Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX3371EXT+T

Overview

The MAX3371EXT+T from Maxim Integrated is a bidirectional logic-level translator IC enabling voltage translation between 1.6V–5.5V (VL) and 2.5V–5.5V (VCC) domains, supporting up to 2Mbps push-pull data rates with 10pF load, featuring active shutdown (<1µA supply current), high-impedance I/Os in shutdown, and SC70-6 packaging for space-constrained portable interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the MAX3371EXT+T datasheet, MAX3371EXT+T pinout, MAX3371EXT+T application, or MAX3371EXT+T equivalent, this device is selected for low-power, bidirectional level shifting in I²C, SPI, and smart card reader designs where VL ≤ VCC, shutdown control is required, and board area is constrained by SC70 footprint.

Technical Context

The MAX3371EXT+T implements a dual-rail, bidirectional level-shifting architecture with internal 10kΩ pull-up resistors on both I/O VL and I/O VCC pins, enabling compatibility with open-drain drivers and eliminating external biasing. Its speed-up circuit reduces low-to-high propagation delay by temporarily activating parallel pull-up paths for 320ns.

Shutdown is controlled via the SHDN pin referenced to VL: logic high enables normal operation; logic low disconnects internal pull-ups and places both I/Os in high-impedance state. VL must not exceed VCC per design constraint, and all timing specs are validated at worst-case VCC = +2.5V / VL = +1.6V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX3371EXT+T uses the SC70-6 package (2.0mm × 1.25mm, 0.65mm pitch), with exposed pad optional per Maxim package drawing X6SN+1. Pin 1 is marked with dot; pin numbering follows standard SC70 counterclockwise orientation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional level translation applications.

Compared with TXS0102DCUR and PCA9306DCUR, the MAX3371EXT+T uniquely delivers hardware-controlled shutdown with sub-1µA quiescent current and integrated pull-ups-critical for battery-operated I²C/SPI systems requiring deterministic low-power states and minimal external components.

Availability

MAX3371EXT+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable communication devices, smart card readers, and low-power industrial sensors requiring stable component supply, RoHS-compliant packaging, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for MAX3371EXT+T includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, medical, and communications applications.

The MAX337x family targets ultra-low-power, space-constrained multivoltage interface challenges in portable electronics-specifically enabling seamless interoperation between legacy and next-generation low-voltage ASICs and higher-voltage peripherals.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable voltage difference between VL and VCC for reliable operation of the MAX3371EXT+T?

The MAX3371EXT+T requires VL ≤ VCC for correct internal biasing and threshold referencing. While VL may equal VCC (e.g., both at 3.3V), VL must never exceed VCC-this is a hard design constraint enforced by internal circuit topology, not a recommended operating limit. Violation risks undefined logic states and potential damage under sustained overvoltage.

Does the MAX3371EXT+T support I²C clock stretching, and how does it handle bidirectional SCL arbitration?

Yes, the MAX3371EXT+T fully supports I²C clock stretching because its bidirectional architecture preserves open-drain behavior on both I/O VL and I/O VCC. When a slave holds SCL low, the MAX3371EXT+T reflects that state across voltage domains without inversion or latching-enabling compliant arbitration and multi-master timing recovery.

Can the SHDN pin of the MAX3371EXT+T be driven directly from a 1.8V GPIO without level shifting?

Yes-the SHDN pin is referenced to VL, not VCC. When VL = 1.8V, a 1.8V GPIO output meets the VIH-SHDN minimum of 2/3 × VL = 1.2V and exceeds the VIL-SHDN maximum of 0.2V, ensuring robust logic-high recognition and noise margin. No level shifting is needed if SHDN is driven from the VL domain.

How does the speed-up circuit in the MAX3371EXT+T affect signal integrity on I/O lines?

The speed-up circuit activates only during low-to-high transitions, injecting temporary current through parallel paths to reduce rise time by up to 70%. It does not affect high-to-low edges or DC levels, introduces no overshoot beyond datasheet-specified VOH/VOL limits, and is disabled entirely in shutdown-preserving signal integrity across all operating modes.

Is the MAX3371EXT+T compatible with 1.2V logic systems?

No-the MAX3371EXT+T specifies a minimum VL of +1.6V. At 1.2V, input thresholds (VIHL = VL − 0.2V = 1.0V) fall below typical 1.2V logic-high minimums (≥1.1V), risking misreads; output drive strength also degrades below 1.6V due to internal transistor V_TH constraints. For 1.2V systems, consider the MAX3378 or similar 1.1V–5.5V translators.