Tiny Higher-Voltage Power Modules Nearly Disappear from Sight

If you associate “power module” with “larger component,” think again. As industrial and consumer products get smaller, their power modules are following the same trajectory. The latest series of four microsystem-scaled, step-down dc-dc power modules introduced by Maxim Integrated increases the input voltage from the 42-V maximum rating of the previous maximum up to 60 V. At the same time, the size of these units (dubbed “uSLIC”)—measuring just 2.6 × 3.0 × 1.5 mm—is shrinking to where they’re commensurate with the tiny ICs and passives they support.

These micro-modules accommodate the wide input-voltage range and fluctuations that are common in factory-automation applications. They also handle the transients that can afflict even benign consumer devices such as USB interconnects that result from hot-swapping and other unavoidable actions.

Maxim claims that these tiny modules are less than half the size of their closest competitive offerings. Each module includes a synchronous, wide-input “Himalaya” buck regulator with built-in FETs, loop compensation, integrated and shielded inductor, soft-start, and programmable EN/UVLO threshold, as well as other features. Using these modules, a complete power system requires just two or three added external capacitors and few resistors.

The new devices, along with their unit prices (in 1000-piece lots) are:

MAXM17552, a 4- to 60-V, 100-mA module with 100- to 900-kHz adjustable switching frequency, 82% efficiency (24-V V_IN at 5 V/0.1 A) and external synchronization frequency ($2.53).
MAXM15064, a 4.5- to 60-V, 300-mA module with 500-kHz adjustable switching frequency, 82% efficiency (24-V V_IN at 5 V/0.1 A), external synchronization frequency, and built-in output voltage monitoring ($2.78).
MAXM17900, a 4- to 24-V, 100-mA module with 100- to 900-kHz adjustable switching frequency, 86% efficiency (12-V V_IN at 5 V/100 mA), external synchronization frequency, and built-in output voltage monitoring ($1.39).
MAXM17903, a 4.5- to 24-V, 300-mA module with 500-kHz fixed switching frequency, 77% efficiency (12-V V_IN at 3.3 V/300 mA), external synchronization frequency, and built-in output voltage monitoring, $1.48.

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CISPR 22 Class B results for conducted EMI (top) and radiated EMI (bottom) for the MAXM17532—a previously introduced, closely related sibling in the Himalaya family—show that the modules easily pass both tests.

The datasheets for these devices contain a wide variety of performance graphs covering various ripple, transient-response, startup, enable, and other performance attributes, as you would expect for a power-related product. The modules are compliant with CISPR 22 (EN 5022) Class B EMI mandates (see figure), thus eliminating the need for power-supply redesigns. They’re also JEDEC certified to withstand drop, shock and vibration. Design-in support is provided via their respective evaluation kits: MAXM17552EVKIT#, MAXM15064EVKIT#, MAXM17900EVKIT#, and MAXM17903EVKIT# ($29.73 each) as well as EE-Sim models.