Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX38902AATA+T

Overview

MAX38902AATA+T from Analog Devices is a low-noise, pin-selectable 500mA LDO linear regulator in an 8-pin TDFN package, delivering ±1% DC output accuracy over load, line, and temperature with only 10.5µVRMS noise (10Hz–100kHz) and 100mV max dropout at full load. It supports nine fixed output voltages (1.2V to 5.0V), features active discharge (800Ω), programmable soft-start via BYP capacitor, and integrated overcurrent/thermal protection - ideal for powering sensitive analog circuitry in high-resolution data acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX38902AATA+T datasheet, MAX38902AATA+T pinout, MAX38902AATA+T application, or MAX38902AATA+T equivalent, key selection criteria include its ultra-low noise floor, pin-selectable voltage configuration without external resistors, 365µA no-load quiescent current independent of dropout, and compatibility with minimal 2µF output capacitance for stability.

Technical Context

The MAX38902AATA+T implements a pMOS-based LDO architecture with internal 0.6V reference and precision error amplifier, enabling stable regulation across 1.7V–5.5V input while maintaining tight ±1% output accuracy. Its pin-selectable output logic reads SELA/SELB states only at power-up, supporting nine discrete voltages without external feedback components.

It integrates active discharge (800Ω pull-down from OUT to GND when EN = low), reverse-current protection triggered at V_IN < V_OUT – 10mV, and thermal shutdown cycling between +150°C (restart) and +165°C (shutdown). Soft-start slew rate is programmable via 0.001µF–0.1µF BYP-to-OUT capacitor, with default 5V/ms at 0.01µF.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX38902AATA+T is housed in an 8-pin, 2mm × 2mm TDFN package (package code T822+3C) with exposed pad (EP) for thermal dissipation. The exposed pad must be soldered to a PCB ground plane with ≥4 thermal vias for optimal junction temperature control (θ_JA = 102°C/W on 4-layer board).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX8902AATA+ and TPL7407LADGNR, the MAX38902AATA+T uniquely combines pin-selectable voltage, 10.5µVRMS noise, and active discharge in a compact TDFN - making it the sole option among these three for precision, sequenced, and noise-sensitive analog power domains.

Availability

MAX38902AATA+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-resolution data acquisition systems, audio signal processing modules, and communication baseband circuits requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MAX38902AATA+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

Analog Devices, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets since 1965.

The MAX38902 family was designed specifically for noise-critical analog power domains - targeting high-resolution data converters, precision instrumentation, and low-jitter clocking systems where conventional LDOs introduce measurable SNR degradation.

FAQ

What output voltages does the MAX38902AATA+T support?

The MAX38902AATA+T supports nine fixed output voltages selected via SELA and SELB pins: 1.2V, 1.5V, 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.0V, 3.1V, 3.3V, 4.0V, and 5.0V. These states are latched at power-up and remain fixed until EN or IN is cycled. No external resistors are needed - the configuration is purely pin-strapped, simplifying design and reducing component count for the MAX38902AATA+T.

Does the MAX38902AATA+T include active discharge, and how does it function?

Yes, the MAX38902AATA+T includes an integrated 800Ω active discharge path from OUT to GND that engages automatically when the EN pin is driven low. This rapidly discharges output capacitors - critical for safe, predictable power-down sequencing in multi-rail systems. Unlike passive discharge, this feature ensures deterministic discharge time independent of external circuitry, directly enhancing system reliability for the MAX38902AATA+T.

What is the minimum output capacitance required for stability with the MAX38902AATA+T?

The MAX38902AATA+T is stable with a minimum 2µF ceramic output capacitor (including voltage and temperature derating), such as a 4.7µF X5R/X7R part. This low requirement enables use of small, cost-effective MLCCs and supports compact layouts. Stability is maintained across the full 1.7V–5.5V input range and 0.6V–5.3V output range - a key design advantage of the MAX38902AATA+T over older LDO architectures.

How is soft-start controlled on the MAX38902AATA+T, and what is its range?

Soft-start on the MAX38902AATA+T is controlled by the capacitor connected between BYP and OUT. Using a 0.001µF–0.1µF capacitor sets the output slew rate from 0.5V/ms to 50V/ms, calculated as StartupSlewRate = (5V/ms) × (0.01µF / C_BYP). This programmability prevents input inrush current and allows precise timing alignment in complex power-up sequences - a configurable feature unique to the MAX38902AATA+T.

Is the MAX38902AATA+T compatible with the MAX8902 series, and what are the key differences?

Yes, the MAX38902AATA+T is pin-to-pin compatible with the MAX8902AATA+ in the same 8-pin TDFN package and shares identical SELA/SELB logic. However, the MAX38902AATA+T delivers 10.5µVRMS noise (vs. 25µVRMS), adds active discharge, improves PSRR to 70dB at 10kHz, and reduces quiescent current to 365µA - making it a superior drop-in upgrade for noise-sensitive applications requiring the MAX38902AATA+T's enhanced specifications.