Detailed Description
The MAX17503/MAX17503S high-efficiency, high-
voltage, synchro nously rectified step-down converter with
dual integrated MOSFETs operates over a 4.5V to 60V
input. It delivers up to 2.5A and 0.9V to 90%VIN output
voltage. Built-in compensation across the output voltage
range eliminates the need for external components. The
feedback (FB) regulation accuracy over -40NC to +125NC
is ±1.1%.
The device features a peak-current-mode control
architecture. An internal transconductance error amplifier
produces an integrated error voltage at an internal node,
which sets the duty cycle using a PWM comparator, a high-
side current-sense amplifier, and a slope-compensation
generator. At each rising edge of the clock, the high-
side MOSFET turns on and remains on until either
the appropriate or maximum duty cycle is reached, or
the peak current limit is detected. During the high-side
MOSFET’s on-time, the inductor current ramps up. During
the second half of the switching cycle, the high-side
MOSFET turns off and the low-side MOSFET turns on.
The inductor releases the stored energy as its current
ramps down and provides current to the output.
The device features a MODE pin that can be used to operate
the device in PWM, PFM, or DCM control schemes. The
device integrates adjustable-input undervoltage lockout,
adjustable soft-start, open RESET, and external frequency
synchronization features. The MAX17503S offers a
lower Minimum On-Time that allows for higher switching
frequencies and a smaller solution size.
Mode Selection (MODE)
The logic state of the MODE pin is latched when VCC
and EN/UVLO voltages exceed the respective UVLO
rising thresholds and all internal voltages are ready to
allow LX switching. If the MODE pin is open at power-up,
the device operates in PFM mode at light loads. If the
MODE pin is grounded at power-up, the device operates
in constant-frequency PWM mode at all loads. Finally,
if the MODE pin is connected to VCC at power-up, the
device operates in constant-frequency DCM mode at light
loads. State changes on the MODE pin are ignored during
normal operation.
PWM Mode Operation
In PWM mode, the inductor current is allowed to go
negative. PWM operation provides constant frequency
operation at all loads, and is useful in applications
sensitive to switching frequency. However, the PWM
mode of operation gives lower efficiency at light loads
compared to PFM and DCM modes of operation.
PFM Mode Operation
PFM mode of operation disables negative inductor current
and additionally skips pulses at light loads for high
efficiency. In PFM mode, the inductor current is forced to
a fixed peak of 750mA every clock cycle until the output
rises to 102.3% of the nominal voltage. Once the output
reaches 102.3% of the nominal voltage, both the high-side
and low-side FETs are turned off and the device enters
hibernate operation until the load discharges the output to
101.1% of the nominal voltage. Most of the internal blocks
are turned off in hibernate operation to save quiescent
current. After the output falls below 101.1% of the nominal
voltage, the device comes out of hibernate operation,
turns on all internal blocks, and again commences the
process of delivering pulses of energy to the output until it
reaches 102.3% of the nominal output voltage.
The advantage of the PFM mode is higher efficiency at
light loads because of lower quiescent current drawn from
supply. The disadvantage is that the output-voltage ripple
is higher compared to PWM or DCM modes of operation
and switching frequency is not constant at light loads.
DCM Mode Operation
DCM mode of operation features constant frequency
operation down to lighter loads than PFM mode, by not
skipping pulses but only disabling negative inductor cur-
rent at light loads. DCM operation offers efficiency perfor-
mance that lies between PWM and PFM modes.
Linear Regulator (VCC)
An internal linear regulator (VCC) provides a 5V nominal
supply to power the internal blocks and the low-side
MOSFET driver. The output of the linear regulator (VCC)
should be bypassed with a 2.2µF ceramic capacitor to
SGND. The device employs an undervoltage lockout
circuit that disables the internal linear regulator when VCC
falls below 3.8V (typ).
Maxim Integrated
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MAX17503 4.5V-60V, 2.5A, High-Eciency,
Synchronous Step-Down DC-DC Converter
With Internal Compensation
www.maximintegrated.com