EVALUATION KIT AVAILABLE
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Automotive High-Current Step-Down Converter
with USB-C Protection/Host Charger
MAX20461
General Description
Benefits and Features
The MAX20461 combines a 3A high-efficiency, automo-
tive-grade, step-down converter, a USB Type-C/BC1.2
host charger emulator, and high bandwidth USB protec-
tion switches for automotive USB 2.0 host applications.
The device also includes a USB load current-sense am-
plifier and a configurable feedback-adjustment circuit that
provides automatic USB voltage compensation for voltage
drops in captive cables often found in automotive applica-
tions. The device limits the USB load current using both
a fixed internal peak-current threshold and a user-config-
urable external current-sense USB load threshold.
● One-Chip Type-C Solution Directly from Car Battery to
Portable Device
• MAX20461: USB Type-C Compliant DFP Controller
with V
Protection
CONN
• MAX20461A: USB Type-C Compliant DFP
Controller
• 1GHz Bandwidth USB 2.0 Data Switches
• 4.5V to 28V Input (40V Load Dump), Synchronous
Buck Converter
• 5V to 7V, 3A Output Capability
● Optimal USB Charging and Communication for
Portable Devices
The MAX20461 is optimized for high-frequency operation
and includes programmable frequency selection from
310kHz to 2.2MHz, allowing optimization of efficiency,
noise, and board space based on the application require-
ments. The fully synchronous DC-DC converter integrates
high-side and low-side MOSFETs with an external SYNC
input/output, and can be configured for spread-spectrum
operation.
• User-Programmable Voltage Gain Adjusts Output
for Up to 474mΩ Cable Resistance
• User-Programmable USB Current Limit
• Type-C Cable Orientation Indicator for USB3
Applications
• Supports USB BC1.2 CDP and SDP Modes
• Compatible with USB On-the-Go Specification and
Apple CarPlay®
The MAX20461 allows flexible configuration and ad-
vanced diagnostic options for both standalone and super-
vised applications. The device can be programmed using
● Low-Noise Features Prevent Interference with AM
Band and Portable Devices
2
either external programming resistors and/or internal I C
• Fixed-Frequency 310kHz to 2.2MHz Operation
• Fixed-PWM Option at No Load
2
registers via the I C bus.
• Spread Spectrum for EMI Reduction
• SYNC Input/Output for Frequency Parking
The MAX20461 is available in a small 5mm x 5mm 32-pin
TQFN package and is designed to minimize required ex-
ternal components and layout area.
● Robust Design Keeps Vehicle System and Portable
Device Safe in an Automotive Environment
• Short-to-Battery Protection on VBUS, HVD± Pins
• CC1 and CC2 Tolerant to 20V Transients
• Advanced Diagnostics Through I C Bus
• ±25kV Air/±8kV Contact ISO 10605 (330pF, 2kΩ)*
• ±15kV Air/±8kV Contact ISO 10605 (330pF, 2kΩ)**
• ±15kV Air/±8kV Contact ISO 10605 (330pF, 330Ω)*
• ±15kV Air/±8kV Contact IEC 61000-4-2 (150pF,
330Ω)*
Applications
● Automotive Radio and Navigation
● USB Port for Host and Hub Applications
● Automotive Connectivity/Telematics
2
• Overtemperature Protection, Warning, and
Intelligent Current Foldback
• -40°C to +125°C Operating Temperature Range
*Tested in Typical Application Circuit as used on the MAX20461
Evaluation Kit with 1m captive cable.
**Tested in Typical Application Circuit as used on the
MAX20461 Evaluation Kit without 1m captive cable.
Ordering Information appears at end of datasheet.
Apple and CarPlay are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.
19-100338; Rev 7; 9/23