Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1792EUA18

Overview

The MAX1792EUA18 from Maxim Integrated is a 500mA low-dropout linear regulator with preset 1.8V output, operating from +2.5V to +5.5V input, delivering ±1% output voltage accuracy and 130mV dropout at full load-designed for power rail regulation in portable battery-powered systems such as cellular phones and notebook computers.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1792EUA18 datasheet, MAX1792EUA18 pinout, MAX1792EUA18 application, or MAX1792EUA18 equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 500mA output current, 80µA ground current independent of load, 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 MAX1792EUA18 employs an internal PMOS pass transistor (R_DS(ON) ≈ 0.25Ω) enabling low dropout and load-independent quiescent current. Its Dual Mode™ architecture selects between factory-trimmed 1.8V output (SET tied to GND) and adjustable mode (via external resistor divider on SET pin), with V_SET threshold at 1.25V and dual-mode switching at 50–150mV.

It integrates precision functions including a 1.25V reference, error amplifier, thermal overload protection with 20°C hysteresis, short-circuit current limiting (0.55–1.8A), and a dedicated open-drain RST output that asserts low when V_OUT falls below 93% of nominal and releases after 1.5–8ms delay upon recovery.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAX1792EUA18 is housed in an 8-pin Power-µMAX package (U8E+2) with exposed thermal pad (EP) on underside for enhanced heat dissipation; requires soldering EP and GND pins to PCB ground plane for optimal thermal performance and 1.3W continuous power handling.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS76318DBVR and MCP1825-1802E/DB, the MAX1792EUA18 uniquely combines 500mA capability, 130mV dropout, integrated RST with programmable timing, and thermal hysteresis-all in a thermally enhanced µMAX package-making it optimal for space-constrained, battery-critical designs requiring autonomous fault management.

Availability

MAX1792EUA18 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular telephones, notebook computers, and USB hubs requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle support and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX1792EUA18 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 MAX1792 belongs to Maxim's Power Management product line, engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, high-accuracy regulation in portable battery-operated equipment where extended runtime and thermal reliability are critical design requirements.

FAQ

What output voltage does the MAX1792EUA18 deliver?

The MAX1792EUA18 delivers a factory-trimmed, fixed 1.8V output with ±1% accuracy over -40°C to +85°C and 1mA–500mA load range. This value is confirmed in the Selector Guide and Electrical Characteristics table under "Preset VOUT" for suffix "18". The SET pin must be connected to GND to activate this preset mode; leaving it floating or improperly biased may cause regulation failure.

Does the MAX1792EUA18 require external components for stable operation?

Yes, the MAX1792EUA18 requires a 1µF ceramic capacitor between IN and GND, and a 3.3µF low-ESR (≤0.1Ω) ceramic capacitor between OUT and GND for guaranteed stability across temperature and load. The datasheet specifies these values in the Applications Information section and warns that omitting or undersizing C_OUT risks oscillation and poor transient response.

How does the RST pin function on the MAX1792EUA18?

The RST pin on the MAX1792EUA18 is an open-drain, active-low output that goes low when V_OUT drops below 93% of its nominal 1.8V value (i.e., ≤1.674V) and remains low for ≥4ms after V_OUT recovers. It requires an external pullup resistor (e.g., 100kΩ to OUT) to generate a logic-high signal. During shutdown, RST is forced low regardless of V_OUT.

What thermal considerations apply to the MAX1792EUA18 in PCB layout?

The MAX1792EUA18 features an exposed thermal pad (EP) that must be soldered to a large PCB ground plane using multiple thermal vias. Failure to do so limits power dissipation to <0.5W and risks thermal shutdown at ambient temperatures >50°C. The datasheet specifies 1.3W maximum dissipation only when EP and GND pins are properly thermally coupled to copper area.

Can the MAX1792EUA18 be used in adjustable-output configurations?

No - the MAX1792EUA18 is a fixed 1.8V variant. While the underlying MAX1792 family supports adjustable output via the SET pin, the "EUA18" suffix denotes factory-trimmed 1.8V operation. Using external resistors on SET will not yield a stable or accurate output; only parts with "ADJ" or unspecified suffix (e.g., MAX1792EUA/V+) support true adjustability.