General Description
The MAX1920/MAX1921 step-down converters deliver
over 400mA to outputs as low as 1.25V. These converters
use a unique proprietary current-limited control scheme
that achieves over 90% efficiency. These devices maintain
extremely low quiescent supply current (50μA), and their
high 1.2MHz (max) operating frequency permits small,
low-cost external components. This combination makes
the MAX1920/MAX1921 excellent high-efficiency alterna-
tives to linear regulators in space-constrained applications.
Internal synchronous rectification greatly improves effi-
ciency and eliminates the external Schottky diode required
in conventional step-down converters. Both devices also
include internal digital soft-start to limit input current upon
startup and reduce input capacitor requirements.
The MAX1920 provides an adjustable output voltage
(1.25V to 4V). The MAX1921 provides factory-preset
output voltages (see the Selector Guide). Both are
available in space-saving 6-pin SOT23 packages. The
MAX1920 is also available in a 6-pin TDFN package.
Applications
Next-Generation Wireless Handsets
PDAs, Palmtops, and Handy-Terminals
Battery-Powered Equipment
CDMA Power Amplier Supply
Features
400mA Guaranteed Output Current
Internal Synchronous Rectifier for > 90% Efficiency
Tiny 6-Pin SOT23 Package
Available in 6-Pin TDFN Package (MAX1920)
Up to 1.2MHz Switching Frequency for Small
External Components
50μA Quiescent Supply Current
0.1μA Logic-Controlled Shutdown
2V to 5.5V Input Range
Fixed 1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3V, and 3.3V Output
Voltages (MAX1921)
Adjustable Output Voltage (MAX1920)
±1.5% Initial Accuracy
Soft-Start Limits Startup Current
19-2296; Rev 3; 8/05
Note: The MAX1921 offers five preset output voltage options.
See the Selector Guide, and then insert the proper designator
into the blanks above to complete the part number.
+Denotes a lead-free package.
Ordering Information
MAX1921
IN
AGND
SHDN
LX
PGND
OUT
OFF
ON
4.75k4.7µF
4.7µH
5600pF
OUTPUT
1.5V UP TO 400mA
INPUT
2V TO 5.5V
CIN
AGND
AGND
OUT (FB)SHDN
1 6 LX
LX
FB
5 PGND
PGND
IN
IN
MAX1920
MAX1921 MAX1920
SOT23-6
TOP VIEW
2
3 4
( ) ARE FOR MAX1920 ONLY
A "+" SIGN WILL REPLACE THE FIRST PIN INDICATOR ON LEAD-FREE PACKAGES.
SHDN
1 2 3
6 5 4
TDFN
Typical Operating Circuit Pin Conguration
PART TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
MAX1920EUT-T -40°C to +85°C 6 SOT23-6
MAX1920EUT+T -40°C to +85°C 6 SOT23-6
MAX1920ETT-T -40°C to +85°C 6 TDFN
MAX1920ETT+T -40°C to +85°C 6 TDFN
MAX1921EUT_ _-T -40°C to +85°C 6 SOT23-6
MAX1921EUT_ _+T -40°C to +85°C 6 SOT23-6
MAX1920/MAX1921 Low-Voltage, 400mA Step-Down
DC-DC Converters in SOT23
IN, FB, SHDN to AGND ...........................................-0.3V to +6V
OUT to AGND, LX to PGND.........................-0.3V to (IN + 0.3V)
AGND to PGND ....................................................-0.3V to +0.3V
OUT Short Circuit to GND ..................................................... 10s
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70°C)
6-Pin SOT23-6 (derate 8.7mW/°C above +70°C) .......695mW
6-Pin TDFN (derate 18.2mW/°C above +70°C) .....1454.5mW
Operating Temperature Range ........................... -40°C to +85°C
Junction Temperature ...................................................... +150°C
Storage Temperature ........................................ -65°C to +150°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+300°C
(VIN = 3.6V, SHDN = IN, TA = 0°C to +85°C. Typical parameters are at TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
Absolute Maximum Ratings
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.
Electrical Characteristics
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
Input Voltage Range V
IN
I(LX) < 400mA 2.5 5.5
V
I(LX) < 200mA
(MAX1921EUT15, MAX1921EUT18) 2.0 2.5
Startup Voltage 2.0 V
UVLO Threshold UVLO V
IN
rising 1.85 1.95 V
V
IN
falling 1.50 1.65
UVLO Hysteresis 200 mV
Quiescent Supply Current I
IN
No switching, no load 50 70 µA
Quiescent Supply Current Dropout I
IN
SHDN = IN, OUT/FB = 0 220 300 µA
Shutdown Supply Current I
SHDN
SHDN = GND 0.1 4.0 µA
Output Voltage Accuracy
(MAX1921)
I
OUT
= 0, T
A
= +25°C -1.5 +1.5
%I
OUT
= 0 to 400mA, T
A
= -40°C to +85°C -3 +3
I
OUT
= 0 to 200mA, T
A
= -40°C to +85°C -3 +3
OUT BIAS Current I
OUT
SHDN = 0 1 µA
OUT at regulation voltage 816
Output Voltage Range
(MAX1920) Figure 4, IN = 4.5V 1.25 4.00 V
FB Feedback Threshold
(MAX1920) V
FB
T
A
= +25°C 1.231 1.25 1.269
V1.220 1.25 1.280
T
A
= -40°C to +85°C 1.210 1.280
FB Feedback Hysteresis
(MAX1920) V
HYS
5 mV
FB Bias Current (MAX1920) I
FB
FB = 1.5V 0.01 0.20 µA
Load Regulation I
OUT
= 0 to 400mA 0.005 %/mA
Line Regulation V
IN
= 2.5V to 5.5V 0.2 %/V
SHDN Input Voltage High V
IH
1.6 V
SHDN Input Voltage Low V
IL
0.4 V
SHDN Leakage Current I
SHDN
SHDN = GND or IN 0.001 1.000 µA
High-Side Current Limit I
LIMP
525 730 950 mA
MAX1920/MAX1921 Low-Voltage, 400mA Step-Down
DC-DC Converters in SOT23
www.maximintegrated.com Maxim Integrated
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(VIN = 3.6V, SHDN = IN, TA = 0°C to +85°C. Typical parameters are at TA = +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
Note 1: All devices are 100% production tested at TA = +25°C. Limits over the operating temperature range are guaranteed by
design.
(CIN = 2.2μF ceramic, Circuit of Figure 1, components of Table 1, unless otherwise noted.)
Electrical Characteristics (continued)
Typical Operating Characteristics
3.201
3.234
3.267
3.300
3.333
3.366
3.399
0 10050 150 200 250 300 350 400
OUTPUT VOLTAGE ACCURACY vs. LOAD
(VOUT = 3.3V)
MAX1920 toc04
LOAD (mA)
OUTPUT VOLTAGE
VIN = 3.6V
VIN = 5V
VIN = 4.2V
100
0
0.1 1 10 100 1000
EFFICIENCY vs. LOAD CURRENT
(VOUT = 3.3V)
20
MAX1920 toc01
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
EFFICIENCY (%)
40
60
80
70
50
30
10
90
VIN = 3.6V
VIN = 4.2V
VIN = 5V
1.455
1.470
1.485
1.500
1.515
1.530
1.545
0 10050 150 200 250 300 350 400
OUTPUT VOLTAGE ACCURACY vs. LOAD
(VOUT = 1.5V)
MAX1920 toc06
LOAD (mA)
OUTPUT VOLTAGE
VIN = 5V
VIN = 3.3V
VIN = 2.5V
100
0
0.1 1 10 100 1000
EFFICIENCY vs. LOAD CURRENT
(VOUT = 1.5V)
20
MAX1920 toc03
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
EFFICIENCY (%)
40
60
80
70
50
30
10
90 VIN = 2.5V
VIN = 3.3V
VIN = 5V
100
0
0.1 1 10 100 1000
EFFICIENCY vs. LOAD CURRENT
(VOUT = 2.5V)
20
MAX1920 toc02
LOAD CURRENT (mA)
EFFICIENCY (%)
40
60
80
70
50
30
10
90
VIN = 2.7V
VIN = 3.3V VIN = 5V
2.425
2.450
2.475
2.500
2.525
2.550
2.575
0 10050 150 200 250 300 350 400
OUTPUT VOLTAGE ACCURACY vs. LOAD
(VOUT = 2.5V)
MAX1920 toc05
LOAD (mA)
OUTPUT VOLTAGE
VIN = 3V
VIN = 5V
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
Low-Side Current Limit I
LIMN
350 550 800 mA
High-Side On-Resistance R
ONHS
I
LX
= -40mA, V
IN
= 3V 0.6 1.1
Rectier On-Resistance R
ONSR
I
LX
= 40mA, V
IN
= 3V 0.5 0.9
Rectier Off-Current Threshold I
LXOFF
60 mA
LX Leakage Current I
LXLEAK
IN = SHDN = 5.5V, LX = 0 to IN 0.1 5.0 µA
LX Reverse Leakage Current I
LXLKR
IN unconnected, V
LX
= 5.5V, SHDN = GND 0.1 5.0 µA
Minimum On-Time t
ON(MIN)
0.28 0.4 0.5 µs
Minimum Off-Time t
OFF(MIN)
0.28 0.4 0.5 µs
MAX1920/MAX1921 Low-Voltage, 400mA Step-Down
DC-DC Converters in SOT23
www.maximintegrated.com Maxim Integrated
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(CIN = 2.2μF ceramic, Circuit of Figure 1, components of Table 1, unless otherwise noted.)
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
MEDIUM-LOAD
LINE-TRANSIENT RESPONSE
MAX1920 toc13
VIN
AC-COUPLED
200mV/div
VOUT
AC-COUPLED
5mV/div
4µs/div
VIN = 3.8V to 4.2V,
VOUT = 1.5V, ILOAD = 250mA
LIGHT-LOAD SWITCHING WAVEFORM
MAX1920 toc10
VOUT
AC-COUPLED
5mV/div
VLX
2V/div
1µs/div
VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 1.5V,
ILOAD = 40mA
10,000
1
0.1 1 100 1000
SWITCHING FREQUENCY vs. LOAD
(VOUT = 1.8V)
10
100
1000
MAX1920 toc07
LOAD (mA)
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)
10
VIN = 3.3
LOAD-TRANSIENT RESPONSE
MAX1920 toc15
VOUT
AC-COUPLED
100mV/div
ILOAD
200mA/div
IL
200mA/div
40µs/div
VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 1.5V,
ILOAD = 20mA TO 320mA
SOFT-START AND SHUTDOWN RESPONSE
MAX1920 toc12
VOUT
1V/div
IIN
100mA/div
VSHDN
5V/div
200µs/div
VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 1.5V,
RLOAD = 6
NO LOAD SUPPLY CURRENT
vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MAX1920 toc09
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
NO-LOAD SUPPLY CURRENT (µA)
5.04.54.03.53.02.52.0
10
100
1000
10,000
1
1.5 5.5
VOUT = 3.3V
VOUT = 2.5V
VOUT = 1.5V
MEDIUM-LOAD SWITCHING WAVEFORM
MAX1920 toc11
VOUT
AC-COUPLED
5mV/div
VLX
2V/div
1µs/div
VIN = 3.3V, VOUT = 1.5V,
ILOAD = 250mA
10,000
1
0.1 1 100 1000
SWITCHING FREQUENCY vs. LOAD
(VOUT = 1.5V)
10
100
1000
MAX1920 toc08
LOAD (mA)
SWITCHING FREQUENCY (kHz)
10
VIN = 3.3
LIGHT-LOAD
LINE-TRANSIENT RESPONSE
MAX1920 toc14
VIN
AC-COUPLED
200mV/div
VOUT
AC-COUPLED
5mV/div
4µs/div
VIN = 3.8V to 4.2V,
VOUT = 1.5V, ILOAD = 20mA
MAX1920/MAX1921 Low-Voltage, 400mA Step-Down
DC-DC Converters in SOT23
Maxim Integrated
4
www.maximintegrated.com
Detailed Description
The MAX1920/MAX1921 step-down DC-DC converters
deliver over 400mA to outputs as low as 1.25V. They use
a unique proprietary current-limited control scheme that
maintains extremely low quiescent supply current (50μA),
and their high 1.2MHz (max) operating frequency permits
small, low-cost external components.
Control Scheme
The MAX1920/MAX1921 use a proprietary, current-limited
control scheme to ensure high-efficiency, fast transient
response, and physically small external components. This
control scheme is simple: when the output voltage is out of
regulation, the error comparator begins a switching cycle
by turning on the high-side switch. This switch remains
on until the minimum on-time of 400ns expires and the
output voltage regulates or the current-limit threshold is
exceeded. Once off, the high-side switch remains off until
the minimum off-time of 400ns expires and the output
voltage falls out of regulation. During this period, the low-
side synchronous rectifier turns on and remains on until
either the high-side switch turns on again or the inductor
current approaches zero. The internal synchronous recti-
fier eliminates the need for an external Schottky diode.
This control scheme allows the MAX1920/MAX1921 to
provide excellent performance throughout the entire load-
current range. When delivering light loads, the high-side
switch turns off after the minimum on-time to reduce
peak inductor current, resulting in increased efficiency
and reduced output voltage ripple. When delivering medi-
um and higher output currents, the MAX1920/MAX1921
extend either the on-time or the off-time, as necessary to
maintain regulation, resulting in nearly constant frequency
operation with high-efficiency and low-output voltage ripple.
Shutdown Mode
Connecting SHDN to GND places the MAX1920/
MAX1921 in shutdown mode and reduces supply cur-
rent to 0.1μA. In shutdown, the control circuitry, internal
switching MOSFET, and synchronous rectifier turn off and
LX becomes high impedance. Connect SHDN to IN for
normal operation.
Soft-Start
The MAX1920/MAX1921 have internal soft-start circuitry
that limits current draw at startup, reducing transients on
the input source. Soft-start is particularly useful for higher
impedance input sources, such as Li+ and alkaline cells.
Soft-start is implemented by starting with the current limit
at 25% of its full current value and gradually increas-
ing it in 25% steps until the full current limit is reached.
See Soft-Start and Shutdown Response in the Typical
Operating Characteristics.
*MAX1920 only.
Figure 1. Typical Output Application Circuit (MAX1921)
Pin Description
PIN NAME FUNCTION
SOT TDFN*
1 2 IN
Supply voltage input for MAX1921EUT15 and MAX1921EUT18 is 2V to 5.5V. Supply voltage
input for MAX1920 and other voltage versions of MAX1921 is 2.5V to 5.5V. Bypass IN to GND
with a 2.2µF ceramic capacitor as close as possible to IN.
2 6 AGND Analog Ground. Connect to PGND.
3 1 SHDN Active-Low Shutdown Input. Connect SHDN to IN for normal operation. In shutdown, LX
becomes high-impedance and quiescent current drops to 0.1µA.
4 OUT MAX1921 Voltage Sense Input. OUT is connected to an internal voltage-divider.
4 5 FB MAX1920 Voltage Feedback Input. FB regulates to 1.25V nominal. Connect FB to an external
resistive voltage-divider between the output voltage and GND.
5 3 PGND Power Ground. Connect to AGND.
6 4 LX Inductor Connection
MAX1921
IN
AGND
SHDN
LX
PGND
OUT
OFF
ON
R1 COUT
L
CFF
OUTPUT
UP TO 400mA
INPUT
2V TO 5.5V
CIN
1
2
34
5
6
MAX1920/MAX1921 Low-Voltage, 400mA Step-Down
DC-DC Converters in SOT23
www.maximintegrated.com Maxim Integrated
5
Design Procedure
The MAX1920/MAX1921 are optimized for small external
components and fast transient response. There are sev-
eral application circuits (Figures 1 through 4) to allow the
choice between ceramic or tantalum output capacitor and
internally or externally set output voltages. The use of a
small ceramic output capacitor is preferred for higher reli-
ability, improved voltage-positioning transient response,
reduced output ripple, and the smaller size and greater
availability of ceramic versus tantalum capacitors.
Voltage Positioning
Figures 1 and 2 are the application circuits that utilize
small ceramic output capacitors. For stability, the circuit
obtains feedback from the LX node through R1, while
load transients are fed-forward through CFF. Because
there is no D.C. feedback from the output, the output
voltage exhibits load regulation that is equal to the output
load current multiplied by the inductors series resistance.
This small amount of load regulation is similar to voltage
positioning as used by high-powered microprocessor sup-
plies intended for personal computers. For the MAX1920/
MAX1921, voltage positioning eliminates or greatly reduc-
es undershoot and overshoot during load transients (see
the Typical Operating Characteristics), which effectively
halves the peak-to-peak output voltage excursions com-
pared to traditional step-down converters.
For convenience, Table 1 lists the recommended external
component values for use with the MAX1921 application
circuit of Figure 1 with various input and output voltages.
Induction Selection
In order to calculate the smallest inductor, several calcula-
tions are needed. First, calculate the maximum duty cycle
of the application as:
OUT
IN
V
DutyCycle(MAX) 100%
V (MIN)
= ×
Second, calculate the critical voltage across the inductor as:
if DutyCycle(MAX) < 50%,
then VCRITICAL = (VIN(MIN) - VOUT),
else VCRITICAL = VOUT
Last, calculate the minimum inductor value as:
L(MIN) = 2.5 ×10-6 × VCRITICAL
Select the next standard value larger than L(MIN). The
L(MIN) calculation already includes a margin for inductance
tolerance. Although values much larger than L(MIN) work,
transient performance, efficiency, and inductor size suffer.
A 550mA rated inductor is enough to prevent saturation
for output currents up to 400mA. Saturation occurs when
the inductors magnetic flux density reaches the maximum
level the core can support and inductance falls. Choose a
low DC-resistance inductor to improve efficiency. Tables 2
and 3 list some suggested inductors and suppliers.
Table 1. MAX1921 Suggested
Components for Figure 1
Table 2. Suggested Inductors
OUTPUT
INPUT SOURCE
5V 3.3V, 1 Li+,
3 x AA 2.5V, 2 x AA
3.3V
3.0V
L = 10µH, COUT = 10µF,
R1 = 8.25kΩ, CFF = 3300pF N/A
2.5V L = 6.8µH, COUT = 6.8µF,
R1 = 5.62kΩ, CFF = 4700pF
1.8V
1.5V
L = 10µH,
COUT = 10µF,
R1 = 8.25kΩ,
CFF = 3300pF
L = 4.7µH, COUT = 4.7µF,
R1 = 4.75kΩ, CFF = 5600pF
PART
NUMBER
L
(μH)
RL
(ohms max)
Isat
(A) SIZE
Coilcraft
LPO1704
4.7 0.200 1.10
6.6 x 5.5 x 1.0
= 36.3mm3
6.8 0.320 0.90
10 0.410 0.80
Sumida
CDRH3D16
4.7 0.080 0.90 3.8 x 3.8 x 1.8
= 26.0mm3
6.8 0.095 0.73
10 0.160 0.55
Sumida
CDRH2D18
4.7 0.081 0.63 3.2 x 3.2 x 2.0
= 20.5mm3
6.8 0.108 0.57
Toko
D312F
4.7 0.38 0.74 3.6 x 3.6 x 1.2
= 15.6mm3
10 0.79 0.50
Toko
D412F
4.7 0.230 0.84 4.6 x 4.6 x 1.2
= 25.4mm3
10 0.490 0.55
Toko
D52LC
4.7 0.087 1.14
5.0 x 5.0 x 2.0
= 50.0mm3
6.8 0.105 0.95
10 0.150 0.76
MAX1920/MAX1921 Low-Voltage, 400mA Step-Down
DC-DC Converters in SOT23
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6
Capacitor Selection
For nearly all applications, the input capacitor, CIN,
may be as small as 2.2μF ceramic with X5R or X7R
dielectric. The input capacitor filters peak currents and
noise at the voltage source and, therefore, must meet the
input ripple requirements and voltage rating. Calculate the
maximum RMS input current as:
OUT IN OUT
IN OUT IN
V (V V )
I (RMS) I (MAX ) V
= ×
The output capacitor, COUT, may be either ceramic or
tantalum depending upon the chosen application circuit
(see Figures 1 through 4). Table 3 lists some suggested
capacitor suppliers.
Ceramic Output Capacitor
For ceramic COUT, use the application circuit of Figure 1
or Figure 2. Calculate the minimum capacitor value as:
COUT(MIN) = 2.5 x 10-6 × VCRITICAL
Select the next standard value larger than COUT(MIN).
The COUT(MIN) calculation already includes a margin for
capacitor tolerance. Values much larger than COUT(MIN)
always improve transient performance and stability, but
capacitor size and cost increase.
Tantalum Output Capacitor
For tantalum COUT, use the application circuit of Figure
3 or Figure 4. With tantalum COUT, the equivalent series
resistance (ESR) of COUT must be large enough for sta-
bility. Generally, 25mV of ESR-ripple at the feedback node
is sufficient. The simplified calculation is:
ESRCOUT(MIN) = 8.0 x 10-2 × VOUT
Because tantalum capacitors rarely specify minimum
ESR, choose a capacitor with typical ESR that is about
twice as much as ESRCOUT(MIN). Although ESRs great-
er than this work, output ripple becomes larger.
For tantalum COUT, calculate the minimum output
capacitance as:
OUT
OUT COUT CRITICAL
L I (MAX)
C (MIN) 1.25 ESR (MIN) V
×
= × ×
The 1.25 multiplier is for capacitor tolerance. Select any
standard value larger than COUT(MIN).
Feedback and Compensation
The MAX1921 has factory preset output voltages of 1.5V,
1.8V, 2.5V, 3V, and 3.3V, while the MAX1920 is externally
adjusted by connecting FB to a resistive voltage-divider.
When using a ceramic output capacitor, the feedback
network must include a compensation feed-forward
capacitor, CFF.
Figure 2. Typical Application Circuit (MAX1920) Figure 3. MAX1921 Application Circuit Using Tantalum Output
Capacitor
MAX1920
IN
AGND
SHDN
LX
PGND
FB
OFF
ON
R1 COUT
L
CFF
OUTPUT
UP TO 400mA
INPUT
2V TO 5.5V
CIN
R2
2
1
3
5
6
4
MAX1921
IN
AGND
SHDN
LX
PGND
OUT
OFF
ON
COUT
LOUTPUT
UP TO 400mA
INPUT
2V TO 5.5V
CIN
2
1
3
5
6
4
MAX1920/MAX1921 Low-Voltage, 400mA Step-Down
DC-DC Converters in SOT23
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7
MAX1921 Using Ceramic COUT
When using the application circuit of Figure 1, the induc-
tors series resistance causes a small amount of load
regulation, as desired for a voltage-positioning load tran-
sient response. Choose R1 such that VOUT is high at no
load by about half of this load regulation. The simplified
calculation is:
R1 = 5 x 104 x RL(MAX)
where RL(MAX) is the maximum series resistance of the
inductor. Select a standard resistor value that is within
20% of this calculation.
Next, calculate CFF for 25mV ripple at the internal feed-
back node. The simplified calculation is:
CFF = 2.5 × 10-5/R1
where R1 is the standard resistor value that is used.
Select a standard capacitor value that is within 20% of
the calculated CFF.
MAX1920 Using Ceramic COUT
When using the application circuit of Figure 2, the induc-
tors series resistance causes a small amount of load reg-
ulation, as desired for a voltage-positioning load transient
response. Choose R1 and R2 such that VOUT is high at
no load by about half of this load regulation:
OUT L OUT
REF
V R I ( MAX ) / 2
R1 R 2 1
V

=×−



where R2 is chosen in the 50kΩ to 500kΩ range, VREF
= 1.25V and RL is the typical series resistance of the
inductor. Use 1% or better resistors.
Next, calculate the equivalent resistance at the FB node as:
R 1 R 2
Req R1|| R 2 R 1 R 2
×
= = +
Then, calculate CFF for 25mV ripple at FB. The simplified
calculation is:
CFF = 2.5 × 10-5/Req
Select a standard capacitor value that is within 20% of the
calculated CFF.
MAX1920 Using Tantalum COUT
When using the application circuit of Figure 4, choose R1
and R2 such as to obtain the desired VOUT:
OUT
REF
V
R1 R 2 1
V

=×−



where R2 is chosen to be less than 50kΩ and VREF =
1.25V. Use 1% or better resistors.
Layout Considerations
High switching frequencies make PC board layout a very
important part of design. Good design minimizes exces-
sive EMI on the feedback paths and voltage gradients in
the ground plane, both of which can result in instability or
regulation errors. Connect the inductor, input filter capacitor,
and output filter capacitor as close to the device as possible,
and keep their traces short, direct, and wide. Connect their
ground pins at a single common node in a star ground con-
figuration. The external voltage-feedback network should
be very close to the FB pin, within 0.2in (5mm). Keep
noisy traces, such as the LX trace, away from the voltage-
feedback network; also keep them separate, using grounded
copper. The MAX1920/MAX1921 evaluation kit data sheet
includes a proper PC board layout and routing scheme.
Table 3. Component Suppliers
Figure 4. MAX1920 Application Circuit Using Tantalum Output
Capacitor
SUPPLIER PHONE WEBSITE
Coilcraft 847-639-6400 www.coilcraft.com
Kemet 408-986-0424 www.kemet.com
Murata 814-237-1431 www.murata.com
Sumida USA 847-956-0666 www.sumida.com
Japan 81-3-3607-5111
Taiyo
Yuden
USA 408-573-4150 www.T-Yuden.com
Japan 81-3-3833-5441 www.yuden.co.jp
Toko USA 847-297-0070 www.tokoam.com
Japan 81-3-3727-1161 www.toko.co.jp
MAX1920
IN
AGND
SHDN
LX
PGND
FB
OFF
ON
R1
COUT
LOUTPUT
UP TO 400mA
INPUT
2V TO 5.5V
CIN
R2
2
1
3
5
6
4
MAX1920/MAX1921 Low-Voltage, 400mA Step-Down
DC-DC Converters in SOT23
www.maximintegrated.com Maxim Integrated
8
Selector Guide
PART VOUT (V) TOP MARK
MAX1920EUT Adjustable ABCO
MAX1920ETT Adjustable ADR
MAX1921EUT33 3.3 ABCJ
MAX1921EUT30 3.0 ABCK
MAX1921EUT25 2.5 ABCL
MAX1921EUT18 1.8 ABCM
MAX1921EUT15 1.5 ABCN
Chip Information
TRANSISTOR COUNT: 1467
Package Information
For the latest package outline information and land patterns (footprints), 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.
-(52/'/((
MAX1920/MAX1921 Low-Voltage, 400mA Step-Down
DC-DC Converters in SOT23
www.maximintegrated.com Maxim Integrated
9
Package Information (continued)
For the latest package outline information and land patterns (footprints), 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.
-(52/'/((
MAX1920/MAX1921 Low-Voltage, 400mA Step-Down
DC-DC Converters in SOT23
www.maximintegrated.com Maxim Integrated
10
Package Information (continued)
For the latest package outline information and land patterns (footprints), 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.
MAX1920/MAX1921 Low-Voltage, 400mA Step-Down
DC-DC Converters in SOT23
www.maximintegrated.com Maxim Integrated
11
Package Information (continued)
For the latest package outline information and land patterns (footprints), 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.
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 specications 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.
MAX1920/MAX1921 Low-Voltage, 400mA Step-Down
DC-DC Converters in SOT23
© 2005 Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
12
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.