Charge pump with bipolar output flexibility
The MAX860IUA+T is a charge pump voltage converter from Maxim Integrated that delivers a fixed output of either -Vin or 2Vin from a single input supply. It handles up to 50 mA output current and operates from a 1.5 V to 5.5 V input range. Three switching frequencies — 6 kHz, 50 kHz, and 130 kHz — let you balance capacitor size against ripple and EMI. The 8-uMAX/uSOP package fits tight board layouts where an inductor-based converter would consume more space.
What the switching frequency range means for your BOM
Three selectable frequencies give you a direct trade-off: 6 kHz minimizes switching losses and radiated emissions but needs larger external capacitors; 130 kHz shrinks capacitor values and board area at the cost of higher ripple and slightly more quiescent draw. For a battery-powered sensor running at light load, the 6 kHz setting keeps quiescent current low. For a compact module where every mm² counts, 130 kHz lets you use ceramic capacitors in smaller case sizes.
Lifecycle and sourcing
The MAX860IUA+T is listed as Active and ROHS3 compliant. No official successor or second-source alternate is in the evidence.