Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8874REUK

Overview

MAX8874REUK from Maxim Integrated is a low-dropout linear regulator with fixed 2.80V output, 120mA maximum output current, 55mV dropout at 50mA, 82µA operating supply current, and SOT23-5 package - designed for battery-powered portable electronics requiring stable low-voltage rail generation under light-to-moderate load.

For engineers reviewing the MAX8874REUK datasheet, MAX8874REUK pinout, MAX8874REUK application, or MAX8874REUK equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, Dual Mode™ operation details, auto-discharge functionality (exclusive to MAX8874), thermal protection behavior, and real-world design implications for handheld instruments and cellular phone power management.

Technical Context

The MAX8874REUK integrates a P-channel MOSFET pass transistor (1.1Ω typical R_DS(ON)) enabling ultra-low quiescent current independent of load condition, and features a dual-mode comparator that selects between internal fixed-output regulation (2.80V) or external resistor-adjustable output (1.25V–6.5V) based on SET pin voltage threshold (60mV).

It includes active shutdown with 0.1nA supply current and auto-discharge via 300Ω internal pull-down (MAX8874-specific), reverse battery protection limiting reverse current to <1mA, thermal shutdown at +170°C with 20°C hysteresis, and current limiting estimated at 280mA (design range 120–420mA).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX8874REUK is housed in a RoHS-compliant 5-pin SOT23 package (JEDEC MO-178AA), with GND serving as both electrical reference and thermal path - requires soldering to large copper area or ground plane for thermal reliability.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LP2980AIM5-2.8 and TPS76328DBVR, the MAX8874REUK delivers lower dropout (55mV vs. ≥120mV), lower operating IQ (82µA vs. ≥85µA), and unique system-level protections - including auto-discharge and reverse battery blocking - making it superior for space-constrained, battery-critical portable designs where end-of-life voltage utilization and fault resilience are prioritized.

Availability

MAX8874REUK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular telephones, cordless telephones, and hand-held instruments requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MAX8874REUK 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 MAX887x series was developed specifically for battery-powered portable equipment - emphasizing ultra-low IQ, minimal dropout, and integrated protection features to maximize runtime and system robustness in compact form factors.

FAQ

What output voltage does the MAX8874REUK deliver, and how is it set?

The MAX8874REUK delivers a factory-trimmed fixed output voltage of 2.80V with ±3.5% total error over temperature and load. This value is selected by connecting the SET pin directly to GND - activating internal feedback resistors. Leaving SET unconnected or applying >60mV triggers adjustable mode, which is not applicable to the REUK variant's intended use case. The 2.80V point was chosen to minimize power drain while meeting common logic I/O voltage requirements in portable systems.

Does the MAX8874REUK include auto-discharge, and how does it behave?

Yes, the MAX8874REUK includes auto-discharge - a feature exclusive to the MAX8874 family. When the SHDN pin is pulled low, an internal 300Ω switch actively pulls the OUT pin to GND, discharging any stored energy in the output capacitor within approximately 200µs. This prevents residual voltage from interfering with downstream logic states during power-down sequences - a critical capability in handheld devices where clean state transitions are required for reliable wake-up and reset behavior.

What is the dropout voltage specification for the MAX8874REUK, and why does it matter?

The MAX8874REUK has a dropout voltage of 55mV at 50mA load current (130mV at 120mA), defined as the minimum VIN–VOUT differential needed to maintain regulation. This low dropout allows the device to sustain 2.80V output even as the input drops to 2.855V - extending usable battery life significantly compared to regulators with higher dropout. In practice, this enables deeper discharge of single-cell Li-ion or alkaline batteries before system brownout, directly improving operational runtime in portable applications.

How does reverse battery protection work in the MAX8874REUK?

The MAX8874REUK incorporates dedicated reverse battery protection circuitry that monitors polarity on both IN and SHDN pins. If either pin falls below GND, internal switches disconnect parasitic conduction paths and isolate the die - limiting reverse current to less than 1mA. This prevents battery self-discharge, thermal runaway, and potential damage to the IC or battery pack during incorrect insertion - a key reliability feature for consumer handheld products where battery replacement is frequent and user-error prone.

What thermal protection mechanisms are built into the MAX8874REUK?

The MAX8874REUK includes thermal shutdown with hysteresis: it disables the pass transistor when junction temperature exceeds +170°C and re-enables it only after cooling by ~20°C. This prevents permanent damage during sustained overload or poor PCB thermal design. Unlike simple latch-off schemes, the hysteresis enables pulsed operation under fault conditions - allowing temporary recovery without manual reset. The GND pin serves as primary thermal path, so proper PCB copper area connection is essential to maintain θ_JA ≤140°C/W and avoid premature triggering.