Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1976AETA120+T

Overview

MAX1976AETA120+T from Maxim Integrated is a low-dropout linear regulator delivering 300mA continuous output current with 100mV dropout at full load, ±0.5% output voltage accuracy at 1.20V, and a 70ms active-low open-drain RESET flag assertion time after regulation-designed for power management in space-constrained portable electronics such as handheld computers and smart phones.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1976AETA120+T datasheet, MAX1976AETA120+T pinout, MAX1976AETA120+T application, or MAX1976AETA120+T equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 300mA load capability under 1.62V–3.6V input, thermal/short-circuit protection, logic-controlled shutdown, and compatibility with 4.7µF ceramic output capacitance for stable operation across -40°C to +85°C.

Technical Context

The MAX1976AETA120+T integrates a p-channel MOSFET pass transistor (R_DS(ON) = 0.33Ω) enabling supply current independence from load and dropout voltage, with ground current fixed at 90µA (typ) even under 300mA load or in dropout. Its internal error amplifier compares a precision reference against feedback from a fixed 1.20V output divider.

RESET functionality uses a dedicated comparator monitoring V_OUT, asserting low when output falls below 82.5% of nominal (±2.5% threshold accuracy), holding for ≥70ms after recovery; shutdown disables output, pulls RESET low, and reduces supply current to <1µA via active-low SHDN pin.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX1976AETA120+T is housed in a 6-pin thin SOT23-6 package (1.6mm × 2.9mm × 1.1mm), with exposed pad not present. Pin 1 is IN; Pin 2 is GND; Pin 3 is SHDN; Pin 4 is RESET; Pin 5 is I.C. (internally connected, leave unconnected or tie to GND); Pin 6 is OUT.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX1976AETA120+T, both alternatives lack integrated RESET supervision and deliver ≤250mA, making them unsuitable for designs requiring guaranteed 300mA load handling with synchronized power-good signaling during brownout recovery.

Availability

MAX1976AETA120+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook computers, handheld medical devices, digital cameras, and PCMCIA cards requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX1976AETA120+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 high-performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions for power management, sensing, and communications.

The MAX1976A belongs to Maxim's low-input-voltage LDO family, engineered specifically for battery-powered portable equipment demanding high accuracy, low dropout, and integrated power-supply supervision.

FAQ

What is the output voltage tolerance of MAX1976AETA120+T over temperature and load?

The MAX1976AETA120+T guarantees ±2.5% output voltage accuracy over full load (1mA–300mA), line (VIN = VOUT + 0.5V to +3.6V), and temperature (-40°C to +85°C). At +25°C, it achieves tighter ±0.5% accuracy. This specification ensures reliable core voltage delivery to processors and sensors across real-world operating conditions without external trimming.

Does MAX1976AETA120+T require external capacitors, and what values are recommended?

Yes, MAX1976AETA120+T requires two external ceramic capacitors: a minimum 1µF capacitor between IN and GND, and a 4.7µF low-ESR (≤30mΩ) capacitor between OUT and GND. These values ensure stability, transient response, and noise suppression across the full operating range. Larger output capacitance further improves load-step performance but is not required for basic functionality.

How does the RESET output behave during power-up and brownout events for MAX1976AETA120+T?

The RESET output of MAX1976AETA120+T is an active-low open-drain signal that remains asserted for ≥70ms after VOUT reaches regulation during power-up. It falls immediately if VOUT drops below 82.5% of 1.20V (i.e., ≤0.99V) during brownout or shutdown. This behavior provides deterministic microprocessor reset timing without external circuitry.

Can MAX1976AETA120+T operate from a single-cell lithium polymer battery?

Yes, MAX1976AETA120+T operates from 1.62V to 3.6V input, making it fully compatible with single-cell Li-poly batteries (nominal 3.7V, discharge down to ~2.7V). With its 100mV dropout at 300mA, it maintains 1.20V regulation until VIN falls to 1.30V - extending usable battery life beyond competing regulators with higher dropout.

What thermal protection features are built into MAX1976AETA120+T?

MAX1976AETA120+T includes thermal-overload protection that disables the pass transistor when junction temperature exceeds +165°C. After cooling by 15°C, it automatically resumes operation, producing a pulsed output during sustained overload. This safeguard prevents permanent damage during PCB layout thermal limitations or abnormal ambient conditions, ensuring robust field reliability.