Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX355EPE

Overview

MAX355EPE from Maxim Integrated is a dual 4-channel fault-protected analog multiplexer designed for high-reliability signal routing in industrial and avionics systems. It operates from ±4.5V to ±18V dual supplies (or +4.5V to +36V single supply), features 350Ω max on-resistance, <0.5nA input leakage at +25°C, and guarantees break-before-make switching. It protects against ±40V overvoltage with power off and clamps outputs to within 1.5V of supply rails during faults.

For engineers reviewing the MAX355EPE datasheet, MAX355EPE pinout, MAX355EPE application, or MAX355EPE equivalent, key selection considerations include its fault-protection architecture under power-off conditions, dual-supply analog signal range up to ±13.5V, TTL/CMOS-compatible logic thresholds (0.8V/2.4V), and guaranteed 100ns break-before-make interval for channel isolation.

Technical Context

The MAX355EPE implements a series N-channel/P-channel/N-channel FET structure that actively limits fault current to sub-microamp levels when analog inputs exceed supply rails - even with V+ and V- unpowered. Its protection mechanism dynamically increases on-resistance beyond ±13.5V (with ±15V supplies), preventing damage while maintaining polarity-correct clamping at ~1.5V below each rail.

It supports demultiplexing with full fault protection and break-before-make operation, uses address decoding (A0/A1) and enable (EN) control, and maintains stable digital thresholds (1.5–1.6V) across supply ranges. All switches turn off automatically when supplies are absent, and output leakage remains ≤5nA at +85°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX355EPE is housed in a 16-pin plastic DIP package (0.300" wide), rated for -40°C to +85°C operation. Pin assignments follow industry-standard dual 4:1 mux layout with independent COMA/COMB outputs and NO1A–NO4A / NO1B–NO4B inputs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fault-protected analog multiplexer applications.

Compared with ADG509F and DG459, the MAX355EPE uniquely delivers verified ±40V fault tolerance with zero supply voltage, integrated rail-clamping, and guaranteed break-before-make timing - making it the only option for safety-critical, unpowered-survivable analog routing.

Availability

MAX355EPE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process control, avionics signal routing, and ATE equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX355EPE 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) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for demanding industrial, automotive, and communications applications.

The MAX355EPE belongs to Maxim's fault-protected analog switch family, engineered specifically for signal integrity preservation in harsh electrical environments where overvoltage, power sequencing, and reliability are non-negotiable design constraints.

FAQ

What is the maximum overvoltage the MAX355EPE can withstand with power supplies disconnected?

The MAX355EPE withstands continuous ±40V overvoltage at any analog terminal (NOx, COMx) when V+ and V− are at 0V - a key differentiator from standard muxes. This is achieved via its series N-P-N FET structure, which blocks current flow using gate-source voltage thresholds. The MAX355EPE does not require external protection components under these conditions, and leakage remains below 100nA at +25°C.

Does the MAX355EPE support demultiplexing, and how is it configured?

Yes, the MAX355EPE supports bidirectional demultiplexing: apply the analog signal to COMA or COMB, and route it to one of NO1A–NO4A or NO1B–NO4B using A0/A1/EN. The internal architecture ensures break-before-make timing and full fault protection remain active during demux operation - unlike legacy fault-protected muxes. No external reconfiguration is needed; the same pinout and control logic apply.

What is the analog signal range supported by the MAX355EPE when operated from ±15V supplies?

With ±15V supplies, the MAX355EPE supports an analog signal range of approximately −12V to +13.5V on all channels. This limitation arises from the internal N-channel (VTN ≈ 1.5V) and P-channel (VTP ≈ 3V) threshold voltages: the output clamps to ~1.5V below V+ and ~3V above V−. Signals beyond this range increase on-resistance asymptotically and trigger rail clamping - preserving downstream circuitry without damage.

How does the MAX355EPE ensure compatibility with both TTL and CMOS logic interfaces?

The MAX355EPE guarantees logic thresholds of 0.8V (max low) and 2.4V (min high) across −40°C to +85°C and all supported supply voltages. Its input structure draws <1µA leakage regardless of logic level, eliminating need for pull-up resistors. This allows direct connection to 3.3V or 5V TTL/CMOS microcontrollers, FPGAs, or CPLDs without level shifters - verified in production testing per datasheet Table "Logic Low/High Input Voltage".

Is the MAX355EPE pin-compatible with the MAX354EPE, and what are the functional differences?

No, the MAX355EPE is not pin-compatible with the MAX354EPE. The MAX354EPE is a single 8-channel mux (1 COM, 8 NOs) in 16-pin DIP, while the MAX355EPE is a dual 4-channel mux (2 COMs, 8 NOs split into two banks). Pin 8 is COM for MAX354EPE but COMA for MAX355EPE; pin 9 is NO5 for MAX354EPE but COMB for MAX355EPE. Their truth tables, address decoding, and signal routing topologies differ fundamentally - they serve distinct system partitioning needs.