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MAX8520, MAX8521

Smallest TEC Power Drivers for Optical Modules

Industry's Smallest TEC Drivers for SFF/SFP Modules Reduce Heat Generation by 50%

Overview

Technical Documents

Ordering Info

Status

Active: In Production.

Description

The MAX8520/MAX8521 are designed to drive thermoelectric coolers (TECs) in space-constrained optical modules. Both devices deliver ±1.5A output current and control the TEC current to eliminate harmful current surges. On-chip FETs minimize external components and high switching frequency reduces the size of external components.

The MAX8520/MAX8521 operate from a single supply and bias the TEC between the outputs of two synchronous buck regulators. This operation allows for temperature control without "dead zones" or other nonlinearities at low current. This arrangement ensures that the control system does not hunt when the set-point is very close to the natural operating point, requiring a small amount of heating or cooling. An analog control signal precisely sets the TEC current.

Both devices feature accurate, individually-adjustable heating current limit and cooling current limit along with maximum TEC voltage limit to improve the reliability of optical modules. An analog output signal monitors the TEC current. A unique ripple cancellation scheme helps reduce noise.

The MAX8520 is available in a 5mm x 5mm TQFN package and its switching frequency is adjustable up to 1MHz through an external resistor. The MAX8521 is also available in a 5mm x 5mm TQFN as well as space-saving 3mm x 3mm UCSP™ and 36-bump WLP (3mm x 3mm) packages, with a pin-selectable switching frequency of 500kHz or 1MHz.

Data Sheet

Download	Rev 2	(PDF, 424kB)
E-Mail

An evaluation kit is available: MAX8521EVKIT

Key Features

Circuit Footprint of 0.31in²
Low-Profile Design
On-Chip Power MOSFETs
High-Efficiency Switch-Mode Design
Ripple Cancellation for Low Noise
Direct Current Control Prevents TEC Current Surges
5% Accurate Adjustable Heating/Cooling Current Limits
2% Accurate TEC Voltage Limit
No Dead Zone or Hunting at Low Output Current
ITEC Monitors TEC Current
1% Accurate Voltage Reference
Switching Frequency Up to 1MHz
Synchronization (MAX8521)

Applications/Uses

Automated Test Equipment (ATE)
Biotech Lab Equipment
Fiber Optic Network Equipment
Fiber-Optic Laser Modules
SFF/SFP Modules

Key Specifications:

Multifunction PMICs

Part Number

Primary Topology

Monitor/Control Features

DC-DC/Power Features

V_IN
(V)

V_OUT
(V)

Max. I_OUT
(A)

Oper. Freq.
(kHz)

Inverting Outputs

Package/Pins

Smallest Available Pckg.
(mm²)

Budgetary Price

min

max

min

max

≥

≤

max w/pins

See Notes

MAX8520

H-Bridge

Output OVP

Shutdown

Volt. or PWM Controlled Output

Adj. Frequency

Avg. Current Mode Control

Current Limit

Fixed Freq./PWM

Internal Pwr. FETs

Soft Start

Sync. Rectifier

TEC Driver

5.5

-4.3

4.3

1.5

1000

TQFN/20

$4.52 @1k

MAX8521

Avg. Current Mode Control

Current Limit

Fixed Freq./PWM

Internal Pwr. FETs

Soft Start

Sync. Rectifier

TEC Driver

See All Multifunction PMICs (96)

Pricing Notes:
This pricing is BUDGETARY, for comparing similar parts. Prices are in U.S. dollars and subject to change. Quantity pricing may vary substantially and international prices may differ due to local duties, taxes, fees, and exchange rates. For volume-specific prices and delivery, please see the price and availability page or contact an authorized distributor.

Diagram

Typical Operating Circuit

Application Notes

Application Note 3264		Compact DWDM laser Temperature Control with the MAX8521
Application Note 3318		HFAN-08.2.0: How to Control and Compensate a Thermoelectric Cooler (TEC)
Reference Design 3600		HFRD-21.0: 2.5Gbps Cooled TOSA Evaluation Board (Includes MAX3735A Laser Driver and MAX8521 TEC Controller)
Application Note 3766		HFTA-12.0: Measuring Crosstalk Penalty in High-Speed Bidirectional Serial Communication Modules
Application Note 3842		Stabilizing Thermoelectric Controller (TEC) Loops Using a Unit-Step Response

Reliability Reports

Reliability Report:	MAX8520.pdf MAX8521.pdf
Show FIT data for:

Software/Models

none

Ordering Information

Filters:

Part Number:

Package:

Temperature:

Tape and Reel

Sample

Part Number	Free Sample	Buy	Status	Package: TYPE PINS FOOTPRINT DRAWING CODE/VAR *	Temp	RoHS/Lead-Free? Materials Analysis
MAX8520ETP			Active	TQFN;20 pin;26 mm² Outline Drawing:21-0140 (PDF) Land Pattern: 90-0009 (PDF) Use pkgcode/variation: T2055-4*	-40°C to +85°C	RoHS/Lead-Free: No Materials Analysis
MAX8520ETP+			Active	TQFN;20 pin;26 mm² Outline Drawing:21-0140 (PDF) Land Pattern: 90-0009 (PDF) Use pkgcode/variation: T2055+4*	-40°C to +85°C	RoHS/Lead-Free: Lead Free Materials Analysis
MAX8520ETP+T			Active	TQFN;20 pin;26 mm² Outline Drawing:21-0140 (PDF) Land Pattern: 90-0009 (PDF) Use pkgcode/variation: T2055+4*	-40°C to +85°C	RoHS/Lead-Free: Lead Free Materials Analysis
MAX8520ETP-T			Active	QFN;20 pin Land Pattern: Not Available	-40°C to +85°C	See data sheet
MAX8520EVKIT			Active	KIT; Land Pattern: Not Available		See data sheet
MAX8521EBX-T			Active	UCSP;32 pin;10 mm² Outline Drawing:21-0082 (PDF) Land Pattern: Not Available Use pkgcode/variation: B36-2*	-40°C to +85°C	RoHS/Lead-Free: No Materials Analysis
MAX8521ETP			Active	TQFN;20 pin;26 mm² Outline Drawing:21-0140 (PDF) Land Pattern: 90-0009 (PDF) Use pkgcode/variation: T2055-4*	-40°C to +85°C	RoHS/Lead-Free: No Materials Analysis
MAX8521ETP+			Active	TQFN;20 pin;26 mm² Outline Drawing:21-0140 (PDF) Land Pattern: 90-0009 (PDF) Use pkgcode/variation: T2055+4*	-40°C to +85°C	RoHS/Lead-Free: Lead Free Materials Analysis
MAX8521ETP+T			Active	TQFN;20 pin;26 mm² Outline Drawing:21-0140 (PDF) Land Pattern: 90-0009 (PDF) Use pkgcode/variation: T2055+4*	-40°C to +85°C	RoHS/Lead-Free: Lead Free Materials Analysis
MAX8521ETP-T			Active	TQFN;20 pin;26 mm² Outline Drawing:21-0140 (PDF) Land Pattern: 90-0009 (PDF) Use pkgcode/variation: T2055-4*	-40°C to +85°C	RoHS/Lead-Free: No Materials Analysis
Part Number	Free Sample	Buy	Status	Package: TYPE PINS FOOTPRINT DRAWING CODE/VAR *	Temp	RoHS/Lead-Free? Materials Analysis
MAX8521EWX+			Active	WLP;32 pin;10.1 mm² Outline Drawing:21-0024 (PDF) Land Pattern: Not Available Use pkgcode/variation: W363A3+2*	-40°C to +85°C	RoHS/Lead-Free: Lead Free Materials Analysis
MAX8521EWX+T			Active	WLP;32 pin;10.1 mm² Outline Drawing:21-0024 (PDF) Land Pattern: Not Available Use pkgcode/variation: W363A3+2*	-40°C to +85°C	RoHS/Lead-Free: Lead Free Materials Analysis

Notes:

Other options and links for purchasing parts are listed at: http://www.maxim-ic.com/sales.
Didn't Find What You Need? Ask our applications engineers. Expert assistance in finding parts, usually within one business day.
Part number suffixes: T or T&R = tape and reel; + = RoHS/lead-free; # = RoHS/lead-exempt; -D = drypack; -U/+U on DS parts = cut tape. More: See Full Data Sheet or Maxim Product Naming Conventions.
* Some packages have variations, listed on the drawing. "PkgCode/Variation" tells which variation the product uses. Note that "+", "#", "-" in the part number suffix describes RoHS status. Package drawings may show a different suffix character.

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Evaluation Kits

MAX8521EVKIT

Evaluation Kit for the MAX8521

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