19-2586; Rev 1; 12/08
Smallest TEC Power Drivers for Optical
Modules
0/MAX8521
General Description
Features
The MAX8520/MAX8521 are designed to drive thermo-
electric coolers (TECs) in space-constrained optical
modules. Both devices deliver 1.5A output current
and control the TEC current to eliminate harmful current
surges. On-chip FETs minimize external components
and high switching frequency reduces the size of exter-
nal components.
o Circuit Footprint 0.31in2
o Low Profile Design
o On-Chip Power MOSFETs
o High-Efficiency Switch-Mode Design
o Ripple Cancellation for Low Noise
The MAX8520/MAX8521 operate from a single supply and
bias the TEC between the outputs of two synchronous
buck regulators. This operation allows for temperature
control without “dead zones” or other nonlinearities at
low current. This arrangement ensures that the control
system does not hunt when the set-point is very close
to the natural operating point, requiring a small amount
of heating or cooling. An analog control signal precisely
sets the TEC current.
o Direct Current Control Prevents TEC Current
Surges
o 5% Accurate Adjustable Heating/Cooling Current
Limits
o 2% Accurate TEC Voltage Limit
o No Dead Zone or Hunting at Low Output Current
o ITEC Monitors TEC Current
o 1% Accurate Voltage Reference
o Switching Frequency up to 1MHz
o Synchronization (MAX8521)
Both devices feature accurate, individually-adjustable
heating current limit and cooling current limit along with
maximum TEC voltage limit to improve the reliability of
optical modules. An analog output signal monitors the
TEC current. A unique ripple cancellation scheme helps
reduce noise.
Ordering Information
The MAX8520 is available in a 5mm x 5mm thin QFN
package and its switching frequency is adjustable up
to 1MHz through an external resistor. The MAX8521 is
also available in a 5mm x 5mm thin QFN as well as
space-saving 3mm x 3mm UCSP™ and 36-bump WLP
(3mm x 3mm) packages, with a pin-selectable switch-
ing frequency of 500kHz or 1MHz.
PART
TEMP RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
MAX8520ETP
MAX8521EBX
MAX8521ETP
MAX8521EWX+
-40°C to +85°C 20 Thin QFN-EP* 5mm x 5mm
-40°C to +85°C 6 x 6 UCSP 3mm x 3mm
20 Thin QFN-EP* 5mm x 5mm
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C 36 WLP** 3mm x 3mm
+Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
*EP = Exposed pad.
**Four center bumps depopulated.
Applications
SFF/SFP Modules
Fiber Optic Laser Modules
Fiber Optic Network Equipment
ATE
Typical Operating Circuit
INPUT
3V TO 5.5V
V
LX1
PGND1
CS
DD
PV
Biotech Lab Equipment
DD
FREQ
ON
SHDN
ITEC
OFF
TEC CURRENT
MONITOR
MAX8521
OUTPUT
OS1
CURRENT-
CONTROL
SIGNAL
CTLI
I
= 1.5A
TEC
TEC
OS2
LX2
COMP
REF
PGND2
GND
Pin Configurations appear at end of data sheet
ANALOG /DIGITAL
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
UCSP is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products
1
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642,
or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.