What this current limiter does
The MAX4785EXK+T is a current limiting IC from Maxim Integrated, designed to protect downstream circuitry by limiting output current to a fixed 50 mA. It operates from a 2.3 V to 5.5 V input supply, covering common 5 V rails used in portable devices, USB peripherals, and industrial sensor interfaces. The part is housed in a 5-pin SC-70-5 package, making it suitable for space-constrained PCB layouts where a discrete resistor-fuse solution would take more area.
50 mA current limit — sizing the load
The 50 mA output rating is the fixed current limit. This is not adjustable — the part is intended for loads that draw up to 50 mA steady-state, with headroom for inrush. Typical applications include USB port power limiting, where a 50 mA limit protects a host port from a shorted peripheral, or as a current limiter on a sensor supply rail in an industrial I/O module. If your load peaks above 50 mA, this part will fold back or latch off depending on the variant; the MAX4785EXK+T is the auto-retry version. Verify your load's peak current stays under the limit to avoid nuisance tripping.
Lifecycle and compliance
It is RoHS3 compliant, so it meets current EU and global environmental requirements for new product introductions.