The MAX15023 dual, synchronous step-down controller operates from a 5.5V to 28V or 5V ±10% input voltage range and generates two independent output voltages. Each output is adjustable from 85% of the input voltage down to 0.6V and supports loads of 12A or higher. Input voltage ripple and total RMS input ripple current are reduced by interleaved 180° out-of-phase operation.
The MAX15023 offers the ability to adjust the switching frequency from 200kHz to 1MHz with an external resistor. The MAX15023's adaptive synchronous rectification eliminates the need for external freewheeling Schottky diodes. The device also utilizes the external low-side MOSFET's on-resistance as a current-sense element, eliminating the need for a current-sense resistor. This protects the DC-DC components from damage during output overloaded conditions or output short-circuit faults without requiring a current-sense resistor. Hiccup-mode current limit reduces power dissipation during short-circuit conditions. The MAX15023 includes two independent power-good outputs and two independent enable inputs with precise turn-on/turn-off thresholds, which can be used for supply monitoring and for power sequencing.
Additional protection features include cycle-by-cycle, low-side, sink peak current limit, and thermal shutdown. Cycle-by-cycle, low-side, sink peak current limit prevents reverse inductor current from reaching dangerous levels when the device is sinking current from the output. The MAX15023 also allows prebiased startup without discharging the output and features adaptive internal digital soft-start. This new proprietary feature enables monotonic charging of externally large output capacitors at startup, and achieves good control of the peak inductor current during hiccup-mode short-circuit protection.
The MAX15023 is available in a space-saving and thermally enhanced 4mm x 4mm, 24-pin TQFN-EP package. The device operates over the -40°C to +85°C extended temperature range.