Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX859ESA-T
- Part No.:
- MAX859ESA-T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Special Purpose Regulators
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX859ESA-T.pdf
- Description:
- STEP-UP DC-DC CONVERTER
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,500
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Product details
Overview
MAX859ESA-T from Maxim Integrated is an adjustable-output, step-up DC-DC switching regulator optimized for low-input-voltage battery-powered systems. It accepts 0.8V–6.0V input and delivers 2.7V–6.0V output with 125mA peak switch current limit, ±1.5% reference tolerance, and 25µA quiescent supply current - enabling high-efficiency operation in glucose meters and portable medical instrumentation.
For engineers reviewing the MAX859ESA-T datasheet, MAX859ESA-T pinout, MAX859ESA-T application, or MAX859ESA-T equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed operating parameters, and real-world design implications for low-power boost conversion in -40°C to +85°C industrial and medical environments.
Technical Context
The MAX859ESA-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 ~4Ω on-resistance and starts reliably at 0.8V typical input.
It integrates a precision 1.25V reference (±1.5% over temperature), low-battery detector (LBI/LBO), and feedback (FB) input for external resistor-divider output programming. Shutdown mode draws only 1µA, and the device is internally bootstrapped from OUT to support ultra-low VIN operation after startup.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 0.8V to 6.0V - supports single-cell alkaline, NiMH, or LiFePO₄ batteries down to near-dead voltage. |
| Output Voltage Range | 2.7V to 6.0V - programmable via external resistor divider on FB pin; not fixed-output. |
| Peak Switch Current Limit | 125mA ±25mA - sets maximum inductor current; enables use of small, low-cost 22µH–47µH inductors. |
| Quiescent Supply Current | 25µA - measured at 3.3V output; enables >1-year battery life in always-on portable medical devices. |
| Reference Voltage Accuracy | ±1.5% over -40°C to +85°C - ensures stable feedback loop performance across industrial temperature range. |
| Shutdown Current | 1µA - reduces system standby power to negligible levels; critical for long-term battery storage. |
| Switching Frequency | Up to 500kHz - allows compact filter design with ceramic or low-ESR tantalum capacitors. |
Pinout & Package
MAX859ESA-T is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package, 150-mil width, with gull-wing leads and exposed pad not present. Pin 1 is marked by beveled corner; package meets JEDEC MS-012 standards.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| LX | N-channel MOSFET drain | Switch node connecting to external inductor; carries pulsed current up to 125mA peak. |
| GND | Power ground | Low-impedance return path; must connect directly to PCB ground plane to minimize noise and improve efficiency. |
| OUT | Regulator output | Provides boosted output voltage; also supplies bootstrap power to internal circuitry. |
| LBI | Low-battery input | Analog input to internal comparator; threshold = 1.25V; connect to voltage divider for custom battery cutoff. |
| LBO | Low-battery open-drain output | Sinks current when LBI < 1.25V; requires external pull-up (e.g., to OUT) for CMOS-level signaling. |
| REF | 1.25V precision reference output | Stable internal reference; can source up to 250µA; bypass with 0.22µF to GND if loaded. |
| FB | Feedback input | Connects to resistor divider between OUT and GND; sets output voltage per VOUT = 1.25V × (1 + R1/R2). |
| SHDN | Active-low shutdown input | Pulls entire IC into 1µA sleep mode; logic-compatible with 0.4V low / 1.6V high thresholds. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low start-up voltage | 0.8V typical - enables operation from nearly depleted 1-cell alkaline or NiMH batteries. |
| Adjustable output architecture | 2.7V–6.0V via FB pin - eliminates need for multiple fixed-output SKUs; simplifies BOM across product variants. |
| Integrated low-battery detection | Dedicated LBI/LBO pins with 1.25V threshold - removes external comparator and reduces component count in portable systems. |
| Internal sense-FET switch | ~4Ω on-resistance - balances conduction loss and thermal dissipation in 8-pin SO package at 125mA peak. |
| PFM control without oscillator | Variable-frequency operation - avoids fixed switching noise peaks; EMI easier to filter than PWM-based converters. |
Applications
| Glucose Meters | Portable Data Collectors |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered handheld device measuring blood glucose concentration using electrochemical test strips requiring stable 3.3V or 5V rail. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Step-up DC-DC converter generating regulated output from 1.5V–2.5V single-cell battery input. Use Value: 25µA quiescent current extends disposable battery life beyond 500 tests; 125mA current limit supports short-duration sensor excitation pulses. |
Use Scenario: Ruggedized field data collector with LCD display, barcode scanner, and wireless module powered by two AA cells. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary boost regulator supplying 3.3V to microcontroller and peripherals while maintaining operation down to 1.2V battery voltage. Use Value: 0.8V start-up capability ensures full functionality until battery reaches end-of-life; ±1.5% reference ensures accurate ADC reference for analog sensor inputs. |
| Personal Data Communicators | Medical Instrumentation |
Use Scenario: Palm-sized PDA with monochrome LCD, IR transceiver, and flash memory running from 2×AA batteries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adjustable-output boost converter delivering 3.3V or 5V depending on peripheral activation state. Use Value: FB-based output adjustment enables dynamic voltage scaling; shutdown mode (<1µA) preserves battery during idle periods. |
Use Scenario: Portable ECG monitor with analog front-end, signal processor, and Bluetooth LE radio operating from coin-cell or AAA battery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency boost stage powering mixed-signal subsystems with tight noise and stability requirements. Use Value: Low-noise PFM architecture minimizes interference with sensitive analog acquisition; -40°C to +85°C rating supports clinical and home-use environments. |
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 | Fixed 3.3V/5V output only; no FB pin; 1.8V min start-up; 300mA switch current. | Not suitable for adjustable-output designs; better for higher-current fixed-rail applications. | Select only if output voltage is fixed and load exceeds 125mA. |
| LT1944EMS8-1 | Adjustable output; 1.8V min start-up; 600mA switch current; requires external compensation. | Higher power capability but larger solution size; less suited for space-constrained medical devices. | Prefer when >200mA output current or wider input range (1.5V–10V) is required. |
Compared with TPS61200DRCT and LT1944EMS8-1, the MAX859ESA-T uniquely combines ultra-low 0.8V start-up, 125mA current limit for minimal inductor size, and integrated LBI/LBO - making it optimal for compact, long-life, battery-critical medical and portable instrumentation where adjustability and deep discharge operation are essential.
Availability
MAX859ESA-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for glucose meters, portable data collectors, personal data communicators, and medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX859ESA-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 consumer applications.
The MAX856–MAX859 family was designed specifically for ultra-low-voltage, high-efficiency boost conversion in space- and battery-constrained portable electronics - emphasizing minimal quiescent current, robust start-up, and integrated system monitoring features.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for MAX859ESA-T to start up?
The MAX859ESA-T has a typical start-up input voltage of 0.8V, allowing it to begin regulation from nearly depleted single-cell batteries. This value is confirmed in the Typical Operating Characteristics section under "Minimum Start-Up Input Voltage vs. Load Current" - where startup is verified down to 0.8V at light loads and remains functional up to 1.4V at 25mA output. The MAX859ESA-T achieves this via a low-threshold N-channel sense-FET and optimized PFM control architecture.
How is the output voltage set on the MAX859ESA-T?
The MAX859ESA-T uses the FB (feedback) pin to set output voltage via an external resistor divider between OUT and GND. The formula is VOUT = 1.25V × (1 + R1/R2), where REF = 1.25V. This configuration is distinct from the MAX856/MAX858's 3/5 pin and confirms the MAX859ESA-T as an adjustable-output variant. Resistor values from 10kΩ to 300kΩ are recommended to minimize error from FB's ±100nA input bias current.
Does the MAX859ESA-T include low-battery detection capability?
Yes, the MAX859ESA-T integrates a dedicated low-battery detector with LBI (input) and LBO (open-drain output) pins. When the voltage at LBI falls below the internal 1.25V reference, LBO sinks current to GND. The detection threshold is user-programmable using a resistor divider on LBI, and the MAX859ESA-T datasheet specifies 25mV hysteresis to prevent chatter near the trip point.
What package type and temperature range does the MAX859ESA-T use?
The MAX859ESA-T is supplied in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with 150-mil body width and operates across the extended industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. This is explicitly stated in the Ordering Information table, where "ESA" suffix denotes the SO package and "E" grade temperature range - distinguishing it from "CSA" (commercial) and "MJA" (military) variants.
What is the peak switch current limit for the MAX859ESA-T?
The MAX859ESA-T has a guaranteed peak inductor current limit of 125mA ±25mA, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table under "Peak Inductor Current Limit" for MAX858/MAX859. This lower current limit (versus 500mA for MAX856/MAX857) enables smaller magnetics and lower conduction losses in low-power applications such as glucose meters and portable sensors.
MAX859ESA-T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Applications:
- Converter, Battery Powered Devices
- Voltage - Input:
- 0.8V ~ 6V
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Output:
- 2.7V ~ 6V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
MAX859ESA-T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX859ESA-T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX859ESA-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 MAX859ESA-T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX859ESA-T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX859ESA-T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX859ESA-T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX859ESA-T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX859ESA-T?
MAX859ESA-T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX859ESA-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 MAX859ESA-T?
For technical support, including MAX859ESA-T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX859ESA-T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX859ESA-T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX859ESA-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 MAX859ESA-T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX859ESA-T?
All MAX859ESA-T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX859ESA-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 MAX859ESA-T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX859ESA-T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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