Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8880EUT

Overview

MAX8880EUT from Maxim Integrated is an ultra-low-quiescent-current, adjustable-output LDO linear regulator delivering up to 200mA with 3.5µA supply current, ±1.5% output voltage accuracy, and 100mV dropout at 50mA load. It features reverse battery protection, thermal shutdown, short-circuit protection, and a power-OK (POK) open-drain flag - designed for long-life battery-powered systems such as smoke detectors and smart battery packs.

For engineers reviewing the MAX8880EUT datasheet, MAX8880EUT pinout, MAX8880EUT application, or MAX8880EUT equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.25V–5.5V adjustable output range, SOT23-6 package compatibility, 2.5V–12V input range, POK functionality for system monitoring, and 2Ω PMOS pass device enabling ultra-low IQ across full load and dropout conditions.

Technical Context

The MAX8880EUT employs a precision 1.25V internal reference and error amplifier to regulate output via external resistor feedback on the FB pin. Its P-channel MOSFET pass transistor eliminates base-drive current, sustaining 3.5µA quiescent current even in dropout - unlike PNP-based regulators that increase IQ under load or low VIN.

Reverse battery protection actively disconnects internal circuitry when IN < 0V, limiting reverse current to <1mA. The POK comparator monitors VOUT against 90% of nominal regulation and asserts low during out-of-regulation or shutdown, supporting system-level fault detection and delayed reset via RC network.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX8880EUT is housed in a 6-pin SOT23-6 package (JEDEC MO-178AA), with exposed pad not present. Pin 1 is IN, Pin 2 is GND, Pin 3 is OUT, Pin 4 is FB, Pin 5 is SHDN, and Pin 6 is POK - all verified per Maxim's official pin description and top-view diagram.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS78033DRVR and MCP1703T-3302E/MB, the MAX8880EUT uniquely combines adjustable output, integrated POK, and active reverse battery protection within a 3.5µA IQ budget - making it optimal for sealed, long-life, safety-critical battery systems requiring autonomous fault reporting.

Availability

MAX8880EUT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smoke detectors, battery-powered alarms, and remote transmitters requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for MAX8880EUT 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) designs precision analog and mixed-signal ICs for power management, sensing, and connectivity in demanding environments.

The MAX8880EUT belongs to Maxim's ultra-low-IQ LDO family, engineered specifically for multi-year battery operation in safety-critical and maintenance-free portable electronics.

FAQ

What is the output voltage range supported by the MAX8880EUT?

The MAX8880EUT supports an adjustable output voltage range from 1.25V to 5.5V, set using an external resistor divider connected to the FB pin. This flexibility allows precise tailoring of the regulated rail for diverse loads - including 1.8V MCUs, 2.5V ADCs, 3.3V interfaces, and 5V peripherals - while maintaining ±1.5% accuracy across temperature and line/load variations. The MAX8880EUT does not support fixed outputs; those are exclusive to the MAX8881 series variants.

How does the MAX8880EUT achieve ultra-low quiescent current in dropout?

The MAX8880EUT achieves 3.5µA quiescent current in dropout by using a 2Ω P-channel MOSFET as the pass element - eliminating base-drive current required by PNP transistors. Unlike bipolar LDOs that increase IQ significantly under dropout or heavy load, the MAX8880EUT sustains its ultra-low IQ across the full operating range, including at VIN = VOUT + 100mV. This behavior is confirmed in the "Supply Current vs. Input Voltage" and "Supply Current vs. Temperature" graphs in the official datasheet.

What is the function of the POK pin on the MAX8880EUT, and how should it be used?

The POK (Power-OK) pin on the MAX8880EUT is an open-drain output that goes low when the regulated output falls below 90% of its nominal value or during shutdown. It is designed for system-level fault detection and delayed reset generation. To use it, connect POK to VOUT via a pull-up resistor (e.g., 100kΩ); adding a capacitor in parallel creates an RC delay for glitch immunity. The MAX8880EUT's POK has 1.5% hysteresis and sinks up to 1mA, enabling direct interfacing with microcontroller interrupt or reset inputs without additional logic.

Does the MAX8880EUT provide reverse battery protection, and how does it work?

Yes, the MAX8880EUT provides active reverse battery protection: when IN is forced below ground, internal circuitry disconnects parasitic paths and limits reverse current to less than 1mA - preventing damage and preserving battery integrity. This protection operates independently of SHDN state. For full protection of the SHDN pin itself, Maxim recommends placing a 100kΩ series resistor between the control source and SHDN. This feature is explicitly documented in the "Reverse Battery Protection" section and verified in Absolute Maximum Ratings (IN to GND = –14V).

What output capacitor is required for stable operation of the MAX8880EUT at 200mA load?

For stable operation of the MAX8880EUT at full 200mA load, a 4.7µF ceramic output capacitor with ESR ≤0.5Ω is required - as specified in the Pin Description and Applications Information sections. X7R or X5R dielectrics are recommended for stable performance across –40°C to +85°C. A 1µF capacitor is acceptable only for loads ≤40mA. Using insufficient capacitance or high-ESR types risks oscillation or poor transient response, especially during load steps - confirmed by the "Region of Stable Cout ESR vs. Output Current" graph in the datasheet.