Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8873SEUK
- Part No.:
- MAX8873SEUK
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- SC-74A, SOT-753
- Datasheet:
-
MAX8873SEUK.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR LDO
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MAX8873SEUK from Maxim Integrated is a low-dropout linear regulator with fixed 2.84V output, delivering up to 120mA from a +2.5V to +6.5V input. It features 82µA operating supply current independent of load, 55mV dropout at 50mA, Dual Mode™ operation (fixed or adjustable), and reverse battery protection - designed for space-constrained, battery-powered portable devices including cordless telephones and handheld instruments.
For engineers reviewing the MAX8873SEUK datasheet, MAX8873SEUK pinout, MAX8873SEUK application, or MAX8873SEUK equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, validated pin functions, confirmed alternative parts with functional differences, and supply-chain support details specific to the SOT23-5 packaged MAX8873SEUK variant.
Technical Context
The MAX8873SEUK uses an internal P-channel MOSFET pass transistor (1.1Ω typical RDS(ON)) enabling ultra-low quiescent current (82µA) across all load conditions - including dropout - unlike PNP-based regulators that increase bias current under load. Its Dual Mode™ architecture selects between fixed 2.84V output (SET tied to GND) or adjustable 1.25V–6.5V output via external resistor divider, controlled by a 60mV threshold comparator on the SET pin.
Thermal shutdown activates at +170°C with 20°C hysteresis, and current limiting operates over 120mA–420mA range. Reverse battery protection limits reverse current to <1mA when VIN or SHDN falls below ground, isolating internal circuitry without external components.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 2.84V ±3.5% - set by internal trimmed resistors; optimized for low-power operation in 2.8V logic rails. |
| Max Output Current | 120mA continuous - sufficient for baseband processors, RF front-ends, and sensor interfaces in portable systems. |
| Dropout Voltage | 55mV at 50mA load - enables regulation down to VIN = VOUT + 0.055V, extending usable battery life in Li-ion and NiMH applications. |
| Quiescent Current | 82µA (operating), 0.1nA (shutdown) - constant across load and dropout, minimizing standby drain in always-on subsystems. |
| Input Voltage Range | +2.5V to +6.5V - supports single-cell Li-ion (2.7–4.2V), dual-cell alkaline (3.0–3.6V), and regulated 5V rails. |
| Protection Features | Reverse battery (<1mA reverse current), thermal shutdown (+170°C), short-circuit, and current limit (280mA typ) - eliminates need for external protection circuitry. |
| Output Noise | 350µVRMS (10Hz–1MHz) - suitable for analog sensors and 12-bit ADCs; higher-noise than MAX8877/78 but lower cost. |
Pinout & Package
MAX8873SEUK is housed in a RoHS-compliant 5-pin SOT23 package (JEDEC MO-178AA), with GND pin serving as both electrical reference and thermal path - requires soldering to large copper area or ground plane for thermal management.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 IN | Regulator input | Accepts +2.5V to +6.5V supply; bypass with ≥1µF capacitor to GND for stability and transient response. |
| 2 GND | Ground reference & thermal sink | Electrical return path and primary heat dissipation route; must connect to PCB ground plane for θJA = 140°C/W performance. |
| 3 SHDN | Active-low shutdown control | Logic low disables regulator and reduces IQ to 0.1nA; on MAX8874 only, it also discharges VOUT - not used for discharge on MAX8873SEUK. |
| 4 SET | Feedback mode selector | Tied to GND to enable fixed 2.84V output; left floating or misbiased >60mV risks unstable regulation - never unconnected. |
| 5 OUT | Regulated output | Delivers up to 120mA at 2.84V; requires ≥1µF output capacitor (ESR <0.2Ω) for stability across temperature and load. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual Mode™ operation | Fixed 2.84V output (SET→GND) or adjustable 1.25V–6.5V (external R-divider); eliminates need for separate fixed/adjustable SKUs in BOM. |
| P-channel MOSFET pass element | 1.1Ω typical RDS(ON) enables 55mV dropout at 50mA and eliminates base-drive current - critical for consistent 82µA IQ in dropout. |
| Reverse battery protection | Internal circuitry blocks reverse current <1mA when VIN or SHDN <0V - prevents battery drain and IC damage without external diodes. |
| Thermal shutdown with hysteresis | Shuts down at +170°C and re-enables after cooling ~20°C - provides self-recovering fault protection during sustained overload or poor heatsinking. |
| Low-noise, low-ESR compatible | Stable with 1µF ceramic output cap (ESR <0.2Ω); 350µVRMS noise meets requirements for 12-bit ADCs and RF bias supplies. |
Applications
| Cordless Telephones | Hand-Held Instruments |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powering baseband processor, LCD bias, and audio codec in compact cordless handsets with single-cell NiMH or Li-ion batteries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 2.84V LDO supplying core logic voltage; replaces discrete regulators requiring external feedback and protection. Use Value: 82µA quiescent current extends standby time; 55mV dropout allows operation until battery drops to ~2.9V - maximizing usable cell capacity. |
Use Scenario: Regulating power for microcontroller, touch controller, and precision sensor front-end in portable multimeters and data loggers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise 2.84V supply for analog signal chain; co-located with ADC to minimize PSRR-related errors. Use Value: 350µVRMS noise and 62dB PSRR at DC ensure <0.01% measurement error in 12-bit systems; SOT23 footprint saves board space. |
| PCMCIA Cards | Electronic Planners |
|
Use Scenario: Providing clean, regulated 2.84V to PCMCIA Type II card controllers and flash memory interfaces in laptop expansion slots. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Hot-swap capable LDO with reverse battery protection - prevents backfeed into host when card is inserted/removed. Use Value: Reverse battery protection eliminates need for series Schottky diode; 120mA output supports burst-mode flash programming without voltage droop. |
Use Scenario: Supplying real-time clock (RTC), SRAM backup, and display driver in battery-backed electronic organizers and PDAs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Always-on LDO maintaining 2.84V rail during deep sleep; shutdown mode draws only 0.1nA to preserve coin-cell life. Use Value: 0.1nA shutdown current enables >10-year coin-cell lifetime; fixed output avoids calibration drift from external resistor tolerances. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-dropout, fixed-output linear regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LP2980AIM5-2.8 | Fixed 2.8V output, 100mA max, 60mV dropout at 50mA, 95µA IQ, same SOT23-5 pinout. | Slightly lower output voltage (2.8V vs. 2.84V); higher quiescent current reduces battery life in ultra-low-power modes. | Valid drop-in replacement if 2.8V rail is acceptable and 40mV higher dropout is tolerable in end-of-life battery operation. |
| TPS76328DBVR | Fixed 2.8V output, 150mA max, 250mV dropout at 150mA, 120µA IQ, SOT23-5 but different pin mapping (SHDN on Pin 3 vs. Pin 3 on MAX8873SEUK). | Higher dropout and IQ; no reverse battery protection; requires layout change due to non-pin-compatible SHDN placement. | Only suitable where higher dropout and missing reverse protection are acceptable; PCB redesign required - not a direct substitute. |
Compared with LP2980AIM5-2.8 and TPS76328DBVR, the MAX8873SEUK delivers tighter output voltage (2.84V vs. 2.8V), lower dropout (55mV vs. 60–250mV), and unique reverse battery protection - making it superior for long-life, single-cell battery systems where voltage headroom and fault resilience are critical.
Availability
MAX8873SEUK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cordless telephones, handheld instruments, PCMCIA cards, and electronic planners requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for industrial and consumer OEM programs.
Supply support for MAX8873SEUK 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 MAX8873 family was designed specifically for ultra-low-power, space-constrained battery-operated equipment - emphasizing minimal quiescent current, low dropout, and integrated protection to reduce external component count in portable electronics.
FAQ
What is the output voltage tolerance of the MAX8873SEUK?
The MAX8873SEUK has a guaranteed output voltage tolerance of ±3.5% over temperature and line/load conditions. At +25°C, the typical output is 2.84V, ranging from 2.75V (min) to 2.93V (max). This tolerance includes initial accuracy, line regulation (±0.15%/V), and load regulation (±0.03%/mA), ensuring reliable operation across battery discharge profiles without external trimming.
Does the MAX8873SEUK include reverse battery protection?
Yes, the MAX8873SEUK includes integrated reverse battery protection that limits reverse current to less than 1mA when VIN or SHDN falls below ground. This feature actively disconnects internal circuitry and parasitic paths, preventing battery drain and device damage - eliminating the need for external blocking diodes in portable designs using the MAX8873SEUK.
What is the minimum load requirement for the MAX8873SEUK when operating above 5.5V input?
When VIN exceeds 5.5V, the MAX8873SEUK requires a minimum load current of 20µA to maintain regulation in fixed-output mode. This ensures stable feedback loop operation and prevents output voltage drift. The 20µA load can be provided by downstream circuitry or a small pull-down resistor; it is not required when VIN ≤5.5V or when using adjustable mode with external resistors.
Can the MAX8873SEUK be used in adjustable-output mode?
No - the MAX8873SEUK is factory-trimmed for fixed 2.84V output and must have the SET pin connected to GND to operate correctly. While the underlying MAX8873 architecture supports adjustable mode, the SEUK variant's internal feedback network is permanently configured for 2.84V; using external resistors on SET will not yield a stable or accurate adjustable output and may cause regulation failure.
What is the thermal shutdown behavior of the MAX8873SEUK?
The MAX8873SEUK activates thermal shutdown at +170°C junction temperature and remains off until the die cools by approximately 20°C (hysteresis), then automatically resumes regulation. During sustained overload, this results in pulsed output rather than permanent latch-off - allowing safe recovery without manual reset. The GND pin must be soldered to a large copper area to achieve the specified θJA = 140°C/W and avoid premature shutdown.
MAX8873SEUK Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- SC-74A, SOT-753
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Adjustable (Fixed)
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 6.5V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.25V (2.84V)
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 6.5V
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 0.12V @ 50mA
- Current - Output:
- 120mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 150 µA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- 82 µA
- PSRR:
- -
- Control Features:
- 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:
- SOT-23-5
MAX8873SEUK FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX8873SEUK through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX8873SEUK 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 MAX8873SEUK reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX8873SEUK are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX8873SEUK is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX8873SEUK?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX8873SEUK transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX8873SEUK?
MAX8873SEUK orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX8873SEUK 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 MAX8873SEUK?
For technical support, including MAX8873SEUK datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX8873SEUK requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX8873SEUK is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX8873SEUK 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 MAX8873SEUK meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX8873SEUK?
All MAX8873SEUK units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX8873SEUK, 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 MAX8873SEUK part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX8873SEUK:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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