Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8878EZK36-T
- Part No.:
- MAX8878EZK36-T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package:
- SOT-23-5 Thin, TSOT-23-5
- Datasheet:
-
MAX8878EZK36-T.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR LDO
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:17,500
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Product details
Overview
MAX8878EZK36-T 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, 100µA operating supply current, and auto-discharge functionality during shutdown. It serves as a precision power source for battery-powered portable electronics requiring stable, quiet voltage regulation.
For engineers reviewing the MAX8878EZK36-T datasheet, MAX8878EZK36-T pinout, MAX8878EZK36-T application, or MAX8878EZK36-T equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout performance at full load, shutdown leakage (10nA), output accuracy (±1.4%), thermal protection (155°C trip), and thin SOT23-5 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The MAX8878EZK36-T uses an internal P-channel MOSFET pass transistor (1.1Ω typical RDS(ON)) enabling ultra-low quiescent current (100µA) independent of load or dropout condition. Its error amplifier compares a 1.25V bandgap reference against feedback from an internal resistor divider tied to the OUT pin.
It integrates reverse-battery protection (limits reverse current to 1mA), thermal shutdown with 15°C hysteresis, short-circuit current limiting (160–390mA), and a dedicated BP pin for noise filtering via a 0.01µF capacitor - reducing output noise to 30µVRMS (10Hz–100kHz) when paired with 10µF COUT.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 3.6V ±1.4% over -40°C to +85°C - ensures stable core logic or RF bias rail without external feedback components. |
| Max Output Current | 150mA continuous - sufficient for baseband processors, RF transceivers, or sensor signal chains in handheld devices. |
| Dropout Voltage | 165mV at 150mA - enables operation down to 3.76V input, extending usable battery life in single-cell Li-ion systems. |
| Output Noise | 30µVRMS (10Hz–100kHz) - low enough for noise-sensitive analog circuits like ADC references or VCO supplies. |
| Quiescent Current | 100µA across full load and dropout - maintains efficiency during light-load sleep modes without sacrificing regulation. |
| Shutdown Current | 10nA logic-controlled shutdown - preserves battery charge during extended standby in portable instruments. |
| Auto-Discharge | 300Ω active discharge path on OUT during SHDN - prevents floating outputs and unintended wake-up in multi-rail systems. |
Pinout & Package
MAX8878EZK36-T is housed in a 5-pin thin SOT23 package (JEDEC MO-178AA), optimized for high-density portable PCBs with reduced height and thermal resistance (θJB = 110°C/W).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1. IN | Input supply connection | Accepts 2.5V–6.5V; requires ≥1µF ceramic bypass to GND for stability and line-transient immunity. |
| 2. GND | Power and thermal ground | Serves as electrical return and primary heat path; must connect to large copper area for thermal management. |
| 3. SHDN | Active-low enable control | Pulls low to enter 10nA shutdown; on MAX8878 only, triggers auto-discharge of OUT to GND. |
| 4. BP | Bypass reference node | Connects 0.01µF ceramic capacitor to reduce reference noise; sets output noise floor and startup time. |
| 5. OUT | Regulated output | Delivers 3.6V/150mA; requires ≥3.3µF ceramic capacitor (for VOUT < 2.5V not applicable here) with ESR < 0.2Ω. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| P-channel MOSFET pass element | Eliminates base-drive current loss, enabling constant 100µA IQ across all load and dropout conditions. |
| Auto-discharge function | 300Ω internal discharge path actively pulls OUT to GND during SHDN - prevents latch-up or false triggering in downstream logic. |
| Reverse battery protection | Blocks >99% of reverse current (<1mA) when VIN or SHDN falls below GND - protects IC and system during incorrect battery insertion. |
| Thermal shutdown with hysteresis | Shuts down at 155°C junction temperature and re-enables only after cooling by 15°C - prevents thermal cycling damage during sustained overload. |
| Low-noise BP pin architecture | Internal 200kΩ resistor + external 0.01µF forms 80Hz low-pass filter - reduces reference noise contribution to total output noise. |
Applications
| Cellular Handsets | PCMCIA Cards |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering RF front-end ICs and baseband processors in GSM/CDMA handsets with single Li-ion cell. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 3.6V LDO supplying noise-sensitive VCO and ADC reference rails. Use Value: 30µVRMS noise and 165mV dropout extend talk time and maintain EVM performance under battery sag. |
Use Scenario: Providing regulated 3.6V to memory controllers and interface logic in hot-pluggable PCMCIA Type II cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standby-power LDO with 10nA shutdown, enabling instant card detection and low-leakage retention. Use Value: Auto-discharge clears residual voltage on VCC during card ejection, preventing bus contention or data corruption. |
| Hand-Held Instruments | Electronic Planners |
Use Scenario: Supplying precision analog front-end (AFE) and microcontroller core in portable multimeters and data loggers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-drift, low-noise 3.6V rail for 16-bit SAR ADC reference and MCU VDD. Use Value: ±1.4% output accuracy and 100µA IQ ensure measurement repeatability and multi-week battery life. |
Use Scenario: Regulating power to real-time clock (RTC), SRAM backup, and touch-screen controller in PDAs and organizers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Always-on LDO with reverse-battery protection for main system rail during battery replacement. Use Value: Reverse battery protection prevents damage during user-swap of coin cells, improving field reliability. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPS76336DBVR | Higher 250mV dropout at 150mA; 50µVRMS noise; no auto-discharge; SOT23-5 pinout differs (SHDN on Pin 4 vs. Pin 3). | Lacks active output discharge - unsuitable where fast VOUT ramp-down is required post-shutdown. | Select if lower cost is critical and auto-discharge is unnecessary; verify PCB layout accommodates different SHDN pin location. |
| MCP1703T-3602E/MB | 1.8µA typical IQ; 600mV dropout at 250mA; no BP pin or auto-discharge; ±2% output accuracy. | Optimized for ultra-low IQ, not low noise - higher output ripple may affect sensitive analog loads. | Prefer for long-duration battery monitoring nodes where noise is secondary to quiescent current. |
Compared with TPS76336DBVR and MCP1703T-3602E/MB, the MAX8878EZK36-T uniquely balances ultra-low noise (30µVRMS), low dropout (165mV), and integrated auto-discharge - making it optimal for portable RF and precision analog systems where all three attributes are concurrently required.
Availability
MAX8878EZK36-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular handsets, PCMCIA cards, hand-held instruments, and electronic planners requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MAX8878EZK36-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 demanding applications.
The MAX8877/MAX8878 family was designed specifically for battery-powered portable electronics needing ultra-low noise, low dropout, and minimal quiescent current - targeting cellular phones, modems, and handheld instrumentation.
FAQ
What is the output voltage tolerance of the MAX8878EZK36-T over temperature and load?
The MAX8878EZK36-T delivers 3.6V with ±1.4% accuracy across the full -40°C to +85°C operating range and for output currents from 0.1mA to 120mA. At 25°C and 0.1mA load, tolerance tightens to ±1.4% min/max; worst-case drift remains bounded per the datasheet's Electrical Characteristics table, ensuring reliable operation in thermally varying environments.
Does the MAX8878EZK36-T require an external feedback resistor network?
No, the MAX8878EZK36-T does not require external feedback resistors. It is a fixed-output LDO with factory-trimmed internal resistor divider setting the output to exactly 3.6V. The BP pin supports optional noise-reduction capacitance but does not configure output voltage - simplifying design and reducing BOM count.
How does the auto-discharge function operate in the MAX8878EZK36-T?
When the SHDN pin is pulled low, the MAX8878EZK36-T activates an internal 300Ω discharge path between the OUT pin and GND. This actively pulls the output voltage to near-zero within microseconds, eliminating residual charge that could cause unintended behavior in downstream circuitry - a feature absent in the MAX8877 variant.
Can the MAX8878EZK36-T be used with ceramic output capacitors?
Yes, the MAX8878EZK36-T is fully compatible with ceramic output capacitors. For stable operation at 3.6V output, a minimum 1µF X7R/X5R ceramic capacitor with ESR < 0.2Ω is recommended. Larger values (e.g., 10µF) improve PSRR and transient response without compromising stability.
What thermal protection mechanisms are built into the MAX8878EZK36-T?
The MAX8878EZK36-T incorporates thermal-overload protection that disables the pass transistor when junction temperature exceeds 155°C. After shutdown, it remains off until temperature drops by 15°C (hysteresis), then resumes regulation. This prevents permanent damage during sustained overload or poor PCB thermal design while allowing safe recovery.
MAX8878EZK36-T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- SOT-23-5 Thin, TSOT-23-5
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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:
- TSOT-23-5
MAX8878EZK36-T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX8878EZK36-T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX8878EZK36-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 MAX8878EZK36-T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX8878EZK36-T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX8878EZK36-T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX8878EZK36-T?
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4.How is shipping managed for MAX8878EZK36-T?
MAX8878EZK36-T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX8878EZK36-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 MAX8878EZK36-T?
For technical support, including MAX8878EZK36-T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX8878EZK36-T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX8878EZK36-T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX8878EZK36-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 MAX8878EZK36-T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX8878EZK36-T?
All MAX8878EZK36-T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX8878EZK36-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 MAX8878EZK36-T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX8878EZK36-T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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