Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8556ETE+
- Part No.:
- MAX8556ETE+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- 16-WQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX8556ETE+.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR POS ADJ 4A 16TQFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,535
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Product details
Overview
MAX8556ETE+ from Maxim Integrated is a 4A ultra-low-input-voltage LDO regulator with p-channel MOSFET pass device, designed for point-of-load regulation in high-current digital systems. It operates from 1.425V to 3.6V input, delivers 1.5V output at up to 4A, features ±1% output accuracy over load/line/temperature, 100mV typical dropout at 4A, and integrated power-OK (POK) monitoring. Used in server VRMs and optical module power rails.
For engineers reviewing the MAX8556ETE+ datasheet, MAX8556ETE+ pinout, MAX8556ETE+ application, or MAX8556ETE+ equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 4A output current, -40°C to +105°C operating range, POK functionality, thermal shutdown threshold at +160°C, and compatibility with low-ESR ceramic output capacitors down to 16µF.
Technical Context
The MAX8556ETE+ employs an internal 25mΩ p-channel MOSFET pass transistor enabling stable operation down to 1.425V input without charge pump or external bias supply. Its feedback loop regulates FB pin to 500mV ±5mV, supporting adjustable output from 0.5V to VIN–0.2V via external resistor divider.
It integrates logic-controlled shutdown (EN pin), built-in soft-start (100µs), short-circuit foldback limiting (3A max during fault), and thermal-overload protection with +160°C trip and +115°C hysteresis reset. The open-drain POK output asserts low when VOUT deviates >±10% from nominal or during thermal fault/shutdown.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Current | Guaranteed 4A continuous - supports high-power ASIC/FPGA core rails without derating. |
| Input Voltage Range | 1.425V to 3.6V - enables direct regulation from single-cell Li-ion or intermediate bus voltages. |
| Dropout Voltage | 100mV typ at 4A - minimizes power loss and heat generation under full load at low VIN. |
| Output Accuracy | ±1% over load/line/temperature - ensures reliable voltage margining for 1.5V logic domains. |
| Quiescent Current | 800µA typ - independent of load/dropout, critical for efficiency in always-on subsystems. |
| POK Threshold | ±10% of nominal VOUT - provides precise power-good signaling for sequenced system startup. |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +105°C - qualified for extended industrial and telecom base station environments. |
| Thermal Shutdown | +160°C trip, +115°C hysteresis - protects against sustained overload or poor PCB heatsinking. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 16-pin TQFN (5mm × 5mm) with exposed thermal paddle (EP), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level 3.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1–6, IN | LDO Input | Accepts 1.425V–3.6V supply; requires 2×10µF ceramic bypass to GND for stability at 4A. |
| 7–11, OUT | LDO Output | Delivers regulated output; connects to 2×10µF low-ESR ceramic caps to GND for transient response. |
| 12, POK | Power-OK Output | Open-drain status signal; high-impedance when VOUT within ±10%, pulled low on fault or shutdown. |
| 13, FB | Feedback Input | Senses output via resistor divider; regulated to 500mV ±5mV for precise VOUT programming. |
| 14, GND | Ground Reference | Primary return path; must connect exposed paddle (EP) to same low-impedance ground plane. |
| 15, N.C. | No Connect | May be left floating or tied to GND; no internal connection or function. |
| 16, EN | Enable Input | Active-high logic control; drives low to enter 150µA shutdown mode with 5kΩ output pull-down. |
| EP | Exposed Paddle | Thermal and electrical ground; must be soldered to large copper area with ≥9 thermal vias for 2667mW dissipation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| p-Channel Pass Transistor | 25mΩ RDS(on) eliminates base-drive current and saturation losses, enabling 800µA quiescent current even at 4A load. |
| Integrated Soft-Start | 100µs controlled ramp prevents inrush current and output overshoot during power-up. |
| Foldback Short-Circuit Protection | Limits output current to ≤3A during hard shorts, reducing thermal stress and enabling safe fault recovery. |
| Thermal Overload Protection | Auto-restart behavior with +160°C trip/+115°C reset allows self-recovery after transient overloads without manual reset. |
| POK Monitoring | Dedicated open-drain output with 50µs glitch immunity ensures robust power sequencing in multi-rail systems. |
| Low-Noise Transient Response | 40mV typical overshoot for 40mA→4A load step; optimized for noise-sensitive digital loads like SerDes and PLLs. |
Applications
| Server Point-of-Load Regulation | Optical Module Power Supply |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Regulating 1.5V core supply for high-speed network processors in 1U rack servers with tight thermal constraints. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 4A LDO delivering clean, low-noise power with POK confirmation to system manager IC before clock enable. Use Value: 100mV dropout at 4A reduces power loss by >300mW vs. legacy LDOs, directly lowering board temperature rise in dense server PCBs. | Use Scenario: Providing stable 1.5V bias to laser diode drivers and transimpedance amplifiers in SFP+ and QSFP modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, fast-transient LDO with POK used for analog front-end power sequencing and fault reporting to host controller. Use Value: ±1% output accuracy and 40mV load-step overshoot ensure laser bias stability within required 10mV window, preventing optical eye degradation. |
| Industrial Base Station RF Power Amplifier Bias | ATE Load Board Power Rail |
Use Scenario: Delivering 1.5V/4A to GaN FET gate drivers in outdoor macrocell base stations operating from -40°C to +105°C ambient. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-temp-rated LDO with thermal shutdown and POK used as bias rail for RF power stage, monitored for field failure diagnostics. Use Value: Guaranteed operation to +105°C junction and +160°C thermal trip prevent uncontrolled thermal runaway in sealed outdoor enclosures. | Use Scenario: Generating precision 1.5V supply for DUT power during high-speed automated test of SoCs with dynamic current demands up to 4A. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response LDO with POK used to validate power delivery integrity before test vector execution begins. Use Value: 100µs soft-start and ±10% POK window enable deterministic power-up timing across thousands of test cycles without false fails. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LDO regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS7A8300RGRT | 3A rated, 1.1V–3.3V input, 50mV dropout at 3A, -40°C to +125°C, no POK output | Lacks power-good signaling; requires external monitoring circuit for sequencing | Select when higher temp rating (+125°C) is critical and POK is not required. |
| LT3086EFE#PBF | 4A rated, 1.2V–40V input, 275mV dropout at 4A, ±2% accuracy, -40°C to +125°C, no POK | Higher dropout and lower accuracy; wider input range but no integrated POK | Select for wide-input industrial systems where POK is implemented externally and 275mV dropout is acceptable. |
Compared with TPS7A8300RGRT and LT3086EFE#PBF, the MAX8556ETE+ uniquely combines 4A capability, 100mV dropout, ±1% accuracy, POK output, and +105°C operation-making it optimal for thermally constrained, high-reliability 1.5V point-of-load applications requiring autonomous power-good validation.
Availability
MAX8556ETE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for server power delivery, optical transceiver design, and industrial base station development requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.
Supply support for MAX8556ETE+ 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, communications, and computing applications.
The MAX8556 belongs to Maxim's ultra-low-input-voltage LDO family, engineered specifically for high-current, low-voltage point-of-load regulation in space-constrained, thermally aggressive environments such as servers and optical modules.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous output current specification for the MAX8556ETE+?
The MAX8556ETE+ is guaranteed to deliver 4A of continuous output current across its full operating temperature range (-40°C to +105°C) and input voltage range (1.425V to 3.6V). This rating is validated under worst-case conditions including minimum input voltage and maximum ambient temperature, with proper PCB thermal design using the exposed paddle.
Does the MAX8556ETE+ require an external charge pump or bias supply for operation?
No, the MAX8556ETE+ does not require an external charge pump or bias supply. Its internal p-channel MOSFET pass transistor enables full 4A operation down to 1.425V input without auxiliary circuitry - eliminating noise sources and simplifying layout compared to n-channel or bipolar-based LDOs.
How does the POK output of the MAX8556ETE+ behave during thermal shutdown?
During thermal shutdown, the POK output of the MAX8556ETE+ is actively pulled low, providing immediate fault indication to the system controller. This behavior is specified in the datasheet: POK asserts low not only when VOUT deviates >±10% from nominal but also during thermal fault or shutdown mode - ensuring comprehensive power-status visibility.
What is the recommended output capacitor configuration for stable 4A operation with the MAX8556ETE+?
For stable 4A operation, the MAX8556ETE+ requires two 10µF low-ESR ceramic capacitors (total 20µF) connected between OUT and GND. The datasheet specifies ESR < 0.05Ω and recommends X5R/X7R dielectrics. Using less than 16µF risks instability, while exceeding 120µF may degrade transient response without benefit.
Can the MAX8556ETE+ be used with a 1.5V input to generate a 1.5V output?
No - the MAX8556ETE+ cannot regulate 1.5V output from a 1.5V input. Its minimum dropout is 100mV (typ), so VIN must exceed VOUT by at least 100mV. For a 1.5V output, minimum valid input is 1.6V. At VIN = 1.5V, the device enters dropout and cannot maintain regulation, causing VOUT to track VIN minus RDS(on) × ILOAD.
MAX8556ETE+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-WQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 3.6V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 0.5V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 3.4V
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 0.2V @ 4A
- Current - Output:
- 4A
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 1.6 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- -
- Control Features:
- Enable, Power Good
- Protection Features:
- Over Current, Over Temperature, Short Circuit, Under Voltage Lockout (UVLO)
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-TQFN (5x5)
MAX8556ETE+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX8556ETE+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX8556ETE+ 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 MAX8556ETE+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX8556ETE+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX8556ETE+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX8556ETE+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX8556ETE+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX8556ETE+?
MAX8556ETE+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX8556ETE+ 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 MAX8556ETE+?
For technical support, including MAX8556ETE+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX8556ETE+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX8556ETE+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX8556ETE+ 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 MAX8556ETE+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX8556ETE+?
All MAX8556ETE+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX8556ETE+, 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 MAX8556ETE+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX8556ETE+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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