6A, 2MHz Step-Down Regulator with Integrated Switches

Active: In Production.

The MAX8646 high-efficiency switching regulator delivers up to 6A load current at output voltages from 0.6V to 0.9 x V_IN. The IC operates from 2.35V to 3.6V, making it ideal for on-board point-of-load and postregulation applications. Total output error is less than ±1% over load, line, and temperature ranges.

The MAX8646 features fixed-frequency PWM mode operation with a switching frequency range of 500kHz to 2MHz set by an external resistor. High-frequency operation allows for an all-ceramic capacitor design. The high operating frequency also allows for small-size external components.

The low-resistance on-chip nMOS switches ensure high efficiency at heavy loads while minimizing critical inductances, making the layout a much simpler task with respect to discrete solutions. Following a simple layout and footprint ensures first-pass success in new designs.

The MAX8646 comes with a high bandwidth (> 14MHz) voltage-error amplifier. The voltage-mode control architecture and the voltage-error amplifier permit a type III compensation scheme to be utilized to achieve maximum loop bandwidth, up to 20% of the switching frequency. High loop bandwidth provides fast transient response, resulting in less required output capacitance and allowing for all-ceramic-capacitor designs.

The MAX8646 provides two tri-state logic inputs to select one of nine preset output voltages. The preset output voltages allow customers to achieve ±1% output-voltage accuracy without using expensive 0.1% resistors. In addition, the output voltage can be set to any customer value by either using two external resistors at the feedback with 0.6V internal reference or applying an external reference voltage to the REFIN input. The MAX8646 offers programmable soft-start time using one capacitor to reduce input inrush current. The MAX8646 is available in a lead-free, 24-pin, 4mm x 4mm, thin QFN package.

Download Rev 2 (PDF, 328kB) E-Mail