Automotive-grade 4 A buck in a 4×4 QFN
The MAX16962RATEA/V+ is a step-down (buck) switching regulator rated for 4 A continuous output, switching at 2.2 MHz. It accepts an input from 2.7 V up to 5.5 V and delivers an adjustable output down to 0.8 V. The part is qualified to AEC-Q100, operates across -40°C to 125°C junction temperature, and integrates a synchronous rectifier.
Package and rework considerations
The 16-TQFN with exposed pad (4×4 mm body) is a common automotive-grade package. The centre pad is the main thermal and electrical ground path — it needs a solid via array under the part to pull heat into the inner layers. The exposed pad makes hand rework trickier than a standard SOIC: preheat the board from the bottom, use a nozzle that covers the whole part, and lift when the solder is fully liquid — lifting a corner while one side is still solid risks pad damage.
Lifecycle and sourcing
The MAX16962RATEA/V+ carries an Active lifecycle status and is ROHS3 compliant. For dual-sourcing or supply resilience, the MAX16962RATEA/V+T is the tape-and-reel variant of the same die — electrically identical, same package, same AEC-Q100 qualification. The T suffix changes only the shipping medium (reel vs tube), not the silicon or the footprint.