Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1976AEZT160+

Overview

MAX1976AEZT160+ from Maxim Integrated is a low-dropout linear regulator with integrated reset functionality, designed for battery-powered portable electronics. It delivers 300mA continuous output current with ±0.5% output voltage accuracy at 1.60V, operates from 1.62V to 3.6V input, and features a 70ms active-low open-drain RESET flag-ideal for microprocessor power sequencing in handheld devices.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1976AEZT160+ datasheet, MAX1976AEZT160+ pinout, MAX1976AEZT160+ application, or MAX1976AEZT160+ equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 300mA load capability under 100mV dropout, thermal/short-circuit protection, logic-controlled shutdown, and compatibility with low-ESR ceramic capacitors (1µF IN, 4.7µF OUT).

Technical Context

The MAX1976AEZT160+ uses an internal p-channel MOSFET pass transistor (R_DS(ON) = 0.33Ω) enabling supply current independence from load and dropout voltage. Its error amplifier compares a precision reference against internal feedback to regulate output voltage across temperature, line, and load variations.

Reset functionality is implemented via a dedicated comparator monitoring V_OUT; it asserts low when V_OUT falls below 82.5% of nominal and remains asserted ≥70ms after regulation is achieved. Thermal shutdown activates at +165°C with 15°C hysteresis, ensuring safe operation during overload.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX1976AEZT160+ is housed in a lead-free, RoHS-compliant 6-pin thin SOT23 package (1.6mm × 2.9mm × 1.1mm), optimized for space-constrained portable designs. The exposed pad is not present in this variant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX1963AEZT160+, the MAX1976AEZT160+ provides extended reset timing critical for complex processors, while versus XC6219B162MR-G, it integrates supervision without external components-reducing footprint and improving reliability in space-constrained medical and portable designs.

Availability

MAX1976AEZT160+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone baseband power, digital camera core logic, PCMCIA I/O regulation, and handheld medical diagnostic device MCU supply requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX1976AEZT160+ 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management solutions for portable, industrial, and communications systems.

The MAX1963A/MAX1976A product line was engineered specifically for ultra-low-voltage, high-accuracy power regulation in battery-powered portable equipment-emphasizing minimal dropout, tight output tolerance, and integrated supervisory functions.

FAQ

What is the exact output voltage of MAX1976AEZT160+ and how is it set?

The MAX1976AEZT160+ delivers a factory-trimmed, fixed output voltage of 1.60V. This value is laser-trimmed during wafer test and does not require external resistors or configuration pins. The "160" suffix in the part number explicitly denotes the 1.60V output, confirmed in Maxim's Selector Guide and Electrical Characteristics table where V_OUT = 1.60V is specified under the 160 suffix row.

Does MAX1976AEZT160+ require external capacitors, and what values are mandatory?

Yes, MAX1976AEZT160+ 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 are specified in the Applications Information section and Typical Operating Circuit diagram; using smaller or higher-ESR capacitors risks instability, poor transient response, or oscillation.

How does the RESET function behave during power-up and brownout events for MAX1976AEZT160+?

During power-up, the RESET output of MAX1976AEZT160+ remains low until V_OUT reaches 1.60V and remains stable for ≥70ms, then releases high. During brownout, RESET asserts low immediately if V_OUT drops below 82.5% of 1.60V (i.e., ≤1.32V). This behavior is guaranteed per the RESET Output section, with t_RP = 70ms (min) and reset threshold accuracy of 80%–85% V_OUT.

What thermal protection mechanisms are built into MAX1976AEZT160+?

MAX1976AEZT160+ incorporates thermal-overload protection that disables the pass transistor when junction temperature exceeds +165°C. After shutdown, the device re-enables once the die cools by 15°C (hysteresis), resulting in pulsed output under sustained overload. This feature is documented in the Thermal Protection section and Absolute Maximum Ratings, with T_SHDN = +165°C and ΔT_SHDN = 15°C.

Is MAX1976AEZT160+ pin-compatible with other variants in the MAX1963A/MAX1976A family?

Yes, MAX1976AEZT160+ shares identical pinout and package (6-pin thin SOT23) with all other SOT23 variants in the MAX1963A/MAX1976A family, including MAX1963AEZT160+. Pin mapping is consistent across IN, GND, SHDN, RESET, I.C., and OUT terminals per the Pin Description table-enabling drop-in replacement where RESET timing requirements align.