Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1806EUA15

Overview

MAX1806EUA15 from Maxim Integrated is a 1.5V fixed-output, 500mA low-dropout linear regulator featuring ±1% output voltage accuracy, 175mV dropout at full load, and 210µA ground current. It uses an internal PMOS pass transistor and delivers stable power to core logic rails in portable and space-constrained systems such as PDAs, USB hubs, and docking stations.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1806EUA15 datasheet, MAX1806EUA15 pinout, MAX1806EUA15 application, or MAX1806EUA15 equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 500mA output under 175mV dropout, active-low POK monitoring, 0.02µA shutdown current, thermal overload protection, and compatibility with 1µF/10µF ceramic input/output capacitors.

Technical Context

The MAX1806EUA15 implements a dual-mode feedback architecture: SET pin grounded selects factory-trimmed 1.5V output, while external resistor divider enables adjustable operation (0.8V–4.5V). Its internal 0.4Ω PMOS pass transistor eliminates base-drive current, enabling ultra-low quiescent operation.

It integrates a precision 0.8V reference, error amplifier, open-drain POK comparator (93% V_OUT threshold), thermal shutdown at +170°C with 20°C hysteresis, and short-circuit current limiting (~1.4A typical). The device operates across –40°C to +85°C with input voltage range +2.25V to +5.5V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX1806EUA15 is housed in an 8-pin Power-µMAX package with exposed thermal pad on the underside for enhanced heat dissipation. The package measures 3mm × 3mm × 0.8mm and requires soldering of both GND pin (5) and the exposed pad to PCB ground plane.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS7A2015PDQNR and MCP1700T-1502E/TT, MAX1806EUA15 uniquely combines 500mA drive, 175mV dropout, integrated POK, and thermal hysteresis in a thermally optimized 8-pin µMAX - making it the only option for industrial portable systems requiring simultaneous high current, low dropout, and system-level fault signaling.

Availability

MAX1806EUA15 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB hubs, portable PDAs, docking stations, base station control modules, and industrial embedded systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX1806EUA15 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 semiconductor design house specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for industrial, communications, and consumer applications.

The MAX1806 series was designed specifically for portable and space-constrained systems needing high-current, low-dropout regulation with integrated power monitoring and thermal safety - targeting battery-powered computing and connectivity devices.

FAQ

What is the output voltage tolerance of MAX1806EUA15 over temperature and load?

The MAX1806EUA15 guarantees ±1% output voltage accuracy over –40°C to +85°C and 1mA to 500mA load current, with typical deviation less than ±0.5% at +25°C. This specification is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table under "Output Voltage Accuracy (Preset Mode)" and applies directly to the MAX1806EUA15 variant with top-mark "AAAJ".

Does MAX1806EUA15 require external resistors to set its 1.5V output?

No. The MAX1806EUA15 has its 1.5V output internally trimmed and factory-preset; the SET pin must be connected to GND for normal operation. Unlike adjustable variants (e.g., MAX1806EUAxx with "x" > 0), the MAX1806EUA15 does not use external resistors - simplifying layout and eliminating resistor tolerance errors.

How does the POK pin function on MAX1806EUA15, and what pullup is recommended?

The POK pin on MAX1806EUA15 is an open-drain output that goes high-impedance when V_OUT ≥ 93% of 1.5V (i.e., ≥1.395V) and pulls low otherwise. A 100kΩ pullup resistor from POK to OUT is specified in the Typical Operating Circuit and ensures proper logic-level signaling to microcontrollers without loading the output rail.

What thermal management is required for MAX1806EUA15 at 500mA continuous load?

At 500mA and 1.5V output with VIN = 3.3V, MAX1806EUA15 dissipates ~0.9W. To maintain junction temperature ≤+150°C, the exposed thermal pad and GND pin (5) must be soldered to a minimum 100mm² copper area on the PCB - per the Package Information and Thermal Protection sections of the datasheet.

Can MAX1806EUA15 be used with ceramic output capacitors, and what ESR is required?

Yes. MAX1806EUA15 is optimized for ceramic output capacitors: a 10µF, low-ESR (<0.1Ω) X5R/X7R type is explicitly recommended in the Applications Information section. This ensures stability, low noise, and optimal load-transient response - verified in the "REGION OF STABLE COUT ESR vs. LOAD CURRENT" plot (toc12).