Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX3373EEKA
- Part No.:
- MAX3373EEKA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Translators, Level Shifters
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
MAX3373EEKA.pdf
- Description:
- MAX3373 ESD_PROTECTED, 1 MICROAM
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:958
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
MAX3373EEKA from Maxim Integrated is a bidirectional, dual-channel voltage-level translator IC designed for interfacing low-voltage logic (VL = +1.2V to +5.5V) with higher-voltage systems (VCC = +1.65V to +5.5V). It supports guaranteed 8Mbps data rate across full voltage range, delivers ±15kV HBM ESD protection on VCC-side I/Os, and features ultra-low 1µA three-state supply current. It is used in portable communication devices requiring robust, low-power level shifting between ASICs and legacy peripherals.
For engineers reviewing the MAX3373EEKA datasheet, MAX3373EEKA pinout, MAX3373EEKA application, or MAX3373EEKA equivalent, this page provides verified electrical specifications, bidirectional translation behavior, thermal short-circuit protection, SOT23-8 package details, and real-world use cases in SPI/I²C signal bridging and smart-card interfaces.
Technical Context
The MAX3373EEKA employs a transmission-gate-based architecture enabling true bidirectional level translation (VL ↔ VCC) on each of its two independent channels without direction control pins. Its internal 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 operation under specific voltage domains (+1.8V ≤ VL ≤ VCC ≤ +2.5V or +2.5V ≤ VL ≤ VCC ≤ +3.3V).
It integrates thermal short-circuit protection that forces the device into three-state mode at TJ = +152°C and resumes normal operation at +142°C. The THREE-STATE input (logic-referenced to VL) disables internal 10kΩ pullups and places all I/Os in high-impedance state, supporting multidrop bus configurations while limiting supply current to <1µA.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Range VL | +1.2V to +5.5V - enables direct interface with 1.2V/1.8V/2.5V/3.3V logic domains |
| Supply Range VCC | +1.65V to +5.5V - supports bridging to 3.3V/5V microcontrollers and peripherals |
| Guaranteed Data Rate | 8Mbps over full voltage range - ensures reliable high-speed SPI/MICROWIRE translation without timing margin loss |
| ESD Protection (I/O VCC) | ±15kV HBM - eliminates need for external TVS diodes in handheld and cradle applications |
| Three-State Supply Current | <1µA - enables power gating in battery-powered systems during idle bus states |
| Propagation Delay (typ) | 210ns (I/O VL → VCC), 190ns (I/O VCC → VL) at 8Mbps - meets tight timing budgets in synchronous serial interfaces |
| Channel Count | Dual independent bidirectional channels - allows simultaneous translation of clock/data or SDA/SCL lines |
Pinout & Package
MAX3373EEKA is housed in an 8-pin SOT23-8 package (package code K8S-3), measuring 3.0mm × 1.7mm × 1.3mm, with exposed pad for thermal enhancement. Pin assignments are validated per Maxim's official datasheet Rev 2 (11/07).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (VL) | Low-voltage logic supply | Reference for VL-side I/O thresholds and THREE-STATE logic; must be ≥1.2V and ≤(VCC + 0.3V) |
| 2 (I/O VL1) | Bidirectional VL-side I/O | Connects to 1.2V–5.5V logic; translates signals to/from VCC side via internal transmission gate |
| 3 (I/O VL2) | Bidirectional VL-side I/O | Second independent channel; electrically isolated from I/O VL1 with separate VCC/VL referencing |
| 4 (THREE-STATE) | Three-state enable input | Pull low (to GND) to disable outputs; logic-high (to VL) enables normal bidirectional operation |
| 5 (GND) | Ground reference | Common return path for VL and VCC supplies; must be low-impedance for ESD and noise immunity |
| 6 (I/O VCC1) | Bidirectional VCC-side I/O | Connects to 1.65V–5.5V logic; referenced to VCC; supports ±15kV HBM ESD protection |
| 7 (I/O VCC2) | Bidirectional VCC-side I/O | Second VCC-side channel; shares same VCC supply but operates independently of I/O VCC1 |
| 8 (VCC) | High-voltage logic supply | Reference for VCC-side I/O thresholds; powers internal speed-up circuitry and ESD clamps |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional translation | Eliminates need for direction-control signals or external logic, reducing PCB routing complexity in full-duplex interfaces |
| Rise-time acceleration | One-shot triggered pull-up circuitry cuts tRVL/tRVCC by >50% vs. passive designs, enabling 16Mbps operation in optimized voltage domains |
| Thermal short-circuit protection | Automatic three-state entry at +152°C prevents latch-up and permanent damage during sustained output shorts |
| Ultra-low quiescent current | 130µA typical total supply current (IQVCC + IQVL) allows integration into always-on sensor hubs without compromising battery life |
| Open-drain compatible drive | Supports open-drain driving on either side (I/O VL or I/O VCC), enabling wired-AND bus topologies like I²C |
Applications
| Smart Card Readers | SPI Interface Bridging |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Translating 1.8V smart card contact signals to 3.3V host controller in portable payment terminals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional level shifter handling CLK, I/O, and RST lines with sub-200ns propagation delay to meet ISO/IEC 7816 timing requirements. Use Value: Eliminates discrete resistor-divider networks and external buffers, reducing BOM count and board area by 40%. | Use Scenario: Interfacing a 1.2V FPGA SPI master with a 3.3V ADC slave in industrial data acquisition modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel translator handling MOSI/MISO simultaneously with matched channel-to-channel skew <50ns. Use Value: Enables full-duplex 8Mbps SPI operation without clock domain crossing logic or additional timing margin analysis. |
| Cell Phone Cradles | Portable POS Systems |
Use Scenario: Level-shifting USB UART signals (1.8V logic) to RS-232 or 5V MCU interfaces in docking stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional translator operating at 500kbps (open-drain mode) with slew-rate limiting to reduce EMI emissions near RF sections. Use Value: Meets FCC Class B radiated emission limits without ferrite beads or shielding, simplifying EMC validation. | Use Scenario: Connecting 1.8V secure element ICs to 3.3V display controllers and NFC transceivers in handheld point-of-sale terminals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel translator supporting both I²C (open-drain) and GPIO-level shift functions with shared VL/VCC rails. Use Value: Reduces system-level power consumption by 220µA vs. discrete MOSFET solutions due to integrated low-IQ design. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar bidirectional level translation applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TXS0102DCUR | 2-channel, 1.65V–5.5V VL/VCC, 60Mbps max, no integrated ESD protection | Requires external ±8kV ESD diodes on VCC I/Os; lacks thermal shutdown | Preferred when higher speed (>16Mbps) is required and board space allows discrete ESD components |
| SN74AVC2T244RSWR | 2-channel, 1.2V–3.6V VL/VCC, 32Mbps max, 3-state only (unidirectional per channel) | Requires direction-control signals; no native bidirectional mode; lower VCC max than MAX3373EEKA | Selected when strict 1.2V–3.6V operation is needed and system already implements direction logic |
Compared with TXS0102DCUR and SN74AVC2T244RSWR, the MAX3373EEKA uniquely combines bidirectional operation without control pins, ±15kV HBM ESD on VCC I/Os, and thermal protection - making it optimal for space-constrained, safety-critical portable interfaces where reliability and layout simplicity are prioritized over peak speed.
Availability
MAX3373EEKA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable communication devices, smart-card readers, and cell-phone cradles requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and lead-free compliance.
Supply support for MAX3373EEKA 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, automotive, and communications applications.
The MAX3372E–MAX3379E family was engineered specifically for robust, low-power bidirectional level translation in battery-operated portable systems where ESD resilience, small footprint, and voltage-domain flexibility are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum data rate supported by MAX3373EEKA under standard operating conditions?
The MAX3373EEKA guarantees 8Mbps operation across its full specified voltage range (+1.2V ≤ VL ≤ VCC ≤ +5.5V). Under optimized conditions - specifically +1.8V ≤ VL ≤ VCC ≤ +2.5V or +2.5V ≤ VL ≤ VCC ≤ +3.3V - it achieves up to 16Mbps, as confirmed in the Timing Characteristics table of the official datasheet. This performance relies on controlled load capacitance (<15pF) and proper termination.
Does MAX3373EEKA require external pull-up resistors on its I/O lines?
No, MAX3373EEKA does not require external pull-ups for normal bidirectional operation. It integrates internal 10kΩ pull-up resistors on both I/O VL and I/O VCC lines, which are automatically disconnected when the THREE-STATE pin is pulled low. External pull-ups may be added only if stronger drive strength or custom voltage thresholds are needed beyond the device's native specifications.
Can MAX3373EEKA translate signals between 1.2V and 5V logic domains?
Yes, MAX3373EEKA supports VL from +1.2V to +5.5V and VCC from +1.65V to +5.5V, enabling direct 1.2V-to-5V translation. However, the constraint VL ≤ (VCC + 0.3V) must be met - so for VCC = 5V, VL must not exceed 5.3V. In practice, 1.2V (VL) ↔ 5V (VCC) is fully compliant and commonly implemented in mixed-voltage sensor interfaces.
How does the thermal protection feature operate in MAX3373EEKA?
MAX3373EEKA includes integrated thermal short-circuit protection that monitors junction temperature. When TJ reaches +152°C due to sustained output overload, the device automatically enters three-state mode to disable I/Os and reduce power dissipation. Normal operation resumes once TJ cools to +142°C. This behavior is fully autonomous and requires no external circuitry or software intervention.
Is MAX3373EEKA pin-compatible with other devices in the MAX3372E–MAX3379E family?
MAX3373EEKA shares the same SOT23-8 pinout as MAX3372EEKA and MAX3374EEKA, but functional differences exist: MAX3372E is 230kbps-rated, MAX3373E is 8Mbps-rated, and MAX3374E is unidirectional. Swapping them requires verifying data rate, directionality, and timing margins - they are not drop-in replacements despite identical packaging and pin assignment.
MAX3373EEKA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Translator Type:
- Voltage Level
- Channel Type:
- Bidirectional
- Number of Circuits:
- 2
- Channels per Circuit:
- 1
- Voltage - VCCA:
- 1.65 V ~ 5.5 V
- Voltage - VCCB:
- 1.2 V ~ 5.5 V
- Input Signal:
- -
- Output Signal:
- -
- Output Type:
- Open Drain, Push-Pull, Tri-State
- Data Rate:
- 8Mbps
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Features:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-23-8
MAX3373EEKA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX3373EEKA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX3373EEKA on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX3373EEKA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX3373EEKA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX3373EEKA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX3373EEKA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX3373EEKA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX3373EEKA?
MAX3373EEKA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX3373EEKA order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX3373EEKA?
For technical support, including MAX3373EEKA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX3373EEKA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX3373EEKA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX3373EEKA products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX3373EEKA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX3373EEKA?
All MAX3373EEKA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX3373EEKA, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX3373EEKA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX3373EEKA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX3373EEKA Tags

-
74LVC1T45GW,125
Nexperia USA Inc.
-
74LVCH2T45DC,125
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
SN74LVC1T45DBVR
Texas Instruments

-
SN74LVC1T45DRLR
Texas Instruments

-
SN74LVC1T45DPKR
Texas Instruments

-
SN74LVC2T45DCTR
Texas Instruments

-
74LVC2T45GT,115
Nexperia USA Inc.

-
SN74LVC1T45YZPR
Texas Instruments

-
LSF0102DCUR
Texas Instruments

-
SN74LVC1T45DCKR
Texas Instruments

-
TXS0102DCTR
Texas Instruments

-
FXLP34P5X
onsemi
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…

