Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX396CPI

Overview

The MAX396CPI from Maxim Integrated is a 16-channel, single-ended CMOS analog multiplexer designed for precision signal routing in low-voltage systems. It delivers ≤100Ω on-resistance (max), ≤6Ω channel-to-channel R_ON matching, and <1nA input off-leakage at +85°C, enabling high-accuracy data acquisition in battery-powered test equipment and industrial control interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the MAX396CPI datasheet, MAX396CPI pinout, MAX396CPI application, or MAX396CPI equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-supply (±2.7V to ±8V) or single-supply (+2.7V to +16V) operation, guaranteed 5pC max charge injection, break-before-make timing, and compatibility with legacy 16-channel mux footprints including MAX306 and DG406.

Technical Context

The MAX396CPI implements a precision CMOS transmission-gate architecture with substrate tied to V+, enabling rail-to-rail analog signal handling across its full specified supply range. Its decoder logic accepts four address lines (A0–A3) and an active-low enable (EN) to select one of 16 bidirectional NOx inputs to the common COM terminal.

Charge injection is minimized via matched transistor sizing and layout symmetry, while ESD protection exceeds 2000V per Method 3015.7. The device guarantees monotonic on-resistance flatness (≤10Ω variation over ±3V signal swing) and maintains leakage performance across its 0°C to +70°C operating range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX396CPI is housed in a 28-pin plastic DIP package (0.600" wide), compatible with through-hole prototyping and legacy industrial PCB layouts. Pin 12 is GND; pins 1 and 27 are V+ and V− respectively; pin 28 is COM; pins 4–11 and 19–26 are NO1–NO16; pins 14–17 are A3–A0; pin 18 is EN.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX306CPI and DG406DJ, the MAX396CPI provides superior channel matching (≤6Ω vs. unguaranteed or ≥15Ω), lower leakage (<1nA vs. ≥10nA), and tighter charge injection control (≤5pC vs. ≥10pC), making it the preferred choice for metrology-grade signal routing.

Availability

MAX396CPI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automatic test equipment, industrial process control, and battery-operated instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX396CPI 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 demanding industrial, medical, and communications applications.

The MAX396CPI belongs to Maxim's precision analog multiplexer product line, engineered specifically for low-leakage, low-distortion signal routing in high-accuracy data acquisition and automated test systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum analog signal range supported by the MAX396CPI?

The MAX396CPI supports an analog signal range from V− to V+, enabling rail-to-rail operation. With ±5V supplies, this spans −5V to +5V; with +5V/0V single supply, it covers 0V to +5V. Absolute maximum ratings allow V+ up to +17V and V− down to −17V, but operational range remains bounded by the applied supply rails. This flexibility makes the MAX396CPI suitable for both bipolar sensor interfaces and unipolar industrial I/O systems.

Does the MAX396CPI require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on its address lines (A0–A3)?

No, the MAX396CPI does not require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on A0–A3. Its TTL/CMOS-compatible inputs specify logic high ≥2.4V and logic low ≤0.8V with input currents ≤0.1µA across temperature, allowing direct connection to microcontroller GPIOs or FPGA outputs. Internal input structure ensures stable state retention without external biasing, simplifying PCB layout and reducing BOM count for the MAX396CPI.

Can the MAX396CPI operate reliably at +2.7V single supply?

Yes, the MAX396CPI is fully specified and guaranteed to operate at +2.7V single supply (V+ = +2.7V, V− = GND). Electrical characteristics-including R_ON, leakage, and switching speed-are validated down to this minimum voltage. While transition time increases at lower voltages, the datasheet confirms functional operation and parameter compliance at +2.7V, making the MAX396CPI viable for ultra-low-power portable instruments where supply headroom is constrained.

How does the enable (EN) pin function in the MAX396CPI?

The EN pin on the MAX396CPI is an active-high digital control that globally enables or disables all 16 analog switches. When EN is low, all channels are open-circuited regardless of A0–A3 state, providing complete analog isolation. When EN is high, the selected channel (per A0–A3) connects NOx to COM. This feature allows synchronized channel blanking during ADC conversion cycles or safe power-up sequencing, and is integral to the MAX396CPI's break-before-make behavior during address changes.

Is the MAX396CPI pin-compatible with the MAX306 series?

Yes, the MAX396CPI is explicitly pin-compatible with the MAX306/MAX307 family, as confirmed in the datasheet's "Benefits and Features" section and ordering table. Both devices share identical 28-pin DIP pinouts, supply pin locations (V+, V−, GND), address/enable mapping (A0–A3, EN), and NO/COM terminal assignments. This allows drop-in replacement in existing MAX306-based designs-though users should verify R_ON, leakage, and charge injection specs meet updated system accuracy requirements for the MAX396CPI.