H bridge transformer driver delivers 90% efficiency

Said to enable quick and flexible isolated dc/dc designs, the MAX13256 H bridge transformer driver from Maxim Integrated Products is designed to drive a transformer's primary coil with up to 300mA of current from an 8 to 36V dc supply, which can deliver up to 10W of isolated power.

According to Maxim, users can choose their own transformer winding ratio to define the output voltage, allowing the selection of virtually any isolated output voltage. Integrated protection features have been implemented to prevent system level failures.

By eliminating 16 discrete components, the MAX13256 is said to simplify bom complexity and reduce footprint. Available in a 10pin TDFN package, it is designed for smart grid metering applications, as well as industrial and medical equipment. Efficiency is rated at 90%

The device features a low power mode to reduce the overall supply current to 0.65mA when the driver is not in use and has an active low FAULT output to assert when the device detects an overtemperature or overcurrent condition. An overcurrent limit is set by an external resistor over the 215 to 650mA range.