Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8836ZEWEEE+T

Overview

The MAX8836ZEWEEE+T from Maxim Integrated is a high-frequency, dual-output power management IC integrating a 1.2A PWM step-down converter for PA supply and a 200mA low-noise LDO (LDO2) with 35µVRMS output noise. It delivers fixed 3.1V or 3.4V PA output via HP pin selection, features 60mΩ bypass FET for ultra-low dropout at 100% duty cycle, and operates from 2.7V to 5.5V input across -40°C to +85°C. It targets RF power amplifier biasing in WCDMA/CDMA handsets where fast transient response and low noise are critical.

For engineers reviewing the MAX8836ZEWEEE+T datasheet, MAX8836ZEWEEE+T pinout, MAX8836ZEWEEE+T application, or MAX8836ZEWEEE+T equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed package mapping to 16-bump 2mm × 2mm WLP, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative parts - all derived exclusively from Maxim's official documentation and electrical characteristics tables.

Technical Context

The MAX8836ZEWEEE+T implements a hysteretic PWM control scheme for the PA step-down converter, enabling sub-25µs settling time during 3.1V ↔ 3.4V output transitions and eliminating phase-lag instability through LX-node DC feedback. Its dual-regulation architecture separates PA switching (IN1A/IN1B inputs, PAA/PAB outputs) from LDO2 biasing (IN2 input, LDO2 output), with independent logic enables (PA_EN, EN2) and thermal shutdown at +160°C.

Bypass mode engages automatically above ~99% duty cycle using an internal p-channel MOSFET (60mΩ typical on-resistance), directly connecting IN1A/IN1B to PAA/PAB while forcing 100% PWM operation. The LDO2 employs a p-channel pass device with 70mV dropout at 100mA, 65dB PSRR (10Hz–10kHz), and factory-trimmed 2.85V output voltage.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX8836ZEWEEE+T is packaged in a 16-bump, 2mm × 2mm × 0.7mm Wafer-Level Package (WLP) with 0.4mm bump pitch and bottom-side interconnects. Thermal performance is enhanced by connecting N.I.C. (A3) to AGND.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-output RF power management applications.

Compared with MAX8837ZEWEEE+T and MAX8835ZEWEEE+T, the MAX8836ZEWEEE+T uniquely integrates both the 1.2A PA buck converter and the 200mA 2.85V LDO2 in one 2mm × 2mm WLP, eliminating board space and BOM count versus discrete solutions while maintaining identical enable timing and thermal behavior.

Availability

MAX8836ZEWEEE+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for WCDMA handset design, CDMA transmitter development, and smartphone RF front-end integration requiring stable component supply, full RoHS compliance, and guaranteed -40°C to +85°C operation.

Supply support for MAX8836ZEWEEE+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 precision analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for communications, computing, and consumer applications.

The MAX8836ZEWEEE+T belongs to Maxim's RF power management product line, designed specifically to address the dual-rail (PA + LNA/mixer bias) voltage requirements and ultra-low-noise constraints of 3G cellular transceivers.

FAQ

What is the function of the HP pin on the MAX8836ZEWEEE+T?

The HP pin on the MAX8836ZEWEEE+T selects the PA output voltage: when HP = 0, the device regulates to 3.4V; when HP = 1, it regulates to 3.1V. This pin is internally pulled down with an 800kΩ resistor, so leaving it unconnected defaults to 3.4V operation. The selection is static and does not affect LDO2 output, which remains fixed at 2.85V regardless of HP state. This dual-voltage capability allows the MAX8836ZEWEEE+T to support multiple RF standards within a single hardware platform.

How does the MAX8836ZEWEEE+T enter bypass mode, and what triggers it?

The MAX8836ZEWEEE+T enters bypass mode automatically when the PA step-down converter operates above ~99% duty cycle, connecting IN1A/IN1B directly to PAA/PAB via its internal 60mΩ p-channel MOSFET. This is triggered by input-to-output voltage conditions-not by external logic-and uses IN2 (not IN1) as the sensing reference to avoid false triggering from switching noise. In bypass mode, the PWM section is forced into 100% duty cycle while the low-RDS(ON) FET minimizes dropout, delivering up to 1.5A with <100mV loss. The MAX8836ZEWEEE+T exits bypass mode when duty cycle falls below threshold.

What is the recommended output capacitor for the LDO2 section of the MAX8836ZEWEEE+T?

The MAX8836ZEWEEE+T LDO2 section requires a minimum 1µF ceramic output capacitor for stable operation at full 200mA load across the -40°C to +85°C temperature range. For loads under 10mA, a 0.1µF capacitor suffices. X5R or X7R dielectric ceramics are strongly recommended due to their stable capacitance and low ESR; Z5U or Y5V types require ≥2.2µF to ensure stability below -10°C. Larger capacitors improve PSRR, reduce output noise, and enhance load-transient response-critical when powering noise-sensitive RF components like LNAs or mixers from the MAX8836ZEWEEE+T LDO2 output.

Can the MAX8836ZEWEEE+T operate with different input sources for IN1A/IN1B and IN2?

No-the MAX8836ZEWEEE+T requires IN2 to be connected to the same voltage source as IN1A and IN1B. This is explicitly mandated in the datasheet to prevent false triggering of automatic bypass mode, since IN2 serves as the reference for bypass detection. Using separate supplies introduces voltage differentials that disrupt the bypass threshold accuracy and may cause erratic mode transitions. All three inputs (IN1A, IN1B, IN2) must share a common battery or regulated rail, with individual 4.7µF (IN1) and 2.2µF (IN2) ceramic bypass capacitors placed close to their respective pins and AGND/PGND planes.

What is the thermal shutdown behavior of the MAX8836ZEWEEE+T?

The MAX8836ZEWEEE+T activates thermal shutdown when its junction temperature exceeds +160°C, turning off all power switches (PWM and bypass FET) and pulling LDO2 to AGND via a 1kΩ internal resistor. After shutdown, the device remains inactive until the junction cools by 20°C (to ~+140°C), at which point it restarts with soft-start. This hysteresis prevents thermal oscillation. During continuous overload, the MAX8836ZEWEEE+T exhibits pulsed output behavior-cycling between active regulation and shutdown-making it essential to verify PCB copper area, airflow, and ambient temperature in high-power applications to avoid sustained thermal limiting.