Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX16910CATA9/V+C3

Overview

MAX16910CATA9/V+C3 from Analog Devices is an automotive-qualified, ultra-low quiescent current linear regulator delivering up to 200mA output with 20µA no-load IQ and 1.6µA shutdown current. It operates from +3.5V to +30V input (transient-tolerant to +45V), supports fixed +3.3V/+5V or adjustable +1.5V to +11V outputs, and features open-drain active-low RESET with 92.5% threshold-designed for battery-powered automotive ECUs requiring cold-crank operation and load-dump resilience.

For engineers reviewing the MAX16910CATA9/V+C3 datasheet, MAX16910CATA9/V+C3 pinout, MAX16910CATA9/V+C3 application, or MAX16910CATA9/V+C3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its -40°C to +125°C operating range, 280mV dropout at 200mA, thermal/short-circuit protection, TDFN-EP 3mm × 3mm package, and RESET timeout adjustability via external capacitor-critical for microcontroller power sequencing in ADAS and body control modules.

Technical Context

The MAX16910CATA9/V+C3 implements a high-voltage BiCMOS DMOS linear regulation architecture with integrated feedback MUX, enabling user-selectable fixed or adjustable output modes via SET and SETOV pins. Its internal 1.25V reference and precision voltage divider sensing deliver ±1% output accuracy over temperature and line/load conditions.

RESET functionality uses dual comparator thresholds (92.5% VOUT) with fixed 60µs delay and externally extendable timeout via TIMEOUT pin current source (1.0µA typ). ENABLE withstands +45V and includes internal 0.65µA pulldown, supporting direct IN connection for always-on operation while maintaining 1.6µA shutdown IQ.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX16910CATA9/V+C3 is housed in an 8-pin thermally enhanced TDFN-EP package (3mm × 3mm) with exposed pad internally connected to GND. The exposed pad must be soldered to a PCB ground plane for optimal thermal performance (θJA = 41°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX16910CATA8/V+, the MAX16910CATA9/V+C3 provides tighter reset monitoring (92.5% vs. 87.5%), improving system reliability during marginal brown-out conditions; versus TPS7B6750QDGNRQ1, it offers lower IQ and smaller TDFN package at the cost of reduced output current capacity.

Availability

MAX16910CATA9/V+C3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronic control units, industrial telemetry nodes, and telecom remote terminal units requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q100 qualification and long-term production support.

Supply support for MAX16910CATA9/V+C3 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

Analog Devices is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving automotive, industrial, and communications markets since 1965.

The MAX16910 belongs to Analog Devices' automotive power management product line, engineered specifically for ultra-low-IQ operation in harsh 12V/24V vehicle environments-including cold-crank, load-dump, and extended temperature cycling.

FAQ

What is the RESET threshold voltage for MAX16910CATA9/V+C3?

The MAX16910CATA9/V+C3 features a fixed RESET threshold at 92.5% of the regulated output voltage-e.g., 4.625V for a 5V output or 3.06V for a 3.3V output. This threshold is factory-trimmed and guaranteed over -40°C to +125°C. The RESET output remains asserted for a minimum of 60µs after VOUT exceeds the threshold, and the delay can be extended using an external capacitor on the TIMEOUT pin.

Can MAX16910CATA9/V+C3 be used in adjustable-output configurations?

Yes, MAX16910CATA9/V+C3 supports adjustable output voltages from +1.5V to +11V by connecting the SET pin to IN (or >2.4V) and configuring SETOV as the feedback node with an external resistive divider. The output follows VOUT = 1.25V × (1 + R1/R2), where R2 ≤ 100kΩ. This mode retains all protections and specifications, including 20µA quiescent current and thermal shutdown.

What package type does MAX16910CATA9/V+C3 use, and how is thermal performance achieved?

MAX16910CATA9/V+C3 uses an 8-pin TDFN-EP package (3mm × 3mm) with an exposed thermal pad internally connected to GND. Thermal performance is achieved by soldering the exposed pad directly to a PCB ground plane using multiple vias, yielding θJA = 41°C/W. This enables full 200mA output capability at +125°C ambient without external heatsinking.

How does the ENABLE pin function, and what voltage levels are valid?

The ENABLE pin on MAX16910CATA9/V+C3 is active-high with VIH = 2.4V minimum and VIL = 0.4V maximum. It tolerates up to +45V, allowing direct connection to the IN rail for always-on operation. An internal 0.65µA pulldown ensures reliable shutdown when left floating or driven by high-impedance sources-critical for fail-safe behavior in automotive systems.

Is MAX16910CATA9/V+C3 qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, MAX16910CATA9/V+C3 is AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified (-40°C to +125°C) and designed for automotive use. It includes +45V input transient tolerance, load-dump resilience, thermal shutdown (+180°C), short-circuit protection (330mA), and ESD robustness (2.5kV HBM). The "/V+" suffix explicitly denotes automotive qualification per Analog Devices' ordering nomenclature.