Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8878EUK36+
- Part No.:
- MAX8878EUK36+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- SC-74A, SOT-753
- Datasheet:
-
MAX8878EUK36+.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 3.6V 150MA SOT23-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,008
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Product details
Overview
MAX8878EUK36+ from Maxim Integrated is a low-noise, low-dropout linear regulator with fixed 3.6V 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, quiet voltage regulation.
For engineers reviewing the MAX8878EUK36+ datasheet, MAX8878EUK36+ pinout, MAX8878EUK36+ application, or MAX8878EUK36+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its auto-discharge function (exclusive to MAX8878), ±1.4% output accuracy over temperature, SOT23-5 regular package compatibility with '2982 footprint, and reverse-battery protection for single-cell Li-ion and alkaline systems.
Technical Context
The MAX8878EUK36+ uses an internal P-channel MOSFET pass transistor (1.1Ω typical RDS(ON)) enabling ultra-low quiescent current (100µA) across all operating conditions-including dropout-without base-drive losses. Its error amplifier compares a 1.25V bandgap reference against feedback from an internal resistor divider tied to the OUT pin.
It integrates logic-controlled shutdown (10nA ISHDN), thermal shutdown at +155°C with 15°C hysteresis, short-circuit protection, and-uniquely in the MAX8878 variant-an active output discharge path (300Ω resistance) during shutdown. The BP pin supports a 0.01µF ceramic bypass capacitor to reduce output noise via an internal 200kΩ–0.01µF RC filter.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 3.6V ±1.4% over -40°C to +85°C - ensures stable core/peripheral rail in portable devices without external feedback. |
| Max Output Current | 150mA continuous - sufficient for RF modules, microcontrollers, and sensor subsystems in handheld instruments. |
| Dropout Voltage | 165mV at 150mA - extends usable battery life down to ~3.435V for 3.6V systems using single Li-ion cells. |
| Output Noise | 30µVRMS (10Hz–100kHz) - enables clean power for ADCs, PLLs, and RF receivers without additional filtering. |
| Quiescent Current | 100µA at full load and in dropout - maintains efficiency during deep discharge and standby modes. |
| Shutdown Current | 10nA logic-controlled - reduces system leakage to negligible levels during host-sleep states. |
| Input Voltage Range | 2.5V to 6.5V - supports single-cell Li-ion (2.7–4.2V), NiMH (0.9–1.4V/cell × 3), and 5V USB-supplied systems. |
Pinout & Package
MAX8878EUK36+ is housed in a 5-pin SOT23-5 regular package (JEDEC MO-178AA), with exposed pad not electrically connected. The GND pin serves dual roles: circuit ground reference and primary thermal path; soldering to a large copper area improves power dissipation by lowering θJB to 140°C/W.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 IN | Regulator input supply | Accepts 2.5V–6.5V; requires ≥1µF ceramic bypass to GND for stability and line-transient immunity. |
| 2 GND | Ground reference & thermal sink | Must connect to large PCB copper area to manage 571mW max power dissipation at +70°C ambient. |
| 3 SHDN | Active-low enable/disable control | Pulling low disables regulator and-on MAX8878 only-activates 300Ω discharge path to ground the output. |
| 4 BP | Bypass node for reference noise reduction | Connects to 0.01µF ceramic capacitor; forms 80Hz low-pass filter to suppress reference noise before error amp. |
| 5 OUT | Regulated 3.6V output | Sources up to 150mA; requires ≥1µF ceramic capacitor (ESR < 0.2Ω) for VOUT ≥ 2.5V; stable with COUT ESR 0.01–10Ω. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Auto-discharge on shutdown | Exclusive to MAX8878; 300Ω internal discharge path pulls OUT to GND within microseconds-critical for fast system reset and leakage-sensitive applications. |
| Reverse battery protection | Limits reverse current to ≤1mA when IN or SHDN falls below GND-prevents damage in misinserted battery scenarios without external diodes. |
| P-channel MOSFET pass element | Eliminates base-drive current; enables constant 100µA IQ regardless of load or dropout-extends battery runtime in variable-load systems. |
| Low-noise BP pin architecture | Internal 200kΩ resistor + external 0.01µF capacitor creates dedicated noise filter for reference-reduces output noise to 30µVRMS without compromising transient response. |
| Thermal shutdown with hysteresis | Triggers at +155°C junction temp and re-enables only after cooling 15°C-prevents latch-up during sustained overload while allowing recovery. |
Applications
| Cellular Handsets | PCMCIA Cards |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering baseband processor I/O rails and RF front-end bias in GSM/EDGE handsets with single Li-ion battery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 3.6V LDO supplying noise-sensitive analog sections; replaces discrete regulators to minimize board space. Use Value: 30µVRMS noise prevents spurious mixing in receiver IF stages; 165mV dropout allows operation until battery reaches 3.435V, maximizing talk time. |
Use Scenario: Providing regulated 3.6V to memory and controller ICs in hot-pluggable PCMCIA Type II cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standby-power LDO with 10nA shutdown current; enables instant card detection and wake-on-insert functionality. Use Value: Auto-discharge clears residual voltage on VOUT within 100µs of removal-ensuring safe hot-swap compliance and preventing bus contention. |
| Hand-Held Instruments | Electronic Planners |
Use Scenario: Supplying precision ADC reference and microcontroller core voltage in portable multimeters and data loggers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-drift, low-noise 3.6V source for 16-bit SAR ADCs and low-power Cortex-M0+ MCUs. Use Value: ±1.4% output accuracy over -40°C to +85°C eliminates need for calibration trim; 100µA IQ enables >1-year battery life in sleep mode. |
Use Scenario: Regulating display backlight driver and real-time clock (RTC) supply in palm-sized organizers with coin-cell backup. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main system LDO with reverse-battery protection-guards against accidental polarity reversal during battery replacement. Use Value: Reverse-current limit ≤1mA prevents damage to RTC and SRAM during field maintenance; SOT23-5 footprint fits tight 2-layer PCB layouts. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-noise LDO regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX8877EUK36+ | No auto-discharge; otherwise identical pinout, specs, and package | Suitable where output hold-up during shutdown is required (e.g., non-volatile memory retention) | Select MAX8877EUK36+ if active discharge is undesirable; same layout and BOM except for functional behavior. |
| MCP1700T-3602E/TO | Higher 170mV dropout at 150mA; 25µVRMS noise; no reverse-battery protection | Lacks reverse-polarity safeguard and auto-discharge; rated for 250mA but higher noise floor in high-frequency bands | Choose MCP1700T-3602E/TO only for cost-sensitive, non-battery-reversal environments where 25µV noise suffices and discharge timing is unimportant. |
Compared with MAX8877EUK36+, the MAX8878EUK36+ adds critical auto-discharge for safe hot-swap and reset sequencing, while the MCP1700T-3602E/TO trades reverse-protection and discharge capability for lower unit cost-making it viable only in benign, fixed-installation applications.
Availability
MAX8878EUK36+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular handsets, PCMCIA cards, and hand-held instruments requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term lifecycle support and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MAX8878EUK36+ 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 designed specifically for ultra-low-noise, low-quiescent-current regulation in space-constrained, battery-powered portable electronics-emphasizing dropout performance, reverse-protection, and integrated safety features.
FAQ
What is the output voltage tolerance of the MAX8878EUK36+ over temperature?
The MAX8878EUK36+ delivers 3.6V with ±1.4% accuracy across the full operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C. This specification is guaranteed for loads from 0.1mA to 120mA and applies to both standard and thin SOT23-5 packages. At +25°C, typical output deviation is tighter, but design margins must use the worst-case ±1.4% bound.
Does the MAX8878EUK36+ require an external bypass capacitor on the BP pin?
Yes, the MAX8878EUK36+ requires a 0.01µF ceramic capacitor between BP and GND to achieve its specified 30µVRMS output noise. This capacitor works with an internal 200kΩ resistor to form an 80Hz low-pass filter that attenuates reference noise. Larger values (e.g., 0.1µF) increase startup time without meaningful noise improvement and are not recommended.
How does the auto-discharge function operate in the MAX8878EUK36+?
When the SHDN pin is pulled low, the MAX8878EUK36+ activates an internal 300Ω discharge path between OUT and GND, actively pulling the output voltage to ground within microseconds. This feature is exclusive to the MAX8878 series and is absent in the MAX8877EUK36+. It ensures rapid system reset and eliminates floating outputs during hot-swap events.
What thermal derating applies to the MAX8878EUK36+ in SOT23-5 regular package?
The MAX8878EUK36+ in SOT23-5 regular package has a continuous power dissipation limit of 571mW at +70°C ambient, with derating at 7.1mW/°C above that temperature. This assumes proper PCB layout: GND pin soldered to ≥100mm² copper area. Junction temperature must remain ≤+150°C for reliable operation; thermal shutdown triggers at +155°C.
Can the MAX8878EUK36+ be used with input voltages below 2.5V?
No-the MAX8878EUK36+ has a minimum input voltage rating of 2.5V per Absolute Maximum Ratings and Electrical Characteristics tables. Operation below 2.5V is undefined and may result in loss of regulation, increased noise, or failure to start. For sub-2.5V inputs, consider alternative regulators such as the MAX1726 or TPS7A05 series.
MAX8878EUK36+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- SC-74A, SOT-753
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 6.5V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 3.6V
- 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
MAX8878EUK36+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX8878EUK36+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX8878EUK36+ 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 MAX8878EUK36+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX8878EUK36+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX8878EUK36+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX8878EUK36+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX8878EUK36+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX8878EUK36+?
MAX8878EUK36+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX8878EUK36+ 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 MAX8878EUK36+?
For technical support, including MAX8878EUK36+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX8878EUK36+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX8878EUK36+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX8878EUK36+ 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 MAX8878EUK36+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX8878EUK36+?
All MAX8878EUK36+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX8878EUK36+, 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 MAX8878EUK36+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX8878EUK36+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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