Automotive boost controller shrinks PCB space by 36%

Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) has extended its automotive boost controller family with the introduction of a multi-phase synchronous boost controller that regulates high-power Class-D amplifiers in automotive infotainment systems. The MAX25203 operates at a high switching frequency, up to 2.1 MHz, which reduces the external components’ count and size, shrinking PCB space by 36 percent.

The MAX25203 features both programmable gate drive voltage and current limit blanking time, as well as accurate current balancing. The factory programmable gate drive voltage from 5.5 V to 10 V increases power density by reducing the MOSFET RDS(on) loss for higher efficiency and lower cost, said the company. In addition, the programmable current limit blanking time supports short peak current events without power supply overdesign for additional lower solution cost.

MAX2503 simplified block diagram. Click for a larger image. (Source: ADI)

The controller starts with a battery input voltage from 4.5 V to 42 V and operates down to 1.8 V after start-up. It sustains an absolute maximum output voltage of up to 70 V and features a low shutdown supply current of  5 µA.

Other features include I²C bus diagnostics including die temperature, phase current monitoring. and optional true shutdown to improve system reliability. Output voltage is scalable via the PWM input or I²C interface and a sync-out feature supports additional phases for higher power systems. Protection features include cycle-by-cycle current limit and thermal shutdown. The operating temperature range is -40°C to 125°C.

The MAX25203, in a 32-lead TQFN-CU package, is available in full production. ADI also offers an evaluation board, the MAX25203EVKIT for evaluating the MAX25203.