19-2188; Rev 1; 9/02
Quick-PWM Slave Controllers for
Multiphase, Step-Down Supplies
General Description
Features
The MAX1887/MAX1897 step-down slave controllers are
intended for low-voltage, high-current, multiphase DC-to-
DC applications. The MAX1887/MAX1897 slave con-
trollers can be combined with any of Maxim’s
Quick-PWM™ step-down controllers to form a multiphase
DC-to-DC converter. Existing Quick-PWM controllers,
such as the MAX1718, function as the master controller,
providing accurate output voltage regulation, fast tran-
sient response, and fault protection features.
Synchronized to the master’s low-side gate driver, the
MAX1887/MAX1897 include the Quick-PWM constant on-
time controller, gate drivers for a synchronous rectifier,
active current balancing, and precision current-limit cir-
cuitry.
o Quick-PWM Slave Controller
o Precise, Active Current Balance (±±1.25m ꢀ
o Accurate, Adjustable Current-Li5it Threshold
o Opti5ized for Low-Output moltages (≤.mꢀ
o 4m to .8m Battery Input Range
o Fixed 300kHz (MAX±887ꢀ or Selectable
.00kHz/300kHz/220kHz (MAX±897ꢀ Switching
Frequency
o Drive Large Synchronous-Rectifier MOSFETs
o 2.2µA (typꢀ I
Supply Current
CC
o .0µA Standby Supply Current
The MAX1887/MAX1897 provide the same high effi-
ciency, ultra-low duty factor capability, and excellent
transient response as other Quick-PWM controllers. The
MAX1887/MAX1897 differentially sense the inductor
currents of both the master and the slave across cur-
rent-sense resistors. These differential inputs and the
adjustable current-limit threshold derived from an exter-
nal reference allow the slave controller to accurately
balance the inductor currents and provide precise cur-
rent-limit protection. The MAX1887/MAX1897’s dual-
purpose current-limit input also allows the slave
controller to automatically enter a low-power standby
mode when the master controller shuts down.
o <±µA Shutdown (MAX±897ꢀ Supply Current
o S5all ±6-Pin QSOP (MAX±887ꢀ, Co5pact
.0-Pin 255 x 255 QFN (MAX±897ꢀ, or
.0-Pin 255 x 255 Thin QFN (MAX±897ꢀ
Ordering Information
PART
TEMP RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
MAX±887EEE -40°C to +85°C 16 QSOP
MAX±897EGP*
✕
-40°C to +85°C 20 QFN 5mm 5mm
✕
MAX1897ETP -40°C to +85°C 20 Thin QFN 5mm 5mm
The MAX1887 triggers on the rising edge of the mas-
ter’s low-side gate driver, which staggers the on-times
of both master and slave, providing out-of-phase oper-
ation that can reduce the input ripple current and con-
sequently the number of input capacitors. The
MAX1897 features a selectable trigger polarity, allowing
out-of-phase or simultaneous in-phase operation.
*Contact factory for availability.
Pin Configuration
TOP VIEW
20
19 18
17 16
Applications
CM+
CM-
TON
LX
1
2
3
4
5
15
14
13
12
11
Notebook Computers
CPU Core Supply
DH
Single-Stage (BATT to V
) Converters
CORE
SHDN
MAX1897
Two-Stage (5V to V
) Converters
CORE
CS-
CS+
V
V
CC
DD
Servers/Desktop Computers
Telecom
6
7
8
9
10
Typical Operating Circuit appears at end of data sheet.
THIN QFN 255 x 255
Pin Configurations continued at end of data sheet.
Quick-PWM is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated
Products, Inc.
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products
±
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim/Dallas Direct! at
1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.