Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8875EUK30+T

Overview

MAX8875EUK30+T from Maxim Integrated is a 3.0V 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 including cellular phones and modems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX8875EUK30+T datasheet, MAX8875EUK30+T pinout, MAX8875EUK30+T application, or MAX8875EUK30+T equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage at 150mA (165mV), thermal shutdown threshold (+170°C), reverse-battery protection, 1µF ceramic output capacitor support, and guaranteed 150mA output under full temperature range (-40°C to +85°C).

Technical Context

The MAX8875EUK30+T integrates a 1.25V bandgap reference, error amplifier, internal resistor divider, and P-channel MOSFET pass transistor (R_DS(ON) ≈ 1.1Ω) to regulate output precisely. Its POK comparator monitors V_OUT against a hysteresis-controlled threshold (±1% deviation triggers POK low) and remains inactive during shutdown.

Control logic enables thermal overload protection (trip at +170°C, 20°C hysteresis), current limiting (160mA min to 600mA max), and reverse-battery protection that limits reverse current to ≤1mA when VIN or SHDN falls below GND. Shutdown mode draws ≤1µA.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 5-pin SOT23-5 (JEDEC MO-178AA), 2.9mm × 1.6mm × 1.1mm body, exposed pad not present. Thermal performance relies on GND pin soldered to PCB ground plane.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LDO regulator applications.

Compared with MAX8875EUK30+T, MAX8885EUK30+T trades 150mA capability and tighter output accuracy for broader capacitor compatibility, while MCP1700T-3002E/MB sacrifices fault protection and POK functionality to achieve sub-2µA quiescent current in a smaller 3-pin package.

Availability

MAX8875EUK30+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular telephones, modems, and palmtop computers requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle availability, and guaranteed parametric compliance over industrial temperature range.

Supply support for MAX8875EUK30+T 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 space-constrained, battery-powered portable equipment demanding ultra-low quiescent current, robust fault protection, and precise fixed-voltage regulation without external components.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for MAX8875EUK30+T to maintain regulation at full 150mA load?

The MAX8875EUK30+T requires a minimum input voltage of 3.165V to sustain 3.0V output at 150mA, based on its specified 165mV dropout voltage. Below this, the device enters dropout and V_OUT declines linearly with VIN. This value is confirmed across –40°C to +85°C and applies only for V_OUT ≥ 2.5V per datasheet Note 2. The MAX8875EUK30+T does not guarantee regulation below VIN = 3.165V under full load.

Does MAX8875EUK30+T require an external pull-up resistor on the POK pin, and what value is recommended?

Yes, the POK pin is an open-drain N-channel MOSFET and requires an external pull-up resistor to generate a valid logic-high level. A 100kΩ resistor connected from POK to OUT is explicitly recommended in the datasheet for most applications, balancing current consumption (<30nA at 3.0V) and rise-time performance. Leaving POK unconnected is acceptable only if the POK function is unused; MAX8875EUK30+T will operate normally without it.

Can MAX8875EUK30+T be used with a 10µF output capacitor, and what impact does this have?

Yes, the MAX8875EUK30+T supports 10µF ceramic or tantalum output capacitors, which improve PSRR, reduce output noise, and enhance load-transient response versus the minimum 1µF requirement. Datasheet Figure 9 confirms 60dB PSRR is maintained up to 10kHz with 10µF C_OUT, and Figure 11 shows reduced noise spectral density. No stability issues arise - the MAX8875EUK30+T remains unconditionally stable with C_OUT ≥ 1µF and ESR < 0.2Ω.

What protection features are integrated into MAX8875EUK30+T, and how do they behave under fault conditions?

MAX8875EUK30+T integrates short-circuit protection (indefinite output short allowed), thermal shutdown (+170°C trip, +150°C restart hysteresis), reverse-battery protection (≤1mA reverse current), and current limiting (160mA min). During thermal overload, it pulses on/off; during overcurrent or dropout, POK asserts low. All protections are internal and require no external components - MAX8875EUK30+T resumes normal operation automatically after fault removal.

Is MAX8875EUK30+T compatible with X7R ceramic capacitors, and why is ESR specification important?

Yes, MAX8875EUK30+T is fully compatible with X7R dielectric ceramic capacitors rated ≥1µF and ESR < 0.2Ω - X7R's stable capacitance vs. temperature ensures regulation stability across –40°C to +85°C without derating. ESR < 0.2Ω is critical because higher ESR can induce phase shift in the control loop, risking oscillation; the MAX8875EUK30+T's compensation is optimized for low-ESR ceramics, not electrolytics.