Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX391EPE+

Overview

MAX391EPE+ from Maxim Integrated is a precision quad SPST analog switch with four normally closed (NC) channels, designed for ±5V or single +3V/+5V operation. It delivers 30Ω max on-resistance, <2Ω channel-to-channel R_ON match, 5pC max charge injection, and 100pA max leakage - enabling high-fidelity signal routing in battery-powered test equipment and ±5V data acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX391EPE+ datasheet, MAX391EPE+ pinout, MAX391EPE+ application, or MAX391EPE+ equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed R_ON flatness (4Ω max), ESD robustness (>2000V), TTL/CMOS logic compatibility, and -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature rating - all critical for reliable analog switching in guidance systems and audio/video multiplexing.

Technical Context

The MAX391EPE+ implements CMOS transmission-gate architecture with substrate tied to V+, supporting dual-supply (±3V to ±8V) or single-supply (+3V to +15V) operation. Its four NC switches are controlled by independent digital inputs, each driving a low-leakage, low-charge-injection switch path between COM and NC terminals.

With ±5V supplies, it guarantees 30Ω max R_ON, 4Ω max R_ON flatness over ±3V signal range, and 2Ω max R_ON matching between channels. At +5V single supply, R_ON rises to 60Ω max but retains 6Ω flatness and 2Ω matching - preserving signal integrity across voltage configurations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX391EPE+ uses a 16-pin plastic DIP package (P16-1), 0.300" wide, with through-hole mounting and industry-standard footprint. Pin 1 is top-left corner when notch faces up.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX391CPE+, the MAX391EPE+ adds extended temperature capability without trade-offs in leakage, R_ON, or switching speed; versus ADG1412BRUZ, it offers NC logic and lower supply voltage flexibility but trades 1.8Ω R_ON for guaranteed 30Ω max at ±5V - making it optimal for ruggedized, low-voltage ±5V systems.

Availability

MAX391EPE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-operated systems, ±5V DAC/ADC interfaces, and military radio front-ends requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX391EPE+ 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 and mixed-signal ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications markets, with emphasis on low-power, high-reliability solutions.

The MAX391EPE+ belongs to Maxim's precision analog switch family, engineered specifically for high-fidelity signal routing in test equipment, guidance systems, and ±5V data converters where leakage, charge injection, and channel matching are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum analog signal range supported by the MAX391EPE+?

The MAX391EPE+ supports an analog signal range from V− to V+ under all supply conditions. With ±5V supplies, this yields a ±5V signal swing; with +5V single supply (V− = GND), the range is 0V to +5V. Absolute maximum ratings allow V+ up to +17V and V− down to −17V, but operational signal range remains bounded by the applied supply rails. This makes the MAX391EPE+ suitable for both bipolar and unipolar signal conditioning paths.

Does the MAX391EPE+ require specific power-supply sequencing?

Yes - the MAX391EPE+ requires strict power-supply sequencing to prevent latch-up: V+ must be applied first, followed by V−, and then logic inputs. This is due to the substrate being internally tied to V+. Violating this sequence risks damaging the device. If sequencing cannot be guaranteed in the system, two external blocking diodes (as shown in Figure 1 of the datasheet) should be added in series with V+ and V− pins - reducing analog range by ~1V but preserving all other electrical performance of the MAX391EPE+.

How does the MAX391EPE+ differ from the MAX392EPE+ and MAX393EPE+?

The MAX391EPE+ contains four normally closed (NC) switches, whereas MAX392EPE+ has four normally open (NO) switches, and MAX393EPE+ integrates two NO and two NC switches in one package. All three share identical pinouts, timing, leakage, and R_ON specs - only the default switch state differs. Therefore, MAX391EPE+ is selected when continuous conduction (fail-safe closed) is required during power loss or logic fault conditions, such as in safety-critical sensor monitoring paths.

Is the MAX391EPE+ RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes - the MAX391EPE+ is RoHS compliant and lead-free. The "+" suffix in the part number explicitly denotes lead-free packaging per Maxim's standard product marking convention. The plastic DIP package (P16-1) uses matte tin lead finish and meets JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 1 (MSL-1), allowing unlimited floor life at ≤30°C/85% RH. Full compliance documentation is available via Analog Devices' product page for MAX391EPE+.

Can the MAX391EPE+ operate from a +3.3V single supply?

Yes - the MAX391EPE+ is fully specified for +3.3V single-supply operation (V+ = +3.0V to +3.6V, V− = GND). In this mode, R_ON increases to 175Ω max, t_ON extends to 400ns max, and analog range becomes 0V to +3.3V. However, leakage (<0.25nA), charge injection (5pC max), and logic compatibility remain unchanged. This enables use in low-voltage portable instruments where +3.3V is the primary system rail - though designers must verify R_ON impact on signal accuracy in their specific MAX391EPE+ application.