Maxm15063 uSLIC -U kidding me - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 16, 2020, 12:15:21 pm
content: Was looking for new DC-DC modules / ICs for a new range of products under design (PoE and 48V vehicle systems), I came across this part !It is theCOMPLETEconverter - only a couple of filter caps required (in a minimal design) - The SIZE is freaky enough, but the specs !! 4.5v-60V IP, 300mA, several programmable options etc etc and OZ$6.80 ish ea !!! There's 3 in the series, for fixed / variable options.Shown here next to a 1206 resistor. A few just arrived, just waiting for PCBs to arrive (next week), hope I can solder it ! Not often my mind is blown these days :-)

author: fourtytwo42
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2020, 01:41:40 pm
content: It certainly does look a bit too good to be true! I hope you report back on your experiences good/bad. The catch might be EMC though I see they publish some test results.The last time I got my fingers burnt (literally) by a similar module in a 12V to 5V application I swore of anything similar but the mine was generic Chinese! (I know I should have known better).

author: phil from seattle
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2020, 01:57:18 pm
content: Maxm, hmmm. Not Maxim. Sounds very Chinese.But, there are some laws of thermodynamics that are hard to get around. Like a 1206 package dissipating more than about 1/8 watt. What is the claimed efficiency?

author: coppice
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 16, 2020, 02:08:06 pm
content: Quote from: phil from seattle on October 16, 2020, 01:57:18 pmIts a real Maxim part. Its a couple of years old. Maxim are not the only company releasing modules like this.Quote from: phil from seattle on October 16, 2020, 01:57:18 pm5V * 300mA = 1.5W . If they achieve 90% efficiency they only need to dissipate 0.15W.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 17, 2020, 01:14:41 am
content: Yup, does sound incredible :-) but I'll find out in a few days. The 60V Input is what makes it priceless to me and worth finding out. I'd never be using 300mA anyway, at most 20-50mA ... support / control logic / comms etc some displays / inputs. I will push it to 300mA to see what happens :-) time to break out the FLIR again

author: Someone
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2020, 01:48:05 am
content: Quote from: digsys on October 17, 2020, 01:14:41 amMany of these little power modules have limited voltage ranges. TI has been consolidating similar parts:https://www.ti.com/product/TPSM265R1

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 17, 2020, 02:13:08 am
content: ooooo that's another one to try out, thanks. It is only "recent" that these types of modules have both shrunk so much, and increased IP from ~30-35V to 60V+The "shrinkage" is a pain, but I can live with it :-)

author: coppercone2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2020, 04:00:36 am
content: similar to a uModule from AD, but at an affordable price point. Looks some what poorly made in comparison though, with what looks to be a PCB substrate.

author: digsys
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 17, 2020, 05:36:30 am
content: Quote from: blueskullNot actually "similar". I use heaps of DC-DC modules that will take 60V+ IP, eg Recom etc and those you list, but they are the size ofhousescompared to the 2 listed before.I don't often have room for houses :-) or need the higher currents. In past years, we'd use a resistor and zener, and waste the heat, but when requiring ~50mA+, that adds new issues. Yes, we had other options requiring more external parts, but that was a pain in fit / layout. It was the size of these 2, and their features that blew my mind !

author: nunojpg
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: February 28, 2024, 05:28:19 pm
content: I've tried it and it is definitely great.For example if you need 5-12V to 3.3V, which is a common use for powering a uC, MAXM17904.It's a synchronous step-down, that is why they can make it so small in comparison with regular buck with diode.If soldering manually be careful not to desolder the inductor on top. Applying heat from the other side of the PCB might be a good strategy.I think this is a great tool for hobby projects and high-end/medium volume applications.