Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8878EUK18-T
- Part No.:
- MAX8878EUK18-T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- SC-74A, SOT-753
- Datasheet:
-
MAX8878EUK18-T.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR LDO
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:7,500
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
MAX8878EUK18-T from Maxim Integrated is a low-noise, low-dropout linear regulator with 1.8V preset output, 150mA maximum output current, 165mV dropout at full load, 30µVRMS output noise, and 100µA operating supply current. It features auto-discharge during shutdown and reverse battery protection, designed for space-constrained portable electronics requiring stable, clean power from single-cell Li-ion or alkaline sources.
For engineers reviewing the MAX8878EUK18-T datasheet, MAX8878EUK18-T pinout, MAX8878EUK18-T application, or MAX8878EUK18-T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.8V fixed output accuracy (±1.4%), SOT23-5 regular package compatibility with '2982 footprint, thermal shutdown at 155°C, and BP-capacitor–enabled noise filtering - all critical for battery-powered handheld instrumentation and communication devices.
Technical Context
The MAX8878EUK18-T uses an internal P-channel MOSFET pass transistor (1.1Ω typical RDS(ON)) to achieve low dropout and eliminate base-drive current loss. Its error amplifier compares a 1.25V bandgap reference against feedback from an internal resistor divider tied to the OUT pin, enabling precise regulation without external components.
It integrates logic-controlled shutdown (10nA ISHDN), thermal overload protection with 15°C hysteresis, short-circuit current limiting (160–390mA), and reverse battery protection that limits reverse current to 1mA. The MAX8878 variant uniquely includes an active auto-discharge path (300Ω resistance) from OUT to GND during shutdown.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 1.8V ±1.4% over -40°C to +85°C; enables direct powering of 1.8V logic cores without external resistors. |
| Max Output Current | 150mA continuous; sufficient for RF front-ends, microcontroller peripherals, and sensor signal chains in portable systems. |
| Dropout Voltage | 165mV at 150mA; allows operation down to 1.965V input - extends usable life of single-cell alkaline or Li-ion batteries. |
| Output Noise | 30µVRMS (10Hz–100kHz); minimized via 0.01µF BP capacitor; suitable for noise-sensitive analog/RF circuitry. |
| Quiescent Current | 100µA across load and dropout conditions; ensures minimal battery drain during light-load or standby operation. |
| Shutdown Current | 10nA typical; reduces system leakage to negligible levels when powered off - critical for long-term battery retention. |
| Thermal Shutdown | Triggers at 155°C with 15°C hysteresis; prevents permanent damage during sustained overload or poor PCB thermal design. |
Pinout & Package
MAX8878EUK18-T is housed in a 5-pin SOT23-5 regular package (JEDEC MO-178AA), compatible with industry-standard '2982 footprint. The GND pin serves dual electrical and thermal functions and must be soldered to a large copper area for effective heat dissipation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - IN | Input voltage supply | Accepts 2.5V–6.5V; requires ≥1µF ceramic bypass to GND for stability and line-transient rejection. |
| 2 - GND | Ground reference and thermal path | Electrical return and primary heatsink; must connect to large PCB ground plane to maintain TJ ≤ +150°C. |
| 3 - SHDN | Active-low enable/disable control | Pull low to enter 10nA shutdown; on MAX8878, initiates auto-discharge of OUT to GND via 300Ω path. |
| 4 - BP | Bypass capacitor connection | Connects to internal 200kΩ resistor forming 80Hz low-pass filter; 0.01µF ceramic minimizes output noise. |
| 5 - OUT | Regulated output | Delivers up to 150mA at 1.8V; requires ≥1µF ceramic capacitor (ESR < 0.2Ω) for VOUT ≥ 2.5V - but 1.8V needs ≥3.3µF per datasheet. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Auto-discharge function | Active 300Ω discharge path from OUT to GND during SHDN, preventing residual voltage hold-up in safety-critical or fast-power-cycle systems. |
| Reverse battery protection | Limits reverse current to ≤1mA when VIN or SHDN falls below GND, eliminating need for external series diode and preserving efficiency. |
| P-channel MOSFET pass element | 1.1Ω typical RDS(ON) eliminates base-drive losses, enabling constant 100µA IQ regardless of load or dropout condition. |
| Low-noise architecture | 30µVRMS noise with 0.01µF BP cap; achieves >60dB PSRR below 10kHz - critical for ADC references and RF synthesizers. |
| Thermal and short-circuit robustness | 155°C shutdown with 15°C hysteresis and 160–390mA current limit ensure fault tolerance without external protection circuitry. |
Applications
| Cellular Handsets | PCMCIA Cards |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powering baseband processor I/O banks and SIM card interface in GSM/CDMA handsets with single-cell Li-ion supply. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 1.8V LDO delivering regulated, low-noise supply to digital logic and memory interfaces. Use Value: 165mV dropout extends talk time by enabling operation until battery drops to 1.965V; 30µVRMS noise prevents bit errors in high-speed data links. |
Use Scenario: Providing clean 1.8V rail for PCMCIA Type II card controllers and flash memory in portable laptops and PDAs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local point-of-load regulator decoupling host bus noise and ensuring stable voltage during hot-insertion transients. Use Value: Auto-discharge clears residual output voltage within microseconds after ejection, meeting PCMCIA hot-swap safety requirements. |
| Hand-Held Instruments | Electronic Planners |
|
Use Scenario: Supplying precision analog front-end (AFE) and microcontroller core in battery-operated multimeters and oscilloscopes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise 1.8V source for ADC reference and digital logic, isolated from noisy switching supplies. Use Value: 30µVRMS output noise avoids degradation of 16-bit ADC ENOB; 100µA IQ supports multi-week battery life in sleep mode. |
Use Scenario: Powering real-time clock (RTC), SRAM backup, and touch-screen controller in palm-sized organizers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Always-on LDO maintaining 1.8V during main system shutdown, enabled via SHDN control. Use Value: 10nA shutdown current preserves coin-cell or supercapacitor backup energy for >10 years; reverse battery protection prevents damage during battery replacement. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-noise, fixed-output LDO applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS76318DBVR | 1.8V fixed, 150mA, 220mV dropout at 150mA, 35µVRMS noise, no auto-discharge, SOT23-5 | Lacks active output discharge; requires external circuitry for fast shutdown decay | Choose when auto-discharge is unnecessary and higher PSRR (>70dB @ 1kHz) is prioritized over lowest dropout. |
| MCP1700T-1802E/TT | 1.8V fixed, 250mA, 600mV dropout at 250mA, 30µVRMS noise, 1.6µA IQ, no shutdown, SOT23-3 | 3-pin package, no SHDN or BP pins; higher dropout limits battery utilization | Choose for ultra-low-quiescent designs where shutdown control and noise filtering are not required. |
Compared with TPS76318DBVR and MCP1700T-1802E/TT, the MAX8878EUK18-T uniquely combines ultra-low dropout (165mV), integrated auto-discharge, and reverse battery protection in a pin-compatible '2982 footprint - making it optimal for compact, battery-sensitive designs requiring rapid power cycling and robust fault handling.
Availability
MAX8878EUK18-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular handsets, PCMCIA cards, and hand-held instruments requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MAX8878EUK18-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 MAX8877/MAX8878 product line was engineered specifically for battery-powered portable electronics, emphasizing ultra-low quiescent current, low-noise regulation, and robust protection features in miniature SOT23 packages.
FAQ
What is the output voltage tolerance of the MAX8878EUK18-T over temperature and load?
The MAX8878EUK18-T delivers 1.8V output with ±1.4% accuracy across -40°C to +85°C and 0.1mA to 120mA load range. This specification is guaranteed by production testing and statistical correlation - ensuring consistent performance in portable devices exposed to wide ambient and operational variations. The MAX8878EUK18-T maintains this tolerance without external trimming or calibration.
Does the MAX8878EUK18-T require an external bypass capacitor on the BP pin, and why?
Yes, the MAX8878EUK18-T requires a 0.01µF ceramic capacitor between BP and GND to achieve its specified 30µVRMS output noise. This capacitor forms a low-pass filter with an internal 200kΩ resistor, attenuating reference noise before it reaches the error amplifier. Omitting the BP capacitor increases output noise by up to 2× and degrades PSRR - directly impacting signal integrity in precision analog circuits powered by the MAX8878EUK18-T.
How does the auto-discharge feature of the MAX8878EUK18-T operate, and what is its resistance value?
The MAX8878EUK18-T activates an internal 300Ω discharge path from OUT to GND when SHDN is pulled low. This actively pulls the output voltage to ground within microseconds, eliminating residual charge that could interfere with system reset sequencing or violate hot-swap safety standards. Unlike passive RC decay, this feature ensures deterministic, rapid discharge - a capability absent in the MAX8877 and most competing LDOs. The MAX8878EUK18-T's auto-discharge is fully integrated and requires no external components.
Can the MAX8878EUK18-T be used with input voltages below 2.5V?
No - the MAX8878EUK18-T has a minimum input voltage rating of 2.5V, as specified in Absolute Maximum Ratings and Electrical Characteristics. Operation below 2.5V risks improper biasing of internal circuitry, leading to unregulated output, increased noise, or failure to start. For sub-2.5V inputs, alternative regulators such as the MAX1726 or TPS780xx series must be considered. The MAX8878EUK18-T is designed exclusively for 2.5V–6.5V input ranges.
What thermal considerations apply to the MAX8878EUK18-T in SOT23-5 regular package?
The MAX8878EUK18-T in SOT23-5 regular package has θJB = 140°C/W and a 571mW maximum power dissipation at +70°C ambient. To avoid thermal shutdown at 155°C, the PCB must provide adequate copper area under the GND pin for heat spreading. For example, at 150mA load and 3.3V input (1.5V dropout), power dissipation is 225mW - requiring ≥1.5cm² of 2oz copper connected to GND to maintain junction temperature below 125°C. The MAX8878EUK18-T's thermal performance is highly dependent on PCB layout, not just ambient conditions.
MAX8878EUK18-T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- SC-74A, SOT-753
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 6.5V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.8V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 0.165V @ 150mA (Typ)
- Current - Output:
- 150mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 180 µA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- 100 µA
- PSRR:
- -
- Control Features:
- Enable
- Protection Features:
- Over Current, Over Temperature, Reverse Polarity, Short Circuit
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-23-5
MAX8878EUK18-T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX8878EUK18-T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX8878EUK18-T on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX8878EUK18-T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX8878EUK18-T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX8878EUK18-T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX8878EUK18-T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX8878EUK18-T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX8878EUK18-T?
MAX8878EUK18-T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX8878EUK18-T order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX8878EUK18-T?
For technical support, including MAX8878EUK18-T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX8878EUK18-T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX8878EUK18-T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX8878EUK18-T products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX8878EUK18-T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX8878EUK18-T?
All MAX8878EUK18-T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX8878EUK18-T, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX8878EUK18-T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX8878EUK18-T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX8878EUK18-T Tags

-
MIC5504-1.8YM5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5504-3.3YM5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5365-3.0YC5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5365-1.8YC5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5365-2.5YC5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5365-3.3YC5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5365-3.3YD5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5317-3.3YM5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
TLV1117LV33DCYR
Texas Instruments

-
MIC5317-3.3YMT-TZ
Microchip Technology

-
MIC5528-3.3YMT-TR
Microchip Technology

-
TLV75801PDRVR
Texas Instruments
Tech Hub
A practical engineering and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…

