The MAX16064 is a fully integrated 4-channel digital power-supply controller and monitor IC that can be connected up to four power supplies to provide complete digital configurability. By interfacing to the power-supply reference input or feedback node, and the output enable, the MAX16064 takes control of the power supply to provide tracking, soft-start, sequencing, margining, and dynamic adjustment of the output voltage.

Power-supply sequencing can be performed autonomously or controlled over the PMBus? interface. Sequencing is controlled during power-down as well as power-up. Multiple MAX16064s can be combined to autonomously sequence more supplies. The sequencing order is stored in an external configuration EEPROM so sequence order changes can be reprogrammed without changing the PCB layout.

The MAX16064 features an internal temperature sensor providing an additional level of system monitoring. Other features include a reset output and an SMBus? alert output.

Each channel of the MAX16064 includes an accurate 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) input and a differential amplifier for accurately monitoring and reporting the voltage at the load without being influenced by any difference in ground potentials. An integrated 12-bit digital-to-analog converter (DAC) can margin power supplies and dynamically adjust the output voltage using a closed-loop control system to provide an output-voltage accuracy of ±0.3%.

The user-programmable registers provide flexible and accurate control of time events such as delay time and transition period, monitoring for overvoltage and undervoltage, overtemperature fault and warning handling. The closed-loop operation is also programmable to make sure the MAX16064 works with any existing power supply to provide superior regulation accuracy and accurate margining.

The MAX16064 operates using a PMBus-compliant communication protocol. The device can be programmed using this protocol or with a free graphic-user interface (GUI) available from the Maxim website that significantly reduces development time. Once the configuration is complete, the results can be saved into an EEPROM or loaded into the device through PMBus at power-up. This allows remote configuration of any power supply using the MAX16064, replacing expensive recalls or field service. The MAX16064 can be programmed with up to 114 distinct addresses to support large systems. The MAX16064 is offered in a space-saving, 36-pin, lead-free, 6mm x 6mm TQFN package and is fully specified from -40°C to +85°C.