Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX604CPA+
- Part No.:
- MAX604CPA+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX604CPA+.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LIN POS ADJ 500MA 8DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,124
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Product details
Overview
The MAX604CPA+ from Maxim Integrated is a 3.3V fixed-output, low-dropout linear regulator with P-channel MOSFET pass transistor, delivering up to 500mA output current, 240mV dropout at 200mA, and 15μA typical quiescent current. It operates from 2.7V to 11.5V input and features shutdown mode (2μA), reverse-current protection, and thermal overload protection - ideal for battery-powered portable instruments and solar-powered devices.
For engineers reviewing the MAX604CPA+ datasheet, MAX604CPA+ pinout, MAX604CPA+ application, or MAX604CPA+ equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage under load, quiescent current stability across temperature, shutdown threshold behavior, reverse-current protection threshold, and SOIC-8 thermal derating capability.
Technical Context
The MAX604CPA+ employs a 1.20V bandgap reference and error amplifier driving a P-channel MOSFET pass transistor, enabling ultra-low quiescent current independent of load. Its dual-mode comparator selects internal feedback (SET = GND → 3.3V) or external resistor network (1.25V–11V adjustable) based on SET pin voltage (<80mV for fixed mode).
Reverse-current protection activates when VIN falls 6–20mV below VOUT, switching substrate bias to limit reverse leakage to ≤10μA. Thermal shutdown triggers at +160°C with 10°C hysteresis, causing pulsed output during sustained overload.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 3.30V ±150mV (3.15V–3.45V) at 20μA–300mA load - ensures stable 3.3V rail for microcontrollers and sensors. |
| Dropout Voltage | 240mV typ at 200mA - enables operation down to ~3.54V input for 3.3V output in battery discharge scenarios. |
| Quiescent Current | 15μA typ, 35μA max over 0°C to +70°C - extends battery life in always-on portable systems. |
| Shutdown Current | 2μA max - reduces system standby power to near-zero in pagers and handheld meters. |
| Input Voltage Range | 2.7V to 11.5V - supports single-cell Li-ion (3.0–4.2V), multi-cell alkaline, and regulated intermediate rails. |
| Thermal Shutdown | +160°C trigger with +10°C hysteresis - prevents permanent damage during transient overloads or poor PCB heatsinking. |
| Reverse-Current Threshold | 6–20mV (VOUT – VIN) - allows seamless switchover to backup supply without backfeed into primary source. |
Pinout & Package
MAX604CPA+ uses an 8-pin plastic DIP package (0.300" wide), with pins 2,3,6,7 as GND terminals serving as thermal conduction paths. All GND pins must be soldered to large copper areas for reliable 1.8W power dissipation at TA = +70°C.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 IN | Regulator input supply | Accepts 2.7V–11.5V; connects to battery or upstream DC/DC; requires ≥0.1μF bypass capacitor. |
| 2,3,6,7 GND | Ground reference and thermal sink | All four pins must be connected to PCB ground plane; critical for thermal management in DIP package. |
| 4 OFF | Active-low shutdown control | Pulled high to IN for normal operation; logic low ≤0.4V disables regulator and reduces IQ to ≤2μA. |
| 5 SET | Feedback select and voltage programming | ≤80mV → internal 3.3V regulation; >150mV → external resistor divider sets 1.25V–11V output. |
| 8 OUT | Regulated output | Delivers up to 500mA; requires 10μF output capacitor for stability and transient response. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual Mode™ operation | Single-pin (SET) selection between factory-trimmed 3.3V output or user-adjustable 1.25V–11V via external resistors - eliminates BOM variants. |
| P-channel MOSFET pass element | Eliminates base-drive current loss; maintains 15μA IQ across full 0–500mA load range and in dropout - superior to bipolar LDOs. |
| Foldback current limiting | Reduces short-circuit current to 350mA when VOUT < 0.8V, protecting device and PCB traces during fault conditions. |
| Reverse-current protection | Automatically isolates IN from OUT when VIN drops below VOUT by 6–20mV - enables hot-swap and backup supply handover. |
| Thermal overload protection | Shuts down pass transistor at +160°C junction temperature and re-enables after 10°C cooldown - prevents catastrophic failure without external circuitry. |
Applications
| Battery-Powered Portable Instruments | Solar-Powered Remote Sensors |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld multimeter powered by two AA alkaline cells (2.4–3.2V) requiring stable 3.3V for ADC and display driver. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 3.3V LDO regulator maintaining rail integrity during battery voltage decay and load transients. Use Value: 240mV dropout enables >20% longer usable battery life vs. standard 500mV-dropout regulators; 15μA IQ minimizes self-discharge. | Use Scenario: Wireless soil moisture sensor deployed in field with small monocrystalline solar panel (3.0–4.5V output) and supercapacitor buffer. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Input-voltage tolerant 3.3V regulator that remains functional during partial shading and dawn/dusk low-light transitions. Use Value: 2.7V minimum input allows regulation even under weak illumination; reverse-current protection prevents nighttime supercapacitor discharge through solar cell. |
| Pagers and Cellular Handsets | Low-Power Industrial Data Loggers |
Use Scenario: Legacy pager with intermittent RF transmission bursts drawing 100–400mA peak current from single Li-ion cell. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main system voltage regulator supplying 3.3V to baseband processor and memory during transmit/receive cycles. Use Value: 500mA continuous rating and foldback current limiting prevent brownout during RF PA activation; fast 200μs wake-up from shutdown enables rapid paging response. | Use Scenario: Battery-operated vibration monitor logging accelerometer data every 5 minutes using ultra-low-power MCU and flash memory. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Always-on 3.3V supply for real-time clock, sensor interface, and nonvolatile storage during sleep intervals. Use Value: 2μA shutdown current extends 10-year battery life; thermal protection ensures reliability in enclosed enclosures with no airflow. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-dropout, low-IQ linear regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS76333DBVR | 300mA output, 120mV dropout at 100mA, 17μA IQ, SOT-23-5 package | Limited current headroom for 500mA loads; smaller footprint but lower thermal mass | Select when board space is constrained and peak load ≤300mA; verify thermal performance under worst-case ambient. |
| MCP1702T-3302E/MB | 250mA output, 600mV dropout at 250mA, 4μA IQ, SOT-23-3 package | Higher dropout limits usable battery range; ultra-low IQ suits multi-year coin-cell applications | Prefer for sub-250mA, ultra-long-life designs where 3.3V rail stability at low battery voltage is secondary to IQ. |
Compared with TPS76333DBVR and MCP1702T-3302E/MB, the MAX604CPA+ delivers higher output current (500mA vs. 300mA/250mA) and lower dropout (240mV vs. 120mV/600mV at respective loads), making it uniquely suited for portable instrumentation requiring both high drive capability and extended battery runtime.
Availability
MAX604CPA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered portable instruments, solar-powered remote sensors, and low-power industrial data loggers requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for MAX604CPA+ 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 demanding industrial, medical, and communications applications.
The MAX603/MAX604 product line was engineered specifically for battery-constrained systems requiring ultra-low quiescent current, low dropout, and robust protection - targeting portable instrumentation, handheld communications, and energy-harvesting endpoints.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous output current for MAX604CPA+ at 3.3V output?
The MAX604CPA+ delivers up to 500mA continuous output current when the input-to-output differential voltage is sufficiently low to stay within thermal limits. At 200mA load, dropout is 240mV typ; at 400mA, it rises to 480mV typ. Derating is required above +70°C ambient per the 9.09mW/°C plastic DIP specification.
Does MAX604CPA+ support adjustable output voltage, or is it fixed at 3.3V only?
The MAX604CPA+ supports both modes via the SET pin: connecting SET to GND configures fixed 3.3V output; applying >150mV to SET enables adjustable operation from 1.25V to 11V using external resistors. The internal 1.20V reference and zero-bias SET input allow high-impedance feedback networks.
How does reverse-current protection work in MAX604CPA+, and what is its threshold?
MAX604CPA+ monitors IN and OUT voltages and switches substrate bias to the more positive rail when VIN falls 6–20mV below VOUT. This turns off the pass transistor and limits reverse leakage to ≤10μA. The feature enables safe backup supply handover in battery-swappable or solar-battery hybrid systems.
What is the recommended input and output capacitance for stable operation of MAX604CPA+?
Use 0.1μF–10μF on IN and 10μF on OUT for stable operation across temperature and load. Capacitors smaller than 3.3μF risk oscillation; larger output capacitors improve load-transient response and PSRR above 10kHz. Ceramic or low-ESR tantalum types are preferred.
Can MAX604CPA+ be used in automotive applications?
The MAX604CPA+ is rated for 0°C to +70°C operation and lacks AEC-Q200 qualification or extended temperature grade (-40°C to +125°C). While functionally capable in cabin environments, it is not recommended for under-hood or safety-critical automotive use. For such applications, consider the MAX604ESA (-40°C to +85°C) or automotive-qualified alternatives.
MAX604CPA+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Adjustable (Fixed)
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 11.5V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.25V (3.3V)
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 11V
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 0.82V @ 400mA
- Current - Output:
- 500mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 35 µA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- -
- Control Features:
- Enable
- Protection Features:
- Over Current, Over Temperature, Reverse Polarity
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
MAX604CPA+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX604CPA+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX604CPA+ 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 MAX604CPA+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX604CPA+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX604CPA+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX604CPA+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX604CPA+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX604CPA+?
MAX604CPA+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX604CPA+ 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 MAX604CPA+?
For technical support, including MAX604CPA+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX604CPA+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX604CPA+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX604CPA+ 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 MAX604CPA+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX604CPA+?
All MAX604CPA+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX604CPA+, 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 MAX604CPA+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX604CPA+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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