19-2795; Rev 2; 6/07
Low-Cost, Wide Input Range, Step-Down
Controllers with Foldback Current Limit
General Description
Features
The MAX8545/MAX8546/MAX8548 are voltage-mode
pulse-width-modulated (PWM), step-down DC-DC con-
trollers ideal for a variety of cost-sensitive applications.
They drive low-cost n-channel MOSFETs for both the
high-side switch and synchronous rectifier, and require
no external current-sense resistor. These devices can
supply output voltages as low as 0.8V.
♦ 2.7V to 28V Input Range
♦ Foldback Short-Circuit Protection
♦ No Additional Bias Supply Needed
♦ 0.8V to 0.83 x V Output
IN
♦ Up to 95% Efficiency
♦ Low-Cost External Components
♦ No Current-Sense Resistor
♦ All n-Channel MOSFET Design
The MAX8545/MAX8546/MAX8548 have a wide 2.7V to
28V input range, and do not need any additional bias
voltage. The output voltage can be precisely regulated
from 0.8V to 0.83 x V . These devices can provide effi-
IN
♦ Adaptive Gate Drivers Eliminate Shoot-Through
ciency up to 95%. Lossless short-circuit and current-limit
protection is provided by monitoring the R
of the
DS(ON)
♦ Lossless Overcurrent and Short-Circuit
Protection
low-side MOSFET. The MAX8545 and MAX8548 have a
current-limit threshold of 320mV, while the MAX8546 has
a current-limit threshold of 165mV. All devices feature
foldback-current capability to minimize power dissipation
under short-circuit condition. Pulling the COMP/EN pin
low with an open-collector or low-capacitance, open-
drain device can shut down all devices.
♦ 300kHz Switching Frequency
(MAX8545/MAX8546)
♦ 100kHz Switching Frequency (MAX8548)
♦ Pin-Compatible with the MAX1967
♦ Thermal Shutdown
The MAX8545/MAX8546 operate at 300kHz and the
MAX8548 operates at 100kHz. The MAX8545/MAX8546/
MAX8548 are compatible with low-cost aluminum elec-
trolytic capacitors. Input undervoltage lockout prevents
proper operation under power-sag operations to prevent
external MOSFETs from overheating. Internal soft-start is
included to reduce inrush current. These devices are
Selector Guide
SWITCHING
FREQUENCY
(kHz)
CURRENT-LIMIT
THRESHOLD
(mV)
PART
MAX8545
300
300
100
-320
-165
-320
®
offered in space-saving 10-pin µMAX packages.
MAX8546
MAX8548
Applications
Set-Top Boxes
Graphic Card and Video
Supplies
Notebook Docking
Station Supplies
Typical Operating Circuit
Cable Modems and
Routers
INPUT
2.7V TO 28V
Desktops and Desknotes
Networking Power
Supplies
PCI Express Power
Supplies
V
VL
CC
Telecom Power Supplies
OUTPUT
0.8V TO
V
IN
BST
DH
Ordering Information
0.9 x V
IN
UP TO 6A
PIN-
PKG
LX
DL
MAX8545
MAX8546
MAX8548
PART
TEMP RANGE
PACKAGE
CODE
10 µMAX
10 µMAX
10 µMAX
10 µMAX
10 µMAX
10 µMAX
MAX8545EUB
MAX8545EUB+
MAX8546EUB
MAX8546EUB+
MAX8548EUB
MAX8548EUB+
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
-40°C to +85°C
U10-2
U10-2
U10-2
U10-2
U10-2
U10-2
GND
COMP/
EN
OFF
FB
ON
OPTIONAL
+Denotes a lead-free package.
µMAX is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
Pin Configuration appears at end of data sheet.
________________________________________________________________ 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.