Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX396EQI

Overview

MAX396EQI from Maxim Integrated is a precision 16-channel single-ended CMOS analog multiplexer designed for low-voltage signal routing in data acquisition and test systems. It delivers ≤100Ω on-resistance (max), ≤6Ω channel-to-channel R_ON matching, and <1nA input off-leakage at +85°C, operating from ±2.7V to ±8V dual supplies or +2.7V to +16V single supply. Its flat on-resistance over signal range and 5pC max charge injection support high-accuracy sampling in battery-powered instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX396EQI datasheet, MAX396EQI pinout, MAX396EQI application, or MAX396EQI equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed R_ON flatness (≤10Ω), ESD robustness (>2000V), TTL/CMOS logic compatibility, and pin compatibility with industry-standard analog mux families including MAX306, DG406, and DG506A.

Technical Context

The MAX396EQI implements a silicon-gate CMOS switch architecture with integrated decoder logic, enabling 16:1 analog signal selection via four address lines (A0–A3) and an active-high enable (EN). Its design ensures break-before-make switching with ≤70ns interval and transition times under 250ns across temperature.

All 16 normally-open analog inputs (NO1–NO16) share a common bidirectional COM terminal, while internal protection diodes clamp signals beyond V+ or V−. The device guarantees electrostatic discharge immunity >2000V per Method 3015.7 and supports unbalanced supplies (e.g., +10V/−5V) without performance degradation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX396EQI is housed in a 28-pin PLCC (Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier) package with gull-wing leads, rated for −40°C to +85°C operation. Pin 1 is located at the corner with the index mark; substrate is internally connected to V+.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX306EPI and DG406DJ, the MAX396EQI provides tighter R_ON matching (6Ω vs. unspecified/15Ω), lower leakage (<1nA vs. 10nA), and guaranteed charge injection (5pC), making it the preferred choice for metrology-grade and extended-temperature embedded systems.

Availability

MAX396EQI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automatic test equipment, industrial process control systems, and portable medical data acquisition requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for MAX396EQI 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 demanding industrial, medical, and communications applications.

The MAX396 series targets high-accuracy analog signal routing in environments requiring wide supply flexibility, low leakage, and guaranteed switch parameter stability across temperature - especially in data acquisition and test instrumentation.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range of the MAX396EQI?

The MAX396EQI is specified for operation from −40°C to +85°C, as indicated by the "E" grade suffix in its part number. This extended industrial temperature range is validated across all electrical parameters in the datasheet, including on-resistance, leakage current, and switching speed. The device uses Maxim's low-voltage silicon-gate process to ensure parametric stability across this full range, making MAX396EQI suitable for deployment in harsh environments such as factory automation controllers and outdoor test equipment.

Does the MAX396EQI support single-supply operation?

Yes, the MAX396EQI supports single-supply operation from +2.7V to +16V. When using a single supply, V− must be connected to GND. The device maintains TTL/CMOS logic compatibility and fast switching performance across this range, though on-resistance increases at lower voltages (e.g., 550Ω max at +3V). Performance is not guaranteed below +2.7V, but the switch remains functional during power-ramp conditions - a feature leveraged in power-sequencing-sensitive applications like portable diagnostics gear using MAX396EQI.

Is the MAX396EQI pin-compatible with the MAX306?

Yes, the MAX396EQI is explicitly stated as pin-compatible with the MAX306/MAX307 family, as well as DG406/DG407 and DG506A/DG507A. All share identical 28-pin PLCC pinouts, address/control logic mapping (A0–A3, EN), and terminal functions (V+, V−, GND, COM, NO1–NO16). This allows direct replacement in existing designs without layout changes - a key advantage confirmed in the datasheet's Benefits and Features section and Ordering Information table, where MAX396EQI and MAX306EPI share identical pin-package codes.

What is the maximum charge injection specification for the MAX396EQI?

The MAX396EQI guarantees a maximum charge injection of 5pC, measured with CL = 100pF and VNO = 0V per Figure 5 in the datasheet. This low value minimizes voltage glitches on sampling capacitors in precision ADC front-ends and sample-and-hold circuits. At +25°C, typical charge injection is 1–2pC, and the 5pC limit holds across the full −40°C to +85°C operating range. This parameter is critical for maintaining DC accuracy in high-resolution data acquisition systems using MAX396EQI as the front-end multiplexer.

How does the MAX396EQI handle overvoltage conditions on analog inputs?

The MAX396EQI includes internal protection diodes that clamp analog input signals exceeding V+ or V−, limiting forward current to ±30mA. However, the datasheet stresses that absolute maximum ratings must not be exceeded - signals beyond (V− − 2V) or (V+ + 2V) risk permanent damage. For systems prone to transient overvoltages, external series diodes (D1, D2) can be added to V+ and V− pins, though this reduces usable analog range by one diode drop. This clamping behavior is intrinsic to MAX396EQI's silicon-gate structure and is validated across all temperature grades.