Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX604CSA+

Overview

The MAX604CSA+ 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 typical 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 MAX604CSA+ datasheet, MAX604CSA+ pinout, MAX604CSA+ application, or MAX604CSA+ equivalent, key selection considerations include its fixed 3.3V output, SO-8 package thermal performance, Dual Mode™ adjustable capability (1.25V–11V), dropout behavior under load, and reverse-current protection threshold of 6–20mV.

Technical Context

The MAX604CSA+ uses an internal 1.20V bandgap reference and error amplifier to regulate output via a P-channel MOSFET pass transistor, eliminating base-drive current losses inherent in bipolar regulators. Its dual-mode comparator selects feedback path based on SET pin voltage (<80mV for fixed mode).

Reverse-current protection actively switches substrate bias between IN and OUT pins when VIN falls below VOUT by ≥6mV, limiting reverse leakage to ≤10μA. Thermal shutdown activates at +160°C with 10°C hysteresis, enabling pulsed operation during overload without damage.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX604CSA+ is housed in an 8-pin SOIC (SO-8) package rated for 1.8W continuous power dissipation at +70°C ambient, with GND pins (2,3,6,7) serving as thermal heatsinks - requires soldering to large copper planes for optimal thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-dropout, low-IQ linear regulator applications.

Compared with TPS76333DBVR and MCP1700T-3302E/MB, the MAX604CSA+ uniquely combines 500mA output, SO-8 thermal robustness, integrated shutdown, and reverse-current blocking - making it the only option among the three qualified for high-current, battery-backup, and industrial portable use cases.

Availability

MAX604CSA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered devices, portable instruments, and solar-powered instruments requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX604CSA+ 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 precision analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, medical, and communications applications.

The MAX603/MAX604 series was designed specifically for battery-constrained systems requiring ultra-low quiescent current, low dropout, and robust protection - targeting portable instrumentation, pagers, and cellular handsets in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

FAQ

What output voltage does the MAX604CSA+ deliver?

The MAX604CSA+ delivers a factory-trimmed fixed output of 3.30V ±1.5% (3.15V–3.45V) across load currents from 20μA to 300mA and input voltages from 4.3V to 11.5V. This specification is guaranteed per the datasheet's Electrical Characteristics table and applies to the MAX604CSA+ variant specifically - not the adjustable MAX603/MAX604 family members.

Can the MAX604CSA+ be used in adjustable-output configurations?

Yes, the MAX604CSA+ supports adjustable output from 1.25V to 11V via external resistors connected to the SET pin, enabled by its Dual Mode™ architecture. When SET is grounded, it defaults to 3.3V; when biased with a resistor divider, the output follows VOUT = 1.20V × (1 + R1/R2). The MAX604CSA+ datasheet confirms this functionality applies identically to all MAX604 variants including the CSA+ package.

What is the maximum continuous output current for the MAX604CSA+?

The MAX604CSA+ supports up to 500mA continuous output current under appropriate thermal conditions - specifically when the SO-8 package is mounted on a PCB with adequate copper area for heat dissipation. The datasheet specifies 600mA absolute maximum short-circuit duration (1 minute), but sustained 500mA operation requires VIN–VOUT differential ≤0.5V to stay within the 1.8W power limit at +70°C ambient.

Does the MAX604CSA+ include reverse-current protection?

Yes, the MAX604CSA+ includes integrated reverse-current protection that activates when the input voltage falls 6–20mV below the output voltage. Upon activation, the device switches substrate bias and turns off the pass transistor, limiting reverse leakage to ≤10μA. This feature is explicitly documented in the MAX604CSA+ datasheet's Electrical Characteristics and Detailed Description sections.

What package type and RoHS status does the MAX604CSA+ use?

The MAX604CSA+ is supplied in an 8-pin SOIC (SO-8) package with exposed thermal pad structure, rated for 1.8W power dissipation at +70°C. The "+" suffix in the part number indicates RoHS-compliant, lead-free construction per Maxim Integrated's ordering conventions - confirmed in the Package Information and Ordering Information tables of the official MAX604 datasheet.