Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX856CSA+T
- Part No.:
- MAX856CSA+T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX856CSA+T.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BOOST PROG 500MA 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,500
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Product details
Overview
MAX856CSA+T from Maxim Integrated is a high-efficiency, CMOS step-up DC-DC switching regulator optimized for low-input-voltage battery-powered systems. It accepts 0.8V–VOUT input and delivers a pin-selectable 3.3V or 5V output with 500mA peak inductor current limit, ±1.5% reference tolerance, and 25µA quiescent supply current - enabling extended runtime in glucose meters and palmtop computers.
For engineers reviewing the MAX856CSA+T datasheet, MAX856CSA+T pinout, MAX856CSA+T application, or MAX856CSA+T equivalent, this device is evaluated for ultra-low-startup-voltage operation (0.8V typ), integrated low-battery detection (LBI/LBO), PFM control architecture, and SO-8 package compatibility in space-constrained portable instrumentation designs.
Technical Context
The MAX856CSA+T implements a minimum-off-time, current-limited pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) control scheme without an oscillator - switching frequency varies with load and input voltage up to 500kHz. Its internal N-channel sense-FET has ~1Ω on-resistance and supports bootstrapped operation powered from the OUT pin.
It integrates a precision 1.25V reference (±1.5% over temperature), low-battery comparator (1.25V threshold), and logic-controlled output selection (3/5 pin). Shutdown mode draws only 1µA, and start-up occurs at 0.8V typical input voltage with no external bias required.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | PIN-selectable 3.3V or 5V - eliminates need for external feedback resistors in fixed-output applications. |
| Input Voltage Range | 0.8V to VOUT - enables operation down to single-cell alkaline or NiMH battery depletion. |
| Peak Switch Current | 500mA ±100mA - sets inductor sizing and maximum deliverable output current at given VIN/VOUT ratio. |
| Quiescent Supply Current | 25µA in active mode - minimizes no-load battery drain in always-on medical or data-collection devices. |
| Shutdown Current | 1µA - ensures near-zero standby power during system sleep or battery removal. |
| Reference Voltage | 1.25V ±1.5% over -40°C to +85°C - provides stable feedback and external ADC reference with <±2% load regulation. |
| Switching Frequency | Up to 500kHz - permits use of compact 47µH inductors and reduces output filter capacitor size. |
Pinout & Package
MAX856CSA+T is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package per JEDEC MS-012, with 1.27mm lead pitch and 4.9mm × 6.0mm body dimensions. GND (pin 6) must be soldered directly to a low-impedance ground plane for optimal efficiency and noise performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (LX) | N-channel MOSFET drain | Connects to inductor and Schottky diode anode; carries high-frequency switching current and requires short PCB trace. |
| 2 (GND) | Power ground | Primary return path for switch current and reference; must tie directly to ground plane with minimal impedance. |
| 3 (OUT) | Regulator output / bootstrap supply | Delivers regulated output and powers internal circuitry; used as bootstrap source for gate drive. |
| 4 (LBI) | Low-battery input | Monitors battery voltage via resistor divider; asserts LBO when voltage falls below 1.25V threshold. |
| 5 (LBO) | Open-drain low-battery output | Sinks current to GND when LBI < 1.25V; requires external pull-up (e.g., to OUT) for CMOS-level signaling. |
| 6 (REF) | 1.25V precision reference output | Stable voltage source for external circuits; supports ≤250µA source / ≤20µA sink with 0.22µF bypass. |
| 7 (3/5) | Output voltage select | Tie to GND for 5V output, to OUT for 3.3V output; internally clamped to GND and OUT. |
| 8 (SHDN) | Active-low shutdown control | Pulls entire IC into 1µA standby; open-drain compatible up to 7V regardless of VOUT level. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low startup voltage | 0.8V typical - enables reliable operation from deeply discharged 1-cell alkaline or NiMH batteries. |
| Integrated low-battery detector | Dedicated LBI/LBO pins with 1.25V threshold - eliminates external comparator and reduces BOM count. |
| High-efficiency PFM control | 85% efficiency at 100mA (VIN=2.5V→5V) - achieves PWM-like power delivery with PFM-like quiescent current. |
| Internal 500mA switch current limit | Enables use of low-cost, small-footprint 47µH inductors - simplifies magnetics selection and layout. |
| Bootstrapped operation | IC powered from OUT pin - allows input voltage to sag to 0.8V after startup without dropout. |
Applications
| Glucose Meters | Palmtop Computers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Portable handheld medical device operating from two AA alkaline cells with dynamic load profile (sensor bias, display backlight, MCU burst). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary step-up converter generating stable 3.3V rail for microcontroller and analog front-end from decaying 1.2–3.0V battery input. Use Value: 0.8V startup and 25µA quiescent current extend usable battery life by >30% versus legacy boosters; integrated LBO enables accurate end-of-life warning. |
Use Scenario: Compact computing platform requiring clean 5V rail for memory and I/O from 2-cell NiMH pack (1.8–3.0V range). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed 5V output DC-DC regulator with logic-selectable voltage mode and shutdown control for system power sequencing. Use Value: 500mA peak current capability supports transient loads up to 100mA; SO-8 footprint fits tight board area constraints. |
| Portable Data-Collection Equipment | Personal Data Communicators |
Use Scenario: Ruggedized barcode scanner with intermittent RF transmission and optical sensing, powered by replaceable lithium coin cell. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency boost converter delivering 3.3V to MCU and radio transceiver while maintaining sub-µA sleep current. Use Value: 1µA shutdown current prevents battery leakage during storage; PFM architecture avoids audible switching noise in quiet environments. |
Use Scenario: Handheld organizer with LCD display, touch interface, and flash memory, running from 2-cell alkaline batteries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-mode regulator (3.3V/5V) supporting both low-power sensor interface and higher-current display driver rails. Use Value: Pin-selectable output eliminates need for configuration firmware or external logic; REF pin supplies stable reference for touchscreen ADC. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar step-up DC-DC converter applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS61022DRVR | Higher 2A switch current, 2.5V–5.5V input, fixed 5V output only; requires external feedback for adjustable mode. | Targets higher-power applications (e.g., USB peripherals); lacks integrated low-battery detection and 0.8V startup. | Choose for >150mA continuous loads where MAX856CSA+T's 500mA peak is insufficient. |
| LT1944EMS8-1#TRPBF | Fixed 3.3V output, 1.5A switch current, 1.5V–10V input; includes soft-start and thermal shutdown. | Designed for industrial-grade reliability; no pin-selectable voltage or LBI/LBO functionality. | Prefer when operating above +85°C ambient or requiring robust fault protection beyond MAX856CSA+T's scope. |
Compared with TPS61022DRVR and LT1944EMS8-1#TRPBF, the MAX856CSA+T uniquely combines 0.8V startup, integrated low-battery monitoring, and pin-selectable 3.3V/5V output in an SO-8 package - making it optimal for ultra-low-power portable medical and consumer instrumentation where BOM count and battery longevity are critical.
Availability
MAX856CSA+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for glucose meters, palmtop computers, portable data-collection equipment, personal data communicators, and medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX856CSA+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 semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for industrial, medical, and portable applications.
The MAX856CSA+T belongs to the MAX856–MAX859 family of ultra-low-quiescent-current step-up converters designed specifically for battery-powered systems where startup voltage, efficiency at light loads, and integration of battery monitoring are essential.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required to start up the MAX856CSA+T?
The MAX856CSA+T features a typical startup voltage of 0.8V, allowing reliable operation from a single depleted alkaline or NiMH cell. This value is production-tested and guaranteed across temperature; actual startup may occur slightly lower depending on load and output capacitor ESR. The MAX856CSA+T maintains regulation even as input sags to 0.8V post-startup due to its bootstrap architecture powered from the OUT pin.
How does the 3/5 pin select output voltage on the MAX856CSA+T?
On the MAX856CSA+T, the 3/5 pin determines output voltage: connect it to GND for 5V output, or to OUT for 3.3V output. This pin is internally diode-clamped to GND and OUT, so it must not be driven outside that range. The selection is latched at power-up and remains valid throughout operation - no reconfiguration is possible without cycling SHDN or input power.
Can the MAX856CSA+T be used with an adjustable output configuration?
No - the MAX856CSA+T is a fixed-output variant (3.3V/5V selectable) and does not include an FB pin. Adjustable-output functionality is exclusive to the MAX857/MAX859 variants, which feature a dedicated FB pin and internal 1.25V reference for external resistor-divider feedback. Using MAX856CSA+T in adjustable mode is not supported and will not yield stable regulation.
What is the purpose of the LBI and LBO pins on the MAX856CSA+T?
The LBI (Low-Battery Input) and LBO (Low-Battery Output) pins implement an integrated battery monitor: LBI senses a resistor-divider voltage, and when it drops below 1.25V, LBO - an open-drain N-channel MOSFET - sinks current to GND. This provides a hardware-level battery depletion signal without external components. If unused, LBI must be tied to VIN and LBO left floating.
What package type and RoHS status does the MAX856CSA+T have?
The MAX856CSA+T is supplied in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package per JEDEC MS-012, with lead (Pb)-free terminations and RoHS-compliant construction. The "CSA" suffix denotes commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C) and SO packaging; the "+T" indicates tape-and-reel packaging for automated assembly. Thermal resistance θJA is 213°C/W for the SO package.
MAX856CSA+T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Function:
- Step-Up
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Boost
- Output Type:
- Programmable
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 0.8V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 6V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 3.3V, 5V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 500mA (Switch)
- Frequency - Switching:
- 500kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
MAX856CSA+T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX856CSA+T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX856CSA+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 MAX856CSA+T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX856CSA+T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX856CSA+T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX856CSA+T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX856CSA+T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX856CSA+T?
MAX856CSA+T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX856CSA+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 MAX856CSA+T?
For technical support, including MAX856CSA+T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX856CSA+T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX856CSA+T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX856CSA+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 MAX856CSA+T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX856CSA+T?
All MAX856CSA+T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX856CSA+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 MAX856CSA+T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX856CSA+T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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