Maxim Integrated’s MAX16923: A Compact 4‑Output Display Power IC with Watchdog for Automotive Systems

Automotive electronics designers can now boost the number of displays in a vehicle while simplifying power‑management design, thanks to the MAX16923 4‑output display power IC with integrated watchdog timer from Maxim Integrated. By consolidating four or five discrete components into a single, highly integrated solution, the MAX16923 dramatically reduces board space and assembly complexity.

The trend toward richer in‑vehicle experiences—advanced instrument clusters, infotainment systems, heads‑up displays, center consoles, rear‑seat entertainment, and smart‑mirror interfaces—drives OEMs to add more screens per vehicle. Each additional display demands dedicated power circuitry that competes for precious space among the myriad subsystems in modern cars.

With four dedicated power rails, the MAX16923 delivers both high‑voltage and low‑voltage buck converters, as well as high‑voltage and low‑voltage low‑dropout regulators. Integrated electromagnetic interference (EMI) mitigation and a watchdog timer enhance reliability, while the high level of integration cuts the number of required ICs from four or five down to one. This simplification shrinks the overall power‑solution footprint by up to 50 % compared with leading competitors, without a significant rise in temperature.

Typical MAX16923 application circuit. (Source: Maxim Integrated)