Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX3373EEBL+T

Overview

MAX3373EEBL+T from Maxim Integrated is a bidirectional, ±15kV ESD-protected logic-level translator enabling voltage translation between 1.2V–5.5V (VL) and 1.65V–5.5V (VCC) domains on two independent data lines. It guarantees 8Mbps operation across full voltage range, supports three-state output mode (<1µA supply current), and features slew-rate limiting for EMI reduction - used in SPI/I²C interfaces between low-voltage microcontrollers and higher-voltage peripherals.

For engineers reviewing the MAX3373EEBL+T datasheet, MAX3373EEBL+T pinout, MAX3373EEBL+T application, or MAX3373EEBL+T equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 8Mbps bidirectional translation, dual-channel architecture, UCSP-8 package footprint, ±15kV HBM ESD rating on VCC-side I/Os, and thermal short-circuit protection with automatic recovery.

Technical Context

The MAX3373EEBL+T employs a transmission-gate-based bidirectional design allowing seamless VL ↔ VCC data flow per channel without direction control pins. Its speed-up circuitry - including one-shot triggered pull-up MOSFETs (PU1/PU2) - reduces rise time and propagation delay for low-to-high transitions, enabling up to 16Mbps under specific voltage conditions (+1.8V ≤ VL ≤ VCC ≤ +2.5V or +2.5V ≤ VL ≤ VCC ≤ +3.3V).

Three-state output mode is activated by pulling the dedicated THREE-STATE pin low (logic referenced to VL), disabling internal 10kΩ pullups and placing both I/O VL and I/O VCC lines in high-impedance state. Thermal protection triggers at +152°C junction temperature, forcing three-state mode until cooling to +142°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAX3373EEBL+T is housed in an 8-pin 2mm × 2mm UCSP (Ultra Compact Silicon Package) with exposed pad, optimized for space-constrained portable electronics. Pin functions are symmetric per channel and referenced to respective supply rails.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TXS0102DCUR and SN74AVC2T244RSWR, the MAX3373EEBL+T uniquely integrates ±15kV HBM ESD protection, thermal short-circuit recovery, and true pinless bidirectionality - making it the only option requiring no external components or direction logic for robust, compact dual-voltage I²C/SPI bridges.

Availability

MAX3373EEBL+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for SPI/I²C level translation, smart card readers, cell-phone cradles, and portable communication devices requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed 8Mbps performance across industrial temperature ranges.

Supply support for MAX3373EEBL+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, communications, and consumer applications.

The MAX3372E–MAX3379E family was engineered specifically for robust, low-power bidirectional voltage translation in portable and battery-operated systems where space, ESD resilience, and multi-rail interoperability are critical.

FAQ

What voltage ranges does the MAX3373EEBL+T support on its VL and VCC supplies?

The MAX3373EEBL+T supports VL from +1.2V to +5.5V and VCC from +1.65V to +5.5V. Operation requires VL ≤ (VCC + 0.3V) for safe biasing; violation during power-up is non-destructive but may cause temporary logic uncertainty. The MAX3373EEBL+T maintains guaranteed 8Mbps performance across this full range, with higher speeds (up to 16Mbps) achievable within narrower domains such as +1.8V ≤ VL ≤ VCC ≤ +2.5V.

How does the three-state output mode function on the MAX3373EEBL+T?

The MAX3373EEBL+T enters three-state output mode when the THREE-STATE pin is pulled low (logic referenced to VL). This disables internal 10kΩ pullup resistors on all I/O lines, placing I/O VL1/VL2 and I/O VCC1/VCC2 in high-impedance state and reducing total supply current to <1µA. For normal operation, tie THREE-STATE to VL. The MAX3373EEBL+T supports multidrop bus configurations and low-power sleep states using this feature.

Does the MAX3373EEBL+T require external components for ESD protection?

No - the MAX3373EEBL+T integrates ±15kV Human Body Model ESD protection on all VCC-referenced I/O pins (I/O VCC1/VCC2), eliminating the need for external TVS diodes in most portable applications. A 1µF capacitor between VCC and GND is recommended to maximize ESD robustness, per Maxim's application guidance. The MAX3373EEBL+T meets IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 contact discharge requirements without additional circuitry.

What is the maximum data rate achievable with the MAX3373EEBL+T, and under what conditions?

The MAX3373EEBL+T guarantees 8Mbps operation across its full VL/VCC voltage range (+1.2V ≤ VL ≤ VCC ≤ +5.5V). Under specific conditions - +1.8V ≤ VL ≤ VCC ≤ +2.5V or +2.5V ≤ VL ≤ VCC ≤ +3.3V - it achieves up to 16Mbps. Performance depends on capacitive load (≤15pF recommended for 8Mbps), driver impedance (≤50Ω), and proper decoupling. The MAX3373EEBL+T's rise-time accelerators enable these high speeds without external active circuitry.

Is the MAX3373EEBL+T pin-compatible with other devices in the MAX3372E–MAX3379E family?

The MAX3373EEBL+T uses the 8-pin UCSP-8 package and shares identical pinout with MAX3372EEBL+T, MAX3374EEBL+T, and MAX3375EEBL+T. However, functionality differs: MAX3372E is 230kbps-rated, MAX3374E/MAX3375E are unidirectional, and only MAX3372E/MAX3373E support bidirectional operation in this 8-pin form factor. The MAX3373EEBL+T is not pin-compatible with quad-channel variants (e.g., MAX3377E) or TDFN/SOT23-8 packages due to differing pin counts and layouts.