High-Efficiency, Triple-Output, Keep-Alive Power Supply for Notebook Computers

Active: In Production.

The MAX1534 is a high-efficiency, triple-output power supply for keep-alive (always on) voltage rails. The 500mA buck regulator with an internal current-limited 0.5Ω PMOS steps down the battery or wall adapter supply rail to a fixed 5V or an adjustable output voltage. Two integrated low-voltage linear regulators follow this output and provide two independent preset output voltages of 3.3V and 1.8V, or adjustable output voltages.

The buck regulator utilizes a peak current-limit, pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) architecture for highest light-load efficiency to conserve battery life. High switching frequencies (up to 200kHz) allow the use of tiny surface-mount inductors and output capacitors. Operation to 100% duty cycle minimizes dropout voltage (250mV at 500mA).

The low-dropout linear regulators use an internal P-channel metal-oxide (PMOS) pass transistor to minimize supply current and deliver up to 160mA each of continuous current.

The MAX1534 includes a power-OK (POK) signal that indicates all outputs are in regulation. The 4% accurate threshold of the active-low SHDN input permits its use as a low-battery detector.

The MAX1534 is available in a small 16-pin thin QFN (4mm x 4mm) package, occupying 33% less board space than discrete solutions.

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