Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8877EUK15

Overview

MAX8877EUK15 from Maxim Integrated is a low-noise, low-dropout linear regulator with fixed 1.5V output, delivering up to 150mA from a 2.5V–6.5V input. It features 30µVRMS output noise, 165mV dropout at 150mA, and 100µA operating supply current independent of load or dropout condition. Designed for battery-powered portable electronics requiring stable, ultra-low-noise voltage regulation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX8877EUK15 datasheet, MAX8877EUK15 pinout, MAX8877EUK15 application, or MAX8877EUK15 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.5V preset accuracy (±1.4%), reverse battery protection, 10nA shutdown current, SOT23-5 regular package compatibility with '2982 footprint, and BP-capacitor–enabled noise filtering.

Technical Context

The MAX8877EUK15 uses an internal P-channel MOSFET pass transistor (1.1Ω typical R_DS(ON)) to achieve low dropout and eliminate base-drive current losses. Its error amplifier compares a 1.25V bandgap reference against feedback from an internal resistor divider tied to the OUT pin, enabling precise 1.5V regulation without external components.

It integrates thermal shutdown (155°C trip, 15°C hysteresis), short-circuit current limiting (160–390mA), reverse battery protection (<1mA reverse current), and logic-controlled active-low SHDN with 10nA quiescent draw. The BP pin connects to a 0.01µF capacitor to form an 80Hz low-pass filter that reduces reference noise, directly contributing to its 30µVRMS output noise performance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX8877EUK15 is housed in a 5-pin SOT23-5 regular package (JEDEC MO-178AA), with exposed pad not electrically connected. The GND pin serves as both electrical ground and primary thermal path; soldering to a large PCB copper area is required for thermal reliability at full load.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-noise, low-dropout LDO applications.

Compared with TPS76315DBVR and MCP1700T-1502E/TT, the MAX8877EUK15 delivers lower dropout (165mV vs. ≥178mV), identical noise performance with design flexibility via BP pin, and unique reverse battery protection - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, battery-critical portable designs demanding robustness and efficiency.

Availability

MAX8877EUK15 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular telephones, PCMCIA cards, hand-held instruments, and electronic planners requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed parametric compliance across industrial temperature range.

Supply support for MAX8877EUK15 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 MAX8877/MAX8878 family was designed specifically for battery-powered portable electronics needing ultra-low-noise, low-quiescent-current regulation with robust fault protection - targeting cellular handsets, cordless phones, and handheld instrumentation.

FAQ

What is the output voltage tolerance of the MAX8877EUK15 over temperature and load?

The MAX8877EUK15 guarantees ±1.4% output voltage accuracy across -40°C to +85°C ambient temperature and 0.1mA to 120mA load current, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table. This tolerance holds for 1.5V output with V_IN ≥ 2.5V or V_OUT + 0.5V, ensuring consistent performance in battery-voltage–driven portable systems where regulation stability is critical to downstream logic and analog functionality.

Does the MAX8877EUK15 require an external BP capacitor, and what happens if it's omitted?

Yes, the MAX8877EUK15 requires a 0.01µF ceramic capacitor between BP and GND to achieve its specified 30µV_RMS output noise. Omitting this capacitor increases output noise significantly - typical measurements show >100µV_RMS without BP bypass - degrading performance in noise-sensitive applications like ADC references or RF bias supplies. The BP pin must not be left floating or tied directly to GND or OUT.

Can the MAX8877EUK15 be used with input voltages below 2.5V?

No - the MAX8877EUK15 has a minimum input voltage rating of 2.5V per Absolute Maximum Ratings and Electrical Characteristics tables. Operation below 2.5V risks improper regulation, increased dropout, or failure to maintain 1.5V output. For sub-2.5V inputs, alternative regulators such as the MAX8860 (1.2V min VIN) or TPS7A05 (1.4V min VIN) should be evaluated instead of the MAX8877EUK15.

How does the MAX8877EUK15 handle reverse battery connection?

The MAX8877EUK15 incorporates integrated reverse battery protection that limits reverse current to <1mA when either IN or SHDN falls below GND potential. This is achieved by disconnecting internal circuitry and blocking parasitic conduction paths - preventing damage during accidental battery reversal in handheld devices. This feature is intrinsic to the MAX8877EUK15 silicon and requires no external components.

Is the MAX8877EUK15 pin-compatible with the industry-standard '2982 regulator?

Yes - the MAX8877EUK15 is explicitly designed as a pin-compatible upgrade to the industry-standard LM2982 series, sharing identical SOT23-5 pinout (IN, GND, SHDN, BP, OUT), footprint, and functional interface. This allows drop-in replacement in existing designs while delivering improved dropout (165mV vs. ~300mV), lower noise (30µV_RMS vs. ~100µV_RMS), and enhanced protection features without PCB changes.