Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8878EUK50
- Part No.:
- MAX8878EUK50
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- SC-74A, SOT-753
- Datasheet:
-
MAX8878EUK50.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR LDO
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,448
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Product details
Overview
MAX8878EUK50 from Maxim Integrated is a low-noise, low-dropout linear regulator with fixed 5.0V 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 - designed for battery-powered portable electronics requiring stable, quiet voltage regulation.
For engineers reviewing the MAX8878EUK50 datasheet, MAX8878EUK50 pinout, MAX8878EUK50 application, or MAX8878EUK50 equivalent, key selection criteria include its auto-discharge function, ±1.4% output accuracy over temperature, SOT23-5 regular package compatibility with '2982 footprint, and thermal/short-circuit protection for robust operation in space-constrained systems.
Technical Context
The MAX8878EUK50 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 dedicated circuitry for reverse-battery protection (limits reverse current to 1mA), thermal shutdown at +155°C with 15°C hysteresis, and logic-controlled shutdown drawing only 10nA. The MAX8878 variant uniquely includes an active auto-discharge path (300Ω resistance) that pulls OUT to GND during SHDN assertion.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 5.0V ±1.4% over -40°C to +85°C - ensures stable MCU/core logic supply without trimming. |
| Max Output Current | 150mA continuous - sufficient for RF front-ends, sensor interfaces, and low-power microcontrollers. |
| Dropout Voltage | 165mV at 150mA - enables operation down to 5.165V input when powering 5.0V loads from single-cell Li+ or 3xAA. |
| Output Noise | 30µVRMS (10Hz–100kHz) with 0.01µF BP cap - meets stringent analog/RF supply requirements without additional filtering. |
| Quiescent Current | 100µA across load and dropout - preserves battery life in always-on or low-duty-cycle portable devices. |
| Shutdown Current | 10nA typical - reduces system standby power to negligible levels in sleep modes. |
| Auto-Discharge | 300Ω active discharge path on OUT during SHDN - prevents floating outputs and ensures clean reset sequencing. |
Pinout & Package
MAX8878EUK50 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 - requires connection to a large copper area for heatsinking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 IN | Input supply rail | Accepts 2.5V–6.5V; bypass with ≥1µF ceramic capacitor to GND for stability and line-transient suppression. |
| 2 GND | Power ground & thermal pad | Primary return path and heat conduction path; must be soldered to large PCB copper area for thermal management. |
| 3 SHDN | Active-low enable control | Pull low to disable regulator and activate auto-discharge; pull high (≥2.0V) or tie to IN for normal operation. |
| 4 BP | Bypass reference node | Connects to 0.01µF ceramic capacitor to reduce reference noise and lower output voltage noise spectral density. |
| 5 OUT | Regulated output | Delivers 5.0V at up to 150mA; bypass with ≥1µF (<0.2Ω ESR) ceramic capacitor to GND for VOUT ≥ 2.5V. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Auto-discharge function | 300Ω active discharge path on OUT during shutdown - eliminates need for external bleed resistors in reset-critical systems. |
| Reverse battery protection | Limits reverse current to ≤1mA when VIN or SHDN falls below GND - prevents damage in miswired battery compartments. |
| Thermal shutdown with hysteresis | Triggers at +155°C with 15°C recovery hysteresis - provides safe, self-resetting fault protection under sustained overload. |
| P-channel MOSFET pass element | 1.1Ω typical RDS(ON) - enables low dropout and eliminates base-drive current loss seen in PNP-based regulators. |
| Low-noise reference bypass | Internal 200kΩ resistor + external 0.01µF BP cap forms 80Hz low-pass filter - reduces output noise without compromising startup time. |
Applications
| Cellular Handsets | PCMCIA Cards |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powering baseband processor I/O rails and RF transceiver bias supplies in GSM/CDMA handsets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 5.0V LDO supplying noise-sensitive analog sections and digital core logic. Use Value: 30µVRMS noise and 165mV dropout extend usable battery voltage range and prevent RF desense during transmit bursts. |
Use Scenario: Providing regulated 5.0V to PCMCIA card controllers and interface logic in laptop expansion slots. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standby and active-mode power source with fast load-transient response for hot-plug detection circuits. Use Value: 10nA shutdown current minimizes host-system standby drain; auto-discharge ensures clean card reset on ejection. |
| Hand-Held Instruments | Palmtop Computers |
|
Use Scenario: Supplying precision ADC reference buffers and op-amp signal chains in portable multimeters and data loggers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise analog supply rail decoupled from noisy digital domains via BP capacitor filtering. Use Value: 30µVRMS noise and ±1.4% output accuracy maintain measurement integrity across temperature and battery discharge. |
Use Scenario: Delivering stable 5.0V to flash memory, display drivers, and keyboard controllers in clamshell PDAs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main system regulator supporting both active and suspend states with minimal quiescent draw. Use Value: 100µA operating current and 10nA shutdown current maximize runtime between charges in intermittent-use devices. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-noise LDO applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX8877EUK50 | No auto-discharge function; identical pinout, specs, and package. | Not suitable where controlled output discharge is required during shutdown. | Select MAX8878EUK50 when system reset sequencing demands active discharge of output capacitance. |
| Torex XC6206P502MR | 500mA max output, 250mV dropout at 150mA, no BP pin or auto-discharge; SOT23-5 package. | Higher current capability but higher noise (40µVRMS) and no reverse-battery protection. | Choose only if higher output current is critical and auto-discharge/reverse protection are not required. |
Compared with MAX8877EUK50, the MAX8878EUK50 adds essential auto-discharge for reliable reset behavior; versus XC6206P502MR, it delivers superior noise performance, lower dropout, and integrated safety features - making it optimal for precision battery-powered systems.
Availability
MAX8878EUK50 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular handsets, PCMCIA cards, hand-held instruments, and palmtop computers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MAX8878EUK50 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 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 ultra-low-noise, low-quiescent-current regulation in battery-powered portable electronics - emphasizing dropout efficiency, thermal resilience, and integrated protection.
FAQ
What is the output voltage tolerance of the MAX8878EUK50 over temperature?
The MAX8878EUK50 maintains ±1.4% output voltage accuracy across the full operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table. This tolerance applies to loads from 0.1mA to 120mA and ensures consistent 5.0V regulation for sensitive digital and analog circuitry without external trimming. The MAX8878EUK50 achieves this via a precision 1.25V bandgap reference and laser-trimmed internal feedback divider.
Does the MAX8878EUK50 require an external BP capacitor, and what value is recommended?
Yes, the MAX8878EUK50 requires a 0.01µF ceramic capacitor connected between the BP pin and GND to minimize output voltage noise. This capacitor works with an internal 200kΩ resistor to form an 80Hz low-pass filter on the reference node. Using values above 0.1µF increases startup time without improving noise performance, and values below 0.01µF degrade noise reduction - so 0.01µF is the optimal and recommended value for the MAX8878EUK50.
How does the auto-discharge function operate in the MAX8878EUK50?
When the SHDN pin is pulled low, the MAX8878EUK50 activates an internal 300Ω discharge path between the OUT and GND pins, actively pulling the output voltage to ground. This behavior is unique to the MAX8878 series (not present in MAX8877) and eliminates reliance on external bleed resistors. The discharge occurs regardless of load condition and ensures predictable reset timing in systems like PCMCIA cards or handheld instruments where floating outputs could cause latch-up.
What thermal protection mechanisms are built into the MAX8878EUK50?
The MAX8878EUK50 incorporates thermal-overload protection that disables the pass transistor when junction temperature exceeds +155°C. After shutdown, the device remains off until the die cools by 15°C (hysteresis), then resumes regulation. This pulsed operation prevents permanent damage during sustained overload. The GND pin doubles as a thermal pad - effective heatsinking requires soldering it to a large PCB copper area, especially given the SOT23-5 package's θJB of 140°C/W (regular) or 110°C/W (thin).
Can the MAX8878EUK50 be used with input voltages below 2.5V?
No, the MAX8878EUK50 has a minimum input voltage specification of 2.5V per Absolute Maximum Ratings and Electrical Characteristics tables. Operation below 2.5V is not guaranteed and may result in loss of regulation, increased dropout, or failure to start. For applications requiring lower input operation (e.g., single NiMH or deeply discharged Li+), alternative regulators with sub-2.5V input capability must be selected - the MAX8878EUK50 is strictly rated for 2.5V to 6.5V input.
MAX8878EUK50 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):
- 5V
- 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
MAX8878EUK50 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX8878EUK50 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX8878EUK50 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 MAX8878EUK50 reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX8878EUK50 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX8878EUK50 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX8878EUK50?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX8878EUK50 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX8878EUK50?
MAX8878EUK50 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX8878EUK50 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 MAX8878EUK50?
For technical support, including MAX8878EUK50 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX8878EUK50 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX8878EUK50 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX8878EUK50 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 MAX8878EUK50 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX8878EUK50?
All MAX8878EUK50 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX8878EUK50, 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 MAX8878EUK50 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX8878EUK50:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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