Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8510EXK15+T

Overview

The MAX8510EXK15+T from Maxim Integrated is a 1.5V fixed-output, ultra-low-noise, low-dropout linear regulator featuring a P-channel MOSFET pass element, 120mV dropout at 120mA, 11μVRMS output noise (100Hz–100kHz), and 78dB PSRR at 1kHz - designed for powering noise-sensitive analog circuitry in portable battery-powered systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX8510EXK15+T datasheet, MAX8510EXK15+T pinout, MAX8510EXK15+T application, or MAX8510EXK15+T equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 120mA output with 40μA ground current, SC70-5 package compatibility, 1μF ceramic capacitor stability, and shutdown current below 1μA - critical for RF front-ends, precision ADCs, and low-power wireless transceivers.

Technical Context

The MAX8510EXK15+T employs an internal 1.225V bandgap reference and error amplifier to regulate its 1.5V output via feedback through a factory-trimmed resistor divider. Its P-channel MOSFET pass transistor delivers low dropout and eliminates base-drive current, enabling stable operation with only 1μF input and output ceramic capacitors.

It integrates a dedicated BP (bypass) pin for external 10nF capacitor connection to suppress output voltage noise, achieving 11μVRMS RMS noise. Shutdown control is implemented via a logic-compatible SHDN pin that reduces supply current to <1μA while placing the output in high-impedance state.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX8510EXK15+T is housed in a RoHS-compliant 5-pin SC70 package (2.0mm × 1.25mm × 0.95mm height), with exposed pad omitted - optimized for space-constrained portable designs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LDO regulator applications.

Compared with the MAX8510EXK15+T, the XC6219B152MR-G offers lower cost but sacrifices 11μVRMS noise performance and 120mA capability; the ADP160ACBZ-1.5-R7 provides higher current headroom yet doubles ground current and noise - making MAX8510EXK15+T optimal for space- and noise-constrained 120mA applications.

Availability

MAX8510EXK15+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular front-end power, portable audio codec supply, digital camera image sensor bias, and IoT edge node MCU core rail applications requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle availability, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX8510EXK15+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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, communications, and consumer markets.

The MAX8510EXK15+T belongs to Maxim's ultra-low-noise LDO family, engineered specifically for noise-critical, battery-powered portable electronics where PSRR, dropout, and quiescent current must be simultaneously optimized.

FAQ

What is the output voltage tolerance of the MAX8510EXK15+T across temperature and load?

The MAX8510EXK15+T guarantees ±1% output voltage accuracy at +25°C with 1mA load. Over the full -40°C to +85°C temperature range and 100μA to 80mA load, it maintains ±2% accuracy; under worst-case conditions (full temp range and 100μA–80mA load), the specification tightens to ±3%. This ensures reliable 1.5V operation for 1.5V I/O standards and analog biasing without external trimming.

Can the MAX8510EXK15+T operate stably with a 1μF ceramic output capacitor?

Yes - the MAX8510EXK15+T is explicitly characterized and guaranteed stable with a 1μF ceramic capacitor on the output, regardless of load current. This is enabled by its internal compensation and P-channel MOSFET architecture. X7R or X5R dielectrics are recommended; Z5U/Y5V types may require ≥2.2μF below -10°C per the datasheet's ESR vs. load stability chart.

What is the purpose of the BP pin on the MAX8510EXK15+T, and what capacitor value is required?

The BP (bypass) pin on the MAX8510EXK15+T connects to the internal noise-reduction circuitry for the bandgap reference and error amplifier. A 10nF capacitor between BP and OUT is required to achieve the specified 11μVRMS output noise. Values below 1nF or above 100nF degrade noise performance; the datasheet confirms optimal noise occurs near 10nF, with diminishing returns beyond that.

Does the MAX8510EXK15+T include thermal and overcurrent protection?

Yes - the MAX8510EXK15+T integrates both thermal shutdown and current limiting. Thermal protection activates at +160°C junction temperature with 10°C hysteresis, cycling the output off/on during sustained overload. Current limit is set between 130mA (min) and 300mA (max), protecting against short-circuit faults indefinitely without damage. These features are fully internal and require no external components.

What is the minimum input voltage required for the MAX8510EXK15+T to maintain regulation at 120mA load?

To maintain regulation at 120mA load, the MAX8510EXK15+T requires VIN ≥ VOUT + dropout voltage. With a nominal 1.5V output and 120mV typical dropout at 120mA, the minimum input is 1.62V. The datasheet specifies 120mV maximum dropout for VOUT ≥ 3V, but for 1.5V output, the curve shows ~180mV at 120mA - so 1.68V is the conservative design minimum to ensure regulation across process/voltage/temperature corners.