
Detailed Description
The MAX8556/MAX8557 low-dropout linear regulators
are capable of delivering up to 4A from low-input voltage
supplies ranging from 1.425V to 3.6V with only 200mV
of dropout (max). The pMOS output stage can be driven
from input voltages down to 1.425V without sacrificing
stability or transient performance. Supply current is not
a significant function of load or input headroom because
this regulator has a pMOS output device.
The MAX8556/MAX8557 are fully protected from an out-
put short circuit by current-limiting and thermal-overload
circuitry. The low-power shutdown mode reduces supply
current to 0.2μA (typ) to maximize battery life in por-
table applications. The MAX8556 includes an open-drain
power-OK signal (POK) that goes high when the regulator
output is within ±10% of its nominal output voltage. The
MAX8557 includes an open-drain power-on-reset output
(POR) that goes high 140ms after the output has risen
above 90% of its nominal value.
Internal p-Channel Pass Transistor
The MAX8556/MAX8557 feature a 25mΩ p-channel
MOSFET pass transistor. Unlike similar designs using pnp
pass transistors, p-channel MOSFETs require no base
drive, which reduces quiescent current; pnp-based regu-
lators also waste considerable current in dropout when
the pass transistor saturates, and use high base-drive
currents under large loads. The MAX8556/MAX8557 do
not suffer from these problems and consume only 800μA
(typ) of quiescent current under heavy loads, as well as
in dropout.
Short-Circuit/Thermal Fault Protection
The MAX8556/MAX8557 are fully protected from output
short circuits through current-limiting and thermal-over-
load circuitry. When the output is shorted to ground, the
output current is foldback limited to 3A (max). Under these
conditions, the device quickly heats up. When the junc-
tion temperature reaches +160°C, the thermal-overload
circuitry turns off the output, allowing the device to cool.
When the junction cools to +115°C, the output turns back
on and attempts to establish regulation. Current limiting
and thermal protection continue until the fault is removed.
Shutdown Mode
The MAX8556/MAX8557 feature a low-power shutdown
mode that reduces quiescent current to 0.2μA (typ). Drive
EN low to disable the voltage reference, error amplifier,
gate-drive circuitry, and pass transistor, and pull the out-
put low with 5kΩ impedance. Drive EN high or connect to
IN for normal operation.
Power-OK Output (POK, MAX8556 Only)
The MAX8556 features a power-OK (POK) output to
indicate the status of the output. POK is high impedance
when the regulator output is within ±10% of its nominal
output voltage. If the output voltage falls/rises outside
this range or the IC experiences thermal fault, POK is
internally pulled low. This open-drain output requires an
external pullup resistor to VIN or another logic supply
below 3.6V. For glitch immunity, an internal delay circuit
prevents the output from switching for 50μs (typ) after the
trip threshold is initially reached. POK is low when the IC
is in shutdown mode.
Power-On Reset (POR, MAX8557 Only)
The MAX8557 features a power-on reset output that goes
high impedance 140ms (typ) after the output reaches
90% of its nominal value. This open-drain output requires
an external pullup resistor to VIN or another logic supply
less than 3.6V. When the output falls below 90% of the
nominal output voltage or the IC experiences a thermal
fault, POR immediately transitions low. POR is low when
the IC is in shutdown mode.
Operating Region and Power Dissipation
The maximum power dissipation depends on the ther-
mal resistance of the IC package and the circuit board,
the temperature difference between the die junction and
ambient air, and the rate of ambient airflow. The power
dissipated by the IC is P = IOUT x (VIN - VOUT). Proper
PCB layout can increase the allowed power dissipation
by dissipating heat in the board instead of the package.
See the Thermal Considerations in PCB Layout section
for more details.
MAX8556/MAX8557 4A Ultra-Low-Input-Voltage
LDO Regulators
www.maximintegrated.com Maxim Integrated
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