Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX604ESA+T

Overview

MAX604ESA+T from Maxim Integrated is a low-dropout, low-quiescent-current linear regulator with fixed 3.3V output and adjustable mode support (1.25V–11V), featuring an internal 500mA P-channel MOSFET pass transistor, 240mV dropout at 200mA/3.3V, 15μA typical quiescent current, and reverse-current protection - deployed in battery-powered portable instruments and solar-powered devices.

For engineers reviewing the MAX604ESA+T datasheet, MAX604ESA+T pinout, MAX604ESA+T application, or MAX604ESA+T equivalent, key selection considerations include dropout performance under load, shutdown current (≤2μA), thermal overload behavior (160°C trip), reverse-current threshold (6–20mV), and Dual Mode™ feedback configuration via SET pin.

Technical Context

The MAX604ESA+T employs a 1.20V bandgap reference and error amplifier to regulate output by controlling gate drive of its integrated P-channel MOSFET pass transistor. Feedback is selected automatically by a dual-mode comparator monitoring the SET pin voltage relative to 80mV thresholds.

Reverse-current protection operates by dynamically switching the substrate and power bus to the more positive of IN or OUT pins, limiting reverse leakage to ≤10μA when VIN falls below VOUT by ≥6mV. Foldback current limiting activates at VOUT < 0.8V (350mA limit) or VIN − VOUT > 0.7V (1.2A limit).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX604ESA+T is housed in an 8-pin SOIC package (S8-7F) with exposed thermal pad capability; GND pins (2,3,6,7) serve dual roles as electrical ground and heat-sinking terminals - all must be soldered to large copper planes for rated 1.8W power dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS76333QDBVRQ1 and MCP1700-3302E/TO, the MAX604ESA+T delivers higher output current (500mA), integrated reverse-current blocking, and Dual Mode™ adjustability - making it optimal for industrial portable equipment needing robust fault protection and flexible voltage configuration without external components.

Availability

MAX604ESA+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered devices, portable instruments, and solar-powered instruments requiring stable component supply with extended lifecycle visibility and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MAX604ESA+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 demanding industrial, medical, and communications applications.

The MAX603/MAX604 product line targets ultra-low-power, high-reliability portable systems - emphasizing minimal quiescent current, robust fault protection, and seamless integration into space- and energy-constrained battery-operated designs.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current of the MAX604ESA+T?

The MAX604ESA+T delivers up to 500mA continuous output current when operating within its safe power dissipation limits - determined by input-output differential voltage, ambient temperature, and PCB copper area. At 3.3V output and 5V input, full 500mA is sustainable; at higher differentials (e.g., VIN = 11.5V), derating applies per the power operating region curves in the datasheet. The device also features foldback current limiting to protect against shorts.

How does the Dual Mode™ operation work on the MAX604ESA+T?

Dual Mode™ operation on the MAX604ESA+T is controlled by the voltage on the SET pin: connecting SET to GND selects the factory-trimmed 3.3V output via internal resistors; applying >150mV to SET enables adjustable mode, where external R1/R2 set VOUT = 1.20V × (1 + R1/R2). The internal comparator detects SET voltage thresholds (≤80mV for fixed, ≥150mV for adjustable) to auto-select feedback path - no external logic required.

Does the MAX604ESA+T provide reverse-current protection, and how is it implemented?

Yes, the MAX604ESA+T provides reverse-current protection that activates when VIN falls 6–20mV below VOUT. It uses substrate-switching architecture to connect the IC's N-substrate to the more positive of IN or OUT, turning off the P-channel pass transistor and limiting reverse leakage to ≤10μA. This prevents battery or supercapacitor discharge through the regulator when the input supply fails - critical for backup power architectures.

What is the shutdown behavior of the MAX604ESA+T, and what is the exit time?

When the OFF pin is pulled low (≤0.4V), the MAX604ESA+T disables its reference, error amplifier, MOSFET driver, and bias circuitry, reducing total supply current to ≤2μA. Exit from shutdown occurs in ≤200μs (measured from 0% to 95% of final VOUT) when OFF transitions high, with typical overshoot <2% - verified under RL = 18Ω, COUT = 10μF, and VIN = 9V conditions per the datasheet.

Can the MAX604ESA+T be used with ceramic output capacitors, and what is the minimum recommended value?

Yes, the MAX604ESA+T is stable with ceramic output capacitors, but the minimum recommended value is 3.3μF - using smaller values risks oscillation across temperature and load. For guaranteed stability over the full −40°C to +85°C range and up to 500mA load, 10μF is specified. Input capacitance may range from 0.1μF to 10μF; larger values improve line-transient response and noise rejection.