MAX77542 Buck Converter

ADI's MAX77542 is a high-efficiency step-down converter with four 4 A switching phases. It uses an adaptive constant on-time (COT) current-mode control scheme, and its flexible architecture supports five-phase configurations. Its wide input-voltage range enables a direct conversion for less than 1 V outputs from 1- to 3-cell Li+ batteries and USB Power Delivery (PD) supply rails. The output voltages are preset with resistors and adjustable through an I²C-compatible interface.

Flexible sequencer and programmable soft-start/soft-stop slew rates provide controlled transitions between operating states. Programmable switching frequency, frequency tracking, and spread-spectrum features allow easier system optimization for noise-sensitive applications. Multifunction I/Os allow for flexible control of each output for EN, LPM, FPWM, POK, RSTINB, and RSTOB status. An array of built-in protections ensures safe operation under abnormal operating conditions.

The MAX77542EVKIT# evaluation kit (EV kit) is a fully assembled and tested printed circuit board (PCB) demonstrating the MAX77542 four-phase configurable step-down regulator. The board is equipped with test points and jumpers for testing all pins on the device. Six potentiometers allow for adjusting the SEL1/2/3/4 and CFG1/2 configuration pins at will. There are probe sockets on critical nodes (V_OUTx, LXx) for precise measurements. The board also comes with spare inductors (L5–L12) for testing out efficiency/performance tradeoffs. The PCB is designed with Analog Devices' recommended layout of the IC and external components. The IC sets default output voltages via R15, R17, R19, and R21 but can be changed with the potentiometers or through I²C communication. Analog Devices’ GUI can be used by connecting a Windows®-based PC to J1 through a USB Type-A to a micro USB cable.