Low-Noise, Low-Dropout Regulators Fit Tiny Applications

March 16, 2007
The MAX8840/8841/8842 low-dropout linear regulator allows a total solution size as small as 3.9 mm2, including external components. Without the need for a bypass capacitor, the MAX8841 has the smallest overall footprint of the three, making it

Especially suited for space-constrained applications requiring a low-noise power supply, the MAX8840/8841/8842 low-dropout 150-mA linear regulators come in lead-free 1- by 1.5- by 0.8-mm microDFN packages. The device allows a total solution size as small as 3.9 mm2, including external components. The regulators operate from a 2- to 6-V supply, making them suitable for single-cell, Li+ battery-powered devices. Battery life is maximized by the extremely low ground-pin current (40 µA typical in operation, 50 nA typical in shutdown). Output noise is only 11 µV rms (100 Hz, typical) and power supply rejection ratio is 78 dB (1 kHz, typical).

The MAX8840 and MAX8841 support fixed output voltages of 1.5, 1.8, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.85, 3.0, 3.3, and 4.5 V. The MAX8842 allows any voltage between 1.225 and 4.5 V to be programmed with a simple resistor-divider. The MAX8841 has the smallest overall footprint, as it does not need a bypass capacitor; this makes it ideal for core, logic, and memory power-supply applications. Other features include an active-low shutdown-control pin, over-current and thermal protection, and operation over the -40°C to 85°C range. Pricing starts at $0.54, for quantities of 2500. A data sheet is available at www.maxim-ic.com/MAX8840.

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