MAXIM MAX16977SATE

19-5844; Rev 0; 5/11
MAX16977
36V, 2A, 2.2MHz Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
General Description
Features
The MAX16977 is a 2A, current-mode, step-down converter with an integrated high-side switch. The device is
designed to operate with input voltages from 3.5V to 36V
while using only 30FA quiescent current at no load. The
switching frequency is adjustable from 1MHz to 2.2MHz
by an external resistor and can be synchronized to an
external clock. The output voltage is pin selectable to
be 5V fixed or adjustable from 1V to 10V. The wide input
voltage range along with its ability to operate at high duty
cycle during undervoltage transients make the device
ideal for automotive and industrial applications.
SWide 3.5V to 36V Input Voltage Range
The device operates in skip mode for reduced current
consumption in light-load applications. Protection features
include overcurrent limit, overvoltage, and thermal shutdown with automatic recovery. The device also features
a power-good monitor to ease power-supply sequencing.
SFrequency Synchronization Input
The device operates over the -40NC to +125NC automotive temperature range, and is available in 16-pin TSSOP
and TQFN (5mm x 5mm) packages with exposed pads.
SOvervoltage, Undervoltage, Overtemperature, and
Short-Circuit Protections
Applications
S42V Input Transients Tolerance
SHigh Duty Cycle During Undervoltage Transients
S5V Fixed or 1V to 10V Adjustable Output Voltage
SIntegrated 2A Internal High-Side (70mI typ)
Switch
SFast Load-Transient Response and Current-Mode
Architecture
SAdjustable Switching Frequency (1MHz to 2.2MHz)
S30µA Standby Mode Operating Current
S5µA Typical Shutdown Current
SSpread Spectrum (Optional)
Ordering Information appears at end of data sheet.
Automotive
For related parts and recommended products to use with this part,
refer to: www.maxim-ic.com/MAX16977.related
Industrial/Military
High-Voltage Input DC-DC Converters
Point-of-Load Applications
Typical Application Circuit
VBAT
CIN1
47µF
CIN2
4.7µF
SUP
SUPSW
BST
EN
LX
FSYNC
CCOMP1
2.2nF
RCOMP
20kI
COMP
CCOMP2
12pF
MAX16977
L1
2.2µH
VOUT
VOUT
5V AT 2A
COUT
22µF
D1
OUT
VBIAS
RFOSC
12kI
VBIAS
FOSC
CBIAS
1µF
CBST
0.1µF
FB
BIAS
GND
PGOOD
RPGOOD
10kI
POWER GOOD
����������������������������������������������������������������� Maxim Integrated Products 1
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642,
or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.
MAX16977
36V, 2A, 2.2MHz Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
SUP, SUPSW, LX, EN to GND................................-0.3V to +42V
SUP to SUPSW......................................................-0.3V to +0.3V
BST to GND............................................................-0.3V to +47V
BST to LX ................................................................-0.3V to +6V
OUT to GND...........................................................-0.3V to +12V
FOSC, COMP, BIAS, FSYNC, I.C., PGOOD,
FB to GND.............................................................-0.3V to +6V
LX Continuous RMS Current....................................................3A
Output Short-Circuit Duration.....................................Continuous
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70NC)
TSSOP (derate 26.1mW/oC above +70oC)........... 2088.8mW*
TQFN (derate 28.6mW/oC above +70oC)............. 2285.7mW*
Operating Temperature Range......................... -40NC to +125NC
Junction Temperature......................................................+150NC
Storage Temperature Range............................. -65NC to +150NC
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s).................................+300NC
Soldering Temperature (reflow)...................................... +260oC
*As per the JEDEC 51 standard (multilayer board).
PACKAGE THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS (Note 1)
TSSOP
Junction-to-Ambient Thermal Resistance (BJA)........38.3NC/W
Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance (BJC)..................3NC/W
TQFN
Junction-to-Ambient Thermal Resistance (BJA)...........35NC/W
Junction-to-Case Thermal Resistance (BJC)...............2.7NC/W
Note 1: Package thermal resistances were obtained using the method described in JEDEC specification JESD51-7, using a fourlayer board. For detailed information on package thermal considerations, refer to www.maxim-ic.com/thermal-tutorial.
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional operation 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.
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(VSUP = VSUPSW = 14V, VEN = 14V, CBIAS = 1FF, RFOSC = 12kI, TA = TJ = -40NC to +125NC, unless otherwise noted. Typical values
are at TA = +25NC.)
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
Supply Voltage Range
VSUP,
VSUPSW
Load-Dump Event Supply
Voltage
VSUP_LD
ISUP
Supply Current
CONDITIONS
tLD < 1s
MAX
UNITS
36
V
42
V
ILOAD = 1.5A
3.5
Standby mode, no load, VOUT = 5V
30
60
ISUP_STANDBY Standby mode, no load, VOUT = 5V,
TA = +25°C
30
45
ISHDN
VEN = 0V
BIAS Regulator Voltage
VBIAS
VSUP = VSUPSW = 6V to 36V
VBIAS rising
BIAS Undervoltage-Lockout
Hysteresis
TYP
3.5
Shutdown Supply Current
BIAS Undervoltage Lockout
MIN
VUVBIAS
mA
FA
5
12
FA
4.7
5
5.3
V
2.9
3.1
3.3
V
400
mV
Thermal Shutdown Threshold
+175
NC
Thermal-Shutdown Threshold
Hysteresis
15
NC
����������������������������������������������������������������� Maxim Integrated Products 2
MAX16977
36V, 2A, 2.2MHz Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(VSUP = VSUPSW = 14V, VEN = 14V, CBIAS = 1FF, RFOSC = 12kI, TA = TJ = -40NC to +125NC, unless otherwise noted. Typical values
are at TA = +25NC.)
PARAMETER
SYMBOL
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
VFB = VBIAS, normal operation
4.925
5
5.075
V
4.925
5
5.15
V
10
V
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (OUT)
Output Voltage
VOUT
Skip-Mode Output Voltage
VOUT_SKIP
No load, VFB = VBIAS
Adjustable Output Voltage
Range
VOUT_ADJ
FB connected to external resistive divider
1
Load Regulation
VFB = VBIAS, 30mA < ILOAD < 2A
0.5
%
Line Regulation
VFB = VBIAS, 6V < VSUPSW < 36V
High-side on, VBST - VLX = 5V
0.02
%/V
BST Input Current
IBST_ON
LX Current Limit
ILX
Skip-Mode Threshold
(Note 2)
2.4
ISKIP_TH
1.5
2.5
mA
3
4
A
300
mA
%
Spread Spectrum
Spread spectrum enabled
6
Power-Switch On-Resistance
RON measured between SUPSW and LX,
ILX = 1A, VBIAS = 5V
70
RON
High-Side Switch Leakage
Current
VSUP = 36V, VLX = 0V, TA = +25°C
150
mI
1
FA
TRANSCONDUCTANCE AMPLIFIER (COMP)
FB Input Current
IFB
FB Regulation Voltage
VFB
FB Line Regulation
DVLINE
Transconductance (from FB to
COMP)
gm
Minimum On-Time
tON_MIN
Maximum Duty Cycle
DCMAX
10
nA
FB connected to an external resistive
divider; 0°C < TA < +125°C
0.99
1.0
1.01
FB connected to an external resistive
divider; -40°C < TA < +125°C
0.985
1.0
1.015
V
6V < VSUP < 36V
0.02
%/V
VFB = 1V, VBIAS = 5V (Note 2)
900
FS
80
ns
fSW = 2.2MHz
98
fSW = 1MHz
99
%
OSCILLATOR FREQUENCY
Oscillator Frequency
RFOSC = 12kI
2.05
2.20
2.35
MHz
1
FA
EXTERNAL CLOCK INPUT (FSYNC)
FSYNC Input Current
External Input Clock Acquisition
Time
TA at +25°C
tFSYNC
External Input Clock Frequency
External Input Clock
High Threshold
1
(Note 2)
VFSYNC_HI
VFSYNC rising
Cycles
fOSC +
10%
Hz
1.4
V
����������������������������������������������������������������� Maxim Integrated Products 3
MAX16977
36V, 2A, 2.2MHz Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(VSUP = VSUPSW = 14V, VEN = 14V, CBIAS = 1FF, RFOSC = 12kI, TA = TJ = -40NC to +125NC, unless otherwise noted. Typical values
are at TA = +25NC.)
PARAMETER
External Input Clock
Low Threshold
Soft-Start Time
SYMBOL
VFSYNC_LO
CONDITIONS
MIN
TYP
VFSYNC falling
tSS
MAX
UNITS
0.4
V
8.5
ms
ENABLE INPUT (EN)
Enable Input-High Threshold
VEN_HI
Enable Input-Low Threshold
VEN_LO
Enable Threshold Voltage
Hysteresis
VEN,HYS
Enable Input Current
IEN
2
V
0.9
0.2
TA = +25NC
V
V
1
FA
%VFB
RESET
Output Overvoltage Trip
Threshold
PGOOD Switching Level
VOUT_OV
VTH_RISING
VTH_FALLING
VFB rising, VPGOOD = high
VFB falling, VPGOOD = low
PGOOD Debounce
PGOOD Output Low Voltage
ISINK = 5mA
PGOOD Leakage Current
VOUT in regulation, TA = +25NC
105
110
115
93
95
97
90
92.5
95
10
35
60
%VFB
Fs
0.4
V
1
FA
Note 2: Guaranteed by design; not production tested.
����������������������������������������������������������������� Maxim Integrated Products 4
MAX16977
36V, 2A, 2.2MHz Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
Typical Operating Characteristics
(VSUP = VSUPSW = 14V, VEN = 14V, VOUT = 5V, VFSYNC = 0V, RFOSC = 12.1kHz, TA = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.)
NO-LOAD STARTUP BEHAVIOR
(5V/2.2MHz)
FULL-LOAD STARTUP BEHAVIOR
MAX16977 toc01
MAX16977 toc02
5V/2.2MHz
RESISTIVE LOAD = 2.5Ω
5V/div
SUP SHORTED TO SUPSW
5V/div
VIN
VIN
0V
0V
2V/div
VOUT
2V/div
VOUT
0V
1A/div
0A
5V/div
0V
ILOAD
VPGOOD
0V
10V/div
0V
VPGOOD
2ms/div
2ms/div
60
50
40
70
60
3.3V
50
8V
40
5V
30
ISUP + ISUPSW
75
70
55
fSW = 2.2MHz
L1 = 2.2µH (WURTH 744311220)
D1: D360B-13-F FROM DIODES, INC.
50
0.0001
0.001
0.01
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0
0.1
ILOAD (A)
LOAD CURRENT (A)
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
VIN = 14V
ILOAD = 1.5A
0
18
RFOSC (kI)
21
24
3.0
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (MHz)
MAX16977 toc06
3.0
MAX16977 toc07
SWITCHING FREQUENCY vs. LOAD CURRENT
(5V/2.2MHz)
SWITCHING FREQUENCY vs. RFOSC
15
80
10
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
12
85
60
0
5V
65
0
0.5
3.3V
90
20
5.5 9.0 12.5 16.0 19.5 23.0 26.5 30.0 33.5
8V
95
MAX16977 toc05
MAX16977 toc04
80
100
EFFICIENCY (%)
70
D1: B360B-13-F FROM DIODES, INC.
L1: WURTH 744311220
90
EFFICIENCY (%)
80
30
20
10
0
100
MAX16977 toc03
90
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (MHz)
SUPPLY CURRENT (µA)
120
110
100
EFFICIENCY vs. LOAD CURRENT
(VIN = 14V)
EFFICIENCY vs. LOAD CURRENT
(VIN = 14V)
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
(5V/2.2MHz)
VIN = 14V
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0
0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
ILOAD (A)
����������������������������������������������������������������� Maxim Integrated Products 5
MAX16977
36V, 2A, 2.2MHz Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VSUP = VSUPSW = 14V, VEN = 14V, VOUT = 5V, VFSYNC = 0V, RFOSC = 12.1kHz, TA = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.)
LOAD-TRANSIENT RESPONSE
(SKIP MODE)
LINE-TRANSIENT RESPONSE
(5V/2.2MHz)
MAX16977 toc08
MAX16977 toc09
5V/2.2MHz
VOUT
(AC-COUPLED)
100mV/div
ILOAD
VOUT
AC-COUPLED
50mV/div
100mA/div
1A/div
500mA
0A
ILOAD
0
100µs/div
100µs/div
FSYNC TRANSITION FROM INTERNAL TO EXTERNAL FREQUENCY
(3.3V/2.2MHz CONFIGURATION)
UNDERVOLTAGE PULSE
(5V/2.2MHz)
MAX16977 toc11
MAX16977 toc10
fFSYNC = 2.475MHz
VIN
5V/div
5V/div
RESISTIVE LOAD = 2.5Ω
VLX
0V
2V/div
VFSYNC
0V
5V/div
VLX
0V
20V/div
0V
VBIAS
5V/div
0V
10ms/div
OUTPUT RESPONSE TO SLOW INPUT RAMP
(ILOAD = 2A)
MAX16977 toc13
MAX16977 toc12
5V/2.2MHz
42V
VIN
10V/div
10V/div
14V
0V
VIN
5V/div
0V
VOUT
0V
VOUT
10V/div
VLX
0V
5V/div
0V
5V/2.2MHz
2A/div
0A
ILOAD
100ms/div
0V
VOUT
200ns/div
LOAD DUMP TEST
3.5V
4s/div
����������������������������������������������������������������� Maxim Integrated Products 6
MAX16977
36V, 2A, 2.2MHz Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VSUP = VSUPSW = 14V, VEN = 14V, VOUT = 5V, VFSYNC = 0V, RFOSC = 12.1kHz, TA = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.)
SHORT CIRCUIT TO GROUND TEST
(5V/2.2MHz)
5.10
VIN = 14V
5.08
2V/div
VOUT
5.06
5.04
5V/div
0V
VOUT (V)
0V
VPGOOD
MAX16977 toc15
VOUT LOAD REGULATION
(5V/2.2MHz)
MAX16977 toc14
5.02
5.00
4.98
4.96
ILX
10A/div
4.94
0A
4.92
4.90
10ms/div
0
0.4
0.8
1.2
1.6
2.0
ILOAD (A)
VOUT vs. TEMPERATURE
(5V/2.2MHz)
5.06
5.04
5.04
5.02
5.02
5.00
4.98
ILOAD = 0A
ILOAD = 3A
4.96
5.00
4.98
4.96
4.94
4.94
4.92
4.92
4.90
4.90
14
VOUT LINE REGULATION
(5V/2.2MHz)
BIAS LOAD REGULATION
(5V/2.2MHz)
5.08
5.06
5.04
5.02
5.02
VBIAS (V)
5.04
5.00
4.98
4.94
4.94
4.92
4.92
4.90
4.90
18
24
30
36
TA = -40°C
4.98
4.96
12
18
5.00
4.96
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
16
MAX16977 toc19
5.10
MAX16977 toc18
5.06
6
12
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
ILOAD = 0A
0
10
TEMPERATURE (°C)
5.10
5.08
8
6
-40 -25 -10 5 20 35 50 65 80 95 110 125
VOUT (V)
ILOAD = 2A
5.08
VOUT (V)
VOUT (V)
5.06
MAX16977 toc17
VIN = 14V
5.08
5.10
MAX16977 toc16
5.10
VOUT LINE REGULATION
(5V/2.2MHz)
TA = +125°C
0
2
4
TA = +25°C
6
8
10 12 14 16 18 20
IBIAS (mA)
����������������������������������������������������������������� Maxim Integrated Products 7
MAX16977
36V, 2A, 2.2MHz Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VSUP = VSUPSW = 14V, VEN = 14V, VOUT = 5V, VFSYNC = 0V, RFOSC = 12.1kHz, TA = +25NC, unless otherwise noted.)
ISHDN vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
16
TA = +125°C
12
8
6
5.6
5.4
TA = +25°C
10
5.2
5.0
4.8
4.6
TA = -40°C
4
4.4
2
4.2
0
VEN = 0V
VIN = 14V
5.8
ISHDN (µA)
14
MAX16977 toc21
VEN = 0V
18
ISHDN (µA)
ISHDN vs. TEMPERATURE
6.0
MAX16977 toc20
20
4.0
3
10
17
24
31
38
-40 -25 -10 5 20 35 50 65 80 95 110 125
45
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
TEMPERATURE (°C)
DIPS AND DROP TEST
LINE-TRANSIENT RESPONSE
(ILOAD = 2A)
MAX16977 toc22
MAX16977 toc23
5V/2.2MHz
5V/2.2MHz
VIN
5V/div
0V
20V/div
0V
VLX
5V/div
0V
VPGOOD
10ms/div
5V
5V/div
0V
VOUT
14V
VIN
10V/div
0V
VOUT
5V/div
0V
10V/div
VLX
0V
VPGOOD
5V/div
0V
10ms/div
����������������������������������������������������������������� Maxim Integrated Products 8
MAX16977
36V, 2A, 2.2MHz Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
SUPSW
SUPSW
LX
LX
16 15 14 13 12 11 10
TOP VIEW
BST
SUP
LX
LX
SUPSW
EN
I.C.
TOP VIEW
SUPSW
Pin Configurations
12
11
10
9
9
EN 13
I.C. 14
MAX16977
7
BST
6
GND
5
BIAS
8
1
GND
PGOOD
TSSOP
2
3
4
TQFN
(5mm × 5mm)
COMP
7
BIAS
PGOOD
6
COMP
FOSC
5
FB
FSYNC
4
OUT
3
EP
+
FB
FOSC 16
OUT
EP
+
2
SUP
MAX16977
FSYNC 15
1
8
Pin Descriptions
PIN
NAME
FUNCTION
15
FSYNC
Synchronization Input. The device synchronizes to an external signal applied to FSYNC.
The external clock frequency must be 10% greater than the internal clock frequency for
proper operation. Connect FSYNC to GND if the internal clock is used.
2
16
FOSC
Resistor-Programmable Switching-Frequency Setting Control Input. Connect a resistor
from FOSC to GND to set the switching frequency.
3
1
PGOOD
Open-Drain, Active-Low Output. PGOOD asserts when VOUT is below the 92.5% regulation point. PGOOD deasserts when VOUT is above the 95% regulation point.
4
2
OUT
Switch Regulator Output. OUT also provides power to the internal circuitry when the output voltage of the converter is set between 3V and 5V during standby mode.
5
3
FB
6
4
COMP
7
5
BIAS
Linear-Regulator Output. BIAS powers up the internal circuitry. Bypass with a 1FF
capacitor to ground.
8
6
GND
Ground
9
7
BST
High-Side Driver Supply. Connect a 0.1FF capacitor between LX and BST for proper
operation.
TSSOP
TQFN
1
Feedback Input. Connect an external resistive divider from OUT to FB and GND to set
the output voltage. Connect to BIAS to set the output voltage to 5V.
Error-Amplifier Output. Connect an RC network from COMP to GND for stable operation.
See the Compensation Network section for more details.
����������������������������������������������������������������� Maxim Integrated Products 9
MAX16977
36V, 2A, 2.2MHz Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
Pin Descriptions (continued)
PIN
NAME
FUNCTION
TSSOP
TQFN
10
8
SUP
11, 12
9, 10
LX
13, 14
11, 12
SUPSW
15
13
EN
SUP Voltage-Compatible Enable Input. Drive EN low to disable the device. Drive EN
high to enable the device.
16
14
I.C.
Internally Connected. Connect to ground for proper operation.
—
—
EP
Exposed Pad. Connect EP to a large-area contiguous copper ground plane for effective
power dissipation. Do not use as the only IC ground connection. EP must be connected
to GND.
Voltage Supply Input. SUP powers up the internal linear regulator. Connect a 1FF
capacitor to ground.
Inductor Switching Node. Connect a Schottky diode between LX and GND.
Internal High-Side Switch-Supply Input. SUPSW provides power to the internal switch.
Connect a 1FF and 4.7FF capacitor to ground.
Internal Block Diagram
OUT
FB
COMP
FBSW
PGOOD
FBOK
EN
SUP
AON
HVLDO
BIAS
SWITCHOVER
BST
SUPSW
EAMP
LOGIC
PWM
HSD
REF
LX
CS
SOFTSTART
SLOPE
COMP
OSC
FSYNC
MAX16977
FOSC
���������������������������������������������������������������� Maxim Integrated Products 10
MAX16977
36V, 2A, 2.2MHz Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
Detailed Description
The MAX16977 is a constant-frequency, current-mode,
automotive buck converter with an integrated high-side
switch. The device operates with input voltages from
3.5V to 36V and tolerates input transients up to 42V.
During undervoltage events, such as cold-crank conditions, the internal pass device maintains 98% duty cycle.
The switching frequency is resistor programmable from
1MHz to 2.2MHz to allow optimization for efficiency, noise,
and board space. A synchronization input, FSYNC, allows
the device to synchronize to an external clock frequency.
During light-load conditions, the device enters skip mode
for high efficiency. The 5V fixed output voltage eliminates
the need for external resistors and reduces the supply
current to 30FA. See the Internal Block Diagram for more
information.
Wide Input Voltage Range (3.5V to 36V)
The device includes two separate supply inputs, SUP
and SUPSW, specified for a wide 3.5V to 36V input voltage range. VSUP provides power to the device, and
VSUPSW provides power to the internal switch. When
the device is operating with a 3.5V input supply, certain
conditions such as cold crank can cause the voltage at
SUPSW to drop below the programmed output voltage.
As such, the device operates in a high duty-cycle mode
to maintain output regulation.
Linear-Regulator Output (BIAS)
The device includes a 5V linear regulator, BIAS, that
provides power to the internal circuitry. Connect a 1FF
ceramic capacitor from BIAS to GND.
External Clock Input (FSYNC)
The device synchronizes to an external clock signal
applied at FSYNC. The signal at FSYNC must have a
10% higher frequency than the internal clock frequency
for proper synchronization.
Soft-Start
The device includes an 8.5ms fixed soft-start time for up
to 500FF capacitive load with a 2A resistive load.
Minimum On-Time
The device features a 80ns minimum on-time that ensures
proper operation at 2.2MHz switching frequency and high
differential voltage between the input and the output. This
feature is extremely beneficial in automotive applications
where the board space is limited and the converter
needs to maintain a well-regulated output voltage using
an input voltage that varies from 9V to 18V. Additionally,
the device incorporates an innovative design for fast-loop
response that further ensures good output-voltage regulation during transients.
System Enable (EN)
An enable-control input (EN) activates the device from its
low-power shutdown mode. EN is compatible with inputs
from automotive battery level down to 3.3V. The highvoltage compatibility allows EN to be connected to SUP,
KEY/KL30, or the INH pin of a CAN transceiver.
EN turns on the internal regulator. Once VBIAS is above
the internal lockout threshold, VUVL = 3.1V (typ), the converter activates and the output voltage ramps up within
8.5ms.
A logic-low at EN shuts down the device. During shutdown, the internal linear regulator and gate drivers turn
off. Shutdown is the lowest power state and reduces the
quiescent current to 5FA (typ). Drive EN high to bring the
device out of shutdown.
Overvoltage Protection
The device includes overvoltage protection circuitry that
protects the device when there is an overvoltage condition at the output. If the output voltage increases by more
than 110% of its set voltage, the device stops switching.
The device resumes regulation once the overvoltage
condition is removed.
Fast Load-Transient Response
Current-mode buck converters include an integrator
architecture and a load-line architecture. The integrator architecture has large loop gain but slow transient
response. The load-line architecture has fast transient
response but low loop gain. The device features an
integrator architecture with innovative design to improve
transient response. Thus, the device delivers high outputvoltage accuracy, plus the output can recover quickly
from a transient overshoot, which could damage other
on-board components during load transients.
Overload Protection
The overload protection circuitry is triggered when the
device is in current limit and VOUT is below the reset
threshold. Under these conditions the device turns off
the high-side switch for 16ms and re-enters soft-start. If
the overload condition is still present, the device repeats
the cycle.
���������������������������������������������������������������� Maxim Integrated Products 11
MAX16977
36V, 2A, 2.2MHz Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
Skip Mode/Standby Mode
During light-load operation, IINDUCTOR P 185mA, the
device enters skip mode operation. Skip mode turns off
the majority of circuitry and allows the output to drop
below regulation voltage before the switch is turned on
again. The lower the load current, the longer it takes for
the regulator to initiate a new cycle. Because the converter skips unnecessary cycles and turns off the majority
of circuitry, the converter efficiency increases. When the
high-side FET stops switching for more than 50Fs, most
of the internal circuitry, including LDO, draws power from
VOUT (for VOUT = 3V to 5.5V), allowing current consumption from the battery to drop to only 30FA.
Overtemperature Protection
Thermal-overload protection limits the total power dissipation in the device. When the junction temperature exceeds
+175NC (typ), an internal thermal sensor shuts down the
VOUT
RFB1
MAX16977
FB
RFB2
Figure 1. Adjustable Output-Voltage Setting
SWITCHING FREQUENCY vs. RFOSC
MAX16977 toc06
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (MHz)
3.0
2.5
2.0
internal bias regulator and the step-down converter, allowing the IC to cool. The thermal sensor turns on the IC again
after the junction temperature cools by 15NC.
Applications Information
Setting the Output Voltage
Connect FB to BIAS for a fixed 5V output voltage. To set
the output to other voltages between 1V and 10V, connect a resistive divider from output (OUT) to FB to GND
(Figure 1). Calculate RFB1 (OUT to FB resistor) with the
following equation:
 V
 
R FB1 = R FB2  OUT  − 1
V
 FB  
where VFB = 1V (see the Electrical Characteristics table).
Internal Oscillator
The switching frequency, fSW, is set by a resistor (RFOSC)
connected from FOSC to GND. See Figure 2 to select the
correct RFOSC value for the desired switching frequency.
For example, a 2.2MHz switching frequency is set with
RFOSC = 12kI. Higher frequencies allow designs with
lower inductor values and less output capacitance.
Consequently, peak currents and I2R losses are lower
at higher switching frequencies, but core losses, gate
charge currents, and switching losses increase.
Inductor Selection
Three key inductor parameters must be specified for
operation with the device: inductance value (L), inductor
saturation current (ISAT), and DC resistance (RDCR). To
select inductance value, the ratio of inductor peak-topeak AC current to DC average current (LIR) must be
selected first. A good compromise between size and loss
is a 30% peak-to-peak ripple current to average-current
ratio (LIR = 0.3). The switching frequency, input voltage,
output voltage, and selected LIR then determine the
inductor value as follows:
V
(V
− VOUT )
L = OUT SUP
VSUP fSWI OUTLIR
1.5
1.0
VIN = 14V
ILOAD = 1.5A
0.5
0
12
15
18
RFOSC (kI)
Figure 2. Switching Frequency vs. RFOSC
21
24
where VSUP, VOUT, and IOUT are typical values (so that
efficiency is optimum for typical conditions). The switching frequency is set by RFOSC (see the Internal Oscillator
section). The exact inductor value is not critical and
can be adjusted to make trade-offs among size, cost,
efficiency, and transient response requirements. Table 1
shows a comparison between small and large inductor
sizes.
���������������������������������������������������������������� Maxim Integrated Products 12
MAX16977
36V, 2A, 2.2MHz Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
Table 1. Inductor Size Comparison
INDUCTOR SIZE
SMALLER
LARGER
Lower price
Smaller ripple
Smaller form factor
Higher efficiency
Faster load response
Larger fixed-frequency
range in skip mode
The inductor value must be chosen so that the maximum
inductor current does not reach the device’s minimum
current limit. The optimum operating point is usually
found between 25% and 35% ripple current. When pulse
skipping (FSYNC low and light loads), the inductor value
also determines the load-current value at which PFM/
PWM switchover occurs.
Find a low-loss inductor having the lowest possible
DC resistance that fits in the allotted dimensions. Most
inductor manufacturers provide inductors in standard
values, such as 1.0FH, 1.5FH, 2.2FH, 3.3FH, etc. Also
look for nonstandard values, which can provide a better compromise in LIR across the input voltage range. If
using a swinging inductor (where the no-load inductance
decreases linearly with increasing current), evaluate
the LIR with properly scaled inductance values. For
the selected inductance value, the actual peak-to-peak
inductor ripple current (DIINDUCTOR) is defined by:
V
(V
− VOUT )
∆IINDUCTOR = OUT SUP
VSUP × fSW × L
where DIINDUCTOR is in A, L is in H, and fSW is in Hz.
Ferrite cores are often the best choices, although powdered iron is inexpensive and can work well at 200kHz.
The core must be large enough not to saturate at the
peak inductor current (IPEAK):
∆I
IPEAK = ILOAD(MAX) + INDUCTOR
2
Input Capacitor
The input filter capacitor reduces peak currents drawn
from the power source and reduces noise and voltage
ripple on the input caused by the circuit’s switching.
The input capacitor RMS current requirement (IRMS) is
defined by the following equation:
IRMS = ILOAD(MAX)
VOUT (VSUP − VOUT )
VSUP
IRMS has a maximum value when the input voltage
equals twice the output voltage (VSUP = 2VOUT), so
IRMS(MAX) = ILOAD(MAX)/2.
Choose an input capacitor that exhibits less than 10NC
self-heating temperature rise at the RMS input current for
optimal long-term reliability.
The input-voltage ripple is composed of DVQ (caused
by the capacitor discharge) and DVESR (caused by the
equivalent series resistance (ESR) of the capacitor). Use
low-ESR ceramic capacitors with high ripple-current
capability at the input. Assume the contribution from the
ESR and capacitor discharge equal to 50%. Calculate
the input capacitance and ESR required for a specified
input-voltage ripple using the following equations:
ESRIN =
where
∆IL =
and
∆VESR
∆I
I OUT + L
2
(VSUP − VOUT ) × VOUT
VSUP × fSW × L
I
× D(1 − D)
VOUT
CIN = OUT
and D =
∆VQ × fSW
VSUPSW
where IOUT is the maximum output current, and D is the
duty cycle.
Output Capacitor
The output filter capacitor must have low enough ESR to
meet output ripple and load-transient requirements, yet
have high enough ESR to satisfy stability requirements.
The output capacitance must be high enough to absorb
the inductor energy while transitioning from full-load
to no-load conditions without tripping the overvoltage
fault protection. When using high-capacitance, low-ESR
capacitors, the filter capacitor’s ESR dominates the
output-voltage ripple. So the size of the output capacitor depends on the maximum ESR required to meet the
output-voltage ripple (VRIPPLE(P-P)) specifications:
VRIPPLE(P-P) = ESR × ILOAD(MAX) × LIR
The actual capacitance value required relates to the
physical size needed to achieve low ESR, as well as
to the chemistry of the capacitor technology. Thus, the
capacitor is usually selected by ESR and voltage rating
rather than by capacitance value.
���������������������������������������������������������������� Maxim Integrated Products 13
MAX16977
36V, 2A, 2.2MHz Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
When using low-capacity filter capacitors, such as
ceramic capacitors, size is usually determined by the
capacity needed to prevent voltage droop and voltage rise from causing problems during load transients.
Generally, once enough capacitance is added to meet
the overshoot requirement, undershoot at the rising load
edge is no longer a problem. However, low-capacity filter
capacitors typically have high-ESR zeros that can affect
the overall stability.
Rectifier Selection
The device requires an external Schottky diode rectifier as a freewheeling diode. Connect this rectifier close
to the device using short leads and short PCB traces.
Choose a rectifier with a voltage rating greater than the
maximum expected input voltage, VSUPSW. Use a low
forward-voltage-drop Schottky rectifier to limit the negative voltage at LX. Avoid higher than necessary reversevoltage Schottky rectifiers that have higher forwardvoltage drops.
Compensation Network
The device uses an internal transconductance error
amplifier with its inverting input and its output available
to the user for external frequency compensation. The
output capacitor and compensation network determine
the loop stability. The inductor and the output capacitor are chosen based on performance, size, and cost.
Additionally, the compensation network optimizes the
control-loop stability.
The controller uses a current-mode control scheme that
regulates the output voltage by forcing the required current
through the external inductor. The device uses the voltage drop across the high-side MOSFET to sense inductor
current. Current-mode control eliminates the double pole
in the feedback loop caused by the inductor and output
capacitor, resulting in a smaller phase shift and requiring
less elaborate error-amplifier compensation than voltagemode control. Only a simple single-series resistor (RC)
and capacitor (CC) are required to have a stable, highbandwidth loop in applications where ceramic capacitors
are used for output filtering (Figure 3). For other types of
capacitors, due to the higher capacitance and ESR, the
frequency of the zero created by the capacitance and
ESR is lower than the desired closed-loop crossover frequency. To stabilize a nonceramic output capacitor loop,
add another compensation capacitor (CF) from COMP to
GND to cancel this ESR zero.
The basic regulator loop is modeled as a power modulator, output feedback divider, and an error amplifier. The
power modulator has a DC gain set by gmc x RLOAD,
with a pole and zero pair set by RLOAD, the output
capacitor (COUT), and its ESR. The following equations
allow to approximate the value for the gain of the power
modulator (GAINMOD(DC)), neglecting the effect of the
ramp stabilization. Ramp stabilization is necessary when
the duty cycle is above 50% and is internally done for
the device.
GAINMOD(DC) = g mc ×
where RLOAD = VOUT/ILOUT(MAX) in I, fSW is the switching frequency in MHz, L is the output inductance in H,
and gmc = 3S.
In a current-mode step-down converter, the output
capacitor, its ESR, and the load resistance introduce a
pole at the following frequency:
fpMOD =
VOUT
R1
R2
VREF
RC
CC
Figure 3. Compensation Network
1
 R

×f
×L
2π × C OUT ×  LOAD SW
+ ESR
R
+
(f
×
L)
SW
 LOAD

The output capacitor and its ESR also introduce a zero at:
COMP
gm
R LOAD × fSW × L
R LOAD + (fSW × L)
fzMOD =
CF
1
2π × ESR × C OUT
When COUT is composed of “n” identical capacitors
in parallel, the resulting COUT = n x COUT(EACH) and
ESR = ESR(EACH)/n. Note that the capacitor zero for a
parallel combination of alike capacitors is the same as
for an individual capacitor.
���������������������������������������������������������������� Maxim Integrated Products 14
MAX16977
36V, 2A, 2.2MHz Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
The feedback voltage-divider has a gain of GAINFB =
VFB/VOUT, where VFB is 1V (typ).
The transconductance error amplifier has a DC gain of
GAINEA(DC) = gm,EA x ROUT,EA, where gm,EA is the
error-amplifier transconductance, which is 900FS (typ),
and ROUT,EA is the output resistance of the error amplifier.
A dominant pole (fdpEA) is set by the compensation capacitor (CC) and the amplifier output resistance
(ROUT,EA). A zero (fzEA) is set by the compensation
resistor (RC) and the compensation capacitor (CC).
There is an optional pole (fpEA) set by CF and RC to
cancel the output capacitor ESR zero if it occurs near
the crossover frequency (fC, where the loop gain equals
1 (0dB)). Thus:
1
fpdEA =
2π × C C × (R OUT,EA + R C )
1
fzEA =
2π × C C × R C
fpEA =
1
2π × C F × R C
f
fpMOD << fC ≤ SW
5
The total loop gain as the product of the modulator gain,
the feedback voltage-divider gain, and the error-amplifier
gain at fC should be equal to 1. So:
V
GAINMOD(fC) × FB × GAINEA(fC) = 1
VOUT
For the case where fzMOD is greater than fC:
GAINEA(fC) = gm,EA × RC
Therefore:
GAINMOD(fC) ×
RC =
VOUT
g m,EA × VFB × GAINMOD(fC)
Set the error-amplifier compensation zero formed by RC
and CC (fzEA) at the fpMOD. Calculate the value of CC a
follows:
1
CC =
2π × fpMOD × R C
If fzMOD is less than 5 x fC, add a second capacitor,
CF, from COMP to GND and set the compensation pole
formed by RC and CF (fpEA) at the fzMOD. Calculate the
value of CF as follows:
1
CF =
2π × fzMOD × R C
As the load current decreases, the modulator pole
also decreases; however, the modulator gain increases
accordingly and the crossover frequency remains the
same.
For the case where fzMOD is less than fC:
The power-modulator gain at fC is:
The loop-gain crossover frequency (fC) should be set
below 1/5th of the switching frequency and much higher
than the power-modulator pole (fpMOD):
GAINMOD(fC) = GAINMOD(DC) ×
Solving for RC:
fpMOD
fC
VFB
× g m,EA × R C = 1
VOUT
GAINMOD(fC) = GAINMOD(DC) ×
fpMOD
fzMOD
The error-amplifier gain at fC is:
f
GAINEA(fC) = g m,EA × R C × zMOD
fC
Therefore:
GAINMOD(fC) ×
f
VFB
× g m,EA × R C × zMOD = 1
VOUT
fC
Solving for RC:
RC =
VOUT × fC
g m,EA × VFB × GAINMOD(fC) × fzMOD
Set the error-amplifier compensation zero formed by RC
and CC at the fpMOD (fzEA = fpMOD)
CC =
1
2π × fpMOD × R C
���������������������������������������������������������������� Maxim Integrated Products 15
MAX16977
36V, 2A, 2.2MHz Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
If fzMOD is less than 5 x fC, add a second capacitor CF
from COMP to GND. Set fpEA = fzMOD and calculate CF
as follows:
1
CF =
2π × fzMOD × R C
PCB Layout Guidelines
Careful PCB layout is critical to achieve low switching
losses and clean, stable operation. Use a multilayer
board whenever possible for better noise immunity and
power dissipation. Follow these guidelines for good PCB
layout:
1) Use a large contiguous copper plane under the IC
package. Ensure that all heat-dissipating components
have adequate cooling. The bottom pad of the device
must be soldered down to this copper plane for effective heat dissipation and for getting the full power out
of the IC. Use multiple vias or a single large via in this
plane for heat dissipation.
2) Isolate the power components and high-current path
from the sensitive analog circuitry. This is essential to
prevent any noise coupling into the analog signals.
3) Keep the high-current paths short, especially at the
ground terminals. This practice is essential for stable,
jitter-free operation. The high-current path composed
of input capacitor, high-side FET, inductor, and the
output capacitor should be 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) The analog signal lines should be routed away from
the high-frequency planes. This ensures integrity of
sensitive signals feeding back into the IC.
6) The ground connection for the analog and power
section should be close to the IC. 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.
Chip Information
PROCESS: BiCMOS
Ordering Information
SPREAD SPECTURM
TEMP RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
MAX16977RAUE/V+
MAX16977SAUE/V+†
PART
Disabled
-40NC to +125NC
16 TSSOP-EP*
Enabled
-40NC to +125NC
16 TSSOP-EP*
MAX16977RATE/V+†
MAX16977SATE/V+†
Disabled
-40NC to +125NC
16 TQFN-EP*
Enabled
-40NC to +125NC
16 TQFN-EP*
/V denotes an automotive qualified part.
+Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
†Future product—contact factory for availability.
*EP = Exposed pad.
Package Information
For the latest package outline information and land patterns (footprints), go to www.maxim-ic.com/packages. Note that a “+”, “#”, or
“-” in the package code indicates RoHS status only. Package drawings may show a different suffix character, but the drawing pertains
to the package regardless of RoHS status.
PACKAGE TYPE
PACKAGE CODE
16 TSSOP-EP
16 TQFN-EP
U16E+3
T1655+4
OUTLINE NO.
21-0108
21-0140
LAND PATTERN NO.
90-0120
90-0121
���������������������������������������������������������������� Maxim Integrated Products 16
MAX16977
36V, 2A, 2.2MHz Step-Down Converter
with Low Operating Current
Revision History
REVISION
NUMBER
REVISION
DATE
0
5/11
DESCRIPTION
Initial release
PAGES
CHANGED
—
Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are implied.
Maxim 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.
Maxim Integrated Products, 120 San Gabriel Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 408-737-7600
© 2011
Maxim Integrated Products 17
Maxim is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.