Developers of multi-cell, USB Type-C products that need higher current, dual input, and I2C support now have a flexible option with the MAX77756 24 V, 500 mA, low quiescent current (Iq) buck converter from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
USB Type-C products must generate an always-on 3.3 V rail to detect USB insertions. Products utilizing the Power Delivery (PD) voltage range (5 V to 20 V) can generate an always-on (1.8 V/3.3 V/5.0 V) digital supply rail for the port controller using the MAX77756 step-down converter. In addition, the MAX77756 has a 20 μA quiescent current that extends battery life by reducing idle power consumption. To simplify the system design, the MAX77756 has a dual input well suited diode ORing circuit that allows the chip to power from the external USB source if the battery is empty.
Multi-cell battery-operated devices, such as ultrabooks, laptops, tablets, drones, and home automation appliances, can evolve to Type-C with PD using the flexible MAX77756 power supply. The MAX77756 has a unique combination of wide input voltage range, low quiescent current, higher current load, dual input, and I2C for flexibility and programmability. There is also a default power mode if customers do not want to use the I2C bus. The MAX77756 is a robust IC with short-circuit and thermal protection, 8ms internal soft-start to minimize inrush current, proven current-mode control architecture, and up to 26 V input voltage standoff.
