Maxim Integrated MAX6838XSD3+T Microprocessor Supervisory Circuit

The MAX6838XSD3+T is a highly reliable microprocessor (µP) supervisory circuit designed by Maxim Integrated to monitor power supplies in µP and digital systems. It provides a significant layer of protection by ensuring that the system's voltage levels remain within operational thresholds, thereby safeguarding the system from erratic behavior that can result from unpredictable power supply conditions.

This device is particularly suitable for battery-powered equipment, thanks to its low power consumption and small footprint. The MAX6838 series comes in a compact, 4-pin SC70 package, which is ideal for space-constrained applications. It is designed to maintain system integrity by monitoring the power supply voltage and asserting a reset signal whenever the monitored voltage drops below a preset threshold.

The MAX6838XSD3+T features a factory-trimmed reset threshold voltage set at 3.08V, tailored for systems that operate around the common 3.3V supply level. The reset output remains asserted for a minimum of 140ms after the supply voltage rises above the reset threshold, providing ample time for the system to stabilize before resuming operation. This feature ensures that the µP and other critical components are reset properly during power-up, power-down, or brown-out conditions.

Another key feature of the MAX6838XSD3+T is its low supply current of just 1.2µA, which is particularly beneficial for portable devices where battery life is critical. The device operates over a wide temperature range of -40°C to +125°C, making it suitable for industrial applications subjected to extreme environmental conditions.

Maxim Integrated's commitment to quality and reliability is evident in the design of the MAX6838XSD3+T, with its built-in hysteresis to prevent chattering resets and its ability to ignore short transients on the power supply line. This supervisory circuit is an essential component for designers looking to enhance system reliability and protect against data corruption due to low voltage anomalies.

In summary, the MAX6838XSD3+T from Maxim Integrated is a robust and reliable solution for power supply monitoring in microprocessor-based systems, ensuring stable operation and protecting against the adverse effects of undervoltage conditions.