Maxim Integrated MAX16126/27 
Load-Dump / Reverse-Voltage Protection Circuits

Maxim Integrated MAX16126 / MAX16127 load-dump / reverse-voltage protection circuits protect power supplies from damaging input voltage conditions, including overvoltage, reverse-voltage, and high-voltage transient pulses. Using a built-in charge pump, these Maxim Integrated devices control two external back-to-back n-channel MOSFETs that turn off and isolate downstream power supplies during damaging input conditions, such as an automotive load-dump pulse or a reverse-battery condition. Operation is guaranteed down to 3V to ensure proper operation during automotive cold-crank conditions. MAX16126 / MAX16127 protection circuits feature a flag output that asserts during fault conditions. For reverse-voltage protection, external back-to-back MOSFETs outperform the traditional reverse-battery diode, minimizing the voltage drop and power dissipation during normal operation. The MAX16127 provides limiter-mode fault management for overvoltage and thermal shutdown conditions while the MAX16126 provides switch-mode fault management for overvoltage and thermal shutdown conditions. These Maxim Integrated devices operate over the automotive temperature range (-40°C to +125°C) and are ideal for use in automotive, industrial, and avionics applications.