16939A 36V 3.5A Step-Down Converter – 2.2MHz Automotive Power Management IC with 28µA Quiescent Current

The 16939A is a high-efficiency current-mode step-down converter specifically designed for demanding automotive and industrial power management applications. This device integrates both high-side and low-side MOSFETs, delivering a robust and compact solution for point-of-load regulation in modern vehicle electronics.

This power IC operates with a wide input voltage range from 3.5V to 36V, with 42V load-dump tolerance, making it suitable for harsh automotive electrical environments. It delivers a continuous output current of 3.5A, with the output voltage available as fixed 3.3V or 5V options, or externally adjustable from 1V to 10V to suit diverse system requirements.

The switching frequency is resistor-programmable from 220kHz to 2.2MHz and can be synchronized to an external clock, offering flexibility for optimizing efficiency and board space. A 180° out-of-phase clock output allows cascading multiple devices for increased power delivery. The device features three operation modes—skip mode, forced fixed-frequency FPWM mode, and external synchronization—to balance efficiency and EMI performance under various load conditions.

Engineered for automotive reliability, this converter includes comprehensive protection features such as cycle-by-cycle current limiting, thermal shutdown with automatic recovery, and a power-good monitor for easy power-supply sequencing. Spread-spectrum frequency modulation helps reduce EMI emissions, while the low 28µA quiescent current at no load enhances system efficiency in standby applications.

Qualified to AEC-Q100 standards and operating over the -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range, this IC is ideal for distributed DC power systems, navigation units, radio head units, and various engine control module power supplies.