Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1792EUA33+T

Overview

MAX1792EUA33+T from Maxim Integrated is a 500mA, 3.3V fixed-output low-dropout linear regulator featuring an internal PMOS pass transistor, ±1% output voltage accuracy over temperature and load, 130mV dropout at full load, and integrated active-low open-drain reset with 4ms timeout - designed for power rail regulation in portable battery-powered systems such as notebook computers and USB hubs.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1792EUA33+T datasheet, MAX1792EUA33+T pinout, MAX1792EUA33+T application, or MAX1792EUA33+T equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 500mA output under 130mV dropout, 80µA ground current at light load, 0.1µA shutdown current, thermal and short-circuit protection, and compatibility with 3.3µF low-ESR ceramic output capacitors.

Technical Context

The MAX1792EUA33+T employs a P-channel MOSFET pass element with 0.25Ω R_DS(ON), enabling low dropout and load-independent quiescent current. Its Dual Mode™ architecture selects between factory-trimmed 3.3V output (SET tied to GND) and adjustable mode via external resistor divider, with V_SET threshold of 1.25V ±1.5%.

It integrates a 1.25V reference, error amplifier, thermal shutdown (170°C trip, 20°C hysteresis), current limiting (0.55–1.8A depending on output regulation status), and open-drain RST output referenced to 93% of nominal V_OUT with 1.5–8ms release delay.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX1792EUA33+T is housed in an 8-pin Power-µMAX package (U8E+2 outline) with exposed thermal pad (EP) on underside for enhanced heat dissipation. The package measures 3.0mm × 3.0mm × 0.8mm and requires soldering of EP and GND pins to PCB ground plane for thermal compliance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS76333DBVR and MCP1700-3302E/TO, MAX1792EUA33+T delivers 67% higher output current, 23% lower dropout at rated load, integrated reset signaling, and full thermal/short-circuit protection - making it optimal for demanding portable computing and interface power applications where reliability and headroom are critical.

Availability

MAX1792EUA33+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook computers, USB hubs, and cellular telephones requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX1792EUA33+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 is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in analog and mixed-signal ICs for power management, sensing, and communications.

The MAX1792 product line delivers high-current, low-dropout linear regulators with integrated protection and precision voltage references - engineered specifically for battery-powered portable electronics demanding efficiency, reliability, and small form factor.

FAQ

What is the guaranteed dropout voltage of MAX1792EUA33+T at 500mA load?

The guaranteed maximum dropout voltage of MAX1792EUA33+T at 500mA load is 210mV (typical 130mV), defined as VIN – VOUT when VOUT drops 100mV below its nominal value. This specification applies under conditions where VIN ≥ VOUT + 0.5V and TA = 0°C to +85°C. At 3.3V output, this allows operation down to VIN = 3.51V while maintaining regulation - critical for extending runtime in Li-ion powered devices.

Does MAX1792EUA33+T require external components for stable operation?

Yes, MAX1792EUA33+T requires two external capacitors: a 1µF ceramic capacitor between IN and GND, and a 3.3µF low-ESR (≤0.1Ω) ceramic capacitor between OUT and GND. These are mandatory for stability across temperature and load. For output voltages below 2V, a 4.7µF output capacitor is recommended. The RST pin also requires a 100kΩ pullup resistor to OUT for functional reset signaling.

How does the RST output of MAX1792EUA33+T behave during shutdown?

During shutdown (SHDN = GND), the RST output of MAX1792EUA33+T is actively held low regardless of VOUT level - unlike normal operation where RST releases after VOUT exceeds 93% of nominal for 4ms. This ensures a deterministic reset state during system sleep, preventing spurious wakeups. The RST pin remains low until SHDN is released and VOUT stabilizes above 3.069V.

Can MAX1792EUA33+T be used in adjustable-output configurations?

Yes, MAX1792EUA33+T supports adjustable output from 1.25V to 5.0V by disconnecting SET from GND and connecting it to a resistive divider between OUT and GND. With VSET = 1.25V ±1.5%, R2 should be selected between 25kΩ and 100kΩ, and R1 calculated using R1 = R2 × ((VOUT / 1.25) – 1). The device retains all protections and specifications in adjustable mode, including 500mA output and thermal shutdown.

What thermal design considerations apply to MAX1792EUA33+T in the Power-µMAX package?

MAX1792EUA33+T's Power-µMAX package features an exposed thermal pad (EP) that must be soldered to the PCB ground plane using multiple thermal vias. GND pin 5 also serves as a heatsink. Without proper thermal coupling, the device cannot sustain its 1.3W maximum power dissipation rating. At 500mA and 2V dropout (1W dissipation), junction temperature rise depends critically on θ_JA; inadequate layout may trigger thermal shutdown at ambient >70°C.