Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX16038LLA23+

Overview

The MAX16038LLA23+ from Maxim Integrated is an 8-pin μDFN low-power supervisory IC with watchdog timer, active-low push-pull reset output, and factory-set 2.32V reset threshold. It monitors VCC (1.2V–5.5V), asserts reset during brownout or manual trigger, switches OUT to battery backup when VCC drops below threshold, and provides power-fail warning via PFI/PFO. It is used in portable POS terminals and microprocessor systems requiring reliable power sequencing and data retention.

For engineers reviewing the MAX16038LLA23+ datasheet, MAX16038LLA23+ pinout, MAX16038LLA23+ application, or MAX16038LLA23+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.6s watchdog timeout, 13µA quiescent current, 140ms minimum reset timeout, push-pull RESET output structure, and 2mm × 2mm 8-pin μDFN package compatible with space-constrained embedded designs.

Technical Context

The MAX16038LLA23+ implements a dedicated watchdog timer with 1.00–2.25s timeout (typ 1.65s) triggered by WDI edge transitions or sustained high/low states. Its reset generator uses a precision bandgap reference to maintain ±1.5% accuracy over -40°C to +85°C for the 2.32V threshold (VTH = 2.25V min / 2.38V max).

It integrates a battery switchover MOSFET with <4.6Ω VCC-to-OUT on-resistance at 2.5V and <0.2V dropout in backup mode, plus independent power-fail comparator (VPFI = 1.235V ±50mV) with 4µs propagation delay and 1% hysteresis. All logic inputs (WDI, PFI, GND-referenced) tolerate -0.3V to (VOUT + 0.3V) voltage range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX16038LLA23+ is housed in a thermally enhanced 2mm × 2mm, 8-pin µDFN package with exposed thermal pad (pin 8). The package supports reflow soldering per JEDEC J-STD-020 and operates up to 85°C ambient.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar supervisory applications.

Compared with MAX16034LLA23+, MAX16038LLA23+ reduces pin count and PCB area while retaining identical reset threshold, watchdog, and power-fail functions; compared with TPS3808G125DBVR, it delivers integrated supervision (watchdog + switchover) with lower quiescent current and push-pull drive-critical for battery-backed real-time systems.

Availability

MAX16038LLA23+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable POS terminals, industrial microcontroller systems, set-top box memory backup, and real-time clock power management requiring stable component supply across automotive-grade temperature ranges and long-lifecycle production programs.

Supply support for MAX16038LLA23+ includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for industrial, computing, and communications applications.

The MAX16033–MAX16040 family was engineered to replace discrete power-monitoring circuits in µP systems, integrating reset, watchdog, battery switchover, and power-fail warning into ultra-small µDFN packages for space- and power-constrained embedded devices.

FAQ

What is the reset threshold voltage of the MAX16038LLA23+?

The MAX16038LLA23+ has a factory-set reset threshold voltage of 2.32V, with guaranteed minimum and maximum values of 2.25V and 2.38V respectively across -40°C to +85°C. This threshold is laser-trimmed during production and does not require external resistors. The MAX16038LLA23+ uses this precise value to assert RESET when VCC falls below specification, ensuring µP reliability during brownout conditions.

Does the MAX16038LLA23+ support battery backup functionality?

Yes, the MAX16038LLA23+ provides fully automatic battery backup switching. When VCC drops below the 2.32V reset threshold and falls below VBATT minus 40mV hysteresis, the internal MOSFET connects BATT to OUT. In backup mode, OUT maintains regulated output with <0.2V dropout at 5mA load, and the device draws only 1–2µA from the battery (VBATT = 2.8V), enabling multi-year retention in SRAM applications.

What is the watchdog timeout period for the MAX16038LLA23+?

The MAX16038LLA23+ features a watchdog timer with a typical timeout period of 1.65 seconds, specified from 1.00s to 2.25s over temperature. The timer resets on any rising or falling edge at the WDI pin and triggers a RESET pulse if WDI remains static beyond this window. This behavior is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table and Typical Operating Characteristics (Figure 14), making MAX16038LLA23+ suitable for detecting µP firmware hangs without software overhead.

Is the RESET output of the MAX16038LLA23+ push-pull or open-drain?

The MAX16038LLA23+ features an active-low push-pull RESET output, indicated by the "L" suffix in its part number (MAX16038LLA23+). This configuration drives the output actively high or low without requiring an external pull-up resistor. It delivers 0.3V VOL at 1.6mA sink current and 0.8×VCC VOH when deasserted, simplifying interface to µP reset pins and reducing BOM count compared to open-drain alternatives.

What package type and dimensions does the MAX16038LLA23+ use?

The MAX16038LLA23+ is packaged in a 2mm × 2mm, 8-pin µDFN (micro Dual Flat No-lead) with exposed thermal pad. Pin pitch is 0.5mm, and total height is 0.55mm max. This RoHS-compliant, lead-free package supports standard reflow profiles and provides superior thermal performance for high-density layouts. The pinout matches the MAX16037–MAX16040 8-pin variant group, as documented in the Pin Description section of the datasheet.