Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8868EZK25
- Part No.:
- MAX8868EZK25
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- SOT-23-5 Thin, TSOT-23-5
- Datasheet:
-
MAX8868EZK25.pdf
- Description:
- LOW-NOISE, LOW-DROPOUT, 150MILLI
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,692
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
MAX8868EZK25 from Maxim Integrated is a low-noise, low-dropout linear regulator with 2.5V fixed output, 150mA output current capability, 30µVRMS output noise, 165mV dropout at full load, and 100µA operating supply current. It features auto-discharge during shutdown and reverse battery protection, designed for space-constrained portable electronics requiring stable, clean power from single-cell Li-ion or alkaline batteries.
For engineers reviewing the MAX8868EZK25 datasheet, MAX8868EZK25 pinout, MAX8868EZK25 application, or MAX8868EZK25 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact SOT23-5 pin mapping, real-world load/line regulation behavior, thermal and short-circuit protection details, and validated alternative options for battery-powered LDO selection.
Technical Context
The MAX8868EZK25 uses an internal P-channel MOSFET pass transistor (1.1Ω typical RDS(ON)) to achieve ultra-low quiescent current (100µA across all load and dropout conditions) and eliminate base-drive losses inherent in PNP-based regulators. Its error amplifier compares a 1.25V bandgap reference against feedback from an internal resistor divider tied to the OUT pin.
It integrates dedicated circuitry for auto-discharge (active pull-down of OUT to GND during SHDN assertion), reverse battery protection (limits reverse current to ≤1mA when VIN or SHDN < GND), and thermal shutdown (trip at +155°C with +15°C hysteresis). The BP pin accepts a 0.01µF ceramic capacitor to form an 80Hz low-pass filter that reduces output voltage noise to 30µVRMS (10Hz–100kHz).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 2.5V ±1.4% - factory-trimmed; eliminates external feedback resistors and ensures accuracy over -40°C to +85°C. |
| Max Output Current | 150mA continuous - sufficient for RF front-ends, microcontrollers, and analog sensors in handheld devices. |
| Dropout Voltage | 165mV at 150mA - enables operation down to 2.65V input, extending usable life of 2.7–3.6V Li-ion cells. |
| Output Noise | 30µVRMS (10Hz–100kHz) - low enough for noise-sensitive analog circuits like ADCs and VCOs without additional filtering. |
| Quiescent Current | 100µA (operating), 10nA (shutdown) - preserves battery runtime in always-on or sleep-mode applications. |
| Shutdown Discharge | Active auto-discharge via internal switch - pulls OUT to GND within microseconds upon SHDN assertion, preventing floating outputs. |
| Thermal Protection | 155°C trip temperature with 15°C hysteresis - prevents permanent damage during sustained overload or poor PCB thermal design. |
Pinout & Package
SOT23-5 thin package (2.9mm × 1.6mm × 1.1mm height), thermally enhanced with GND pin acting as heatsink; requires soldering to large copper area for optimal power dissipation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - SHDN | Active-low enable/discharge control | Logic low (≤0.4V) disables regulator and activates MAX8868-specific auto-discharge; connect to IN for always-on operation. |
| 2 - GND | Power ground and thermal path | Electrical return and primary heat conduction path; must be connected to large PCB copper pour to sustain >150mW dissipation. |
| 3 - IN | Input voltage supply | Accepts 2.5V–6.5V; bypass with ≥1µF ceramic capacitor near pin to suppress supply noise and improve line transient response. |
| 4 - OUT | Regulated output | Delivers 2.5V up to 150mA; requires ≥1µF low-ESR ceramic capacitor to GND for stability and transient performance. |
| 5 - BP | Noise-reduction bypass node | Connects to internal 200kΩ resistor; 0.01µF ceramic capacitor here reduces output noise by filtering reference noise before error amp. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Auto-discharge function | Unique to MAX8868: actively sinks OUT to GND during shutdown, eliminating need for external discharge FET in battery-backed systems. |
| Reverse battery protection | Blocks reverse current to ≤1mA if VIN or SHDN falls below GND - protects IC and system from accidental battery reversal damage. |
| P-channel MOSFET pass element | 1.1Ω typical RDS(ON) enables 100µA IQ independent of load or dropout - extends battery life vs. bipolar LDOs. |
| Low-noise BP filtering | Internal 200kΩ + external 0.01µF forms 80Hz LPF on reference path - achieves 30µVRMS noise without complex external filtering. |
| Thermal and short-circuit robustness | Current limit ≥160mA, thermal shutdown at +155°C, infinite short-circuit duration - supports unattended operation in harsh environments. |
Applications
| Cellular Handset Power Rail | PCMCIA Card Core Supply |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Providing clean 2.5V bias to RF transceiver ICs and baseband processors in GSM/CDMA handsets with single Li-ion cell input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary LDO delivering regulated, low-noise power to sensitive analog blocks; replaces discrete solutions requiring external discharge paths. Use Value: 30µVRMS noise prevents phase noise degradation in VCOs; 165mV dropout extends talk time by enabling operation until battery reaches 2.65V. |
Use Scenario: Supplying stable 2.5V core voltage to PCMCIA memory or I/O cards inserted into laptops or industrial hosts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compact, thermally efficient LDO handling hot-swap transients and variable load profiles without external components. Use Value: Auto-discharge ensures safe power-down when card is ejected; reverse battery protection guards against host-side polarity faults. |
| Palmtop Computer Audio Codec | Hand-Held Instrument Sensor Bias |
|
Use Scenario: Powering stereo audio codec ICs in palmtop PCs where EMI and battery life are critical constraints. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, low-IQ supply for DAC/ADC sections; BP pin filtering suppresses switching noise from nearby DC-DC converters. Use Value: 30µVRMS noise meets SNR requirements for 16-bit audio; 100µA IQ minimizes standby drain during suspend-to-RAM states. |
Use Scenario: Delivering precision 2.5V excitation to bridge-type pressure or strain sensors in portable test equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reference-grade LDO with tight output accuracy (±1.4%) and minimal load regulation drift (0.01%/mA). Use Value: Stable output ensures sensor measurement repeatability; thermal shutdown prevents calibration drift during extended field use. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-noise, low-dropout LDO applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX8867EZK25 | No auto-discharge; identical pinout, specs, and package - differs only in missing active OUT pull-down during shutdown. | Suitable where output discharge is handled externally or unnecessary; lacks integrated safety for floating-bus scenarios. | Select MAX8867EZK25 only if auto-discharge is not required and cost minimization is prioritized. |
| MCP1700T-2502E/MB | 250mA rating, 6µA IQ, no BP pin or auto-discharge; SOT23-3 package (no BP or SHDN pins) - requires external enable logic. | Better for ultra-low-power always-on sensors; unsuitable for noise-critical RF or systems needing fast discharge. | Choose MCP1700T-2502E/MB only for sub-10µA standby designs where noise and discharge are secondary concerns. |
Compared with MAX8868EZK25, MAX8867EZK25 omits auto-discharge but matches all electrical and thermal specs, while MCP1700T-2502E/MB trades noise performance and discharge capability for lower quiescent current and simpler 3-pin packaging - making MAX8868EZK25 the sole choice for noise-sensitive, auto-discharge–required portable LDO applications.
Availability
MAX8868EZK25 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular telephones, PCMCIA cards, palmtop computers, and hand-held instruments requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MAX8868EZK25 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 markets.
The MAX8867/MAX8868 product line was engineered specifically for battery-powered portable electronics demanding ultra-low noise, minimal quiescent current, and robust fault protection in miniature SOT23 packages.
FAQ
What is the output voltage tolerance and temperature drift of the MAX8868EZK25?
The MAX8868EZK25 has a factory-trimmed output voltage of 2.5V with ±1.4% accuracy over -40°C to +85°C. Typical output voltage drift versus temperature is ±0.01%/°C, resulting in less than ±2.5mV variation across the full operating range - confirmed by Figure MAX8867/8-07 in the datasheet. This stability makes the MAX8868EZK25 suitable for precision analog biasing where reference-grade regulation is required without external trimming.
Does the MAX8868EZK25 require external capacitors, and what are the minimum values?
Yes, the MAX8868EZK25 requires three external capacitors: ≥1µF ceramic on IN, ≥1µF low-ESR ceramic on OUT, and 0.01µF ceramic on BP. These are mandatory for stability, noise reduction, and transient response - per the "Capacitor Selection and Regulator Stability" section. Using smaller or higher-ESR types risks oscillation or degraded PSRR; X7R/X5R dielectrics are recommended over Z5U/Y5V for consistent performance across temperature.
How does the auto-discharge function of the MAX8868EZK25 operate during shutdown?
When SHDN is pulled low, the MAX8868EZK25 activates an internal NMOS switch between OUT and GND, discharging the output capacitance rapidly - typically within microseconds. This behavior is exclusive to the MAX8868 family and is absent in the pin-compatible MAX8867 series. The discharge resistance is specified as 300Ω typical, ensuring safe, controlled de-energization of downstream circuitry without external components.
What protection features are built into the MAX8868EZK25, and how do they behave under fault conditions?
The MAX8868EZK25 integrates thermal shutdown (trips at +155°C, resets after +15°C hysteresis), short-circuit protection (current limit ≥160mA), and reverse battery protection (limits reverse current to ≤1mA if VIN or SHDN < GND). During sustained overload, it enters thermal cycling mode - pulsing ON/OFF - rather than latching off, allowing automatic recovery once cooled. All protections are fully operational across -40°C to +85°C.
Can the MAX8868EZK25 be used with input voltages below 2.5V, and what happens near dropout?
No - the absolute minimum input voltage is 2.5V per Absolute Maximum Ratings. Operation below this risks undefined behavior or damage. Near dropout (e.g., VIN = 2.65V for 2.5V output), the MAX8868EZK25 maintains regulation with 100µA quiescent current and full 150mA capability, but PSRR degrades above 10kHz and output impedance rises. Load regulation remains within 0.01%/mA, ensuring stable voltage even as the battery depletes.
MAX8868EZK25 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- SOT-23-5 Thin, TSOT-23-5
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 6.5V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 2.5V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 150mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 180 µA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 63dB (10kHz)
- Control Features:
- Current Limit, Enable
- Protection Features:
- Over Current, Over Temperature, Reverse Polarity, Short Circuit
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TSOT-23-5
MAX8868EZK25 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX8868EZK25 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX8868EZK25 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 MAX8868EZK25 reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX8868EZK25 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX8868EZK25 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX8868EZK25?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX8868EZK25 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX8868EZK25?
MAX8868EZK25 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX8868EZK25 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 MAX8868EZK25?
For technical support, including MAX8868EZK25 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX8868EZK25 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX8868EZK25 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX8868EZK25 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 MAX8868EZK25 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX8868EZK25?
All MAX8868EZK25 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX8868EZK25, 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 MAX8868EZK25 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX8868EZK25:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX8868EZK25 Tags

-
MIC5504-1.8YM5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5504-3.3YM5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5365-3.0YC5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5365-1.8YC5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5365-2.5YC5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5365-3.3YC5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5365-3.3YD5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5317-3.3YM5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
TLV1117LV33DCYR
Texas Instruments

-
MIC5317-3.3YMT-TZ
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5528-3.3YMT-TR
Microchip Technology

-
TLV75801PDRVR
Texas Instruments
Tech Hub
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…

