Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM) introduces the MAX15048/MAX15049, low-cost, three-output, synchronous step-down controllers with tracking (MAX15048) or sequencing (MAX15049) options. Designed to meet the tight tolerances of small-geometry logic devices, these controllers drive external MOSFETs to deliver a regulated 0.6V to 19V output voltage and up to 15A of load current per output. Additionally, integrated tracking/sequencing allows customers to seamlessly control core and I/O voltages. This combination of versatility, integration, and performance makes the MAX15048/MAX15049 well suited for a variety of high-reliability power-supply applications such as those in telecom, networking, storage, and server equipment.

The MAX15048/MAX15049 are precision engineered to eliminate external components and save costs. They operate from a wide 4.7V to 23V input range to support low-cost battery packs, as well as the latest 40nm ASICs. Each PWM section operates from a programmable switching frequency (200kHz to 1.2MHz). Operating at 1.2MHz and 120 degrees out-of-phase increases the input capacitor ripple frequency to 3.6MHz. This significantly reduces the RMS input ripple current and, thus, the size of the input bypass capacitor. The MAX15048/MAX15049 integrate bootstrap diodes for additional system cost savings.

These devices feature digital soft-start/soft-stop for glitch-free power-up and power-down. Power-good circuitry monitors all three outputs and provides a signal to the system controller/processor when all outputs are within regulation to enable system-level monitoring. Integrated protection features include lossless valley-mode current limiting, hiccup-mode output short-circuit protection, and thermal shutdown.

The MAX15048/MAX15049 are offered in a thermally enhanced, 5mm x 5mm, 32-pin TQFN package, and are fully specified over the -40 degrees Celsius to +85 degrees Celsius extended temperature range. 

An evaluation kit, the MAX15048EVKIT+, is available to expedite designs .