The MAX15050/MAX15051 high-efficiency switching regulators deliver up to 4A load current at output voltages from 0.6V to (0.9 x V_IN). The devices operate from 2.9V to 5.5V, making them ideal for on-board point-of-load and postregulation applications. Total output-voltage accuracy is within ±1% over load, line, and temperature.

The MAX15050/MAX15051 feature 1MHz fixed-frequency PWM operation. The MAX15050 features pulse-skip mode to improve light-load efficiency. The MAX15050 soft-starts in a monotonic mode and then operates in the forced PWM mode or pulse-skip mode depending on the output load current condition. The MAX15051 soft-starts in the monotonic mode and operates in the forced PWM mode. The high operating frequency allows for small-size external components.

The low-resistance on-chip nMOS switches ensure high efficiency at heavy loads while minimizing critical parasitic 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 MAX15050/MAX15051 incorporate a high-bandwidth (> 26MHz) voltage-error amplifier. The voltage-mode control architecture and the voltage-error amplifier permit a type III compensation scheme to achieve maximum loop bandwidth, up to 200kHz. High loop bandwidth provides fast transient response, resulting in less required output capacitance and allowing for all-ceramic capacitor designs.

The MAX15050/MAX15051 feature an output overload hiccup protection and peak current limit on both high-side and low-side MOSFETs. These features provide for ultra-safe operation in the cases of short-circuit conditions, severe overloads, or in converters with bulk electrolytic capacitors.

The MAX15050/MAX15051 feature an adjustable output voltage. The output voltage is adjustable by using two external resistors at the feedback or by applying an external reference voltage to the REFIN/SS input. The MAX15050/MAX15051 offer programmable soft-start time using one capacitor to reduce input inrush current. A built-in thermal shutdown protection assures safe operation under all conditions. The MAX15050/MAX15051 are available in a 2mm x 2mm, 16-bump (4 x 4 array), 0.5mm pitch WLP package.

Applications

• ASIC/CPU/DSP Core and I/O Voltages
• Base-Station Power Supplies
• DDR Power Supplies
• Point-of-Load
• Portable Applications
• RAID Control Power Supplies
• Server Power Supplies
• Telecom and Networking Power Supplies