Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX38889AATE+T
- Part No.:
- MAX38889AATE+T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- 16-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX38889AATE+T.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK BOOST ADJ 3A 16TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MAX38889AATE+T from Maxim Integrated is a 2.5V to 5.5V, 3A reversible buck/boost regulator optimized for supercapacitor-based backup power systems. It delivers ±1% threshold accuracy, 94% peak efficiency in both charging and discharging modes, and operates across -40°C to +125°C. It enables seamless transition between main supply and backup power in handheld industrial equipment and portable devices with removable batteries.
For engineers reviewing the MAX38889AATE+T datasheet, MAX38889AATE+T pinout, MAX38889AATE+T application, or MAX38889AATE+T equivalent, this page provides verified functional context, validated pin roles, confirmed backup/charge current programmability via ISET, real-time RDY/BKB status signaling, and thermal design guidance for the 3mm × 3mm TQFN package.
Technical Context
The MAX38889AATE+T implements dual-mode adaptive control: buck regulation during supercapacitor charging (0.5V–5.5V CAP range) and boost regulation during system backup (2.5V–5.5V SYS output). Its pulse-frequency-modulation (PFM) scheme maintains high efficiency at light loads, with 4µA quiescent current in ready state and <1µA shutdown current.
It integrates True Shutdown™ to disconnect SYS from CAP and prevent reverse current when VCAP > VSYS. Peak inductor current is pin-programmable from 1A to 3A via external resistor on ISET, and dual feedback paths (FBS, FBCH, FBCR) independently set system backup voltage, supercapacitor max charge voltage, and ready threshold - all with 10mV hysteresis.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| SYS Output Voltage Range | 2.5V to 5.5V - supports wide-input industrial and portable system rails without external LDOs. |
| CAP Voltage Range | 0.5V to 5.5V - accommodates single- or multi-cell supercapacitors with full discharge utilization. |
| Peak Inductor Current Limit | Programmable 1A–3A via ISET resistor - enables optimization of inductor size, efficiency, and backup runtime. |
| Efficiency | 94% peak in both charge and discharge modes - minimizes heat generation and extends supercapacitor energy delivery. |
| Quiescent Current | 4µA in ready state - preserves supercapacitor charge for days without refresh cycling. |
| Threshold Accuracy | ±1% on UVLO and feedback thresholds - ensures precise, repeatable backup activation and charge termination. |
| Package | 3mm × 3mm, 16-pin TQFN with exposed pad - enables compact layout and low θJA = 43.3°C/W thermal resistance. |
Pinout & Package
MAX38889AATE+T uses a 3mm × 3mm, 16-pin TQFN package (package code T1633+5C) with exposed thermal pad electrically connected to GND. The pad requires ≥6 thermal vias to internal ground plane for optimal thermal performance and reliability at +125°C ambient.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ENC | Charger Enable Input | High (>950mV) enables buck-mode charging; low disables charging and reduces IQ to ≤1µA. |
| ENB | Backup Enable Input | High (>950mV) enables boost-mode backup; low disables backup and prevents SYS discharge. |
| RDY | Supercapacitor Ready Flag | Open-drain output pulled low when VFBCR < 0.5V; signals supercapacitor readiness for backup. |
| BKB | Backup Status Flag | Open-drain output pulled low when VFBS = 1.2V (backup active); indicates real-time system support. |
| CAP | Supercapacitor Terminal | Connects directly to supercapacitor anode; requires 22µF ceramic capacitor placed adjacent to pin. |
| LX (Pins 6,7,8) | Switching Node | Drives 0.47µH inductor; high di/dt node requiring short, isolated routing away from feedback traces. |
| FBCR | Ready Threshold Input | Resistor-divider from CAP sets RDY activation voltage (e.g., 1.5V); 10mV hysteresis prevents chatter. |
| FBCH | Capacitor Charge Threshold | Resistor-divider from CAP sets max supercapacitor voltage (e.g., 2.7V); 2.5% hysteresis prevents overcharge. |
| FBS | System Backup Voltage Setpoint | Resistor-divider from SYS sets regulated backup voltage (e.g., 3.0V); 1.2V/1.23V thresholds define mode transitions. |
| ISET | Current Programming Input | External resistor (33kΩ–100kΩ) sets both peak charge and backup currents per 3A × (33kΩ/RISET). |
| SYS (Pins 13,14) | System Supply Input/Output | Primary power path; bypassed with 2×47µF + 2×22µF ceramics and 1µF high-frequency filter. |
| PGND (Pins 15,16) | Power Ground | Low-impedance return for LX switching current; must be separated from analog GND except at single point. |
| GND (EP) | Analog Ground / Thermal Pad | Exposed pad tied to PCB ground plane; mandatory for thermal management and noise immunity. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Reversible Buck/Boost Architecture | Single IC manages bidirectional energy transfer between SYS rail and supercapacitor - eliminates need for separate charger + boost IC. |
| True Shutdown™ | Internally disconnects SYS from CAP and blocks reverse current when VCAP > VSYS - prevents battery drain and system instability. |
| Pin-Programmable Current Limits | ISET resistor selects identical 1A–3A peak limits for both charge and backup modes - simplifies BOM and layout across product variants. |
| Dual Independent Feedback Paths | FBS sets system backup voltage; FBCH sets supercapacitor max voltage; FBCR sets RDY threshold - enables independent, precision configuration. |
| Real-Time Status Flags | RDY and BKB open-drain outputs provide immediate, logic-level system visibility into supercapacitor readiness and active backup state. |
| Ultra-Low Quiescent Current | 4µA in ready state and <1µA in shutdown - extends supercapacitor hold-up time by orders of magnitude versus conventional solutions. |
Applications
| Handheld Industrial Equipment | Portable Devices with Removable Battery |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Power loss during field data logging or wireless transmission in ruggedized handheld meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reversible buck/boost regulator maintaining 3.0V SYS rail from supercapacitor during battery swap or main supply interruption. Use Value: Enables uninterrupted operation for ≥10s at 200mA load using 2.56F supercapacitor, eliminating data loss and reinitialization delays. |
Use Scenario: Hot-swap battery replacement in portable test instruments without powering down. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Backup power manager that sustains system voltage while battery is physically removed and reinserted. Use Value: Prevents brownout resets and firmware corruption; RDY flag confirms supercapacitor readiness before battery removal. |
| Industrial Sensor and Actuator Nodes | Aftermarket Automotive Tracking Units |
Use Scenario: Maintaining sensor calibration memory and CAN bus wake-up capability during brief mains outage in factory-floor nodes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-IQ backup regulator preserving volatile configuration and enabling instant resumption after power restoration. Use Value: 4µA ready-state current allows >7-day hold-up on 10F supercapacitor - eliminates need for backup battery maintenance. |
Use Scenario: GPS tracking continuity during vehicle ignition cycle gaps or battery terminal disconnection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency boost converter delivering stable 3.3V to GNSS module from supercapacitor during engine cranking dips. Use Value: 94% efficiency at 1A backup load extends location reporting window by 35% vs. linear solutions under same capacitance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar reversible backup regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX38887AATE+ | Lower 1.5A peak current limit; fixed 3.3V/5V SYS output options; no ISET programmability. | Targeted at lower-power sensors and wearables where 3A capability is unnecessary. | Select MAX38887AATE+ only if peak load ≤1.5A and fixed output voltage suffices - avoids resistor programming overhead. |
| TPS61094DSER | Integrated 470nF bypass capacitor; 2A peak current; no separate RDY/BKB flags; different feedback architecture. | Optimized for space-constrained IoT nodes with integrated supercapacitor charging, not high-current industrial backup. | Choose TPS61094DSER for ultra-compact designs needing integrated bypass cap and simpler enable logic - not for discrete supercapacitor banks or dual-flag monitoring. |
Compared with MAX38887AATE+ and TPS61094DSER, the MAX38889AATE+T uniquely combines 3A programmability, independent FBS/FBCH/FBCR thresholds, dual status flags, and True Shutdown™ - making it the only option qualified for demanding industrial backup where runtime, precision, and system visibility are critical.
Availability
MAX38889AATE+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for handheld industrial equipment, portable devices with removable battery, and aftermarket automotive tracking units requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX38889AATE+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 precision analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications applications - emphasizing reliability, integration, and thermal robustness.
The MAX38889AATE+T belongs to Maxim's backup power regulator product line, engineered specifically for supercapacitor-based hold-up in harsh environments where wide input range, low quiescent current, and real-time status reporting are essential.
FAQ
What is the maximum supercapacitor voltage supported by the MAX38889AATE+T?
The MAX38889AATE+T supports a supercapacitor voltage range of 0.5V to 5.5V. The maximum charge voltage is user-defined via the FBCH feedback divider - for example, setting VFBCR = 0.5V with R1+R2 = 2.2MΩ and R3 = 499kΩ yields VCAP_MAX ≈ 2.7V. This threshold includes 2.5% hysteresis to prevent oscillation near the limit.
How does the ISET pin configure both charge and backup current in the MAX38889AATE+T?
The ISET pin on the MAX38889AATE+T accepts an external resistor (33kΩ to 100kΩ) that simultaneously sets both peak inductor current limits: ILX_CHG = 3A × (33kΩ/RISET) during charging and ILX_BU = 3A × (33kΩ/RISET) during backup. This ensures matched current capability across bidirectional operation without separate programming circuits.
What is the function of the RDY and BKB pins on the MAX38889AATE+T?
The RDY pin on the MAX38889AATE+T is an open-drain output that goes high when the supercapacitor voltage crosses the FBCR threshold (e.g., 1.5V), signaling readiness for backup. The BKB pin is also open-drain and pulls low when the device enters backup mode (VFBS = 1.2V), providing real-time indication of active system support - both require 1MΩ pullup resistors to SYS.
Does the MAX38889AATE+T include protection against reverse current from CAP to SYS?
Yes, the MAX38889AATE+T implements True Shutdown™, which actively disconnects the SYS rail from the CAP terminal when VCAP exceeds VSYS. This prevents reverse current flow and protects the main supply during supercapacitor overvoltage conditions or system fault states - a key differentiator versus basic buck/boost controllers.
What is the thermal performance of the MAX38889AATE+T in its 3mm × 3mm TQFN package?
The MAX38889AATE+T in its 3mm × 3mm TQFN package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θJA) of 43.3°C/W on a four-layer board. Its exposed thermal pad must be connected to the PCB ground plane via ≥6 thermal vias to achieve this rating and sustain continuous 3A operation at +125°C ambient without derating.
MAX38889AATE+T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Function:
- Step-Up/Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck-Boost
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 2.5V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 0.5V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 5.5V
- Current - Output:
- 3A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 1.2MHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TQFN (3x3)
MAX38889AATE+T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX38889AATE+T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX38889AATE+T on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX38889AATE+T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX38889AATE+T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX38889AATE+T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX38889AATE+T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX38889AATE+T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX38889AATE+T?
MAX38889AATE+T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX38889AATE+T order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX38889AATE+T?
For technical support, including MAX38889AATE+T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX38889AATE+T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX38889AATE+T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX38889AATE+T products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX38889AATE+T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX38889AATE+T?
All MAX38889AATE+T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX38889AATE+T, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX38889AATE+T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX38889AATE+T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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