Switching frequency and what it means for your design
The switching frequency is programmable from 220kHz to 1MHz. Lower frequencies reduce switching losses and ease thermal management but require larger magnetics; higher frequencies shrink inductor and capacitor size at the cost of increased gate-drive losses and tighter layout to control EMI. The 1MHz upper end allows the controller to sit below AM-band frequencies, which is useful in automotive RF-sensitive environments. The part also supports clock synchronization, so multiple converters can be phase-locked to a common clock to reduce input ripple and beat-frequency noise.
Lifecycle and sourcing
The MAX16990ATCD/V+T is listed as Active and ROHS3 compliant. There is no last-time-buy notice or obsolescence risk. For pricing and availability, submit an RFQ — current stock and lead time are confirmed at quote time. No pin-compatible second source or official replacement is listed in the record; this is the sole Maxim part number for this specific automotive boost/SEPIC controller variant.