Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1792EUA15+

Overview

MAX1792EUA15+ from Maxim Integrated is a 500mA low-dropout linear regulator with ±1% output voltage accuracy, preset to 1.5V or adjustable via external resistive divider, featuring 130mV dropout at full load and 80µA ground current - designed for power-sensitive portable systems including cellular phones and PDAs.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1792EUA15+ datasheet, MAX1792EUA15+ pinout, MAX1792EUA15+ application, or MAX1792EUA15+ equivalent, key selection considerations include guaranteed 500mA output under 2.5V–5.5V input, active-low open-drain reset with 4ms timeout, thermal shutdown at 170°C, and compatibility with low-ESR ceramic output capacitors (≥3.3µF).

Technical Context

The MAX1792EUA15+ uses an internal PMOS pass transistor (R_DS(ON) ≈ 0.25Ω) enabling low dropout and load-independent 80µA quiescent current. Its Dual Mode™ architecture selects between factory-trimmed 1.5V output (SET tied to GND) or adjustable mode (SET biased at 1.25V) based on SET pin voltage threshold (50–150mV).

It integrates a 1.25V reference, error amplifier, current-limit logic (0.55–1.8A short-circuit limit), thermal sensor (170°C trip, 20°C hysteresis), and open-drain RST output that asserts low when V_OUT falls below 90–96% of nominal and releases after ≥1.5ms delay upon recovery.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAX1792EUA15+ is housed in an 8-pin Power-µMAX package (U8E+2 outline) with exposed thermal pad (EP) on underside - requires soldering EP and GND pins to PCB ground plane for optimal thermal performance (θ_JA minimized, P_D up to 1.3W at T_A = +70°C).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS76315QDBVRQ1 and MCP1700T-1502E/MB, the MAX1792EUA15+ uniquely supports 500mA loads with integrated reset and Dual Mode™ adjustability - making it the only option among the three capable of powering modern portable SoC I/O rails while providing autonomous power-good signaling.

Availability

MAX1792EUA15+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook computers, cellular telephones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and USB hubs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX1792EUA15+ 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) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, communications, and consumer applications.

The MAX1792EUA15+ belongs to Maxim's µMAX low-dropout regulator family - engineered for battery-powered portable equipment demanding high accuracy, low quiescent current, and integrated system supervision features like reset outputs.

FAQ

What output voltage does the MAX1792EUA15+ deliver, and how is it configured?

The MAX1792EUA15+ is factory-trimmed to deliver a precise 1.5V output with ±1% accuracy across temperature and load. Configuration is automatic: tie the SET pin to GND to activate preset mode. The "15" suffix in MAX1792EUA15+ explicitly denotes this 1.5V variant. No external resistors are needed unless adjustable operation is required - in which case the MAX1792EUA15+ supports 1.25V–5.0V via external divider.

Does the MAX1792EUA15+ include built-in protection features, and what are their thresholds?

Yes, the MAX1792EUA15+ integrates short-circuit protection (0.55–1.8A current limit), thermal shutdown (170°C trip with 20°C hysteresis), and input undervoltage lockout (2.0–2.3V). It also features output current limiting that doubles to ≥1.6A when V_OUT is within 4% of nominal - enhancing robustness during dynamic load transients. These protections operate autonomously without external components.

How does the RST pin on the MAX1792EUA15+ function, and what external components are required?

The RST pin on the MAX1792EUA15+ is an open-drain, active-low output that asserts low when V_OUT drops below 90–96% of its nominal value and releases high-impedance ≥1.5ms after V_OUT recovers. To generate a logic-high signal, a pullup resistor (e.g., 100kΩ to OUT) is required. When unused, RST may be left floating or grounded - but must not be tied directly to V_IN or other voltage domains.

What is the recommended PCB layout practice for thermal management of the MAX1792EUA15+?

Optimal thermal performance for the MAX1792EUA15+ requires soldering both the exposed thermal pad (EP) and GND pin to a large copper pour or internal ground plane using multiple thermal vias. The 8-pin Power-µMAX package achieves its rated 1.3W dissipation only when EP is fully connected - failure to do so risks thermal shutdown at <300mA load. Keep high-current traces short and wide, especially between IN/OUT pins and their respective capacitors.

Can the MAX1792EUA15+ operate with input voltages below 2.5V, and what happens near dropout?

No - the MAX1792EUA15+ has a minimum input voltage specification of 2.5V per Absolute Maximum Ratings and Electrical Characteristics tables. Operation below this violates guaranteed performance and may cause UVLO activation or regulation loss. Near dropout (VIN − VOUT ≈ 130mV), ground current remains stable at ~80µA, and the PMOS pass transistor maintains regulation without saturation-related inefficiency - unlike bipolar-based LDOs.