Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX4788EXS+T

Overview

MAX4788EXS+T from Maxim Integrated is a 100mA forward/reverse current-limiting load switch in a 4-pin SC70 package, operating from 2.3V to 5.5V with 0.7Ω on-resistance, 14ms guaranteed blanking time, and autoretry fault recovery-designed for power rail protection in portable GPS receivers and handheld communication devices.

For engineers reviewing the MAX4788EXS+T datasheet, MAX4788EXS+T pinout, MAX4788EXS+T application, or MAX4788EXS+T equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, thermal shutdown behavior, reverse-current protection limits, and autoretry timing characteristics critical for battery-powered system reliability and fault resilience.

Technical Context

The MAX4788EXS+T implements dual-direction current sensing using internal sense resistors compared against precision references to detect both forward (IN→OUT) and reverse (OUT→IN) overcurrent faults. Its autoretry architecture initiates a 98ms retry cycle after the 14ms blanking period expires under overload, enabling automatic recovery without host intervention.

It integrates undervoltage lockout (2.2V rising threshold), thermal shutdown at +150°C with 15°C hysteresis, and reverse-current protection up to 240mA. The open-drain FLAG output is omitted-consistent with the "No" flag function in the Selector Guide-distinguishing it from MAX4787 variants.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX4788EXS+T is housed in a 4-pin SC70 package (2.0mm × 1.25mm × 0.9mm), optimized for space-constrained portable designs. Pin 1 = OUT, Pin 2 = GND, Pin 3 = ON, Pin 4 = IN.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar current-limit switch applications.

Compared with MAX4787EXS+T, MAX4788EXS+T eliminates host dependency for fault recovery but sacrifices fault signaling; versus TPS22965DSGR, it trades higher current capacity for essential reverse-current blocking and blanking-making it uniquely suited for protected analog/sensor power domains.

Availability

MAX4788EXS+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for GPS receivers, smartphone accessories, portable medical sensors, and wearable fitness trackers requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges (-40°C to +85°C).

Supply support for MAX4788EXS+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) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for demanding industrial, automotive, and portable applications.

The MAX4785–MAX4788 family was designed specifically for intelligent load switching in battery-powered systems-emphasizing fault resilience, ultra-low quiescent current, and compact packaging for space-constrained portable electronics.

FAQ

What is the forward current limit specification for MAX4788EXS+T?

The MAX4788EXS+T guarantees a minimum forward current limit of 100mA, with a maximum of 240mA under specified conditions. This threshold is factory-trimmed and tested across temperature, enabling reliable overcurrent protection for 3.3V and 5V rails without external sensing components. The 100mA rating directly defines its safe continuous load capacity in applications like GPS module power control.

Does MAX4788EXS+T provide reverse-current protection?

Yes, MAX4788EXS+T provides reverse-current protection up to 240mA, actively shutting off the switch if current flows from OUT to IN beyond this limit for longer than the 14ms blanking period. This prevents backfeed into upstream supplies-a critical feature for systems with multiple power domains or shared batteries, such as smartphone docking stations where accessory power could otherwise disrupt host regulation.

How does the autoretry function work in MAX4788EXS+T?

In MAX4788EXS+T, autoretry activates after the 14ms blanking time expires during an overcurrent event: the switch turns off for a typical 98ms retry interval, then automatically attempts to re-enable. If the overload persists, the cycle repeats; if cleared, the switch remains on. This eliminates need for external reset logic-unlike the latch-off behavior of MAX4785/MAX4787-and is confirmed in the Selector Guide and Functional Diagram for MAX4788EXS+T.

What is the purpose of the blanking time in MAX4788EXS+T?

The 14ms guaranteed blanking time in MAX4788EXS+T prevents false fault triggering during benign transients-such as hot-swap inrush into capacitive loads or power-up surges-by ignoring current-limit conditions that resolve within this window. Only sustained overloads beyond 14ms initiate autoretry. This behavior is explicitly documented in the Electrical Characteristics table and Figure 2, distinguishing it from immediate-fault response in thermal or UVLO events.

Is there a FLAG output on MAX4788EXS+T?

No, MAX4788EXS+T does not include a FLAG output. The Selector Guide clearly states "No" under the FLAG Function column for MAX4788EXS, confirming it lacks the open-drain fault indicator present in MAX4785/MAX4787 variants. This simplifies routing in space-constrained layouts where host-level fault monitoring is unnecessary, relying instead on autoretry to manage transient faults autonomously.