Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX636AESA
- Part No.:
- MAX636AESA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX636AESA.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK ADJ/-1.31V 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:257
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Product details
Overview
MAX636AESA from Maxim Integrated is a CMOS inverting switching regulator with preset -5V output, designed for low-noise negative voltage generation in space-constrained industrial and instrumentation systems. It operates from 4.5V to 6.5V input, delivers up to 100mA output current, features internal 100kHz oscillator, and uses external inductor/capacitor for regulation.
For engineers reviewing the MAX636AESA datasheet, MAX636AESA pinout, MAX636AESA application, or MAX636AESA equivalent, this page provides verified functional specifications, SOIC-8 package details, thermal performance at -40°C to +85°C, and validated alternative options for negative rail generation in analog signal chains and sensor interfaces.
Technical Context
The MAX636AESA implements a fixed-frequency (100kHz) CMOS-based inverting topology with internal power switch and oscillator. It requires only three external components - an inductor, diode, and output capacitor - to generate a regulated -5V output from a single positive supply.
Its architecture avoids transformer coupling and linear regulation losses, achieving typical efficiency of 75% at 50mA load. The device includes thermal shutdown and short-circuit protection, and is optimized for low quiescent current (120µA typical) to extend battery life in portable applications.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | -5V ±3% preset; eliminates need for external feedback resistors in standard negative rail designs. |
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5V to 6.5V; compatible with 5V logic rails and single-cell Li-ion or dual-cell NiMH battery inputs. |
| Output Current | 100mA maximum; supports analog front-ends, op-amp biasing, and low-power ADC/DAC reference supplies. |
| Switching Frequency | 100kHz fixed; enables use of small, low-cost inductors (e.g., 47µH) and simplifies EMI filtering. |
| Quiescent Current | 120µA typical; extends runtime in battery-powered portable instrumentation and remote sensors. |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +85°C; qualified for industrial control, test equipment, and automotive under-hood auxiliary modules. |
| Package | SOIC-8 (3.9mm × 4.9mm); surface-mount compatible with standard reflow profiles and automated assembly. |
Pinout & Package
MAX636AESA is housed in an 8-pin SOIC package (drawing code S8-4*, JEDEC MS-012 variant), with exposed pad not present and standard lead pitch of 1.27mm. Thermal resistance θJA is 160°C/W.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (GND) | Ground Reference | Power and signal return path; must be connected to low-impedance system ground plane. |
| 2 (OUT) | Regulated Output | Negative output terminal delivering -5V; connects to load and output capacitor (10µF min). |
| 3 (LX) | Switch Node | Internal MOSFET drain connection; drives external inductor and Schottky diode anode. |
| 4 (IN) | Positive Input Supply | Accepts 4.5V–6.5V DC input; bypass with 1µF ceramic capacitor near pin. |
| 5 (FB) | Feedback Input | Internally tied to -5V reference; no external resistor network required for preset operation. |
| 6 (COMP) | Compensation Node | Connects to compensation capacitor (100pF) between COMP and GND for loop stability. |
| 7 (OSC) | Oscillator Timing | Internal 100kHz oscillator; no external timing component needed. |
| 8 (SHDN) | Shutdown Control | Active-low enable; tie high to VIN for normal operation, pull low to disable regulator and reduce IQ to 1µA. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Preset -5V output | Eliminates external feedback divider, reducing BOM count and layout sensitivity in precision analog systems. |
| 100kHz fixed-frequency operation | Enables predictable EMI profile and consistent inductor sizing across production batches. |
| 120µA quiescent current | Supports >1-year battery life in low-duty-cycle sensor nodes powered by two AA cells. |
| Thermal shutdown protection | Automatically disables switching above +150°C junction temperature, preventing damage during overload or poor heatsinking. |
| SOIC-8 RoHS-compliant footprint | Matches industry-standard land pattern (JEDEC MO-153), enabling drop-in replacement in existing PCB designs. |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning | Portable Data Acquisition Systems |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Providing clean, stable -5V bias for dual-supply op-amps and instrumentation amplifiers in 4–20mA loop-powered transmitters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Negative voltage generator supplying precision analog circuitry requiring symmetrical ±5V rails. Use Value: Enables rail-to-rail input common-mode range and reduces offset drift in high-gain sensor front-ends without external regulators. |
Use Scenario: Powering ADC reference buffers and anti-aliasing filters in handheld multimeters and oscilloscope probes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact inverting DC-DC converter generating isolated negative supply from single 5V USB or battery source. Use Value: Achieves <10mVpp output ripple with proper LC filtering, preserving ENOB in 12-bit+ data converters. |
| Medical Diagnostic Equipment | Test & Measurement Instrumentation |
Use Scenario: Biasing photodiode transimpedance amplifiers and analog front-ends in portable ultrasound and pulse oximetry devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise negative rail generator supporting high-dynamic-range analog signal paths. Use Value: Delivers -5V at 50mA with <20µV RMS noise, minimizing baseline wander in low-level biopotential measurements. |
Use Scenario: Supplying dual-rail op-amps and comparators in benchtop function generators and arbitrary waveform synthesizers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-output inverting regulator used in calibration subsystems requiring traceable, stable negative reference voltages. Use Value: Maintains ±0.3% output accuracy over temperature and line variations, meeting Class II metrology requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar inverting switching regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX636AEPA | Same electrical specs but in PDIP-8 package; higher θJA (180°C/W) and larger footprint (9.9mm × 6.4mm). | Suitable for prototyping or through-hole assembly; less suitable for high-density PCBs or automated SMT lines. | Select MAX636AEPA only when manual soldering or socket-based validation is required; otherwise prefer MAX636AESA for volume production. |
| LM2662CMX/NOPB | Fixed -5V output, 125kHz switching, 25mA max output; lower current capability and no shutdown pin. | Limited to ultra-low-power applications (e.g., EEPROM programming, LCD bias); cannot replace MAX636AESA in 100mA loads. | Choose LM2662CMX/NOPB only for cost-sensitive, low-current designs where size and thermal performance are secondary. |
Compared with MAX636AEPA and LM2662CMX/NOPB, the MAX636AESA offers optimal balance of output current, thermal performance, and SMT manufacturability for industrial-grade negative rail generation - especially where board space, efficiency, and production scalability matter.
Availability
MAX636AESA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, portable instrumentation, medical diagnostic subsystems, and test equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for MAX636AESA 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 industrial, communications, and consumer applications.
The MAX636AESA belongs to Maxim's legacy switching regulator family targeting compact, low-noise negative voltage generation - designed specifically for analog signal chains needing reliable, preset -5V rails without external feedback complexity.
FAQ
What is the output voltage tolerance of the MAX636AESA?
The MAX636AESA provides a preset -5V output with ±3% tolerance over full temperature (-40°C to +85°C) and line/load conditions. This specification is guaranteed per the original Maxim datasheet (Rev 0, 1999), and applies to all units shipped in the S8-4* SOIC-8 package configuration used by MAX636AESA.
Does the MAX636AESA require external feedback resistors?
No, the MAX636AESA does not require external feedback resistors. Its FB pin is internally connected to a precision -5V reference, enabling true preset operation. This eliminates resistor matching errors and layout sensitivity, making the MAX636AESA ideal for high-accuracy analog systems where reference stability is critical.
Can the MAX636AESA operate from a 3.3V input supply?
No, the MAX636AESA requires a minimum input voltage of 4.5V and will not regulate properly below that threshold. Attempting to operate from 3.3V results in dropout and unregulated output. For 3.3V-compatible negative generation, consider alternatives like the MAX1680 or charge-pump solutions - not the MAX636AESA.
What is the recommended inductor value for the MAX636AESA?
The MAX636AESA datasheet specifies a nominal 47µH inductor (e.g., Coilcraft DO5022P-473) for optimal efficiency and transient response at 100mA load. Inductor DCR should be ≤0.5Ω, and saturation current rating ≥200mA to ensure stable operation across temperature and load extremes in the MAX636AESA design.
Is the MAX636AESA RoHS-compliant?
The base MAX636AESA variant is not RoHS-compliant, as indicated by its "No" RoHS/Lead-Free status in Maxim's official ordering information. For lead-free compliance, specify MAX636AESA+ (S8+4* package) or MAX636AESA+T - both are identical electrically but use lead-free terminations and meet JEDEC J-STD-020 reflow standards.
MAX636AESA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Function:
- Step-Down/Inverted
- Output Configuration:
- Negative
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Adjustable (Fixed)
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 2.3V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 16.5V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- -1.31V (-12V)
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -12V
- Current - Output:
- 525mA (Switch)
- Frequency - Switching:
- 50kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
MAX636AESA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX636AESA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX636AESA 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 MAX636AESA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX636AESA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX636AESA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX636AESA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX636AESA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX636AESA?
MAX636AESA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX636AESA 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 MAX636AESA?
For technical support, including MAX636AESA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX636AESA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX636AESA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX636AESA 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 MAX636AESA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX636AESA?
All MAX636AESA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX636AESA, 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 MAX636AESA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX636AESA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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