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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX856ESA+
- Part No.:
- MAX856ESA+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX856ESA+.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BOOST PROG 500MA 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:477
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Product details
Overview
The MAX856ESA+ from Maxim Integrated is a high-efficiency, CMOS step-up DC-DC switching regulator optimized for low-input-voltage battery-powered systems. It accepts input voltages from 0.8V to VOUT, delivers a pin-selectable 3.3V or 5V output, features 500mA peak inductor current limit, 25µA quiescent current, and operates in an industrial temperature range of –40°C to +85°C - enabling use in glucose meters and portable data-collection equipment.
For engineers reviewing the MAX856ESA+ datasheet, MAX856ESA+ pinout, MAX856ESA+ application, or MAX856ESA+ equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, package mapping, real-world operating constraints, and validated alternative options for battery-constrained 3.3V/5V boost conversion.
Technical Context
The MAX856ESA+ employs a minimum-off-time, current-limited pulse-frequency modulation (PFM) control scheme with no oscillator - delivering ultra-low quiescent current (25µA) while maintaining >85% efficiency at 100mA load. Its internal N-channel sense-FET has ~1Ω on-resistance and starts up from as low as 0.8V typical input voltage.
It integrates a precision 1.25V reference (±1.5% over temperature), low-battery detector (LBI/LBO) with 1.25V threshold and 25mV hysteresis, and bootstrapped operation powered from the OUT pin - allowing sustained regulation even as battery voltage sags below the output level.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Preset 3.3V or 5V via 3/5 pin logic; no external feedback required. |
| Input Voltage Range | 0.8V to VOUT; enables operation from single-cell alkaline or NiMH down to end-of-life. |
| Peak Switch Current | 500mA ±100mA; sets inductor sizing and maximum deliverable load current. |
| Quiescent Current | 25µA typical in active mode; critical for extending battery life in standby. |
| Shutdown Current | 1µA max; reduces system leakage when disabled. |
| Reference Voltage | 1.25V ±1.5% over –40°C to +85°C; usable as precision bias for ADCs or comparators. |
| Switching Frequency | Up to 500kHz; enables compact 47µH inductor and low-ESR tantalum capacitor design. |
Pinout & Package
MAX856ESA+ is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package per JEDEC MS-012, with 1.27mm pitch, 5.0mm × 4.0mm body, and exposed pad not present. Pin 1 is marked by notch or dot; pin numbering is counterclockwise.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - SHDN | Active-low shutdown control | Drives entire IC into 1µA sleep state; logic-compatible with 0.4V low / 1.6V high thresholds. |
| 2 - 3/5 | Output voltage select | Tie to GND for 5V output; tie to OUT for 3.3V output - no external logic needed. |
| 3 - REF | 1.25V precision reference output | Sources up to 250µA; requires 0.22µF bypass if loaded; stable over full temp range. |
| 4 - LX | Power MOSFET drain node | Connects to inductor and Schottky diode anode; switches at up to 500kHz with 500mA peak. |
| 5 - GND | Power ground | Must be low-impedance; solder directly to PCB ground plane to minimize noise and dropout. |
| 6 - OUT | Regulated output & bootstrap supply | Provides power to internal circuitry; connects to cathode of external Schottky rectifier. |
| 7 - LBI | Low-battery input | Monitors battery via resistor divider; triggers LBO when voltage drops below 1.25V. |
| 8 - LBO | Open-drain low-battery output | Sinks current when LBI < 1.25V; requires external pull-up (e.g., to OUT) for CMOS interface. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low start-up voltage | 0.8V typical enables operation from nearly depleted single-cell batteries. |
| Integrated low-battery detection | Dedicated LBI/LBO pins with 1.25V threshold and 25mV hysteresis eliminate external comparator. |
| Internal 500mA switch | Eliminates need for external MOSFET; supports up to 100mA output at 5V with standard 47µH inductor. |
| Bootstrapped operation | Derives internal supply from OUT pin - sustains regulation even when VIN falls below VOUT. |
| Fixed-output simplicity | No feedback resistors required for 3.3V/5V modes - reduces BOM count and layout complexity. |
Applications
| Glucose Meters | Portable Data-Collection Terminals |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered handheld medical device requiring stable 3.3V rail from 1.8–2.4V alkaline stack. IC Role / Device Role: Primary step-up converter supplying MCU, sensor interface, and LCD backlight driver. Use Value: 25µA quiescent current extends shelf life; 0.8V start-up ensures operation until battery reaches 0.9V under load. |
Use Scenario: Ruggedized barcode scanner using two AA cells, needing regulated 5V for imager and USB interface. IC Role / Device Role: High-efficiency boost regulator with integrated LBO for battery-level warning before shutdown. Use Value: 500mA peak switch current supports 100mA pulsed loads; LBI/LBO simplifies fuel-gauge implementation. |
| Palmtop Computers | 2-Cell Battery-Operated Instruments |
|
Use Scenario: Legacy PDA with 2×NiMH cells (1.6–2.8V range) powering 3.3V logic and 5V peripheral bus. IC Role / Device Role: Dual-rail generator using 3/5 pin to dynamically select 3.3V or 5V output based on subsystem demand. Use Value: Pin-selectable outputs avoid dual converters; ±1.5% reference supports accurate ADC reference without trimming. |
Use Scenario: Portable ECG monitor powered by two AAA alkaline cells (1.0–3.0V), requiring clean 3.3V analog supply. IC Role / Device Role: Low-noise boost converter with bootstrapped architecture to maintain regulation during deep discharge. Use Value: PFM control minimizes switching noise in sensitive analog front-end; GND pin direct-soldering reduces ground bounce. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS61200DRCT | Adjustable 1.8–5.5V output; 1.2A switch; 2.5µA shutdown current; requires external feedback resistors. | Higher output current capability but lacks pin-selectable fixed outputs and integrated LBI/LBO. | Choose TPS61200DRCT when adjustable output and higher load current (>100mA) are required; MAX856ESA+ preferred for fixed 3.3V/5V simplicity and battery monitoring. |
| LT1944EMS8-1 | Fixed 5V output only; 600mA switch; 20µA quiescent current; no LBI/LBO; requires external Schottky diode. | Matches 5V-only use case but omits low-battery detection and 3.3V option - increases system-level component count. | Choose LT1944EMS8-1 only for pure 5V boost where LBO functionality is handled externally; MAX856ESA+ offers tighter integration and dual-voltage flexibility. |
Compared with TPS61200DRCT and LT1944EMS8-1, the MAX856ESA+ uniquely combines pin-selectable 3.3V/5V outputs, integrated low-battery detection, and sub-1V start-up in a single SO-8 package - reducing bill-of-materials and PCB area for space-constrained medical and portable instrumentation.
Availability
MAX856ESA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for glucose meters, portable data-collection terminals, and palmtop computers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX856ESA+ 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 MAX856ESA+ belongs to the MAX856–MAX859 family of ultra-low-quiescent-current boost converters, designed specifically for battery longevity and reliable operation in low-voltage, space-constrained instrumentation.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for the MAX856ESA+ to start switching?
The MAX856ESA+ has a typical start-up input voltage of 0.8V, verified across –40°C to +85°C. This allows reliable operation from nearly depleted single-cell alkaline or NiMH batteries. The actual start-up voltage varies slightly with load and temperature - e.g., 0.9V at 100mA load per typical operating characteristics graphs. The MAX856ESA+ remains functional down to 0.8V input even after startup, thanks to bootstrapped operation from the OUT pin.
Can the MAX856ESA+ generate both 3.3V and 5V outputs on the same board?
Yes - the MAX856ESA+ supports pin-selectable outputs: tie the 3/5 pin to GND for 5V output, or to the OUT pin for 3.3V output. This eliminates need for separate regulators or external feedback networks. Both configurations are production-tested and specified across the full –40°C to +85°C range. The MAX856ESA+ does not support simultaneous dual outputs; however, multiple MAX856ESA+ units can be used for independent rails.
Does the MAX856ESA+ include an integrated low-battery detector?
Yes - the MAX856ESA+ integrates a dedicated low-battery comparator with LBI (input) and LBO (open-drain output) pins. The LBI threshold is fixed at 1.25V ±25mV hysteresis. When LBI falls below threshold, LBO sinks current to GND. No external comparator is needed. For unused LBI, connect to VIN; leave LBO open or pull up to OUT with ≥10kΩ resistor for CMOS interfacing.
What inductor value is recommended for the MAX856ESA+ in a 5V/100mA application?
A 47µH inductor is recommended for the MAX856ESA+ in 5V/100mA applications, as validated in the Typical Operating Circuit and Efficiency vs. Load Current graphs. Inductor saturation current must exceed 500mA (peak switch limit). Suggested parts include Sumida CDR105B-470 (1.0A rated, 0.14Ω DCR) or Coilcraft DT1608-223 (0.5A, 0.16Ω). Lower values (22µH) reduce size but increase ripple; higher values improve current capability at expense of size.
Is the MAX856ESA+ pin-compatible with other variants in the MAX856–MAX859 family?
The MAX856ESA+ shares identical pinout and package (8-pin SO) with MAX856CSA, MAX856CUA, MAX857ESA, and MAX858ESA. However, it is not functionally interchangeable with MAX857/MAX859 (which use FB instead of 3/5 pin) or MAX858/MAX859 (which have 125mA switch limit). Always verify datasheet revision and electrical specifications - e.g., MAX856ESA+ supports 500mA peak current and 3.3V/5V selection, unlike MAX858ESA+.
MAX856ESA+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- 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:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
MAX856ESA+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX856ESA+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX856ESA+ 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 MAX856ESA+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX856ESA+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX856ESA+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX856ESA+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX856ESA+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX856ESA+?
MAX856ESA+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX856ESA+ 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 MAX856ESA+?
For technical support, including MAX856ESA+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX856ESA+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX856ESA+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX856ESA+ 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 MAX856ESA+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX856ESA+?
All MAX856ESA+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX856ESA+, 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 MAX856ESA+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX856ESA+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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