Sunnyvale, Calif. - Maxim Integrated Products' MAX1957 is a 300-kHz synchronous current-mode step-down controller chip with track, source and sink capabilities.

The chip is a billed as a low-cost solution for double-data-rate memory termination in desktop PCs, game consoles, graphics and video cards, set-top boxes and core supplies in PowerPC, ASIC and DSP applications. With the MAX1954, it is said to provide a complete power solution for DDR memory and PowerPC power supplies.

The MAX1957 addresses lowinput 3.3- and 5-volt bus applications without the need for a charge pump. It can track the voltage at its external reference pin to within plus/minus 1 percent. The MAX1957 and MAX1954 are said to meet Jedec's 40-mV-transient regulation specs for DDR memory power supplies.

The MAX1957 allows a low-cost n-channel design and is compatible with electrolytic capacitors. It includes thermal-overload protection and is specified for -40 degrees C to 85 degrees C.

The MAX-1957EUB is packaged in a 10-pin microMAX. Prices start at 95 cents each in volumes of 1,000. Evaluation kits and application circuits are available.

Call (800) 998-8800
www.maxim-ic.com