
of the device. The optimum operating point is usually of the capacitor). Use low-ESR ceramic capacitors with
found between 15% and 35% ripple current. When pulse high ripple-current capability at the input. Assume the
skipping (light loads), the inductor value also determines contribution from DVQ and DVESR to be 50%. Calculate
the load-current value at which PFM/PWM switchover the input capacitance and ESR required for a specified
occurs. input-voltage ripple using the following equations:
Find a low-loss inductor having the lowest possible ∆VESR
DC resistance that fits in the allotted dimensions. Most ESRIN =
∆I
inductor manufacturers provide inductors in standard IOUT + L
2
values, such as 1.0FH, 1.5FH, 2.2FH, 3.3FH, etc. Also
look for nonstandard values, which can provide a better where:
compromise in LIR across the input voltage range. If (V -V ) × VOUT
∆IL = SUPSW OUT
using a swinging inductor (where the no-load inductance VSUPSW × fSW × L
decreases linearly with increasing current), evaluate
the LIR with properly scaled inductance values. For and
the selected inductance value, the actual peak-to-peak
inductor ripple current (DIINDUCTOR) is defined by: I × D(1- D)
CIN = OUT
∆VQ × fSW
VOUT (VSUPSW - VOUT )
∆IINDUCTOR =
VSUPSW × fSW × L and

where DIINDUCTOR is in A, L is in H, and fSW is in Hz. VOUT

D=
Ferrite cores are often the best choices, although pow- VSUPSW
dered iron is inexpensive and can work well at 220kHz.
The core must be large enough not to saturate at the IOUT is the maximum output current and D is the duty
peak inductor current (IPEAK): cycle.

∆IINDUCTOR Output Capacitor

=
IPEAK ILOAD(MAX) + The output filter capacitor must have low enough equiva-
2
lent series resistance (ESR) to meet output ripple and
load transient requirements, yet have high enough ESR
Input Capacitor to satisfy stability requirements. The output capacitance
The input filter capacitor reduces peak currents drawn must be high enough to absorb the inductor energy while
from the power source and reduces noise and voltage transitioning from full-load to no-load conditions without
ripple on the input caused by the circuit’s switching. tripping the overvoltage fault protection. When using
The input capacitor RMS current requirement (IRMS) is high-capacitance, low-ESR capacitors, the filter capaci-
defined by the following equation: tor’s ESR dominates the output voltage ripple. So the size
of the output capacitor depends on the maximum ESR
VOUT (VSUPSW - VOUT )
IRMS = ILOAD(MAX) required to meet the output voltage ripple (VRIPPLE(P-P))
VSUPSW specifications:

IRMS is at a maximum value when the input voltage VRIPPLE(P −P) =

ESR × ILOAD(MAX) × LIR
equals twice the output voltage (VSUPSW = 2VOUT), so
IRMS(MAX) = ILOAD(MAX)/2. The actual capacitance value required relates to the
Choose an input capacitor that exhibits less than +10NC physical size needed to achieve low ESR, as well as
self-heating temperature rise at the RMS input current for to the chemistry of the capacitor technology. Thus, the
optimal long-term reliability. capacitor is usually selected by ESR and voltage rating
rather than by capacitance value.

Maxim Integrated   13

 MAX16975
28V, 1.2A Automotive Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
When using low-capacity filter capacitors, such as The basic regulator loop is modeled as a power modula-
ceramic capacitors, size is usually determined by the tor, output feedback divider, and an error amplifier. The
capacity needed to prevent VSAG and VSOAR from caus- power modulator has a DC gain set by gMC O RLOAD,
ing problems during load transients. Generally, once with a pole and zero pair set by RLOAD, the output
enough capacitance is added to meet the overshoot capacitor (COUT), and its ESR. The following equations
requirement, undershoot at the rising load edge is no allow to approximate the value for the gain of the power
longer a problem. However, low-capacity filter capacitors modulator (GAINMOD(DC)), neglecting the effect of the
typically have high-ESR zeros that can affect the overall ramp stabilization. Ramp stabilization is necessary when
stability. the duty cycle is above 50% and is internally done for
the device.
Rectifier Selection
The device requires an external Schottky diode recti- R LOAD × fSW × L
fier as a freewheeling diode. Connect this rectifier close = g MC ×
GAINMOD(dc)
R LOAD + (fSW × L)
to the device using short leads and short PCB traces.
Choose a rectifier with a continuous current rating higher where RLOAD = VOUT/ILOUT(MAX) in I, fSW is the switch-
than the highest output current-limit threshold (1.5A) and ing frequency in MHz, L is the output inductance in FH,
with a voltage rating higher than the maximum expected and gMC = 3S.
input voltage, VSUPSW. Use a low forward-voltage-drop
Schottky rectifier to limit the negative voltage at LX. Avoid In a current-mode step-down converter, the output
higher than necessary reverse-voltage Schottky rectifiers capacitor, its ESR, and the load resistance introduce a
that have higher forward-voltage drops. pole at the following frequency:

Compensation Network 1
fpMOD =
The device uses an internal transconductance error  R LOAD × fSW × L 
2π × C OUT ×  + ESR
amplifier with its inverting input and its output available for  R LOAD + (fSW × L) 
external frequency compensation. The output capacitor
and compensation network determine the loop stability. The output capacitor and its ESR also introduce a zero at:
The inductor and the output capacitor are chosen based
1
on performance, size, and cost. Additionally, the compen- fzMOD =
sation network optimizes the control-loop stability. 2π × ESR × C OUT
The controller uses a current-mode control scheme that
When COUT is composed of “n” identical capacitors in
regulates the output voltage by forcing the required cur-
parallel, the resulting COUT = n O COUT(EACH) and ESR
rent through the external inductor, so the device uses
= ESR(EACH)/n. Note that the capacitor zero for a paral-
the voltage drop across the high-side MOSFET. Current-
lel combination of alike capacitors is the same as for an
mode control eliminates the double pole in the feedback
individual capacitor.
loop caused by the inductor and output capacitor result-
ing in a smaller phase shift and requiring less elaborate
error-amplifier compensation than voltage-mode control. VOUT

A simple single series resistor (RC) and capacitor (CC)

are all that is required to have a stable, high-bandwidth R1
loop in applications where ceramic capacitors are used
for output filtering (Figure 2). For other types of capaci- COMP
gm
tors, due to the higher capacitance and ESR, the fre- R2
quency of the zero created by the capacitance and VREF RC
ESR is lower than the desired closed-loop crossover fre- CF
quency. To stabilize a nonceramic output capacitor loop, CC
add another compensation capacitor (CF) from COMP to
GND to cancel this ESR zero.

Figure 2. Compensation Network

Maxim Integrated   14

 MAX16975
28V, 1.2A Automotive Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
The feedback voltage-divider has a gain of GAINFB = Therefore:
VFB/VOUT, where VFB is 1V (typ). The transconductance
VFB
error amplifier has a DC gain of GAINEA(DC) = gm,EA O GAINMOD(fC) × × g m,EA × R C =
1
ROUT,EA, where gm,EA is the error-amplifier transcon- VOUT
ductance, which is 1000FS (typ), and ROUT,EA is the
output resistance of the 50MI error amplifier. Solving for RC:
A dominant pole (fdpEA) is set by the compensa- VOUT
RC =
tion capacitor (CC) and the amplifier output resistance g m,EA × VFB × GAINMOD(fC)
(ROUT,EA). A zero (fzEA) is set by the compensation resis-
tor (RC) and the compensation capacitor (CC). There is Set the error-amplifier compensation zero formed by RC
an optional pole (fpEA) set by CF and RC to cancel the and CC (fzEA) at the fpMOD. Calculate the value of CC
output capacitor ESR zero if it occurs near the crossover as follows:
frequency (fC, where the loop gain equals 1 (0dB)).
1
Thus: CC =
2π × fpMOD × R C
1
fdpEA =
2π × C C × (R OUT,EA + R C ) If fzMOD is lower than 5 x fC, add a second capacitor,
CF, from COMP to GND and set the compensation pole
1 formed by RC and CF (fpEA) at the fzMOD. Calculate the
fzEA = value of CF as follows:
2π × C C × R C
1
CF =
1 2π × fzMOD × R C
fpEA =
2π × C F × R C
As the load current decreases, the modulator pole
The loop-gain crossover frequency (fC) is set below also decreases; however, the modulator gain increases
1/5th the switching frequency and much higher than the accordingly and the crossover frequency remains the
power-modulator pole (fpMOD): same. For the case where fzMOD is less than fC:
The power-modulator gain at fC is:
f
fpMOD << fC ≤ SW fpMOD
5 =
GAIN MOD(fC ) GAINMOD(dc) ×
fzMOD
The total loop gain as the product of the modulator gain,
the feedback voltage-divider gain, and the error-amplifier The error-amplifier gain at fC is:
gain at fC is equal to 1. So:
f
VFB GAINEA(f = g m,EA × R C × zMOD
GAINMOD(fC) × × GAINEA(f ) =
1 C) fC
VOUT C

Therefore:
For the case where fzMOD is greater than fC:
VFB f
= g m,EA × R C
GAINEA(fC) GAINMOD(f ) × × g m,EA × R C × zMOD =
1
C VOUT fC

fpMOD Solving for RC:

=
GAIN MOD(fC) GAINMOD(dc) ×
fC
VOUT × fC
RC =
g m,EA × VFB × GAINMOD(f ) × fzMOD
C

Maxim Integrated   15

 MAX16975
28V, 1.2A Automotive Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
Set the error-amplifier compensation zero formed by RC Ordering Information
and CC at the fpMOD (fzEA = fpMOD):
1 PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
CC =
2π × fpMOD × R C MAX16975AAEE/V+ -40°C to +125°C 16 QSOP-EP*
MAX16975BAEE/V+ -40°C to +125°C 16 QSOP
If fzMOD is less than 5 O fC, add a second capacitor, CF, /V denotes an automotive qualified part.
from COMP to GND. Set fpEA = fzMOD and calculate CF +Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
as follows: *EP = Exposed pad.
1
CF =
2π × fzMOD × R C Chip Information
PCB Layout Guidelines PROCESS: BiCMOS
Careful PCB layout is critical to achieve low switching Package Information
losses and clean, stable operation. Use a multilayer board
whenever possible for better noise immunity and power For the latest package outline information and land patterns (foot-
dissipation. Follow these guidelines for good PCB layout: prints), go to www.maximintegrated.com/packages. Note that
a “+”, “#”, or “-” in the package code indicates RoHS status only.
1) Use a large contiguous copper plane under the
Package drawings may show a different suffix character, but the
device package. Ensure that all heat-dissipating com-
drawing pertains to the package regardless of RoHS status.
ponents have adequate cooling.
2) Isolate the power components and high-current path PACKAGE PACKAGE OUTLINE LAND
from the sensitive analog circuitry. This is essential to TYPE CODE NO. PATTERN NO.
prevent any noise coupling into the analog signals. 16 QSOP E16+4 21-0055 90-0167
3) Keep the high-current paths short, especially at the 16 QSOP-EP E16E+10 21-0112 90-0239
ground terminals. This practice is essential for stable,
jitter-free operation. Make the high-current path com-
prising of an input capacitor, high-side FET, inductor,
and the output capacitor as short as possible.
4) Keep the power traces and load connections short. This
practice is essential for high efficiency. Use thick copper
PCBs (2oz vs. 1oz) to enhance full-load efficiency.
5) Route the analog signal lines away from the high-
frequency planes. This ensures integrity of sensitive
signals feeding back into the device.
6) Make the ground connection for the analog and
power section close to the device. This keeps the
ground current loops to a minimum. In cases where
only one ground is used, enough isolation between
analog return signals and high power signals must be
maintained.

Maxim Integrated   16

 MAX16975
28V, 1.2A Automotive Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
Revision History

REVISION REVISION PAGES

DESCRIPTION
NUMBER DATE CHANGED
0 3/11 Initial release —
Updated the General Description section and added thermal characteristics of the
1 10/13 1, 2
QSOP-EP package

Maxim Integrated cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim Integrated product. No circuit patent
licenses are implied. Maxim Integrated reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time. The parametric values (min and
max limits) shown in the Electrical Characteristics table are guaranteed. Other parametric values quoted in this data sheet are provided for guidance.

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