Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8875EUK26

Overview

MAX8875EUK26 from Maxim Integrated is a 2.6V fixed-output, 150mA low-dropout linear regulator with P-channel MOSFET pass element, 85µA no-load quiescent current, and active-low open-drain Power-OK (POK) output. It operates from +2.5V to +6.5V input, delivers ±1% output accuracy over temperature, and is optimized for battery-powered portable electronics requiring stable low-voltage rail generation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX8875EUK26 datasheet, MAX8875EUK26 pinout, MAX8875EUK26 application, or MAX8875EUK26 equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage at 100mA (110mV), shutdown current ≤1µA, reverse-battery protection, thermal shutdown at +170°C, and compatibility with 1µF ceramic output capacitors - all critical for space-constrained, long-life portable designs.

Technical Context

The MAX8875EUK26 uses an internal 1.25V bandgap reference and error amplifier to regulate output via a 1.1Ω (typ) P-channel MOSFET pass transistor, eliminating base-drive current and enabling load-independent quiescent current. Its feedback network is fully internal, supporting only fixed-output variants.

Power-OK functionality relies on an open-drain N-channel comparator monitoring VOUT against a hysteresis-controlled threshold (±1% at VOUT ≥2.5V); POK asserts low during dropout, current limit, or thermal shutdown but remains inactive in shutdown mode. Reverse-battery protection limits reverse current to 1mA by disconnecting internal circuitry when VIN or SHDN falls below GND.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX8875EUK26 is housed in a 5-pin SOT23-5 package (JEDEC MO-178AA), with exposed pad not electrically connected. The GND pin serves dual roles: electrical reference and primary thermal path - requires soldering to ≥25mm² copper area for rated power dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX8875EUK26, MAX8885EUK26-T trades ceramic-capacitor optimization for broader capacitor compatibility, while TPS76326DBVR sacrifices reverse-battery protection and POK for lower unit cost - neither is pin- or functionally identical, but both serve overlapping 2.6V LDO use cases with distinct trade-offs.

Availability

MAX8875EUK26 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular telephones, PCMCIA cards, hand-held medical instruments, and modem analog front-ends requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed parametric performance.

Supply support for MAX8875EUK26 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 MAX8875 series was designed specifically for battery-powered portable equipment - emphasizing ultra-low quiescent current, reverse-battery resilience, and small-footprint integration in SOT23-5 packaging.

FAQ

What is the exact output voltage tolerance of the MAX8875EUK26 over temperature?

The MAX8875EUK26 guarantees ±1% output voltage accuracy over the full operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, as confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table. This tolerance includes initial trim, line regulation, load regulation, and temperature drift - all tested and production-verified per SQC methods. The MAX8875EUK26 achieves this using factory-laser-trimmed internal resistive feedback, with no external components required.

Does the MAX8875EUK26 require an external pull-up resistor on the POK pin?

Yes, the MAX8875EUK26 POK pin is an open-drain N-channel MOSFET output and requires an external pull-up resistor to establish a valid logic-high level when VOUT is in regulation. A 100kΩ resistor connected to the OUT pin is recommended per the datasheet; larger values reduce current consumption but increase susceptibility to noise. Leaving POK unconnected is acceptable only if the POK function is unused - the MAX8875EUK26 will operate normally without it.

Can the MAX8875EUK26 be used with a 2.2µF tantalum output capacitor?

No - the MAX8875EUK26 is optimized for low-ESR ceramic capacitors (≤0.2Ω) and becomes unstable with typical tantalum capacitors (ESR ~1–2Ω). Using a 2.2µF tantalum cap risks oscillation and poor transient response. For higher-ESR capacitors, the pin-compatible MAX8885EUK26-T is specified and validated. The MAX8875EUK26's stability is guaranteed only with 1µF X7R/X5R ceramic or equivalent low-ESR types.

What is the minimum input voltage required for the MAX8875EUK26 to maintain regulation at 150mA load?

The MAX8875EUK26 requires a minimum input voltage of VOUT + VDROPOUT = 2.6V + 165mV = 2.765V to maintain regulation at 150mA load, based on the maximum dropout voltage specification. At 100mA, the worst-case dropout is 110mV, so VIN ≥ 2.71V suffices. These values assume operation within -40°C to +85°C; actual dropout increases slightly at temperature extremes, so design margin should include ±50mV for robustness. The MAX8875EUK26 cannot regulate below VIN = 2.5V regardless of load.

How does reverse-battery protection work in the MAX8875EUK26?

The MAX8875EUK26 incorporates dedicated circuitry that monitors polarity on both IN and SHDN pins relative to GND. If either pin falls below GND (e.g., due to reversed battery insertion), internal switches disconnect parasitic paths and isolate the die, limiting reverse current to ≤1mA. This protection is active independently of regulator state - it functions even when the device is shut down or unpowered. Unlike diode-based solutions, this scheme adds no forward voltage drop or quiescent penalty during normal operation of the MAX8875EUK26.