Maxim’s new Flexible Buck Converter Extends Battery Life of USB Type-C Devices

Maxim Integrated Products Inc., a leading producer of innovative analog and mixed-signal products and technologies, has come up with a new buck converter. The device MAX77756 is a flexible 24V, 500mA, low quiescent current (Iq) unit. It can be utilized by the developers of multi-cell, USB Type-C products requiring higher current, dual input, and I2C support.

 

In order to detect USB insertions, the USB Type-C products must generate an always-on 3.3V rail. Products making use of the Power Delivery (PD) voltage range of 5V to 20V can generate an always-on (1.8V/3.3V/5.0) digital supply rail for the port controller using MAX77756 step-down converter. 

 

Besides, the MAX77756 has a 20μA quiescent current that extends battery life by reducing idle power consumption. To simplify the system design, the MAX77756 has a dual input ideal diode ORing circuit that allows the chip to power from the external USB source in case of empty battery. 

 

 

 

With the use of MAX77756 power supply, the multi-cell battery-operated devices like ultrabooks, laptops, tablets, drones, and home automation appliances can easily evolve to Type-C with PD. The device has a unique combination of wide input voltage range, low quiescent current, higher current load, dual input, and I2C for flexibility and programmability.

 

If the customers don’t want to use the I2C bus, they can also use a default power mode. The converter is a robust IC with short-circuit and thermal protections, 8ms internal soft-start to minimise inrush current, proven current-mode control architecture, and up to 26V input voltage standoff. 

 Low quiescent current: 1.5μA Buck and 20μA MUX for always-on operation

 

 High efficiency: Up to 92% with integrated power MUX

 

 Small solution size: 2.33mm x 1.42mm 15-bump WLP; no external Schottky array needed

 

 Wide input voltage: Operates on full VBUS range (5V-20V) and VBATT (2S, 3S, 4S Li+)

 

 MAX77756 is available from stock and priced at $0.65 (10,000-up, FOB USA)

 

 MAX77756EVKIT# is available from stock and priced at $70

 

Maxim Integrated develops innovative analog and mixed-signal products and technologies to make systems smaller and smarter, with enhanced security and increased energy efficiency. We are empowering design innovation for our automotive, industrial, healthcare, mobile consumer, and cloud data center customers to deliver industry-leading solutions that help change the world.