Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX3391EEBC+T

Overview

MAX3391EEBC+T from Maxim Integrated is a quad unidirectional ±15kV ESD-protected logic-level translator enabling bidirectional voltage translation between VL (1.2V–5.5V) and VCC (1.65V–5.5V) domains, supporting up to 16Mbps data rate at +2.5V ≤ VL ≤ VCC ≤ +3.3V, with 1μA three-state supply current and thermal short-circuit protection - used in SPI/I²C interfaces between low-voltage ASICs and 3.3V/5V systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX3391EEBC+T datasheet, MAX3391EEBC+T pinout, MAX3391EEBC+T application, or MAX3391EEBC+T equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 8Mbps operation across full voltage range, slew-rate limiting for EMI reduction, ±15kV HBM ESD rating on VCC-side I/Os, and compatibility with UCSP/TDFN/TSSOP packages for space-constrained portable designs.

Technical Context

The MAX3391EEBC+T implements unidirectional level translation (VL → VCC only) using CMOS-based pass-gate architecture with integrated speed-up circuitry - a one-shot-triggered pull-up stage that reduces rise time and propagation delay for low-to-high transitions. It supports independent VL and VCC supplies with no power sequencing constraints beyond VL ≤ (VCC + 0.3V).

Its four independent channels operate with input thresholds referenced to respective supplies (VIHL = VL − 0.2V, VIHC = VCC − 0.4V), output drive capability of 20µA (VOH = 0.67×supply), and 1mA sink strength (VOL = 0.4V), enabling rail-to-rail signal integrity across mixed-voltage buses without external biasing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX3391EEBC+T is packaged in a 14-pin TDFN-EP (3mm × 3mm) with exposed pad, optimized for thermal dissipation and PCB area efficiency in portable applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TXB0104RUTR and SN74AVC4T245PWR, MAX3391EEBC+T delivers integrated ±15kV ESD protection and guaranteed 16Mbps performance at 2.5V/3.3V without external components - making it optimal for compact, cost-sensitive portable interfaces where reliability and layout simplicity are prioritized over ultra-high speed or bidirectional flexibility.

Availability

MAX3391EEBC+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for SPI/I²C level translation, smart card readers, cell-phone cradles, and portable POS systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for production ramp.

Supply support for MAX3391EEBC+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, communications, and consumer applications.

The MAX3372E–MAX3393E family was engineered specifically for robust, low-power voltage translation in portable and battery-operated systems where ESD resilience, small footprint, and multi-supply interoperability are critical.

FAQ

What voltage ranges does the MAX3391EEBC+T support on its VL and VCC supplies?

The MAX3391EEBC+T supports VL from +1.2V to +5.5V and VCC from +1.65V to +5.5V, with the constraint that VL must not exceed (VCC + 0.3V) during normal operation. This allows flexible interfacing between ultra-low-voltage cores (e.g., 1.2V ASICs) and standard 3.3V or 5V peripherals. The MAX3391EEBC+T maintains guaranteed 8Mbps operation across the full overlapping range and achieves 16Mbps within specific domains such as +2.5V ≤ VL ≤ VCC ≤ +3.3V.

Does the MAX3391EEBC+T support bidirectional level translation?

No, the MAX3391EEBC+T is a unidirectional level translator - signals flow only from the VL-side inputs (I/O VL1–VL4) to the VCC-side outputs (I/O VCC1–VCC4). It belongs to the MAX3390E–MAX3393E subgroup, which is explicitly designated for VL → VCC translation. For bidirectional operation, Maxim offers the MAX3377E/MAX3378E variants, which use transmission-gate architecture. Using MAX3391EEBC+T in reverse violates absolute maximum ratings and may cause damage.

How does the three-state mode function on the MAX3391EEBC+T, and what is its leakage behavior?

The MAX3391EEBC+T enters three-state mode when the THREE-STATE pin is pulled low (logic low referenced to VL), placing all I/O VCC and I/O VL pins in high-impedance state with leakage current ≤1μA total supply current. In this mode, internal 10kΩ pull-up resistors are disconnected, and I/O lines float safely - enabling multidrop bus architectures. Leakage on individual I/O lines is ≤1μA (typical 0.02μA), ensuring minimal loading on shared busses. The MAX3391EEBC+T resumes normal operation when THREE-STATE is returned to VL (logic high).

What is the ESD protection specification for the MAX3391EEBC+T, and on which pins is it rated?

The MAX3391EEBC+T provides ±15kV Human Body Model (HBM) ESD protection on all I/O VCC pins (I/O VCC1–VCC4), verified per JEDEC JS-001. It also meets ±8kV IEC 1000-4-2 contact discharge and ±10kV air-gap discharge standards. Protection is active in all operating states - normal, three-state, and powered-down - and applies exclusively to VCC-side I/Os. VL-side I/Os are rated to standard HBM levels (±2kV), so external protection is recommended if VL-side signals route externally.

Can the MAX3391EEBC+T operate at 16Mbps continuously, and what conditions are required?

Yes, the MAX3391EEBC+T guarantees 16Mbps operation when VL and VCC are within +2.5V ≤ VL ≤ VCC ≤ +3.3V or +1.8V ≤ VL ≤ VCC ≤ +2.5V, with load capacitance ≤15pF and driver impedance ≤50Ω. At these voltages, propagation delay is ≤15ns and rise/fall times are ≤15ns. Operation above 8Mbps outside these domains is not guaranteed - e.g., at 1.2V/3.3V, max rate drops to 8Mbps. The MAX3391EEBC+T's internal speed-up circuitry enables this high-speed performance without external components.