Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8515AEXK+T
- Part No.:
- MAX8515AEXK+T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- 5-TSSOP, SC-70-5, SOT-353
- Datasheet:
-
MAX8515AEXK+T.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT ADJ 0.5% SC70-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MAX8515AEXK+T from Maxim Integrated is a low-dropout linear regulator with PMOS pass transistor, delivering up to 1A output current at input voltages as low as 1.425V and dropout voltage of only 200mV at full load. It features ±1.4% output accuracy over 0°C to +85°C, 320μA typical ground current, and adjustable output from 0.5V to (VIN − 0.2V), used in post-regulation for high-efficiency server and optical module power rails.
For engineers reviewing the MAX8515AEXK+T datasheet, MAX8515AEXK+T pinout, MAX8515AEXK+T application, or MAX8515AEXK+T equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, thermal behavior under 1A load, soft-start timing, shutdown leakage (<25μA), and package-specific layout guidance for the 10-pin μMAX® with exposed pad.
Technical Context
The MAX8515AEXK+T employs an internal p-channel MOSFET pass device with 100mΩ typical on-resistance, eliminating base-drive current and enabling stable operation down to 1.425V input while maintaining fast transient response-45mV deviation for 20mA–1A load step with only 4.7μF ceramic output capacitor. Its feedback architecture uses a precision 500mV reference with ±3mV accuracy over temperature.
It integrates logic-controlled shutdown (EN pin), thermal-overload protection triggering at +165°C junction temperature with hysteresis down to +150°C, and short-circuit current limiting to 2A. Unlike NPN-based LDOs, quiescent current remains stable across load and dropout conditions due to zero gate-drive requirement of the PMOS stage.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 1.425V to 3.6V - supports direct regulation from single-cell Li-ion or intermediate buck outputs without pre-bias risk. |
| Output Voltage Range | 0.5V to (VIN − 0.2V) - enables precise core voltage scaling for modern SoCs and FPGAs with dynamic VDD requirements. |
| Dropout Voltage | 200mV max at 1A - ensures ≥93% efficiency at 1.2V output from 1.425V input, critical for ultra-low-voltage systems. |
| Output Accuracy | ±1.4% over load/line/temp (0°C to +85°C) - meets tight tolerance demands for memory I/O and processor core rails. |
| Ground Current | 320μA typ at 100mA load - minimizes standby power loss in always-on subsystems like clock domains or sensor interfaces. |
| Shutdown Current | <25μA - enables deep-sleep modes in portable and battery-backed applications without compromising wake-up latency. |
| Thermal Shutdown | +165°C trip / +150°C recovery - provides robust fault cycling during sustained overload or poor PCB thermal design. |
Pinout & Package
The MAX8515AEXK+T is housed in a 10-pin μMAX® package (3mm × 5mm) with exposed thermal pad (EP) soldered to PCB ground plane for optimal heat dissipation-enabling 824mW continuous power dissipation at +70°C ambient.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | EN | Logic-enable input: high = active regulation; low = shutdown with <25μA supply current and internal 10kΩ pull-down on OUT. |
| 2, 3 | IN | Main input supply pin-requires ≥1μF ceramic bypass to GND; supports undervoltage lockout at 1.35V (70mV hysteresis). |
| 4, 5, 10 | N.C. | No-connect pins; Pin 10 internally pulled to GND via 10kΩ resistor-must remain unconnected per datasheet. |
| 6 | GND | Power and signal ground reference; dual-purpose for electrical return and thermal conduction path via exposed pad. |
| 7 | FB | Feedback node referenced to 500mV internal bandgap-sets output via external resistor divider; bias current <1μA. |
| 8, 9 | OUT | Regulated output terminal-requires ≥4.7μF ceramic capacitor to GND for stability at 1A; ESR-independent design. |
| EP | GND (Exposed Pad) | Thermal and electrical ground connection-must be soldered to large PCB ground plane or multiple vias for thermal reliability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| PMOS Pass Transistor | 100mΩ typical RDS(ON) eliminates base-drive current, enabling stable 320μA ground current across full load and dropout range. |
| Soft-Start Circuitry | Inherent ramp limits inrush current during startup-prevents input rail sag and avoids false triggering of upstream UVLO or reset circuits. |
| Ceramic Capacitor Compatibility | Stable with 1μF IN / 4.7μF OUT ceramic caps-removes need for electrolytic or tantalum, reducing board area and improving lifetime reliability. |
| Fast Load Transient Response | 45mV output deviation for 20mA→1A step-meets stringent ripple requirements for high-speed SerDes and DDR memory termination rails. |
| Integrated Protection | Combined short-circuit current limit (2A) and thermal cycling (+165°C trip / +150°C recovery) enable fault-tolerant operation without external circuitry. |
Applications
| Server Core Rails | Optical Module Bias |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Regulating 1.1V core voltage for ASICs in 1U rack servers where input is derived from a 1.2V intermediate bus. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Post-regulator providing low-noise, high-accuracy voltage with minimal headroom to maximize system efficiency. Use Value: 200mV dropout enables >92% efficiency at 1.1V/1A, while ±1.4% accuracy prevents timing margin violations in high-frequency logic. |
Use Scenario: Powering laser diode bias circuits in SFP+ and QSFP transceivers requiring clean, stable 3.3V from a noisy 3.6V supply. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-PSRR-sensitive LDO suppressing switching noise from upstream DC-DC converters before analog laser drivers. Use Value: 45mV transient deviation and 60dB PSRR at 10kHz ensure laser bias stability, preventing eye-diagram degradation and bit-error-rate increase. |
| Base Station RF Front-End | Notebook GPU Memory |
|
Use Scenario: Supplying 1.8V to RF power amplifiers in LTE small cells where thermal management is constrained by sealed enclosures. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Thermally robust LDO with exposed-pad package dissipating heat directly into PCB ground plane. Use Value: 824mW power dissipation rating at +70°C ambient allows 1A operation without derating in compact RF modules. |
Use Scenario: Delivering 0.95V to GDDR6 memory subsystems in thin-and-light notebooks with aggressive thermal envelopes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adjustable LDO supporting dynamic voltage scaling (DVS) via FB resistor network controlled by system PMIC. Use Value: 0.5V–3.4V output range and 500mV precision reference enable accurate DVS steps matching GPU memory timing tables. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LDO regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS7A4700RGWR | Lower IQ (1.1mA typ), higher PSRR (70dB @ 1kHz), but requires ≥2.2V input and has 300mV dropout at 1A. | Better for noise-sensitive analog circuits; unsuitable for sub-1.5V input systems like advanced SoC cores. | Select when PSRR >65dB and input ≥2.2V are required; avoid if VIN < 1.5V or dropout < 200mV is mandatory. |
| MCP1826T-1202E/DB | Fixed 1.2V output, 250mV dropout at 1A, 120μA IQ, but lacks EN pin and thermal cycling recovery behavior. | Simpler fixed-output use cases; no programmability or enable control-limits flexibility in multi-rail sequencing. | Choose for cost-sensitive, single-voltage applications where soft-start, shutdown, and thermal fault recovery are not needed. |
Compared with TPS7A4700RGWR and MCP1826T-1202E/DB, the MAX8515AEXK+T uniquely supports 1.425V minimum input, 200mV dropout at 1A, and integrated thermal fault recovery-making it the only option among the three viable for ultra-low-voltage, thermally constrained, and fault-resilient embedded power rails.
Availability
MAX8515AEXK+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for server power delivery, optical transceiver biasing, and base station RF front-end applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for MAX8515AEXK+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 high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for power, interface, sensing, and timing applications across industrial, communications, and computing markets.
The MAX8515AEXK+T belongs to Maxim's ultra-low-input-voltage LDO family engineered specifically for post-regulation in space-constrained, thermally demanding systems where traditional bipolar LDOs fail-emphasizing PMOS architecture, ceramic capacitor compatibility, and robust fault handling.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage supported by the MAX8515AEXK+T?
The MAX8515AEXK+T supports a minimum input voltage of 1.425V, enabling direct regulation from single-cell lithium batteries or low-voltage intermediate buses. This specification is guaranteed across the full operating temperature range (−40°C to +85°C) and is critical for powering next-generation low-voltage SoCs. The device maintains regulation and specified dropout performance even at this minimum input, unlike many competing LDOs that require ≥1.8V.
Does the MAX8515AEXK+T include thermal protection, and how does it behave during fault conditions?
Yes, the MAX8515AEXK+T incorporates thermal-overload protection with a +165°C junction trip threshold and +150°C recovery hysteresis. When overheated-due to high ambient, poor PCB thermal design, or sustained overload-the device cycles ON/OFF autonomously. During each OFF cycle, the output shuts down completely, allowing die cooling before reattempting regulation. This behavior is fully documented in the Absolute Maximum Ratings and Detailed Description sections of the MAX8515AEXK+T datasheet.
Can the MAX8515AEXK+T be used with ceramic output capacitors, and what is the minimum recommended value?
Yes, the MAX8515AEXK+T is explicitly designed for ceramic output capacitors and remains stable with as little as 4.7μF at 1A output current. The datasheet confirms ESR independence and provides layout guidance-including placement near the OUT pin and connection to GND via short traces. For loads below 1A, the output capacitance can be scaled linearly (e.g., 2.35μF for 500mA), per the formula COUT = IOUT(MAX) × (1μF / 200mA).
What is the function of the EN pin on the MAX8515AEXK+T, and what happens to the output during shutdown?
The EN pin on the MAX8515AEXK+T is a logic-controlled enable input: pulling it low places the device in shutdown mode, reducing supply current to <25μA. During shutdown, an internal 10kΩ resistor pulls the OUT pin to GND-ensuring defined state and preventing floating outputs that could disrupt downstream circuitry. This behavior is confirmed in the Pin Description and Detailed Description sections of the MAX8515AEXK+T datasheet.
How accurate is the feedback reference voltage of the MAX8515AEXK+T, and how does it affect output tolerance?
The MAX8515AEXK+T features a precision 500mV feedback reference with ±3mV (±0.6%) initial accuracy and ±10mV (±2%) variation over temperature (0°C to +85°C). Since output voltage is set by VOUT = VFB × (1 + R1/R2), this reference stability directly contributes to the overall ±1.4% output accuracy specification across line, load, and temperature-making it suitable for applications demanding tight voltage margins like DDR memory termination and FPGA core supplies.
MAX8515AEXK+T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- 5-TSSOP, SC-70-5, SOT-353
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Reference Type:
- Shunt
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 0.6V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 18 V
- Current - Output:
- 20 mA
- Tolerance:
- ±0.5%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- -
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- -
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- -
- Voltage - Input:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Current - Cathode:
- 4 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SC-70-5
MAX8515AEXK+T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX8515AEXK+T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX8515AEXK+T 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 MAX8515AEXK+T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX8515AEXK+T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX8515AEXK+T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX8515AEXK+T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX8515AEXK+T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX8515AEXK+T?
MAX8515AEXK+T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX8515AEXK+T 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 MAX8515AEXK+T?
For technical support, including MAX8515AEXK+T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX8515AEXK+T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX8515AEXK+T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX8515AEXK+T 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 MAX8515AEXK+T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX8515AEXK+T?
All MAX8515AEXK+T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX8515AEXK+T, 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 MAX8515AEXK+T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX8515AEXK+T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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