The MAX8796/MAX8797/MAX17401 are 1-phase Quick-PWM™ step-down VID power-supply controllers for Intel notebook CPUs and graphics. The Quick-PWM control provides instantaneous response to fast load current steps. Active voltage positioning reduces power dissipation and bulk output capacitance requirements and allows ideal positioning compensation for tantalum, polymer, or ceramic bulk output capacitors.

The MAX8796/MAX8797/MAX17401 are intended for two different notebook CPU/GPU core applications: either bucking down the battery directly to create the core voltage, or else bucking down the +5V system supply. The single-stage conversion method allows this device to directly step down high-voltage batteries for the highest possible efficiency. Alternatively, 2-stage conversion (stepping down the +5V system supply instead of the battery) at higher switching frequency provides the minimum possible physical size.

A slew-rate controller allows controlled transitions between VID codes. A thermistor-based temperature sensor provides programmable thermal protection. A power monitor provides an analog voltage output proportional to the power consumed by the CPU/GPU.

The MAX8796/MAX17401 implement both the Intel IMVP-6 CPU core specifications, as well as the Intel GMCH graphics core specifications. The MAX8797 implements the Intel GMCH graphics core specifications. The MAX8796/MAX17401 are available in a 32-pin TQFN package. The MAX8797 is available in a 28-pin TQFN package.