Current limiting in a SC-70-5 — what the 100 mA ceiling means for the load
The MAX4787EXK+T is a current-limiting IC from Analog Devices, not a voltage regulator — it limits the output current to 100 mA regardless of the load resistance, protecting downstream circuitry from overcurrent faults on a 2.3 V to 5.5 V rail. The 100 mA current ceiling is the trip threshold; the device clamps the output current at this level when the load attempts to draw more, rather than shutting off entirely, so the protected circuit sees a controlled current foldback instead of a hard open. Housed in the 5-pin SC-70-5 (SOT-353) package, it occupies roughly 2.0 mm × 2.1 mm of board area — suitable for space-constrained USB port protection, sensor supply limiting, or peripheral power gating where a fuse would be too slow or too large.
RoHS3 compliant (2011/65/EU + 2015/863), with no exemptions claimed — the part ships lead-free and meets the EU directive for solder-joint reliability in reflow assembly.