UM6K33NTN vs MAX31790ATI+T: Component Comparison for Power Electronics Engineers
Quick verdict
For simple low-current load switching or signal-level load switching under 200mA at up to 50V, the UM6K33NTN dual discrete MOSFET array offers a straightforward, cost-effective solution with minimal integration overhead. For motor control applications requiring integrated driver logic, multi-channel low-side outputs, and I2C configurability, the MAX31790ATI+T’s fully integrated power stage and digital interface provide a significantly higher level of system integration and control at the expense of complexity and cost.
Spec comparison table
| Spec | UM6K33NTN | MAX31790ATI+T | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration | 2 N-Channel MOSFETs (Dual) | 6 Low-side Power MOSFET outputs | MAX31790 offers multiple outputs and integrated driver; UM6K33NTN is discrete MOSFETs. |
| Continuous Drain Current (Id) | 200mA @ 25°C | Not specified | UM6K33NTN specifies 200mA max; MAX31790 current rating not disclosed, likely higher. |
| Drain-Source Voltage (Vds) | 50V | Not specified | UM6K33NTN rated to 50V, MAX31790 voltage limits not explicitly stated in datasheet. |
| Gate Drive Threshold (Vgs_th) | 1V @ 1mA | Not specified | UM6K33NTN logic-level gate at 1V threshold suitable for low-voltage drive. |
| Gate Drive Voltage | Logic Level, 1.2V drive | 3V to 5.5V supply | UM6K33NTN can switch at low gate drive voltages; MAX31790 requires 3–5.5V supply for logic and power. |
| Input Capacitance (Ciss) | 25pF @ 10V | Not specified | Lower input capacitance reduces gate drive losses; only UM6K33NTN data available. |
| Maximum Power Dissipation | 120mW | Not specified | UM6K33NTN dissipation limited; MAX31790 likely has thermal management via package. |
| Operating Temperature Range | Up to 150°C (junction) | -40°C to 125°C (ambient) | UM6K33NTN supports higher junction temp; MAX31790 limited to 125°C ambient max. |
| Package | 6-pin UMT6 (6-TSSOP/SC-88/SOT-363) | 28-pin 4x4mm TQFN with exposed pad | MAX31790 larger, more complex package for integration and thermal dissipation. |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | Surface Mount | Both surface mount; footprint not compatible. |
| Technology | Discrete MOSFET | Fully integrated MOSFET + driver | MAX31790 integrates power stage and control logic; UM6K33NTN is bare MOSFET array. |
| Interface | None | I2C | MAX31790 supports digital control, diagnostics, and configuration; UM6K33NTN requires external control. |
| Application | General-purpose MOSFET array | Fan motor driver (BLDC) | MAX31790 specialized for motor control applications. |
Design trade-offs
The UM6K33NTN is a straightforward dual MOSFET array optimized for low-current switching up to 200mA at 50V, with a logic-level gate threshold of approximately 1V and a gate drive voltage as low as 1.2V. This makes it suitable for direct MCU GPIO driving without dedicated gate drivers, simplifying the design in low-power, low-voltage applications. The small 6-pin UMT6 package enables dense PCB layouts with minimal footprint. However, the device’s Rds(on) of 2.2Ω at 200mA and 4.5V gate drive results in relatively high conduction losses and limited efficiency, especially beyond the specified current rating. Also, the maximum power dissipation of 120mW means thermal management is critical in continuous operation near the current limit.
In contrast, the MAX31790ATI+T is a fully integrated power stage with six low-side MOSFET outputs optimized for brushless DC fan motor control. It includes on-chip gate drivers and an I2C interface for configuration, diagnostics, and control, providing a high level of system integration. The 28-pin TQFN package incorporates an exposed pad for enhanced thermal dissipation, allowing operation at higher power levels than the UM6K33NTN. The device requires a 3V to 5.5V supply, which is typical for embedded motor driver ICs, and supports complex control algorithms via I2C, which adds firmware complexity but enables adaptive control and fault monitoring. The absence of explicit current ratings and Rds(on) values in the datasheet suggests the MAX31790 is designed for mid-power motor loads rather than bare MOSFET performance metrics, emphasizing functional integration over raw transistor specs.
From a layout perspective, the UM6K33NTN’s small dual MOSFET package is easier to place in tight spaces where only discrete MOSFET switching is needed. The MAX31790 requires careful thermal layout due to its exposed pad and higher power dissipation, as well as routing for I2C signals and power supply decoupling. Firmware complexity is also a consideration: UM6K33NTN requires simple GPIO switching logic, while MAX31790 demands I2C driver development and potentially real-time motor control routines.
Cost-wise, the UM6K33NTN is expected to be significantly cheaper due to its simple construction and smaller package, making it preferable for high-volume, cost-sensitive designs that need basic switching. The MAX31790’s integration and control features come at a premium, justified only in applications where motor control flexibility and diagnostics are required.
Use-case fit
Choose UM6K33NTN when…
- You need a compact dual MOSFET solution for low-current (≤200mA) switching at up to 50V, such as power gating or load switching in portable electronics.
- Your system is driven by a low-voltage MCU GPIO line requiring a logic-level gate drive transistor without an external gate driver.
- You require a simple, low-cost discrete MOSFET solution with minimal firmware overhead and no digital interface.
- Thermal dissipation is limited to under 120mW, and junction temperatures up to 150°C are necessary for reliability.
- Your design prioritizes minimal PCB footprint and simplicity over integrated functionality.
Choose MAX31790ATI+T when…
- Designing a brushless DC fan driver or similar motor control application requiring multiple low-side switches integrated in one package.
- You need digital configurability, fault diagnostics, or adaptive control via I2C interface to optimize motor performance.
- Your system includes a 3V to 5.5V supply rail and firmware capable of supporting I2C control and monitoring.
- Thermal management can be handled via a 28-TQFN exposed pad layout, allowing higher power dissipation.
- You want a ready-to-use integrated driver stage to reduce external component count and simplify motor driver board design.
Drop-in compatibility
The UM6K33NTN and MAX31790ATI+T are not pin-compatible or footprint-compatible. The UM6K33NTN uses a 6-pin UMT6 package optimized for dual MOSFET arrays, whereas the MAX31790 uses a 28-pin 4x4mm TQFN with an exposed pad, designed for integrated motor driver functionality. Substituting one for the other requires a complete redesign of the PCB, power supply, and firmware control logic. The UM6K33NTN is a bare MOSFET array with no communication interface, while the MAX31790 requires I2C control, making them fundamentally different components.
Alternatives to consider
- Si2312DS (Vishay): A logic-level N-channel MOSFET with low Rds(on) for low-voltage load switching, suitable for replacing discrete MOSFETs in compact applications.
- DRV10983 (Texas Instruments): Integrated BLDC motor driver with sensorless control and digital interface, offering an alternative to MAX31790 with different control features.
- FDS6910 (ON Semiconductor): Dual N-channel MOSFET array in a small footprint with improved Rds(on) and current rating, for discrete MOSFET applications needing better conduction.