Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX860CUA
- Part No.:
- MAX860CUA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX860CUA.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG CHARG PUMP INV 50MA 8UMAX
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,436
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Product details
Overview
MAX860CUA from Maxim Integrated is a frequency-selectable switched-capacitor voltage converter that inverts +1.5V to +5.5V inputs or doubles +2.5V to +5.5V inputs, delivering up to 50mA output with 87% efficiency at full load and only 200µA quiescent current. It uses two external capacitors (no inductor), supports three switching frequencies (6/50/130kHz), and features active-low shutdown drawing <1µA. It serves as a compact, EMI-optimized replacement for ICL7660/MAX660 in portable medical instruments and handheld interface power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the MAX860CUA datasheet, MAX860CUA pinout, MAX860CUA application, or MAX860CUA equivalent, key selection criteria include its 8-pin µMAX package, selectable switching frequency via FC pin, 12Ω output resistance, -1µA shutdown current, and compatibility with low-ESR ceramic/tantalum capacitors for space-constrained battery-powered designs.
Technical Context
The MAX860CUA implements a charge-pump topology with direct oscillator-driven switches (no frequency division), enabling precise control of output polarity and magnitude through LV pin configuration (GND for inverter, OUT for doubler). Its internal switch resistance (~8Ω) combines with capacitor ESR and 1/(fS×C1) term to define total output resistance (typically 12Ω with 10µF/0.2Ω caps).
Frequency selection via FC pin (VDD/open, GND, or OUT) sets nominal switching frequencies at 6kHz, 50kHz, or 130kHz - each optimized for trade-offs among capacitor size, supply current, and noise avoidance. The device operates without regulation but maintains stable output under load due to predictable source impedance and low-voltage-drop architecture (600mV drop at 50mA).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Current | 50mA maximum continuous - sufficient to replace inductive regulators in low-power analog rails. |
| Switching Frequencies | 6kHz / 50kHz / 130kHz - selectable via FC pin to minimize capacitor size or avoid sensitive frequency bands. |
| Quiescent Current | 200µA typical - enables multi-day battery life in always-on portable instrumentation. |
| Shutdown Current | <1µA - preserves battery charge during system sleep modes without external disconnect circuitry. |
| Output Resistance | 12Ω typical - defines predictable voltage droop (e.g., −4.4V at 50mA from −5V no-load with +5V input). |
| Input Voltage Range | +1.5V to +5.5V (inverter), +2.5V to +5.5V (doubler) - supports single-cell Li-ion, alkaline, and regulated 3.3V/5V rails. |
| Efficiency | 87% at 50mA load - reduces thermal load and extends runtime compared to linear solutions. |
Pinout & Package
MAX860CUA is housed in an 8-pin µMAX package (3.05mm × 3.05mm × 1.11mm), compatible with fine-pitch SMT assembly and offering superior thermal performance vs. SOIC for high-density layouts.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 FC | Frequency Control Input | Three-state logic input selecting 6/50/130kHz oscillator frequency; open or tied to VDD selects lowest frequency. |
| 2 C1+ | Flying Capacitor Positive Terminal | Connects to positive plate of pump capacitor C1; carries bidirectional high-frequency switching current. |
| 3 GND | Ground Reference | Primary return path for internal switches and external capacitors; must be low-impedance for ripple control. |
| 4 C1− | Flying Capacitor Negative Terminal | Connects to negative plate of pump capacitor C1; forms charge-transfer path with C1+ and internal switches. |
| 5 OUT | Output Terminal | Delivers inverted (−VIN) or doubled (+2VIN) voltage; connects to reservoir capacitor C2 and load. |
| 6 LV | Mode Selection Input | Tied to GND for inverter mode; tied to OUT for doubler mode - configures internal switch matrix routing. |
| 7 SHDN | Active-Low Shutdown | Pulling low disables all switching activity; must be tied to VDD (inverter) or GND (doubler) if unused. |
| 8 VDD | Positive Supply Input | Accepts +1.5V to +5.5V; powers internal logic and switches; requires local 0.1µF bypass capacitor. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Invert or double input voltage | Single IC supports both polarities via LV pin configuration - eliminates need for separate inverter/doubler parts. |
| Three selectable switching frequencies | Enables optimization of capacitor size (e.g., 68µF @ 6kHz vs. 4.7µF @ 130kHz) and EMI profile without changing BOM. |
| 12Ω output resistance | Provides predictable load regulation (e.g., 600mV drop at 50mA) - simplifies rail budgeting in op-amp and sensor bias networks. |
| 200µA quiescent current | Reduces standby power in always-on devices like glucose meters or portable oscilloscopes by >95% vs. legacy ICL7660. |
| 1µA shutdown current | Enables true zero-power sleep states in battery-backed systems without external load switches or PMIC coordination. |
Applications
| Portable Medical Instruments | Hand-Held Test Equipment |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powering dual-rail op-amps and ADC reference buffers in battery-operated ECG monitors and pulse oximeters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Generates clean −3.3V rail from +3.3V main supply using inverter mode with 10µF low-ESR tantalum capacitors. Use Value: Eliminates inductors and associated EMI, meeting IEC 60601-1 immunity requirements while reducing PCB area by 40% vs. buck-boost solutions. |
Use Scenario: Providing ±5V rails for analog front-end signal conditioning in handheld multimeters and LCR meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Configured as inverter (LV = GND) and doubler (LV = OUT) on separate channels to generate complementary supplies from single +5V input. Use Value: Achieves 50mA per rail with <10mVpp ripple using 4.7µF ceramic caps at 130kHz - enabling 4½-digit measurement accuracy. |
| Interface Power Supplies | Operational-Amplifier Power Supplies |
|
Use Scenario: Generating isolated RS-232 or RS-485 transceiver bias voltages in industrial IoT gateways with limited board space. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Operates in inverter mode (FC = GND → 50kHz) to produce −12V from +5V USB-derived supply, driving MAX3232-level transceivers. Use Value: Delivers 25mA at −11.4V (600mV drop) with no magnetic components - avoiding layout coupling issues near RF sections. |
Use Scenario: Biasing rail-to-rail input/output op-amps in portable audio preamplifiers and sensor signal chains. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Doubler mode (LV = OUT) generates +10V from +5V microcontroller rail to extend dynamic range of analog signal paths. Use Value: Maintains 92% efficiency at 20mA load - minimizing self-heating that would otherwise degrade op-amp offset drift over temperature. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar switched-capacitor voltage conversion applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX660CSA+ | 100mA output, 5/40kHz fixed frequencies, 6.5Ω output resistance, higher quiescent current (250µA) | Better suited for higher-current analog rails where efficiency >90% at 100mA is critical; lacks frequency selectability | Select MAX660CSA+ when load exceeds 50mA or lower output resistance is mandatory; verify FC pin compatibility not required |
| ICL7660CPA | 10mA output, 5kHz fixed frequency, 55Ω output resistance, no shutdown, wider temp range (0°C to +70°C) | Only viable for ultra-low-power signal conditioning (e.g., mic bias); incompatible with >20mA loads or noise-sensitive domains | Choose ICL7660CPA only for legacy drop-in replacements in low-current, cost-sensitive designs - not for new designs requiring >20mA |
Compared with MAX660CSA+, the MAX860CUA trades 50mA output and frequency flexibility for smaller size and lower quiescent current; versus ICL7660CPA, it delivers 5× more current and 4.6× lower output resistance while adding shutdown control and EMI-aware frequency tuning.
Availability
MAX860CUA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical instruments, hand-held test equipment, interface power supplies, operational-amplifier power supplies, and battery-powered industrial sensors requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX860CUA 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, medical, and communications applications.
The MAX860CUA belongs to Maxim's switched-capacitor voltage converter product line, engineered specifically to replace inductive DC-DC converters and legacy charge pumps in space- and noise-constrained portable electronics.
FAQ
What is the function of the LV pin on the MAX860CUA?
The LV pin on the MAX860CUA configures operating mode: connecting LV to GND enables voltage inverter operation (output = −VIN), while connecting LV to OUT enables positive voltage doubling (output = +2VIN). This pin directly controls internal switch routing and must be hard-wired - floating LV is not permitted. In inverter mode, MAX860CUA accepts +1.5V to +5.5V inputs; in doubler mode, the valid input range is +2.5V to +5.5V.
How does the FC pin affect MAX860CUA performance?
The FC pin on the MAX860CUA selects one of three switching frequencies: 6kHz (FC = VDD or open), 50kHz (FC = GND), or 130kHz (FC = OUT). Higher frequencies reduce required capacitor values (e.g., 4.7µF at 130kHz vs. 68µF at 6kHz) but increase quiescent current. Lower frequencies improve light-load efficiency and reduce EMI in sensitive bands. All three settings maintain identical 50mA output capability and 87% peak efficiency.
Can the MAX860CUA replace an ICL7660 in an existing design?
Yes, the MAX860CUA can replace an ICL7660 in most socketed designs with minimal changes: connect the ICL7660's OSC pin (pin 1) to VDD on the MAX860CUA to enable operation, and tie SHDN (pin 7) to VDD since the MAX860CUA has no OSC pin. The FC pin may remain unconnected (defaulting to 6kHz) or be configured for optimal noise/capacitor trade-offs. Output performance improves significantly - 50mA vs. 10mA and 12Ω vs. 55Ω output resistance.
What is the maximum output current specification for MAX860CUA?
The MAX860CUA is rated for 50mA continuous output current under all operating conditions, with absolute maximum rating of 60mA. At 50mA load, it exhibits 600mV output voltage drop (e.g., −4.4V from −5V no-load with +5V input) and maintains 87% efficiency. Derating is not required up to +85°C ambient; the device remains functional up to +85°C junction temperature with proper PCB copper pour and airflow.
Does MAX860CUA require external components to operate?
Yes, the MAX860CUA requires two external capacitors: C1 (flying capacitor) and C2 (output reservoir capacitor). Typical values are 10µF each for general-purpose use, though 4.7µF–68µF are supported depending on FC setting and ripple requirements. A 0.1µF ceramic bypass capacitor on VDD is mandatory. No inductors, diodes, or resistors are needed - the complete solution occupies <15mm² including passives.
MAX860CUA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Function:
- Ratiometric
- Output Configuration:
- Positive or Negative
- Topology:
- Charge Pump
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 1.5V, 2.5V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 5.5V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- -Vin, 2Vin
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 50mA
- Frequency - Switching:
- 6kHz, 50kHz, 130kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-µMAX
MAX860CUA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX860CUA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX860CUA 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 MAX860CUA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX860CUA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX860CUA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX860CUA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX860CUA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX860CUA?
MAX860CUA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX860CUA 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 MAX860CUA?
For technical support, including MAX860CUA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX860CUA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX860CUA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX860CUA 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 MAX860CUA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX860CUA?
All MAX860CUA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX860CUA, 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 MAX860CUA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX860CUA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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