Maxim Integrated MAX77596 buck converter

Products that utilise the high data rates and increased power transfer capability of USB Type-C ports require low-voltage supply rails to power necessary Type-C port controllers. Devices utilising the power delivery (PD) voltage range can now generate an always-on (1.8/3.3/5 V) digital supply rail for the controller using the MAX77596 buck converter from Maxim Integrated. Operating from a supply as low as 3.5 V and as high as 24 V, the step-down converter can regulate from traditional 5 V USB power as well as the 20 V upper end of the PD range.

Previously, users designing in a power supply for USB Type-C port controllers had to compromise on input voltage range, quiescent current or size, and a two-chip solution would often be required. The buck converter has a combination of wide input voltage range, low quiescent current and compact TDFN package that results in reduced design time and smaller solution size compared to a two-chip solution.

The product offers fixed 3.3 and 5 V output versions and an adjustable version that allows users to program the output voltage between 1 and 10 V with a resistor-divider. The converter can support up to 300 mA DC loads. It is a robust IC with short-circuit and thermal protection, 6.67 ms internal soft-start minimising inrush current, current-mode control architecture and up to 42 V input voltage tolerance.