DC/DC step-down converters reduce component count

Both ICs reduce size, heat, and cost, while simplifying the design of negative output voltage rails needed for analog signals within intelligent IoT devices found in factory automation, building automation and communications systems.

As network edge devices expand with Artificial Intelligence capabilities, designers must reduce the solution size and heat generation. They seek solutions that are more efficient, creating less heat and use less board space, saving time and cost.

The MAX17577 and MAX17578 integrate level shifting circuitry to reduce component cost and count by as much as 50% while reducing component area to 60 mm², a 72% advantage in board space over competitive solutions. These synchronous inverting converters protect against input voltage transients with the industry’s widest input voltage range from 4.5V to 60V, thus increasing system robustness in harsh environments.

The MAX17577 and MAX17578 generate less heat by dissipating 35% less power than competitive solutions, improve system reliability and provide developers with up to six percentage points more efficiency.

Key advantages

• Cuts Component Count: Cuts component count to 50% and reduces design size by 72%.
• Highest Efficiency: Six percentage points higher efficiency, dissipates 35% less energy than closest competition.
• Widest Range: 4.5V to 60V is the industry’s widest input voltage range.

“By integrating level shifters, the MAX17577 and MAX17578 reduces design size and component count dramatically for baseband solutions and IoT devices,” said John Woodward, business Management Director, Industrial Power Product Line at Maxim Integrated. “These efficient negative voltage regulators reduce system temperature rise and support the industry’s widest input voltage range to provide robust protection against unpredictable voltage transients.”