Now engineers designing into applications in factory automation, medical, communications and consumer markets can tap into four new micro-system-level IC (“uSLIC™”) modules from Maxim Integrated Products. The MAXM17552, MAXM15064, MAXM17900 and MAXM17903 step-down DC-DC power modules join Maxim’s extensive portfolio of Himalaya power solutions, providing the widest input voltage range (4 to 60V) with the smallest solution sizes.  

While miniaturization remains the trend for an array of system designs, many of these designs also require a wide range of input voltages. For example, supply voltages in factory automation equipment are susceptible to large fluctuations due to long transmission lines. USB-C and broad 12V nominal applications require up to 24V of working voltage protection against transients due to hot plugging of supplies and/or batteries. The newest Himalaya uSLIC power modules extend the portfolio’s range up to 60V versus the previous maximum of 42V and come in a solution size (2.6mm x 3.0mm x 1.5mm) less than half the size of the closest competitive offering. The modules feature a synchronous wide-input Himalaya buck regulator with built-in FETs, compensation and other functions with an integrated shielded inductor. Having the inductor in the module simplifies the toughest aspect of power supply design, enabling designers—even those with little power expertise—to create a robust, reliable power supply in less than a day.

The newest uSLIC modules are:

• MAXM17552, a 4 to 60V, 100mA module with 100 to 900kHz adjustable switching frequency, 82% efficiency (24V V_IN at 5V/0.1A) and external clock synchronization in a 2.6mm x 3mm x 1.5mm package
• MAXM15064, a 4.5 to 60V, 300mA module with 500kHz fixed frequency, 82% efficiency (24V V_IN at 5V/0.1A) and built-in output voltage monitoring in a 2.6mm x 3mm x 1.5mm package
• MAXM17900, a 4 to 24V, 100mA module with 100 to 900kHz adjustable switching frequency, 86% efficiency (12V V_IN at 5V/100mA), external clock synchronization and built-in output voltage monitoring in a 2.6mm x 3mm x 1.5mm package  
• MAXM17903, a 4.5 to 24V, 300mA module with 500kHz fixed switching frequency, 77% efficiency (12V V_IN at 3.3V/300mA) and built-in output voltage monitoring in a 2.6mm x 3mm x 1.5mm package

Key Advantages

• Widest Input Voltage Range in the Smallest Size: Industry’s broadest input voltage range (4 to 60V) in the smallest size (2.6mm x 3.0mm x 1.5mm), less than half the size of the closest competing solution.
• Ease of Use: One of the toughest design challenges for inexperienced designers is to choose an inductor which will meet the power, size, emission and temperature requirements for a given design. Himalaya uSLIC modules have an integrated shielded inductor which conforms to the standards of the datasheet, meeting all electrical requirements and allowing designers to build a power supply in a few hours. Getting a fully working power supply can be as easy as choosing the input and output capacitor and setting the output voltage through the resistor divider network.
• Robust and Compliant with Electromagnetic Interference Standards: Compliant to CISPR 22 (EN 5022) Class B EMI, eliminating the need for power supply redesigns; JEDEC certified to withstand drop, shock and vibration.

“With Maxim’s uSLIC modules we were able to add next-generation features into our K30 Illuminated Touch Button enclosure without increasing its physical size,” said Chuck Dolezalek, sr. director of engineering, Lighting Group, Banner Engineering Corp.

“Even as industrial and consumer system designs become more compact, many still demand a wide range of input voltages. Maxim’s Himalaya uSLIC power module portfolio now provides one of the widest input voltage ranges in the industry, from 4 to 60V, in the smallest sizes. This will help our customers, as well as designers of space-constrained applications, meet tough power dissipation and efficiency demands,” said David Stein, VP, Global Supplier Management, at Digi-Key Electronics.

“As power requirements evolve for personal products to factories embracing Industry 4.0, we are committed to delivering the best solutions possible to further innovation. The new uSLIC Himalaya products are poised to play a key role in this arena,” said Viral Vaidya, director of business management, Industrial Power Business Unit, at Maxim Integrated.