The MAX20037/MAX20038 ICs combine a 3.5A (or 1.5A for MAX20038A) automotive-grade step-down converter, USB host charger adapter emulator, and USB protection switches for automotive USB host applications. The device family also includes a USB load current-sense amplifier and configurable feedback-adjustment circuit, designed to provide automatic USB voltage compensation for voltage drops in captive cables often found in automotive applications. The ICs limit the USB load current using both a fixed internal peak-current threshold of the DC-DC converter and a user-configurable external USB load current-sense amplifier threshold. The ICs can be configured to be a 2.4A Apple®R30+ compliant solution.The ICs allow flexible configuration options for both stand-alone and supervised applications, and can be programmed for desired operation using both external programming resistors and/or internal I2C registers through the I2C bus.The ICs are optimized for high-frequency operation and include programmable frequency selection from 310kHz to 2.2MHz, allowing optimization of efficiency, noise, and board space based on application requirements. The fully synchronous DC-DC converters feature integrated high-side and low-side MOSFETs, an external SYNC input/output, and can be configured for spread-spectrum operation.The MAX20037/MAX20038 are available in a small (5mm x 5mm) 28-pin TQFN package (side-wettable available) designed to minimize required components and layout area.Design Solution: Add Even More USB Ports to Your Car—In Less Space ›