MAX1709 4A, Low-Noise, High-Frequency,
Step-Up DC-DC Converter
EVALUATION KIT AVAILABLE
General Description
The MAX1709 sets a new standard of space savings
for high-power, step-up DC-DC conversion. It delivers
up to 20W at a fixed (3.3V or 5V) or adjustable (2.5V to
5.5V) output, using an on-chip power MOSFET from a
+0.7V to +5V supply.
Fixed-frequency PWM operation ensures that the
switching noise spectrum is constrained to the 600kHz
fundamental and its harmonics, allowing easy postfilter-
ing for noise reduction. External clock synchronization
capability allows for even tighter noise spectrum con-
trol. Quiescent power consumption is less than 1mW to
extend operating time in battery-powered systems.
Two control inputs (ONA, ONB) allow simple push-on,
push-off control through a single momentary pushbut-
ton switch, as well as conventional on/off logic control.
The MAX1709 also features programmable soft-start
and current limit for design flexibility and optimum per-
formance with batteries.
The MAX1709 is supplied in both a high-power TSSOP
package, which allows a 10ARMS switch current and a
4A output, and a narrow SO package, which supplies a
2.4A output with a switch rated at 6ARMS. Although the
narrow SO device has a lower RMS switch rating, it has
the same peak switch current rating as the TSSOP
device, and so can supply 4A loads intermittently. If
loads of 2A or less are required, refer to the MAX1708.
Applications
Routers, Servers, Workstations, Card Racks
Local 2.5V to 3.3V or 5V Conversion
Local 3.3V to 5V Conversion
3.6V or 5V RF PAs in Communications Handsets
Benefits and Features
• Integration Reduces External Component Count to
Save Space
•On-Chip 10A Power MOSFET
•5V, 4A Output from a 3.3V Input
•Fixed 3.3V or 5V Output Voltage or
Adjustable (2.5V to 5.5V)
•Input Voltage Range Down to 0.7V
• Constant Frequency Reduces Post-Filtering
•Low-Noise, Constant-Frequency Operation
(600kHz)
•Synchronizable Switching Frequency
(350kHz to 1000kHz)
• Lower Power Consumption Extends Battery Life
•1mW Quiescent Power
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
ONB
CLK
NCLX
LX
LX
ONA
TOP VIEW
MAX1709
NC
PGND
PGNDLX
LX
218 PGNDLX
209 PGNDNC
1910 PGNDNC
1811 PGNDGND
1712 NCSS/ILM
1613 FBREF
1514 OUTGND
LX
TSSOP-EP
3.3/5
Pin Configuration
ONA
REF
SS/LIM
CLK
OUTPUT
3.3V, 5V,
OR ADJ
UP TO 4A
OUT
GND
LX
1µH
OFF ON
INPUT
1V TO 5V
SYNC
OR
INTERNAL
MAX1709
Typical Operating Circuit
Ordering Information
PART
TEMP RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
MAX1709ESE -40°C to +85°C 16 Narrow SO
MAX1709EUI+ -40°C to +85°C 28 TSSOP-EP*
+
Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
*
EP = Exposed pad.
19-1724; Rev 3; 2/15
MAX1709 4A, Low-Noise, High-Frequency,
Step-Up DC-DC Converter
Maxim Integrated | 2www.maximintegrated.com
Absolute Maximum Ratings
Electrical Characteristics
(VOUT = VCLK = +3.6V, ONA = ONB = FB = GND, TA= 0°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA= +25°C.)
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional
operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to
absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
ONA, ONB, OUT, SS/LIM, 3.3/5 to GND ...............-0.3V to +6.0V
LX to PGND ...........................................................-0.3V to +6.0V
FB, CLK, REF to GND.............................. -0.3V to (VOUT + 0.3V)
PGND to GND .......................................................-0.3V to +0.3V
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA= +70°C)
16-Pin Narrow SO (derate 16.5mW/°C above +70°C) .....1.3W
28-Pin TSSOP Exposed Pad
(derate 23.8mW/°C above +70°C)...................................1.9W
28-Pin TSSOP Exposed Pad Junction-to-Exposed
Pad Thermal Resistance......................................……1.2°C/W
Operating Temperature Range ...........................-40°C to +85°C
Junction Temperature......................................................+150°C
Storage Temperature Range .............................-65°C to +150°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+300°C
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP
MAX
UNITS
3.3/5 = GND, ISW = 1A 3.26 3.34 3.42
Output Voltage VFB < 0.1V (Note 1) 3.3/5 = OUT, ISW = 1A 4.92 5.05 5.17 V
Load Regulation Measured between 1A < ISW < 3A (Note 2)
-0.25 -0.45
%/A
FB Regulation Voltage ISW = 1A
1.215 1.240 1.265
V
FB Input Current VFB = +1.5V 1200 nA
Output Voltage Adjust Range 2.5 5.5 V
Output Undervoltage Lockout (Note 3) 2.0 2.3 V
Frequency in Startup Mode VOUT =1.5V 40 400 kHz
Minimum Startup Voltage IOUT < 1mA (Note 1), TA = +25°C (Note 4) 0.9 1.1 V
Minimum Operating Voltage (Note 5) 0.7 V
Soft-Start Pin Current VSS/LIM = 1V 3.2 4 5.0 µA
OUT Supply Current VFB = 1.5V (Note 6) 200 440 µA
OUT Leakage Current In
Shutdown V
ONB = 3.6V 0.1 5 µA
LX Leakage Current VLX = V
ONB = VOUT = +5.5V 0.1 40 µA
n-Channel Switch
On-Resistance 22 40 mΩ
SS/LIM = open 7.5 912
n-Channel Current Limit SS/LIM = 150kΩ to GND 3.5 56.5 A
MAX1709EUI+ 10
RMS Switch Current MAX1709ESE 6
ARMS
Reference Voltage IREF = 0
1.245 1.260 1.275
V
Reference Load Regulation -1µA < IREF < 50µA 4 10 mV
Reference Supply Rejection +2.5V < VOUT < +5.5V 0.2 5 mV
ONA, ONB, 3.3/5, 1.2V < VOUT < 5.5V
0.2 ×
VOUT
Input Low Level (Note 7)
CLK, 2.7V < VOUT < 5.5V
0.2 ×
VOUT
V
MAX1709 4A, Low-Noise, High-Frequency,
Step-Up DC-DC Converter
Maxim Integrated | 3www.maximintegrated.com
Electrical Characteristics (continued)
(VOUT = VCLK = +3.6V, ONA = ONB = FB = GND, TA= 0°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted. Typical values are at TA= +25°C.)
Electrical Characteristics
(VOUT = VCLK = +3.6V, ONA = ONB = FB = GND, TA= -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 9)
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN TYP
MAX
UNITS
ONA, ONB, 3.3/5, 1.2V < VOUT <5.5
0.8 × VOUT
Input High Level CLK, 2.7 V< VOUT < 5.5V
0.8 × VOUT
V
Logic Input Current ONA, ONB, CLK, 3.3/5 1 µA
Internal Oscillator Frequency 520 600 680 kHz
Maximum Duty Cycle 82 90 94 %
External Clock Frequency
Range 350
1000
kHz
CLK Pulse Width (Note 8) 100 ns
CLK Rise/Fall Time (Note 8) 50 ns
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
VFB < 0.1V, VIN = +2.4V 3.3/5 = GND, ISW = 1A
3.24 3.45
Output Voltage (Note 1) 3.3/5 = OUT, ISW = 1A 4.9 5.2 V
FB Regulation Voltage ISW = 1A
1.21 1.27
V
FB Input Current VFB = +1.5V 200 nA
Load Regulation Measured between 1A < ISW < 5A (Note 2)
-0.45
%/A
Soft-Start Pin Current SS/LIM = 1V 3.2 5.2 µA
OUT Leakage Current in
Shutdown V
ONB = 3.6V 5 µA
OUT Supply Current VFB = 1.5V (Note 6) 400 µA
n-Channel Switch
On-Resistance 40 mΩ
SS/LIM = unconnected 7.5 15
n-Channel Current Limit SS/LIM = 150kΩ to GND 3.5 7 V
Reference Voltage IREF = 0
1.24 1.28
V
Note 1: Output voltage is specified at 1A switch current ISW, which is equivalent to approximately 1A (VIN / VOUT) of load current.
Note 2: Load regulation is measured by forcing specified switch current and straight-line calculation of change in output voltage in
external feedback mode. Note that the equivalent load current is approximately ISW (VIN / VOUT).
Note 3: Until undervoltage lockout is reached, the device remains in startup mode. Do not apply full load until this voltage is
reached.
Note 4: Startup is tested with Figure 1’s circuit. Output current is measured when both the input and output voltages are applied.
Note 5: Minimum operating voltage. The MAX1709 is bootstrapped and will operate down to a 0.7V input once started.
Note 6: Supply current is measured from the OUT pin to the output voltage (+3.3V). This correlates directly with actual input supply
current but is reduced in value according to the step-up ratio and efficiency.
Note 7: ONA and ONB inputs have approximately 0.15V hysteresis.
Note 8: Guaranteed by design, not production tested.
Note 9: Specifications to -40°C are guaranteed by design, not production tested.
MAX1709 4A, Low-Noise, High-Frequency,
Step-Up DC-DC Converter
Maxim Integrated | 4www.maximintegrated.com
Electrical Characteristics (continued)
(VOUT = VCLK = +3.6V, ONA = ONB = FB = GND, TA= -40°C to +85°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 9)
PARAMETER CONDITIONS MIN
TYP
MAX
UNITS
ONA, ONB, 3.3/5, 1.2V < VOUT < 5.5V 0.2 ×
VOUT
V
Input Low Level (Note 7)
CLK, 2.7V < VOUT < 5.5V 0.2 ×
VOUT
ONA, ONB, 3.3/5, 1.2V < VOUT < 5.5V 0.8 ×
VOUT
Input High Level
CLK, VOUT = 5.5V 0.8 ×
VOUT
V
Logic Input Current ONA, ONB, CLK, 3.3/5 1 µA
Internal Oscillator Frequency 500 700
kHz
Maximum Duty Cycle 80 95 %
External Clock Frequency
Range 350
1000
kHz
CLK/SEL Pulse Width (Note 8) 100 ns
CLK/SEL Rise/Fall Time (Note 8) 50 ns
100
0
0.001 0.1 10.01 10
EFFICIENCY
vs. OUTPUT CURRENT (VOUT = 3.3V)
MAX1709 TOC01
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
EFFICIENCY (%)
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90 VIN = 2.5V
VIN = 1.2V
100
0
0.001 0.1 10.01 10
EFFICIENCY
vs. OUTPUT CURRENT (VOUT = 5V)
MAX1709 TOC02
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
EFFICIENCY (%)
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90 VIN = 3.3V
VIN = 2.5V
83.0
84.0
83.5
85.0
84.5
86.0
85.5
0.4 0.6 0.70.5 0.8 0.9 1.0
EFFICIENCY vs. SWITCHING FREQUENCY
(VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 5V, IOUT = 2A)
MAX1709 TOC03
OPERATING FREQUENCY (MHz)
EFFICIENCY (%)
2
1
0
-1
-2
021 345
LOAD REGULATION
(VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 5V)
MAX1709 TOC04
OUTPUT CURRENT (A)
VOUT REGULATION (%)
-0.8
-0.6
-0.4
-0.2
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0
LINE REGULATION
(VOUT = 5V, IOUT = 1A)
MAX1709 TOC05
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
VOUT REGULATION (%)
1000
0.1
0 1.00.5 2.0 3.5
NO-LOAD INPUT CURRENT
vs. INPUT VOLTAGE
1
10
100
MAX1709 TOC06
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
INPUT CURRENT (mA)
1.5 2.5 3.0
VOUT = 3.3V
VOUT = 5V
INPUT VOLTAGE
INCREASING
INPUT VOLTAGE
DECREASING
2.8
0.6
0.001 0.1 10.01 10
STARTUP VOLTAGE
vs. LOAD CURRENT
MAX1709 TOC07
LOAD CURRENT (A)
STARTUP VOLTAGE (V)
1.0
0.8
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2.0
2.2
2.4
2.6
TA = -40°C
TA = +25°C
TA = +85°C
VOUT = 3.3V
VOUT = 5V
-2.0
-1.0
-1.5
0
-0.5
0.5
1.0
-40 10 35-15 60 85
SWITCHING FREQUENCY
vs. TEMPERATURE
MAX1709 TOC08
TEMPERATURE (°C)
FREQUENCY CHANGE (%)
VOUT = 3.3V
-5
0.1 1 10
NOISE vs. FREQUENCY
5
0
MAX1709 TOC09
FREQUENCY (MHz)
NOISE (mVRMS)
15
10
20
25
30
-10
MAX1709 4A, Low-Noise, High-Frequency,
Step-Up DC-DC Converter
Maxim Integrated | 5www.maximintegrated.com
Typical Operating Characteristics
(TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
MAX1709 4A, Low-Noise, High-Frequency,
Step-Up DC-DC Converter
Maxim Integrated | 6www.maximintegrated.com
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
50 100 150 200 250 300
SWITCH CURRENT LIMIT
vs. SS/LIM RESISTANCE
MAX1709 TOC10
SS/LIM RESISTANCE (kΩ)
CURRENT LIMIT (A)
8.0
9.0
8.5
10.0
9.5
11.0
10.5
11.5
-40 10-15 35 60 85
SWITCH CURRENT LIMIT
vs. TEMPERATURE
MAX1709-12
TEMPERATURE (°C)
CURRENT LIMIT (A)
VOUT = 3.3V
SHUTDOWN WITH SOFT-START
(CSS = 0.01μF)
MAX1709-17
5V
0
1ms/div
VOUT
2V/div
VONA
5V/div
4A
0
4V
IIN
2A/div
6A
2V
CSS = 0.01μF
ROUT = 5Ω
VONB = VOUT
2A
SHUTDOWN WITHOUT SOFT-START
MAX1709-18
5V
0
1ms/div
VOUT
2V/div
VONA
5V/div
4A
0
4V
IIN
2A/div
6A
2V
CSS = 0
ROUT = 5Ω
VONB = VOUT
2A
LINE-TRANSIENT
RESPONSE
MAX1709-14
3V
3.5V
5V
IOUT = 1A
100μs/div
VOUT
50mV/d
VIN
0.5V/div
LOAD-TRANSIENT
RESPONSE
MAX1709-15
1A
3A
5V
20μs/div
IL
2A/div
IOUT
2A/div
6A
4A
2A
VOUT
100mV/div
SHUTDOWN WITH SOFT-START
(CSS = 0.1μF)
MAX1709-16
5V
0
1ms/div
VOUT
2V/div
VONA
5V/div
2A
0
4V
IIN
2A/div
4A
2V
CSS = 0.1μF
ROUT = 5Ω
VONB = VOUT
HEAVY SWITCHING WAVEFORM
MAX1709-13a
5V
5V
0
4A
2A
IOUT = 2A
1μs/div
IL
2A/div
VOUT
100mV/div
VLX
5V/div
HEAVY SWITCHING WAVEFORM
(WITH LC FILTER)
MAX1709-13b
5V
5V
0
4A
2A
IOUT = 2A
L = 12.5nH (COILCRAFT A04T)
C = 1μF
1μs/div
IL
2A/div
VOUT
100mV/
VLX
5V/div
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
MAX1709 4A, Low-Noise, High-Frequency,
Step-Up DC-DC Converter
Maxim Integrated | 7www.maximintegrated.com
Pin Description
PIN
TSSOP
NARROW SO
NAME FUNCTION
1 1 ONA On-Control Input. When ONA = high OR ONB = low, the device turns on
2–8 2, 3, 4 LX Drain of n-Channel Power Switch. Connect pins 2, 3, and 4 together.
Connect external Schottky diode from LX to OUT.
11, 14 5, 8 GND Ground. Connect ground inputs together, then connect to PGND.
12 6 SS/LIM
Soft-Start and/or Current-Limit Input. Connect a capacitor from SS/LIM to
GND to control the rate at which the device reaches current limit (soft-start).
To reduce the current limit from the preset values, connect a resistor from
SS/LIM to GND (see Design Procedure). During shutdown, this pin is
internally pulled to GND to discharge the soft-start capacitor.
13 7 REF 1.26V Voltage Reference Output. Bypass with a 0.22µF capacitor to GND.
Maximum REF load is 50µA.
15 9 OUT
Output Voltage Sense Input. The device is powered from OUT. Bypass with
a 0.1µF to PGND with less than 5mm trace length. Connect a 2Ω series
resistor from the output filter capacitor to OUT (Figure 1).
16 10 FB
DC-DC Converter Feedback Input. Connect FB to GND for internally set
output voltage (see 3.3/5 pin description). Connect a resistor-divider from
the output to set the output voltage in the +2.5V to +5.5V range. FB
regulates to +1.25V (Figure 4).
18–23 11, 12, 13 PGND Power Ground. Source of n-channel power MOSFET switch. Connect PGND
inputs together, then connect to GND.
26 14 3.3/5
Output Voltage Selection Pin. When FB is connected to GND, the regulator
uses internal feedback to set the output voltage. 3.3/5 = low sets output to
3.3V; 3.3/5 = high sets output to 5V. If an external divider is used at FB,
connect 3.3/5 to ground.
27 15 CLK Clock Input for the DC-DC Converter. Connect to OUT for internal oscillator.
Optionally, drive with an external clock for external synchronization.
28 16 ONB Shutdown Input. When ONB = high AND ONA = low, the device turns off
(Table 1).
9, 10, 17,
24, 25 — N.C. No Connect. Not internally connected.
EP —EP
Exposed Pad. Connect to large ground plane for maximum thermal
dissipation.
MAX1709 4A, Low-Noise, High-Frequency,
Step-Up DC-DC Converter
Maxim Integrated | 8www.maximintegrated.com
Detailed Description
The MAX1709 step-up converter offers high efficiency
and high integration for high-power applications. It
operates with an input voltage as low as 0.7V and is
suitable for single- to 3-cell battery inputs as well as
2.5V or 3.3V regulated supply inputs. The output volt-
age is preset to +3.3V or +5.0V or can be adjusted with
external resistors for voltages between +2.5V to +5.5V.
The n-channel switch of the MAX1709EUI+ is rated for
10ARMS and can deliver loads up to 4A, depending on
input and output voltage. The n-channel switch of the
MAX1709ESE has a 6ARMS rating and supplies up to
2.4A output. The MAX1709ESE has a lower RMS switch
rating than the MAX1709EUI+, but has the same peak
switch current limit and so can supply 4A loads inter-
mittently. For flexibility, the current limit and soft-start
rate are independently programmable.
A 600kHz switching frequency allows for a small induc-
tor to be used. The switching frequency is also syn-
chronizable to an external clock ranging from 350kHz
to 1000kHz.
ONA, ONB
The logic levels at ONA and ONB turn the MAX1709 on
or off. When ONA = 1 or ONB = 0, the part is on. When
ONA = 0 and ONB = 1, the part is off (Table 1). Logic-
high on control can be implemented by tying ONB high
and using ONA for shutdown. Implement inverted sin-
gle-line on/off control by grounding ONA and toggling
ONB. Implement momentary pushbutton On/Off as
described in the
Applications Information
section. Both
inputs have approximately 0.15V of hysteresis.
Switching Frequency
The MAX1709 switches at the fixed-frequency internal
oscillator rate (600kHz) or can be synchronized to an
external clock. Connect CLK to OUT for internal clock
operation. Apply a clock signal to CLK to synchronize
to an external clock. The frequency can be changed on
the fly. The MAX1709 will synchronize to a new external
clock rate in two cycles and will take approximately
40µs to revert to its internal clock frequency once the
external clock pulses stop and CLK is driven high.
Table 2 summarizes oscillator operation.
Figure 1. Standard Operating Circuit
R2
2Ω
GND
D1
L1
ONA
LX
LX
LX
GND
SS/LIM
REF
GND
ONB
CLK
3.3/5
PGND
PGND
PGND
FB
OUT
KEEP TRACES
SHORT AND WIDE
R1
C3
C4
0.22μF
C5
0.1μF
C6, C7
2 x
150μF
1μH
VOUT
5V
VIN
1V TO 5V
ON-OFF
CONTROL
MAX1709
C1, C2
2 x 150μF
MAX1709 4A, Low-Noise, High-Frequency,
Step-Up DC-DC Converter
Maxim Integrated | 9www.maximintegrated.com
Operation
The MAX1709 switches at a constant frequency
(600kHz) and modulates the MOSFET switch pulse
width to control the power transferred per cycle and
regulate the voltage across the load. In low-noise appli-
cations, the fundamental and the harmonics generated
by the fixed switching frequency are easily filtered out.
Figure 2 shows the simplified functional diagram for the
MAX1709. Figure 3 shows the simplified PWM con-
troller functional diagram. The MAX1709 enters syn-
chronized current-mode PWM when a clock signal
(350kHz < fCLK < 1000kHz) is applied to CLK. For
wireless or noise-sensitive applications, this ensures
that switching harmonics are predictable and kept out-
side the IF frequency band(s). High-frequency opera-
tion permits low-magnitude output ripple voltage and
minimum inductor and filter capacitor size. Switching
losses will increase at the higher frequencies (see
Power Dissipation
).
Setting the Output Voltage
The MAX1709 features Dual-Mode™ operation. When
FB is connected to ground, the MAX1709 generates a
fixed output voltage of either +3.3V or +5V, depending
on the logic applied to the 3.3/5 input (Figure 1). The
output can be configured for other voltages, using two
external resistors as shown in Figure 4. To set the out-
put voltage externally, choose an R3 value that is large
enough to minimize load at the output but small enough
to minimize errors due to leakage and the time constant
to FB. A value of R3 ≤50kΩis required.
where VFB = 1.24V.
Soft-Start/Current-Limit Adjustment
(SS/LIM)
The soft-start pin allows the soft-start time to be adjust-
ed by connecting a capacitor from SS/LIM to ground.
Select capacitor C3 (connected to SS/LIM pin) as:
C3 (in µF) = 3.2 tSS
where tSS is the time (in seconds) it takes the switch
current limit to reach full value.
To improve efficiency or reduce inductor size at
reduced load currents, the current limit can be reduced
ONA ONB MAX1709
00On
01Off
10On
11On
Figure 2. Simplified Functional Diagram
Table 2. Selecting Switching FrequencyTable 1. On/Off Logic Control
CLK MODE
0 Not allowed
1 PWM
External clock
(350kHz−1000kHz) Synchronized PWM
N
PWM
CONTROLLER
STARTUP
OSCILLATOR SEE
FIGURE 3.
OSC
UNDERVOLTAGE LOCKOUT
FB
EN
D
EN Q
600kHz
OSCILLATOR
EN
REFERENCE
ON RDY
DUAL MODE
FB
LX
PGND
1.260V
2.15V
OUT
ONA
ONB
REF
CLK
FB
3.3/5
GND
IC POWER
MAX1709
OUT
Dual Mode is a trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
RR
V
V
OUT
FB
43 1=−
⎛
⎝
⎜
⎜
⎞
⎠
⎟
⎟
MAX1709 4A, Low-Noise, High-Frequency,
Step-Up DC-DC Converter
Maxim Integrated | 10www.maximintegrated.com
from its nominal value (see
Electrical Characteristics
). A
resistor (R1 in Figure 1) between SS/LIM and ground
reduces the current limit as follows:
where I1is the desired current limit in amperes, and
ILIM is the current limit value from the
Electrical
Characteristics
.
Design Procedure
Inductor Selection (L1)
The MAX1709’s high switching frequency allows the
use of a small-size inductor. Use a 1.0µH inductor for
600kHz operation. If the MAX1709 will be synchronized
at a different frequency, scale the inductor value with
the inverse of frequency (L1= 1µH 600kHz / fSYNC).
The PWM design tolerates inductor values within ±25%
of this calculated value, so choose the closest standard
inductor value. For example, use 1.5µH for 350kHz and
0.68µH for 1MHz.
Inductors with a ferrite core or equivalent are recom-
mended; powder iron cores are not recommended for
use at high switching frequencies. Ensure the induc-
tor’s saturation rating (the current at which the core
begins to saturate and inductance falls) exceeds the
internal current limit. Note that this current may be
reduced through SS/LIM if less than the MAX1709’s full
load current is needed (see
Electrical Characteristics
for ratings). For highest efficiency, use a coil with low
DC resistance, preferably under 10mΩ. To minimize
radiated noise, use a toroid, pot core, or shielded
inductor. See Tables 3 and 4 for a list of recommended
components and component suppliers. To calculate the
maximum output current (in amperes), use the following
equation:
where:
VIN = input voltage
IDID
VVV
L
OUT MAX LIM OUT D IN
()
''=− +−
׃×
⎛
⎝
⎜⎞
⎠
⎟
⎛
⎝
⎜⎞
⎠
⎟
21
Rk
I
IRk
LIM
1 312 5 1 312 5
1
. .=×≤
()
ΩΩ
SUPPLIER PHONE FAX
Coilcraft 847-639-6400 847-639-1489
Coiltronics 561-241-7876 561-241-9339
Motorola 602-303-5454 602-994-6430
Panasonic 714-373-7939 714-373-7183
STM-
Microelectronics
617-259-0300 617-259-9442
Table 4. Component Suppliers
Table 3. Component Selection Guide
PRODUCTION INDUCTORS CAPACITORS DIODES
Coilcraft DO3316P-102HC Panasonic EEFUE0J151R Motorola MBRD1035CTL
Surface mount Coiltronics UP2B-1R0 Sanyo 6TPC100M STM-Microelectronics
STPS8L30B
Figure 3. Simplified PWM Controller Functional Diagram
N
R
S
Q
LX
PGND
11mΩ
REF
SLOPE
COMP
FB
SS/LIM
12.5
OSCILLATOR
(LIMITED TO 100mV)
Figure 4. Adjustable Output Voltage
R4
R3
KEEP SHORT
FB
VIN
VOUT
LX
MAX1709
MAX1709 4A, Low-Noise, High-Frequency,
Step-Up DC-DC Converter
Maxim Integrated | 11www.maximintegrated.com
VD= forward voltage drop of the Schottky diode at ILIM
current
VOUT = output voltage
D' = (VIN) / (VOUT + VD), assuming switch voltage drop
is negligible
f = switching frequency
L1 = inductor value
ILIM = minimum value of switch current limit from
Elec-
trical Characteristics
or set by RSET/LIM.
Diode Selection (D1)
The MAX1709’s high switching frequency demands a
high-speed rectifier. Schottky diodes, such as the
MBRD1035CTL or STPS8L30B (Table 3), are recom-
mended. The diode’s current rating must exceed the
maximum load current, and its breakdown voltage must
exceed VOUT. The diode must be placed within 10mm
of the LX switching node and the output filter capacitor.
The diode also must be able to dissipate the power cal-
culated by the following equation:
PDIODE = IOUT VD
where IOUT is the average load current and VDis the
diode forward voltage at the peak switch current.
Capacitor Selection
Input Bypass Capacitors (C1, C2)
Two 150µF, low-ESR tantalum input capacitors will
reduce peak currents and reflected noise due to induc-
tor current ripple. Lower ESR allows for lower input rip-
ple current, but combined ESR values up to 50mΩare
acceptable. Smaller ceramic capacitors may also be
used for light loads or in applications that can tolerate
higher input current ripple.
Output Filter Capacitors (C6, C7)
The output filter capacitor ESR must be kept under
15mΩfor stable operation. Two parallel 150µF polymer
capacitors (Panasonic EEFUE0J151R) typically exhibit
5mΩof ESR. This translates to approximately 35mV of
output ripple at 7A switch current. Bypass the
MAX1709 IC supply input (OUT) with a 0.1µF ceramic
capacitor to GND and connect a 2Ωseries resistor to
OUT (R2, as shown in Figure 1).
Power Dissipation
The MAX1709 output current may be more limited by
package power dissipation than by the current rating of
the on-chip switch. For pulsed loads, output currents of
4 Amps or more can be supplied with either the
MAX1709EUI+ or MAX1709ESE, but the RMS (or ther-
mal) limit of the MAX1709ESE is lower (6ARMS) than
that of the MAX1709EUI+ (10ARMS). Continuous output
current depends on the input and output voltage, oper-
ating temperature, and external components.
The major components of the MAX1709 dissipated
power (PD, i.e., power dissipated as heat in the IC and
NOT delivered to the load) are:
1) Internal switch conduction losses - PSW
2) Internal switch transition losses - PTRAN
3) Internal capacitive losses - PCAP
These are losses that directly dissipate heat in the
MAX1709, but keep in mind that other losses, such as
those in the external diode and inductor, increase input
power by reducing overall efficiency, and so indirectly
contribute to MAX1709 heating.
Approximate equations for the loss terms are as fol-
lows. Values in {} are example values for a 3.3V input,
4V output, 4A design.
A conservative efficiency estimate for the MAX1709
boosting from 3.3V to 5V at 4A is 81%. Total estimated
power loss is then:
PLOSS = (POUT / 0.81) - POUT {4.7W}
The total loss consists of:
Diode Loss = D’ x ISW x VD{2.5W}
Inductor Loss (resistive loss + dynamic loss
estimate) {0.58W}
External Capacitive Loss = (1 - D’) x ISW2x
RCAP-ESR (ESR est. = 10mΩ) {0.27W}
MAX1709 Internal Loss, PD(MAX1709) {1.35W}
μC
270k
ONB
ONA
0.1μF
270k
ON/OFF
MAX1709
VDD
I/O
I/O
Figure 5. Momentary Pushbutton On-Off Switch
MAX1709 4A, Low-Noise, High-Frequency,
Step-Up DC-DC Converter
Maxim Integrated | 12www.maximintegrated.com
Approximate equations for the MAX1709 internal loss
terms are as follows. Values in {} are example values for
a 3.3V input, 4V output, 4A design:
PD(MAX1709) = PSW + PTRAN + PCAP {1.35W}
where:
PSW = (1 - D’) x ISW2x RSW {1.08W}
PTRAN = (VOUT + VD) x ISW x
tSW x f / 3 {0.18W}
PCAP = (CDIO + CDSW + CGSW) x
(VOUT + VD)2f {0.09W}
where:
D’ = duty factor of the n-channel switch =
VIN / (VOUT + VD) {0.6}
(Note: D’ = 1 means the switch is always off)
ISW, the approximate peak switch current =
IOUT / (D’ x eff), {8.23A}
(with eff. estimated at 81%)
RSW = Internal n-channel switch
resistance {0.04W)
(estimate for elevated die temperature)
VD= forward voltage of the external
rectifier {0.5V}
tSW = the transition time of the
n-channel switch {20ns}
f = the switching rate of the MAX1709 {600kHz}
CDIO = rectifier capacitance {1nF}
CDSW = internal n-channel drain
capacitance {2.5nF}
CGSW = internal n-channel gate
capacitance {1.5nF}
Applications Information
Using a Momentary On/Off Switch
A momentary pushbutton switch can be used to turn
the MAX1709 on and off. As shown in Figure 5, when
ONA is pulled low and ONB is pulled high, the part is
off. When the momentary switch is pressed, ONB is
pulled low and the regulator turns on. The switch
should be on long enough for the microcontroller to exit
reset. The controller issues a logic high to ONA, which
guarantees that the part will stay on regardless of the
subsequent switch state. To turn the regulator off, press
the switch long enough for the controller to read the
switch status and pull ONA low. When the switch is
released, ONB pulls high and the regulator turns off.
Layout Considerations
The MAX1709ESE and MAX1709EUI+ both utilize PC
board area for heatsinking. Package dissipation ratings
in the
Absolute Maximum Ratings
section assume 1in2
of 1oz copper.
The MAX1709EUI+ has superior power-dissipating ability
due to an exposed metal pad on the underside of the
package. The thermal resistance from the die to the
exposed pad is a very low 1.2°C/W. The MAX1709ESE’s
ability to dissipate power will especially depend on the
PC board design. Typical thermal resistance for 1in2of
copper is 34°C/W. For tighter layouts, 0.5in2typically
exhibits 40°C/W. Adding multiple vias under the
MAX1709EUI+ to conduct heat to the bottom of the board
will also help dissipate power.
Due to high inductor current levels and fast switching
waveforms, proper PC board layout is essential. Protect
sensitive analog grounds by using a star ground con-
figuration. Connect PGND, the input bypass capacitor
ground lead, and the output filter capacitor ground lead
to a single point (star ground configuration). In addition,
minimize trace lengths to reduce stray capacitance and
trace resistance, especially from the LX pins to the
catch diode (D1) and output capacitors (C6 and C7) to
PGND pins. If an external resistor-divider is used to set
the output voltage (Figure 4), the trace from FB to the
resistors must be extremely short and must be shielded
from switching signals, such as CLK or LX. Refer to a
layout example in the MAX1709EVKIT data sheet.
Package Information
For the latest package outline information and land patterns (foot-
prints), go to www.maximintegrated.com/packages. Note that a
“+”, “#”, or “-” in the package code indicates RoHS status only.
Package drawings may show a different suffix character, but the
drawing pertains to the package regardless of RoHS status.
PACKAGE
TYPE PACKAGE
CODE OUTLINE
NO. LAND PATTERN
NO.
16 SOIC (N) S16+8 21-0041 90-0097
28 TSSOP-EP U28E+4 21-0108 90-0146
Chip Information
TRANSISTOR COUNT: 1112
MAX1709 4A, Low-Noise, High-Frequency,
Step-Up DC-DC Converter
Maxim Integrated cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim Integrated product. No circuit patent
licenses are implied. Maxim Integrated reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time. The parametric values (min and
max limits) shown in the Electrical Characteristics table are guaranteed. Other parametric values quoted in this data sheet are provided for guidance.
Maxim Integrated and the Maxim Integrated logo are trademarks of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. © 2015 Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. | 13
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642, or visit Maxim Integrated’s website at www.maximintegrated.com.
Revision History
REVISION
NUMBER REVISION
DATE DESCRIPTION PAGES
CHANGED
3 2/15 Updated the Benefits and Features section 1
