Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX385EPE+

Overview

MAX385EPE+ from Maxim Integrated is a precision dual-pole single-throw (DPST) analog switch with normally open configuration, designed for low-voltage signal routing in battery-powered and precision instrumentation systems. It delivers 35Ω maximum on-resistance, <2Ω channel-to-channel matching, <5pC charge injection, <2.5nA off-leakage at +85°C, and rail-to-rail analog signal handling from ±3V to ±8V or +3V to +15V supplies.

For engineers reviewing the MAX385EPE+ datasheet, MAX385EPE+ pinout, MAX385EPE+ application, or MAX385EPE+ equivalent, this page provides verified electrical specifications, package-validated pin functions, real-world use cases in audio routing and test equipment, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented technical and application differences.

Technical Context

The MAX385EPE+ implements a monolithic CMOS silicon-gate architecture optimized for low distortion and high accuracy in analog signal paths. Its internal design guarantees flat on-resistance (<4Ω variation) across the full analog input range and supports both single-supply (+3V to +15V) and split-supply (±3V to ±8V) operation while maintaining TTL/CMOS logic compatibility.

It features break-before-make timing (10–20ns delay for MAX383 only - not applicable to MAX385), fast switching (t_ON < 175ns, t_OFF < 100ns), and rail-to-rail analog signal capability - enabling direct interfacing with op-amps, ADCs, and DACs without level-shifting circuitry.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX385EPE+ is housed in a 16-pin plastic DIP (dual in-line package) with 0.300-inch body width and standard through-hole footprint. Pin 13 is GND; pins 11 and 14 are V+ and V− respectively; pins 1/8/9/16 are COM/NO terminals for four independent SPST switches; pins 10/15 are logic inputs IN1 and IN2 controlling two switch pairs each.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar analog switch applications.

Compared with ADG1414BRUZ and TS5A3157DCKR, MAX385EPE+ uniquely balances low leakage, ultra-low charge injection, dual-supply flexibility, and quad SPST topology - making it the preferred choice for precision, temperature-stable, multi-channel analog switching where signal integrity is prioritized over raw R_ON minimization.

Availability

MAX385EPE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-operated systems, test equipment, military radios, and audio signal routing requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges.

Supply support for MAX385EPE+ 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for industrial, communications, and consumer applications.

The MAX381/MAX383/MAX385 family was engineered specifically for precision analog signal routing in low-voltage, low-power, and high-accuracy systems - emphasizing matched performance, rail-to-rail operation, and robust leakage/charge-injection specs.

FAQ

What is the maximum supply voltage rating for MAX385EPE+?

The MAX385EPE+ supports absolute maximum supply ratings of V+ to GND = −0.3V to +17V and V− to GND = +0.3V to −17V, with V+ to V− limited to −0.3V to +17V. For reliable long-term operation, the recommended dual-supply range is ±3V to ±8V, and the single-supply range is +3V to +15V. Exceeding these ranges risks permanent damage per the Absolute Maximum Ratings table in the official datasheet.

Does MAX385EPE+ support rail-to-rail analog signal switching?

Yes, MAX385EPE+ supports rail-to-rail analog signal switching: its COM and NO terminals handle signals from V− to V+ across the full specified supply range. This capability is explicitly guaranteed in the datasheet's "Analog Signal Range" parameter and enables direct interfacing with op-amps, ADCs, and DACs without external level-shifting components - a key advantage in precision instrumentation designs.

How many independent switches does MAX385EPE+ contain?

MAX385EPE+ contains four independent single-pole single-throw (SPST) switches configured as a dual-pole double-throw (DPDT) equivalent. Pins 1/8/9/16 serve as COM1/NO1, COM2/NO2, COM3/NO3, and COM4/NO4. Control is grouped: IN1 (pin 10) toggles COM1/NO1 and COM3/NO3 simultaneously, while IN2 (pin 15) toggles COM2/NO2 and COM4/NO4 - confirmed by the truth table and pin configuration diagrams in the MAX385 datasheet.

What is the guaranteed on-resistance match between channels for MAX385EPE+?

The MAX385EPE+ guarantees an on-resistance match of less than 2Ω between any two channels under specified conditions (V+ = +5V, V− = −5V, T_A = T_MIN to T_MAX). This ∆R_ON specification ensures consistent gain, attenuation, or time-constant behavior across switched paths - essential for differential signal routing, programmable gain stages, and multi-channel data acquisition systems where channel-to-channel tracking matters.

Is MAX385EPE+ pin-compatible with industry-standard analog switches?

Yes, MAX385EPE+ is pin-compatible with the DG405 analog switch (and functionally compatible with DG401/DG403). The 16-pin DIP layout matches the DG405's pin assignment for COM/NO terminals, logic inputs, and supply rails - enabling drop-in replacement in legacy designs. However, MAX385EPE+ improves upon DG405 with lower on-resistance (35Ω vs. 60Ω max), tighter matching (<2Ω vs. unspecified), and guaranteed charge injection (<5pC vs. >10pC), as documented in Maxim's cross-reference notes.