Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1976AETA160+T

Overview

MAX1976AETA160+T from Maxim Integrated is a low-dropout linear regulator with preset 1.60V output, delivering up to 300mA continuous load current from a 1.62V–3.6V input supply while maintaining only 100mV dropout at full load. It features an active-low open-drain RESET output with 70ms delay after regulation, thermal-overload and short-circuit protection, and operates in the –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range. It is used in portable battery-powered systems requiring stable low-voltage rail generation and power-good supervision.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1976AETA160+T datasheet, MAX1976AETA160+T pinout, MAX1976AETA160+T application, or MAX1976AETA160+T equivalent, key selection considerations include guaranteed 300mA output under low-input conditions (≥1.62V), ±0.5% output accuracy over load/line/temp, 70ms RESET assertion time, shutdown current <1µA, and compatibility with 2mm × 2mm 8-pin TDFN packaging with exposed pad.

Technical Context

The MAX1976AETA160+T employs an internal p-channel MOSFET pass transistor (R_DS(ON) = 0.33Ω) enabling low quiescent current independent of load and dropout voltage. Its error amplifier compares a precision bandgap reference against a resistive feedback network to regulate output voltage, while a dedicated power-good comparator monitors V_OUT against an 82.5% threshold to control the open-drain RESET signal.

Shutdown is logic-controlled via an active-low SHDN pin that disconnects the output, pulls OUT to GND through a 1.5kΩ resistor, asserts RESET low, and reduces supply current below 1µA. Thermal protection activates at +165°C junction temperature with 15°C hysteresis, cycling the pass transistor during sustained overload.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX1976AETA160+T is housed in an 8-pin 2mm × 2mm thin DFN package with exposed thermal pad (EP), optimized for space-constrained portable designs. The package height is <0.8mm, and the EP must be soldered to a PCB ground plane for thermal performance and electrical stability.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX1976AETA160+T, TPS7A0516PDQNR offers smaller footprint but sacrifices 100mA drive and critical RESET supervision; MCP1826T-1602E/DB matches current rating but requires higher input voltage and adds external RESET circuitry complexity.

Availability

MAX1976AETA160+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone baseband power, digital camera core rails, PCMCIA card I/O interfaces, and wearable sensor hubs requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MAX1976AETA160+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 ICs for power management, sensing, and connectivity in demanding industrial, automotive, and portable applications.

The MAX1963A/MAX1976A product line delivers low-input-voltage, high-accuracy LDO regulators with integrated RESET for battery-powered equipment where efficiency, small size, and power sequencing reliability are critical.

FAQ

What is the exact output voltage of MAX1976AETA160+T and how is it set?

The MAX1976AETA160+T has a factory-trimmed fixed output voltage of 1.60V. This value is encoded in the part number suffix "160" and achieved via internal laser trimming of the feedback divider during wafer test. No external resistors are required, ensuring consistent accuracy of ±0.5% over temperature, load, and line conditions without layout sensitivity.

Does MAX1976AETA160+T require external capacitors, and what are the minimum values?

Yes, MAX1976AETA160+T requires two external ceramic capacitors: a minimum 1µF capacitor between IN and GND, and a minimum 4.7µF low-ESR (≤30mΩ) capacitor between OUT and GND. These values ensure stability across –40°C to +85°C, support 300mA load steps, and maintain PSRR >70dB below 1kHz. Placement within 2mm of respective pins is mandatory.

How does the RESET function behave during power-up and brownout events for MAX1976AETA160+T?

During power-up, MAX1976AETA160+T asserts RESET low until V_OUT reaches 1.60V and remains stable; it then deasserts after a guaranteed 70ms delay. During brownout, RESET reasserts immediately if V_OUT falls below 1.32V (82.5% of 1.60V). RESET is open-drain and requires an external pull-up to a valid logic supply.

What thermal management provisions exist for MAX1976AETA160+T in its 2mm × 2mm TDFN package?

MAX1976AETA160+T uses an exposed thermal pad (EP) on the underside of its 8-pin TDFN package. To achieve rated 300mA output at +85°C ambient, the EP must be soldered to a minimum 40mm² copper area connected to internal or external ground planes. Without this, thermal shutdown may activate above 150°C junction temperature, limiting sustained current.

Can MAX1976AETA160+T operate from a 1.65V input supply while delivering 1.60V at 300mA?

Yes, MAX1976AETA160+T can operate from 1.65V input at 300mA load because its specified dropout voltage is 100mV - meaning VIN – VOUT ≤ 100mV is sufficient. At 1.65V input and 1.60V output, the 50mV differential is well within specification, enabling full 300mA delivery with margin for line and load regulation.