19-1993; Rev 3; 9/02
High-Speed Step-Down Controller with
Accurate Current Limit for Notebook Computers
MAX1844
General Description
The MAX1844 pulse-width modulation (PWM) controller
provides high efficiency, excellent transient response,
and high DC output accuracy needed for stepping
down high-voltage batteries to generate low-voltage
CPU core or chipset/RAM supplies in notebook com-
puters.
Maxim鈥檚 proprietary Quick-PWM鈩?quick-response,
constant-on-time PWM control scheme handles wide
input/output voltage ratios with ease and provides
100ns 鈥渋nstant-on鈥?response to load transients while
maintaining a relatively constant switching frequency.
Efficiency is enhanced by an ability to drive very large
synchronous-rectifier MOSFETs. Accurate current sens-
ing to ensure reliable overload protection is available
using an external current-sense resistor in series with
the synchronous rectifier. Alternatively, the synchronous
rectifier itself can be used for less accurate current
sensing at the lowest possible power dissipation.
Single-stage buck conversion allows the MAX1844 to
directly step down high-voltage batteries for the highest
possible efficiency. Alternatively, two-stage conversion
(stepping down the 5V system supply instead of the
battery) at a higher switching frequency allows the mini-
mum possible physical size.
The MAX1844 is intended for CPU core, chipset,
DRAM, or other low-voltage supplies as low as 1V. It is
available in 20-pin QSOP, and QFN packages and
includes both adjustable overvoltage and undervoltage
protection.
For a dual step-down PWM controller with accurate cur-
rent limit, refer to the MAX1845. The MAX1714/ MAX1715
single/dual PWM controllers are similar to the MAX1844/
MAX1845 but do not use current-sense resistors.
o
Ultra-High Efficiency
o
Accurate Current-Limit Option
o
Quick-PWM with 100ns Load-Step Response
o
1% V
OUT
Accuracy Over Line and Load
o
1.8V/2.5V Fixed or 1V to 5.5V Adjustable Output
Range
o
2V to 28V Battery Input Range
o
200/300/450/600kHz Switching Frequency
o
Adjustable Overvoltage Protection
o
Adjustable Undervoltage Protection
o
1.7ms Digital Soft-Start
o
Drives Large Synchronous-Rectifier FETs
o
2V 鹵1% Reference Output
o
Power-Good Window Comparator
KIT
ATION
EVALU
BLE
AVAILA
Features
Ordering Information
PART
MAX1844EEP
MAX1844EGP*
MAX1844ETP
TEMP RANGE
-40擄C to +85擄C
-40擄C to +85擄C
-40擄C to +85擄C
PIN-PACKAGE
20 QSOP
20 QFN
20 Thin QFN
Minimal Operating Circuit
BATTERY
4.5V TO 28V
5V INPUT
V
CC
SHDN
UVP
ILIM
BST
DH
MAX1844
LX
REF
DL
PGOOD
LATCH
CS
OUT
SKIP
GND
OUTPUT
2.5V
V
DD
V+
Applications
Notebook Computers
CPU Core Supplies
Chipset/RAM Supplies as Low as 1V
1.8V and 2.5V Supplies
*Contact
factory for availability.
Quick-PWM is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products.
Pin Configuration appears at end of data sheet.
OVP
FB
________________________________________________________________
Maxim Integrated Products
1
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim/Dallas Direct! at
1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim鈥檚 website at www.maxim-ic.com.