Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1793EUE18

Overview

MAX1793EUE18 from Maxim Integrated is a low-dropout linear regulator (LDO) with pMOS pass transistor, delivering guaranteed 1A output current at 1.8V preset output, 210mV dropout at full load, ±1% output voltage accuracy over temperature and load, and 125µA ground current - designed for power rail regulation in space-constrained portable systems such as PDAs and cellular handsets.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1793EUE18 datasheet, MAX1793EUE18 pinout, MAX1793EUE18 application, or MAX1793EUE18 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 16-pin TSSOP-EP package with exposed thermal pad, dual-mode (fixed/adjustable) output configuration, integrated 4ms reset output, thermal-overload and short-circuit protection, and ultra-low shutdown current of 0.1µA.

Technical Context

The MAX1793EUE18 implements Dual Mode™ operation: when SET is grounded, it regulates to factory-trimmed 1.8V; when SET is connected to an external resistor divider, output is adjustable from 1.25V to 5.0V. Its internal +1.25V reference and error amplifier drive a p-channel MOSFET pass device, eliminating base-drive current and enabling stable low-I_Q performance across load and dropout conditions.

It integrates a low-V_OUT detector that asserts open-drain RST when output falls 6% below nominal (i.e., ≤1.692V), holding low for ≥4ms after recovery. Thermal shutdown activates at +170°C with ~20°C hysteresis, and current limiting provides 1.1–3.3A short-circuit protection depending on output regulation state.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAX1793EUE18 is housed in a 16-pin thermally enhanced TSSOP package (U16E-3 outline) with exposed pad (EP) for improved heat dissipation. Total package height is only 1.1mm, and footprint area is 30% smaller than SOT223.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with the MAX1793EUE18, both alternatives offer lower current ratings (150mA and 300mA), lack integrated reset outputs, and cannot sustain 1A continuous operation with sub-250mV dropout - making them unsuitable replacements in processor-core or memory-rail applications requiring guaranteed 1A delivery and system-level power sequencing.

Availability

MAX1793EUE18 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook computers, cellular handsets, and handheld instrumentation requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX1793EUE18 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 high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for demanding industrial, communications, and consumer applications.

The MAX1793EUE18 belongs to Maxim's low-dropout linear regulator product line, engineered specifically for battery-powered portable electronics needing high current, ultra-low quiescent current, and compact thermal packaging.

FAQ

What output voltage does the MAX1793EUE18 deliver, and is it adjustable?

The MAX1793EUE18 delivers a factory-trimmed, fixed 1.8V output with ±1% accuracy over –40°C to +85°C and 1mA–1A load. It supports adjustable operation from 1.25V to 5.0V when the SET pin is connected to an external resistor divider - but the MAX1793EUE18 variant itself is configured for 1.8V preset mode per its ordering code. The SET pin must be grounded to activate this preset value in the MAX1793EUE18.

What is the dropout voltage specification for the MAX1793EUE18 at full load?

The MAX1793EUE18 has a guaranteed maximum dropout voltage of 350mV at 1A load and +85°C, with a typical value of 210mV at 1A and +25°C. This means the device can maintain regulation with input as low as 2.15V (1.8V + 0.35V) - critical for extending runtime in Li-ion battery systems discharging from 4.2V down to 2.8V.

Does the MAX1793EUE18 include built-in protection features?

Yes, the MAX1793EUE18 integrates short-circuit current limiting (1.1–3.3A depending on output regulation state), thermal-overload protection (shuts down at +170°C with ~20°C hysteresis), and reverse-voltage protection on IN and OUT pins. These protections operate autonomously without external components and recover automatically after fault removal.

How is the reset output (RST) of the MAX1793EUE18 configured and used?

The RST pin on the MAX1793EUE18 is an open-drain output that goes low when V_OUT drops below 94% of 1.8V (≤1.692V) and remains low for ≥4ms after V_OUT recovers. It requires a 100kΩ pull-up resistor to OUT or another logic rail. In the MAX1793EUE18, RST is fully functional and commonly used as a power-on-reset signal for microcontrollers or FPGA configuration circuits.

What package type and thermal considerations apply to the MAX1793EUE18?

The MAX1793EUE18 uses a 16-pin TSSOP-EP package (U16E-3) with an exposed thermal pad (EP) and GND pin jointly serving as thermal conduction paths. For reliable 1A operation, both EP and pin 10 (GND) must be soldered to a minimum 1in² PCB copper area or multi-via ground plane - achieving thermal resistance < 40°C/W and enabling continuous operation at +70°C ambient.