MAX20810 / MAX20830 - step-down switching regulators
Regulators with integrated drive transistors simplify the design of switch-mode converters, permitting designers to create power electronic systems with minimal energy loss. In the MAX20810 / MAX20830 family, Analog Devices pushes the margin of maximum output current.
Most parameters are consistent among both parts: for example, both work with a maximum frequency of 2 MHz. Furthermore, the input voltage ranges from 2.7 V to 16 V. For the output, 0.4 to 5.8 V can be selected.
Regarding schematics, Analog Devices recommends the approach outlined in the figure which requires minimal external circuitry.
In addition to a few capacitors and the two resistors that set the output voltage, a circuit designer must select an inductor suitable for switching frequency and current. Of course, the data sheet provides recommendations for commonly used and proven-to-work inductor part numbers.
PMBus and high output current enable advanced applications
The schematic provides many lines intended for host communication. The chip family implements the PMBus specification, which permits the supplied device to obtain information about power conditions.
Further information on the interface can be found in the documents MAX20810 PMBus Command Set User Guide and MAX20830 PMBus Command Set User Guide. Analog Devices kept the command languages communal to permit designers to swap the various members of the switching regulator family.
The family's most outstanding factor is the incredibly high output current: the MAX20810 can handle up to 10 amperes, while the MAX20830 maxes out at an eye-watering 30 amperes. This high current capability predestines the devices for interaction with advanced microcontrollers and FPGAs, which have high power demands and bursty changes in current consumption.
Analog Devices approaches this problem via the AMS technology, which is an advanced modulation scheme. An AMS-based device modulates both the rising and falling edges of the clock.
Figure text AMS enables faster transient response
In addition, the switching regulators come with a wide array of protection features. For example, an overcurrent trip can be enabled to permit the switching regulator to power off loads that exceed the permitted maximum current consumption.
Compact PCB dimensions
Analog Devices use the FC2QFN housing. Its tiny dimensions mean minimal amounts of space are needed on a printed circuit board using the regulators.
Care must be taken in the PCB design. The data sheet provides constructive advice on optimising the printed circuit board layout.
Both the MAX20810 and MAX20830 families are widely stocked by various distributors including Analog Devices direct, Mouser and Digikey.
https://www.oemsecrets.com/compare/MAX20810
https://www.oemsecrets.com/compare/MAX20830
Analog Devices has expanded the current limit of switch-mode step-down converters with its MAX20810 and MAX20830 products. If a design requires high output current and advanced protection features, they are an excellent replacement for manually designed switched regulators. They are a component that every power engineer should be aware of.