New Industry Products

Maxim Offers Single Inductor H-Bridge Step/Down DC-DC Converter

June 12, 2008 by Jeff Shepard

Maxim Integrated Products introduced the MAX8625A – a single-inductor, H-bridge, step-up/down dc-dc converter with seamless transition switching. Maxim states that its seamless transition H-bridge topology utilizes three operating phases during each switching cycle to achieve glitch-free buck-boost transitions, thus ensuring highly efficient switching.

The MAX8625A minimizes output-ripple variation in transitions, and provides up to 92% efficiency over a wide, 2.5 to 5.5V input-voltage range. Consequently, this device is said to eliminate the need for a two-chip, boost-then-buck design, thus saving board space and cost. The MAX8625A is suitable for PDAs, smartphones, MP3 players, and other one-cell Li+ applications that require a 3.3V or adjustable output.

Additional features include an ultra-low, 37µA quiescent current in skip mode, a fixed (3.3V) or adjustable (1.25 to 4V) output voltage, internal compensation, soft-start, and TrueShutdown™ circuitry, which disconnects the output from the input when the IC is disabled. The MAX8625A is available in a tiny, 3 x 3mm, 14-pin TDFN package and requires only a single inductor. It is fully specified over the -40 to +85° extended temperature range.

Pricing starts at $2.45 (1000-up, FOB USA).