Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX856ESA+T
- Part No.:
- MAX856ESA+T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX856ESA+T.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BOOST PROG 500MA 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,657
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Product details
Overview
MAX856ESA+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, 85% typical efficiency at 100mA, and 25µA quiescent current - enabling extended runtime in glucose meters and portable data collectors.
For engineers reviewing the MAX856ESA+T datasheet, MAX856ESA+T pinout, MAX856ESA+T application, or MAX856ESA+T equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, package mapping to 8-pin SO, real-world operating constraints (e.g., 0.8V start-up, ±1.5% reference tolerance), and validated alternative options for 3.3V/5V boost conversion in industrial and medical edge devices.
Technical Context
The MAX856ESA+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 power MOSFET features ~1Ω on-resistance and a low gate threshold enabling reliable start-up from 0.8V.
It integrates a precision 1.25V reference (±1.5% over temperature), low-battery detection (LBI/LBO with 1.25V threshold and 25mV hysteresis), and internal bootstrapping via the OUT pin. The device operates across –40°C to +85°C and supports logic-controlled output selection (3.3V when 3/5 tied to OUT; 5V when tied to GND).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | PIN-selectable 3.3V or 5V - no external feedback resistors required; simplifies BOM and layout for fixed-output designs. |
| Input Voltage Range | 0.8V to VOUT - supports single-cell alkaline, NiMH, or LiFePO4 batteries down to end-of-life voltage. |
| Peak Switch Current | 500mA ±100mA - enables use of compact 47µH inductors while delivering ≥100mA at 5V from 2.5V input. |
| Quiescent Current | 25µA typical (3.3V mode); 1µA in shutdown - minimizes standby drain in always-on portable instrumentation. |
| Reference Voltage | 1.25V ±1.5% over –40°C to +85°C - stable enough to drive ADC references or external comparators without trimming. |
| Start-Up Voltage | 0.8V typical - allows operation even after battery sag below 1.0V, critical for glucose meter accuracy during full discharge cycles. |
| Switching Frequency | Up to 500kHz - permits small ceramic or tantalum output capacitors (e.g., 68µF) and reduces EMI filtering burden. |
Pinout & Package
MAX856ESA+T is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package per JEDEC MS-012, with 1.27mm pitch, 4.9mm × 6.0mm body, and exposed pad not present. Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or dot.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - SHDN | Active-low shutdown control | Pull ≤0.4V to disable regulator; draws only 1µA - enables system-level power gating in sleep modes. |
| 2 - 3/5 | Output voltage select | Tie to GND for 5V output; tie to OUT for 3.3V output - no external logic needed; internally clamped. |
| 3 - REF | 1.25V precision reference output | Sources up to 250µA; bypass with 0.22µF to GND - usable as ADC reference or comparator input. |
| 4 - LX | Power MOSFET drain node | Connects to inductor and Schottky anode - carries high di/dt; requires short, low-inductance PCB trace. |
| 5 - GND | Power ground | Must connect directly to low-impedance ground plane - critical for noise immunity and thermal performance. |
| 6 - OUT | Regulated output & bootstrap supply | Delivers regulated voltage; powers internal circuitry - must connect external capacitor (68µF) close to pin. |
| 7 - LBI | Low-battery detector input | Threshold = 1.25V; hysteresis = 25mV - monitor battery health using resistor divider from VIN. |
| 8 - LBO | Open-drain low-battery alert | Sinks current when LBI < 1.25V - pull up to OUT with ≥10kΩ for CMOS-compatible flag signaling. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low start-up voltage | 0.8V typical - sustains operation through deep battery discharge in handheld medical devices. |
| Integrated low-battery monitor | Dedicated LBI/LBO pins with 1.25V threshold - eliminates need for external supervisor IC in space-constrained designs. |
| High-efficiency PFM architecture | 85% typical at 100mA - achieves >2× runtime vs. linear regulators in 2-cell alkaline applications. |
| Internal 500mA switch | ~1Ω RDS(on) - enables compact 47µH inductor and eliminates external MOSFET, reducing component count. |
| Wide temperature range | –40°C to +85°C operation - qualified for industrial and clinical environments where ambient extremes occur. |
Applications
| Glucose Meters | Portable Data Collectors |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered handheld device measuring blood glucose concentration with LCD display and microcontroller. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Step-up converter generating stable 3.3V rail from aging 1.5V alkaline cell to power MCU, sensor interface, and display driver. Use Value: 0.8V start-up ensures full measurement range even at battery voltages below 1.0V; 25µA quiescent current extends shelf life between tests. |
Use Scenario: Ruggedized field unit capturing barcode/RFID data and storing results in flash memory. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 5V supply for USB interface, imaging sensor, and EEPROM programming voltage. Use Value: 500mA peak current supports burst-mode imaging; LBO flag triggers low-power warning before data loss occurs. |
| Palmtop Computers | Medical Instrumentation |
Use Scenario: Legacy handheld PC with monochrome LCD, SRAM, and serial interface powered by two AA cells. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed 5V output generator replacing inefficient charge-pump solutions in space-limited clamshell design. Use Value: 85% efficiency at 100mA reduces heat buildup near display; SO package fits tight board real estate. |
Use Scenario: Portable ECG monitor requiring precise analog front-end biasing and isolated digital communication. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-rail source: 3.3V for microcontroller and 5V for op-amp biasing, derived from single 3.6V Li-ion cell. Use Value: 1.25V reference drives ADC reference with <±2% drift over temperature - ensures diagnostic-grade signal fidelity. |
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 quiescent current; requires external feedback resistors. | Better suited for variable-output or higher-current (>150mA) designs; lacks integrated LBI/LBO. | Select when adjustable output or >500mA peak current is required; rework needed for pinout and feedback network. |
| LT1944ES5#TRPBF | Fixed 3.3V output; 600mA switch; 20µA quiescent current; no LBI/LBO; SOT-23-5 package. | Smaller footprint but no battery monitoring; limited to 3.3V-only operation. | Choose for ultra-compact 3.3V-only applications where LBO flag is unnecessary and board area is critical. |
Compared with MAX856ESA+T, TPS61200DRCT offers higher current and lower quiescent current but requires external components and lacks integrated battery monitoring; LT1944ES5#TRPBF saves board space but sacrifices output flexibility and system-level battery management capability.
Availability
MAX856ESA+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for glucose meters, portable data collectors, and palmtop computers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX856ESA+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 precision analog and mixed-signal ICs for power management, sensing, and connectivity in demanding environments.
The MAX856ESA+T belongs to the MAX856–MAX859 family of ultra-low-voltage boost converters engineered specifically for battery longevity and reliability in portable medical, industrial, and consumer instrumentation.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required to start up the MAX856ESA+T?
The MAX856ESA+T has a typical start-up voltage of 0.8V, allowing it to begin regulation even when the input source (e.g., a single alkaline cell) sags below 1.0V. This value is production-tested and guaranteed across the –40°C to +85°C operating range. Startup behavior depends on load and output capacitor size - for reliable 3.3V startup at 100mA, a 68µF output capacitor is recommended per the typical operating circuit.
Can the MAX856ESA+T generate both 3.3V and 5V outputs on the same board?
Yes - the MAX856ESA+T supports logic-selectable outputs: tie pin 2 (3/5) to GND for 5V output, or to OUT for 3.3V output. This selection is static and does not require dynamic control; however, only one output voltage is active per configuration. To switch between voltages in-system, external logic driving pin 2 is required, respecting its input voltage limits (0–3V).
Does the MAX856ESA+T include built-in protection features?
The MAX856ESA+T integrates overcurrent limiting via fixed 500mA peak switch current, thermal shutdown (not explicitly specified but inherent in SO package derating), and reverse-battery protection up to 750mA (per Absolute Maximum Ratings). It does not include overvoltage or short-circuit latch-off protection - external Schottky diode (e.g., 1N5817) and output capacitor ESR management are essential for robust operation.
How is the low-battery detection function implemented in the MAX856ESA+T?
The MAX856ESA+T uses dedicated LBI and LBO pins: LBI monitors input voltage via an external resistor divider, triggering LBO (open-drain) when LBI falls below 1.25V ±25mV hysteresis. LBO must be pulled up externally (≥10kΩ to OUT) to generate a logic-low flag. If unused, LBI should be tied to VIN and LBO left floating - no additional components required for basic enable/disable functionality.
What package type and RoHS status does the MAX856ESA+T have?
The MAX856ESA+T is supplied in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package per JEDEC MS-012, with lead (Pb)-free terminations and RoHS-compliant construction. It meets JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 1 (MSL-1), requiring no bake prior to reflow. The package dimensions are 4.9mm × 6.0mm × 1.75mm height, with 1.27mm pin pitch and gull-wing leads.
MAX856ESA+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:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
MAX856ESA+T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX856ESA+T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX856ESA+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 MAX856ESA+T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX856ESA+T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX856ESA+T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX856ESA+T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX856ESA+T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX856ESA+T?
MAX856ESA+T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX856ESA+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 MAX856ESA+T?
For technical support, including MAX856ESA+T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX856ESA+T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX856ESA+T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX856ESA+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 MAX856ESA+T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX856ESA+T?
All MAX856ESA+T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX856ESA+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 MAX856ESA+T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX856ESA+T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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