Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1792EUA15+T

Overview

MAX1792EUA15+T from Maxim Integrated is a 500mA, low-dropout linear regulator with 1.5V fixed output voltage, ±1% accuracy over temperature, 130mV dropout at full load, and integrated active-low open-drain reset output with 4ms timeout. It uses an internal PMOS pass transistor and operates from +2.5V to +5.5V input, targeting power rails in portable battery-powered systems such as cellular phones and PDAs.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1792EUA15+T datasheet, MAX1792EUA15+T pinout, MAX1792EUA15+T application, or MAX1792EUA15+T equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 500mA output under 130mV dropout, 0.1µA shutdown current, thermal/short-circuit protection, and compatibility with low-ESR ceramic output capacitors (3.3µF) for stable regulation in space-constrained µMAX packages.

Technical Context

The MAX1792EUA15+T implements a P-channel MOSFET pass element with 0.25Ω R_DS(ON), enabling low quiescent current (80µA typical) independent of load and eliminating base-drive losses common in PNP-based regulators. Its Dual Mode™ architecture selects between factory-trimmed 1.5V output (SET tied to GND) and adjustable mode via external resistor divider.

Reset functionality is implemented with an open-drain N-channel output referenced to 93% of nominal V_OUT, with 4ms release delay after regulation recovery. Thermal shutdown activates at +170°C with 20°C hysteresis, and current limiting provides 0.55–1.8A short-circuit protection depending on output voltage margin.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAX1792EUA15+T is housed in an 8-pin Power-µMAX package (U8E+2 outline) with exposed thermal pad (EP) on the underside, requiring soldering to PCB ground plane for optimal thermal performance. Package dimensions: 3.05mm × 3.05mm × 0.8mm, 1.3W power dissipation rating at +70°C ambient.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS76315QDBVRQ1 and MCP1824T-1502E/OT, the MAX1792EUA15+T delivers 67% higher output current, 39% lower dropout, tighter voltage accuracy, and integrated reset/thermal protection - making it optimal for compact, high-reliability portable systems demanding full-feature LDO capability in minimal footprint.

Availability

MAX1792EUA15+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook computers, cellular telephones, and personal digital assistants requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle availability, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX1792EUA15+T 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, communications, computing, and consumer applications.

The MAX1792 series was developed specifically for battery-powered portable electronics needing high-output-current LDOs with ultra-low quiescent current, integrated reset, and robust thermal/overcurrent protection in miniature packages.

FAQ

What is the guaranteed output voltage accuracy of the MAX1792EUA15+T over temperature?

The MAX1792EUA15+T guarantees ±1% output voltage accuracy over the full operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C at 100mA load, and ±3% over the same range for loads from 1mA to 500mA. This specification is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table under "Output Voltage Accuracy (Preset Mode)" with test conditions explicitly referencing the MAX1792EUA15+T's 1.5V preset configuration.

Can the MAX1792EUA15+T be used with a 3.3µF output capacitor, and why is ESR important?

Yes, the MAX1792EUA15+T is designed for stable operation with a 3.3µF low-ESR ceramic output capacitor (≤0.1Ω). ESR directly impacts loop stability and transient response: higher ESR can cause oscillation or excessive overshoot during load steps, while the specified low-ESR value ensures damping and meets the 18mV typical load-transient response shown in the datasheet for 5mA→500mA steps.

Does the MAX1792EUA15+T require both IN pins (1 and 2) to be connected externally?

Yes, the MAX1792EUA15+T requires both IN pins (1 and 2) to be connected together externally to the input supply rail. This dual-pin configuration reduces effective trace resistance and inductance, improving noise rejection and transient response - a requirement explicitly stated in the Pin Description section of the datasheet for reliable operation at 500mA.

How does the reset output (RST) of the MAX1792EUA15+T behave during shutdown?

During shutdown (SHDN = GND), the RST output of the MAX1792EUA15+T is actively held low regardless of the output voltage level. This behavior is documented in the Pin Description and Detailed Description sections, ensuring a defined reset state during system sleep - unlike normal regulation mode where RST asserts only when V_OUT falls below 93% of 1.5V.

What thermal design considerations apply to the exposed pad (EP) of the MAX1792EUA15+T?

The exposed pad (EP) of the MAX1792EUA15+T is not electrically connected but serves as the primary thermal conduction path. It must be soldered to a large PCB ground plane using multiple thermal vias to achieve the rated 1.3W power dissipation. Failure to do so risks exceeding the +150°C junction limit under 500mA load, triggering thermal shutdown and disrupting regulation - as specified in the Package Information and Operating Region sections.