New Industry Products

Maxim Releases 100mA Automotive Linear Regulator with Adjustable Reset

December 14, 2006 by Jeff Shepard

Maxim Integrated Products Inc. announced the MAX5091 low-quiescent-current, low-dropout (LDO) linear regulator with a wide operating input-voltage range of +5 to +40V and the capability to withstand up to 40V transients. Its maximum light-load quiescent current is 100µA, which is approximately 60% lower than the nearest competitor. This device delivers up to 100mA of output current with low 50mV (max) dropout voltage.

The MAX5091 has stable operation with a small, 10µF ceramic cap, unlike the L4949 that cannot achieve stability with these small capacitors. A user-adjustable reset timeout can be programmed with an external capacitor. These significant performance capabilities make the MAX5091 a superior drop-in replacement for the L4949. The integrated active-low microprocessor reset circuit is triggered when the regulator output drops 10% below the nominal voltage, thus providing an early system warning of an impending power failure. An ENABLE input then turns the regulator off. The uncommitted comparator can monitor the input voltage or detect power-fail conditions.

The MAX5091 is available in thermally enhanced, surface-mount, 8-pin TDFN and SO-EP packages. When operating in the JEDEC 51 standard environment, the TDFN package has a thermal junction-to-case resistance of 6°C/W. The 8-pin SO has a thermal junction-to-case resistance of 8°C/W. The exposed-paddle packages are very effective thermal conductors that simplify thermal design.

The MAX5091 is rated for operation through the automotive temperature range (-40 to +125°C). It is available with fixed 3.3 or 5V outputs, and includes short-circuit protection and thermal shutdown. Pricing starts at $1.25 (1000-up, FOB USA).