
General Description
The MAX1540/MAX1541 dual pulse-width modulation
(PWM) controllers provide the high efficiency, excellent
transient response, and high DC-output accuracy nec-
essary for stepping down high-voltage batteries to gen-
erate low-voltage chipset and RAM power supplies in
notebook computers.
The Maxim proprietary Quick-PWM controllers are
free running, constant on-time with input feed forward.
This configuration provides ultra-fast transient
response, wide input-output (I/O) differential range, low
supply current, and tight load-regulation characteris-
tics. The controllers can accurately sense the inductor
current across an external current-sense resistor in
series with the output to ensure reliable overload and
inductor saturation protection. Alternatively, the con-
trollers can use the synchronous rectifier itself or loss-
less inductor current-sensing methods to provide
overload protection with lower power dissipation.
For a single step-down PWM controller with inductor-
saturation protection, external-reference input voltage,
and dynamically selectable output voltages, refer to the
MAX1992/MAX1993 data sheet.
Applications
Notebook Computers
Core/IO Supplies as Low as 0.7V
0.7V to 5.5V Supply Rails
CPU/Chipset/GPU with Dynamic Voltage Core
Supplies (MAX1541)
DDR Memory Termination (MAX1541)
Active Termination Buses (MAX1541)
Features
Inductor-Saturation Protection
Accurate Differential Current-Sense Inputs
Dual Ultra-High-Efficiency Quick-PWMs with
100ns Load-Step Response
MAX1540
1.8V/1.2V Fixed or 0.7V to 5.5V Adjustable
Output (OUT1)
2.5V/1.5V Fixed or 0.7V to 5.5V Adjustable
Output (OUT2)
Fixed 5V, 100mA Linear Regulator
MAX1541
External Reference Input (REFIN1)
Dynamically Selectable Output Voltage—0.7V
to 5.5V (OUT1)
2.5V/1.8V Fixed or 0.7V to 5.5V Adjustable
Output (OUT2)
Optional Power-Good and Fault Blanking
During Transitions
Fixed 5V or Adjustable 100mA Linear Regulator
1% V
OUT
Accuracy over Line and Load
2V to 28V Battery Input Range
170kHz to 620kHz Selectable Switching
Frequency
Overvoltage/Undervoltage-Protection Option
1.7ms Digital Soft-Start
Drives Large Synchronous-Rectifier FETs
2V ±0.7% Reference Output
Separate Power-Good Window Comparators
Pin Configurations
M
Dual Step-Down Controllers with Saturation
Protection, Dynamic Output, and Linear Regulator
________________________________________________________________
Maxim Integrated Products
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim/Dallas Direct! at
1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.
1
THIN QFN
TOP VIEW
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
O
O
C
C
F
O
P
2
D
9
1
1
1
1
1
1
C
C
F
O
P
D
L
1
B
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
GND
DL2
V+
LDOOUT
DL1
LDOON
BST1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
REF
ILIM2
ILIM1
V
CC
TON
LSAT
SKIP
MAX1540
1
OVP/UVP
24
LX1
19-2861; Rev 2; 1/05
EVALUATION KIT
AVAILABLE
Quick-PWM is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
Ordering Information
PART
TEMP RANGE
-40
°
C to +85
°
C
-40
°
C to +85
°
C
PIN-PACKAGE
32 Thin QFN 5mm x 5mm
40 Thin QFN 6mm x 6mm
MAX1540
ETJ
MAX1541
ETL
Pin Configurations continued at end of data sheet.