Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8841ELT29+T

Overview

MAX8841ELT29+T from Maxim Integrated is a 2.85V fixed-output, ultra-low-noise, low-dropout linear regulator delivering up to 150mA output current with 120mV dropout at 120mA load and 40µA ground current. It features no-bypass-capacitor operation, stable performance with 1µF ceramic output capacitance, and operates from 2V to 6V input. It is used in noise-sensitive RF sections of Bluetooth radios and portable audio subsystems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX8841ELT29+T datasheet, MAX8841ELT29+T pinout, MAX8841ELT29+T application, or MAX8841ELT29+T equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 150mA output capability, 2.85V precision (±3%), sub-1µA shutdown current, PSRR of 72dB at 1kHz, and µDFN-6 package compatibility with high-density portable PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The MAX8841ELT29+T uses a p-channel MOSFET pass transistor (typ. R_DS(ON) = 1Ω) enabling low dropout and minimal quiescent current across load and temperature. Its architecture omits the BP pin-unlike MAX8840-eliminating need for external bypass capacitor while retaining low-noise performance via internal bandgap and error amplifier design.

Shutdown logic disables reference, error amplifier, and gate drive when SHDN < 0.4V, reducing supply current to <0.05µA at +85°C. Thermal protection activates at +160°C with 10°C hysteresis, and current limiting holds output between 150mA (min) and 300mA (max) under fault conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX8841ELT29+T is housed in a 1.5mm × 1.0mm × 0.8mm lead-free µDFN-6 package with exposed thermal pad (pin 5 is N.C., not internally connected). The package supports high thermal dissipation via GND pin and PCB copper area.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LDO regulator applications.

Compared with MAX8841ELT29+T, the XC6219B282MR-G trades 50mA output headroom and integrated thermal protection for smaller IQ and lower cost, while the ADP160AUJZ-2.85-R7 prioritizes nanoscale IQ and wide VIN at the expense of dropout performance and safety features-making MAX8841ELT29+T optimal for space-constrained, battery-powered RF/audio systems requiring full 150mA with built-in fault resilience.

Availability

MAX8841ELT29+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Bluetooth portable radios, portable audio subsystems, and cellular baseband logic requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX8841ELT29+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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, communications, and consumer applications.

The MAX8840/MAX8841/MAX8842 family was designed specifically for ultra-low-noise, high-PSRR power regulation in space-constrained portable electronics-targeting RF front-ends, audio signal chains, and battery-powered microcontrollers where dropout, noise, and quiescent current are critical.

FAQ

What is the output voltage tolerance of MAX8841ELT29+T over temperature and load?

The MAX8841ELT29+T guarantees ±3% output voltage accuracy across full load (100µA to 80mA) and temperature (-40°C to +85°C), with typical deviation within ±0.4% at +25°C and 1mA load. This tolerance ensures reliable operation of 2.85V-tolerant interfaces like SDIO, SPI, and low-voltage GPIOs without external trimming.

Does MAX8841ELT29+T require an external bypass capacitor like the MAX8840?

No, MAX8841ELT29+T does not require an external bypass capacitor. Unlike the MAX8840-which uses a BP pin and 10nF capacitor to achieve 11µV_RMS noise-the MAX8841 achieves 230µV_RMS noise (100Hz–100kHz) using internal architecture only, eliminating the BP pin and associated capacitor to reduce component count and PCB area.

What is the minimum input voltage required for MAX8841ELT29+T to maintain regulation at 150mA?

At 150mA load, MAX8841ELT29+T requires VIN ≥ 2.97V to maintain regulation, based on its maximum dropout of 120mV at 120mA and worst-case 180mV at 120mA for VOUT < 2.5V (per datasheet Table 1). For conservative design, use VIN ≥ 3.0V to ensure margin across temperature and process variation.

Can MAX8841ELT29+T be used with X5R or Y5V ceramic output capacitors?

MAX8841ELT29+T is stable with 1µF X5R or X7R ceramic capacitors across the full operating temperature range. Y5V dielectrics are not recommended due to large capacitance and ESR drift below -10°C; if used, ≥2.2µF is required to guarantee stability per the "Region of Stable COUT ESR" graph in the datasheet.

How does the shutdown function behave during power-up and power-down sequences?

When SHDN is pulled low (<0.4V), MAX8841ELT29+T enters shutdown with output in high-impedance state and supply current dropping below 1µA. During power-up, the device exits shutdown with 300µs typical delay (measured to 90% of final VOUT), independent of input ramp rate-ensuring clean, controlled power sequencing for downstream logic.