Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX884EPA+

Overview

MAX884EPA+ from Maxim Integrated is a 3.3V fixed-output, low-dropout linear regulator with 200mA output capability, 11µA typical quiescent current, 220mV dropout at 5V/200mA, and -40°C to +85°C operating temperature range. It uses a p-channel MOSFET pass device for ultra-low IQ across load and dropout conditions, and integrates reverse-current protection, thermal shutdown, and low-battery detection - ideal for space-constrained battery-powered instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX884EPA+ datasheet, MAX884EPA+ pinout, MAX884EPA+ application, or MAX884EPA+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its 3.3V fixed output, SOIC-8 package with 1.5W power rating, shutdown current <1µA, dual-mode (fixed/adjustable) operation via SET pin, and integrated LBI/LBO comparator for battery monitoring in portable systems.

Technical Context

The MAX884EPA+ employs a p-channel MOSFET pass transistor with no base-drive current, enabling stable 11µA quiescent current from no-load to full 200mA output and eliminating PNP saturation losses in dropout. Its Dual Mode™ architecture selects between internal 3.3V regulation (SET = GND) or adjustable 1.25V–11V output (external resistor divider on SET), with 1.20V reference and 65mV threshold for mode switching.

It integrates foldback current limiting (430mA above 0.8V V_OUT, 170mA during short-circuit), reverse-current protection activating at (V_OUT – V_IN) ≥ 6mV, and thermal shutdown at +160°C with 10°C hysteresis. The LBI comparator references 1.20V with 7mV hysteresis and drives open-drain LBO, functional in normal and standby modes but undefined in OFF mode.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX884EPA+ is housed in an 8-pin plastic DIP (PDIP) package rated for 727mW continuous dissipation at +70°C (derated 9.09mW/°C above), with GND pins (pins 3 and 6) serving as thermal conduction paths to PCB copper.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-dropout, low-IQ linear regulator applications.

Compared with TPS76333DBVR and MCP1700T-3302E/MB, MAX884EPA+ delivers higher output current (200mA), lower quiescent current (11µA vs 80µA/1.6µA), and unique integrated features - LBI/LBO comparator, reverse-current protection, and foldback limiting - making it optimal for self-contained, battery-aware embedded systems where reliability and feature integration outweigh package size constraints.

Availability

MAX884EPA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, solar-powered environmental loggers, handheld test equipment, industrial IoT edge nodes, and battery-backed instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX884EPA+ 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 high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for demanding industrial, automotive, and communications applications.

The MAX882/MAX883/MAX884 family was engineered specifically for micropower battery-operated systems requiring ultra-low IQ, low dropout, and integrated supervision - targeting pagers, cellular handsets, and portable instrumentation in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

FAQ

What is the maximum output current of the MAX884EPA+ and under what conditions is it guaranteed?

The MAX884EPA+ delivers up to 200mA output current at junction temperatures up to +125°C, with guaranteed performance over -40°C to +85°C ambient. This rating assumes proper PCB thermal design: both GND pins (3 and 6) must be soldered to large copper areas per Maxim's layout guidelines. At higher ambient temperatures or with insufficient heatsinking, derating applies - e.g., at +70°C ambient, continuous dissipation is limited to 727mW in the PDIP package, constraining (V_IN – 3.3V) × 200mA ≤ 727mW.

Does the MAX884EPA+ support adjustable output voltage, and how is it configured?

Yes, the MAX884EPA+ supports adjustable output from 1.25V to 11V using Dual Mode™ operation. To enable adjustment, disconnect SET (pin 2) from GND and connect it to a resistor divider between OUT and GND. The output voltage follows V_OUT = 1.20V × (1 + R1/R2), where R2 connects to GND. The SET pin draws only ±50nA, allowing high-value resistors (up to 1.5MΩ for R2) to minimize power loss. MAX884EPA+ retains its 3.3V fixed-output specification only when SET = GND.

How does the reverse-current protection in MAX884EPA+ operate, and what is its activation threshold?

The MAX884EPA+ reverse-current protection activates when V_OUT exceeds V_IN by ≥6mV (typical), at which point internal circuitry switches substrate bias to block backflow. This prevents battery discharge into a failed or disconnected input source. During activation, reverse leakage is limited to 15µA at V_OUT = 3.3V. The feature operates autonomously - no external components or control signals required - and is fully specified across the -40°C to +85°C temperature range. MAX884EPA+'s protection responds faster and with tighter threshold tolerance than discrete diode solutions.

What is the purpose of the LBI and LBO pins on the MAX884EPA+, and how are they used in practice?

The LBI (pin 8) is a comparator input referenced to an internal 1.20V bandgap; when the voltage at LBI falls below this threshold (with 7mV hysteresis), the open-drain LBO (pin 1) pulls low. In practice, LBI is connected to a resistor divider from the battery to detect end-of-life voltage - e.g., a 2:1 divider on a 3.6V Li-ion cell triggers LBO at ~2.4V. LBO can drive an LED, microcontroller interrupt, or reset generator. For MAX884EPA+, LBO remains functional during normal and OFF modes, providing reliable battery-fail signaling even during deep sleep.

Can the MAX884EPA+ be used with input voltages below 2.7V, and what happens if the input drops below the minimum specification?

No, the MAX884EPA+ is not characterized or guaranteed to operate with input voltages below 2.7V. Below this threshold, regulation fails: output voltage collapses, LBI/LBO comparator becomes inaccurate, and internal biasing may cease. If V_IN drops below 2.7V during battery discharge, the device enters undervoltage lockout - V_OUT follows V_IN minus dropout until regulation is lost entirely. For applications requiring operation down to 2.0V or lower, consider alternatives like the MAX1726 or newer ADI micropower LDOs. MAX884EPA+'s 2.7V minimum ensures stable 3.3V output across the usable range of common primary and rechargeable cells.