Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8877EZK28

Overview

MAX8877EZK28 from Maxim Integrated is a low-noise, low-dropout linear regulator with preset 2.8V output, delivering up to 150mA from 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, quiet voltage regulation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX8877EZK28 datasheet, MAX8877EZK28 pinout, MAX8877EZK28 application, or MAX8877EZK28 equivalent, key selection criteria include its SOT23-5 thin-package footprint, 2.8V ±1.4% output accuracy, reverse-battery protection, 10nA shutdown current, and compatibility with industry-standard '2982 pinout.

Technical Context

The MAX8877EZK28 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.

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 standby current. The BP pin enables noise reduction via a 0.01µF capacitor forming an 80Hz low-pass filter.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX8877EZK28 is housed in a 5-pin thin SOT23 package (JEDEC MO-178AA), optimized for space-constrained portable designs. The GND pin serves dual roles: electrical ground reference and primary thermal path-requires connection to a large copper area for thermal management.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX8878EZK28, the MAX8877EZK28 omits auto-discharge-simplifying system timing and reducing leakage risk in always-on nodes. Against MCP1702T-2802E/MB, it trades 94µA higher quiescent current for 55mV lower dropout and 15µVRMS less noise-critical for RF and precision analog use cases.

Availability

MAX8877EZK28 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular handsets, PCMCIA cards, hand-held instruments, and electronic planners requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for MAX8877EZK28 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 demanding industrial, communications, and portable applications.

The MAX8877/MAX8878 product line was designed specifically for battery-powered portable electronics needing ultra-low-noise, low-dropout regulation with minimal board area and thermal overhead-targeting cellular phones, handheld instruments, and compact computing modules.

FAQ

What is the output voltage tolerance of the MAX8877EZK28 over temperature and load?

The MAX8877EZK28 delivers 2.80V with ±1.4% accuracy across the full -40°C to +85°C operating range and for output currents from 0.1mA to 120mA. This specification is production-tested and guaranteed-not derived from typical curves or extrapolation. The MAX8877EZK28 achieves this via factory trimming of its internal feedback divider and stable 1.25V bandgap reference.

Does the MAX8877EZK28 require an external BP capacitor, and what happens if it's omitted?

Yes-the MAX8877EZK28 requires a 0.01µF ceramic capacitor between BP and GND to achieve its specified 30µVRMS output noise. Omitting it increases output noise to ~70µVRMS (typical), degrading performance in noise-sensitive analog circuits like RF receivers or precision ADC references. The BP capacitor also stabilizes the internal reference; omission may cause minor output drift but does not compromise regulation or safety.

Can the MAX8877EZK28 operate with a 2.5V input when regulating 2.8V output?

No-the MAX8877EZK28 cannot regulate 2.8V output from a 2.5V input because its minimum input voltage is defined as V_OUT + dropout. With 165mV dropout at 150mA, the minimum valid input is 2.965V. At 2.5V input, the device enters dropout and output drops linearly with input-delivering only ~2.335V at 150mA. For 2.5V input compatibility, a 2.3V or 2.5V-output variant (e.g., MAX8877EZK25) must be selected.

How does the MAX8877EZK28 handle reverse battery connection?

The MAX8877EZK28 incorporates dedicated 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 to the IC or downstream components. Unlike diode-based solutions, it adds no forward voltage drop or quiescent current penalty during normal operation.

Is the MAX8877EZK28 pin-compatible with the industry-standard '2982 regulator?

Yes-the MAX8877EZK28 is explicitly designed as a pin-compatible upgrade to the industry-standard µA78Lxx and MC78Lxx series (collectively referenced as '2982). Its SOT23-5 pinout matches IN, GND, SHDN, BP, and OUT in identical positions, enabling direct replacement without PCB modification-while improving dropout voltage, noise, and quiescent current over legacy parts.