Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX4081SAUA
- Part No.:
- MAX4081SAUA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps
- Package:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX4081SAUA.pdf
- Description:
- MAX4081 - POWER SUPPLY SUPPORT C
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:962
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Product details
Overview
MAX4081SAUA from Maxim Integrated is a bidirectional, high-side current-sense amplifier with 60V/V gain, 4.5V–76V common-mode input range, ±50mV full-scale sense voltage, and ±1.2% gain accuracy over –40°C to +125°C - designed for precision battery charge/discharge monitoring in automotive and telecom power systems.
For engineers reviewing the MAX4081SAUA datasheet, MAX4081SAUA pinout, MAX4081SAUA application, or MAX4081SAUA equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, functional pin roles, real-world use cases, and validated alternative options for high-voltage bidirectional current sensing.
Technical Context
The MAX4081SAUA uses a bipolar process-based current-mirror architecture to achieve true bidirectional sensing: output voltage swings above VREF for charge (VRS+ > VRS−) and below VREF for discharge (VRS+ < VRS−), with zero-current output precisely at VREF. Its independent 4.5V–76V supply and common-mode ranges enable operation with battery voltages as low as 4.5V or bus voltages exceeding VCC.
Unlike unidirectional variants, the MAX4081SAUA requires external reference inputs (REF1A/REF1B) to set VREF - supporting either dual-referenced (VREF = (VREF1A + VREF1B)/2) or single-referenced (VREF = VREF1A/2 when REF1B = GND) configurations. This enables flexible level-shifting of the output swing relative to system ground or supply rails.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Gain | 60V/V - sets full-scale output swing for ±50mV sense voltage; enables high-resolution measurement of low-current loads with minimal I²R loss. |
| Common-Mode Input Range | 4.5V to 76V - supports direct high-side sensing on 12V/24V/48V/72V battery and backplane rails without level-shifting circuitry. |
| Full-Scale Sense Voltage | ±50mV - defines maximum differential input before output saturation; matches low-value shunt resistors (e.g., 10mΩ @ 5A) for minimal power loss. |
| Input Offset Voltage | ±1.2mV max (–40°C to +125°C) - limits worst-case error to ±2.4% of full-scale sense voltage, critical for accurate zero-current detection. |
| Supply Current | 103µA to 190µA - ensures ultra-low quiescent power draw suitable for always-on battery monitoring in automotive ECUs and smart-battery packs. |
| Bandwidth | 150kHz - supports dynamic current tracking in motor control and fast-charging applications with sub-7µs settling time. |
| Operating Temperature | –40°C to +125°C - qualified for under-hood automotive, industrial power supplies, and telecom equipment with extended thermal margins. |
Pinout & Package
MAX4081SAUA is housed in an 8-pin µMAX® package (package code U8+1, outline 21-0036), measuring 3.0mm × 3.0mm × 0.8mm with exposed pad for thermal enhancement. The package is RoHS-compliant and rated for automotive temperature range.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 RS+ | High-side sense input | Connects to positive terminal of external shunt resistor; withstands up to +80V absolute max; common-mode voltage referenced here. |
| 2 VCC | Supply voltage input | Independent 4.5V–76V supply rail; decoupled with ≥0.1µF ceramic capacitor; may be tied to RS+ or separate regulated source. |
| 3,6,7 N.C. | No internal connection | Unused pins - leave floating or tie to GND per layout best practice; no electrical function or internal bonding. |
| 4 GND | Analog ground reference | System ground return for internal amplifiers and output stage; must be low-impedance path to minimize offset errors. |
| 5 OUT | Voltage output | Bidirectional analog output: VOUT = VREF ± (60 × VSENSE); swing range depends on VREF setting and VCC/GND headroom. |
| 8 RS− | Low-side sense input | Connects to negative terminal of shunt; differential input with RS+ defines VSENSE = VRS+ − VRS−; supports bidirectional polarity. |
| - REF1A | Reference input A | Primary reference input; used with REF1B to define VREF = (VREF1A + VREF1B)/2; accepts 1.5V–6V input range. |
| - REF1B | Reference input B | Secondary reference input; connect to REF1A (for VREF = VREF1A) or GND (for VREF = VREF1A/2); enables flexible output centering. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional sensing with single output | Eliminates need for dual-output or polarity-detection circuitry; simplifies ADC interface by encoding direction as voltage polarity relative to VREF. |
| User-configurable reference level | VREF set via REF1A/REF1B allows output centering at any point between GND and VCC - enabling optimal dynamic range for asymmetric charge/discharge profiles. |
| ±0.1% full-scale accuracy (typ) | Ensures <±0.6mV total error budget at ±50mV full-scale, supporting high-accuracy state-of-charge (SoC) estimation in battery management systems. |
| 100µV input offset voltage (typ) | Minimizes zero-current drift across temperature, critical for detecting microamp-level leakage currents during battery standby modes. |
| 150kHz bandwidth with 20µs settling | Supports real-time current feedback in closed-loop motor drives and adaptive charging algorithms without phase lag or overshoot. |
Applications
| Automotive Battery Monitoring | 48V Telecom Backplane Sensing |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Real-time monitoring of 12V/48V vehicle battery charge/discharge cycles in start-stop systems and ADAS ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side current sensor providing bidirectional analog output to MCU ADC, synchronized with CAN bus power-state transitions. Use Value: Enables precise SoC calculation and load shedding decisions using ±50mV full-scale resolution and ±1.2% gain accuracy across –40°C to +125°C. |
Use Scenario: Continuous current measurement on 48V DC distribution rails in telecom base stations and server PSUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-common-mode amplifier interfacing with isolated ADCs to detect overcurrent faults within 20µs response window. Use Value: Delivers 150kHz bandwidth and 76V common-mode tolerance without external level shifters, reducing BOM count and board space. |
| Bidirectional Motor Control | Smart Battery Pack Management |
|
Use Scenario: H-bridge motor current feedback in industrial actuators and EV auxiliary pumps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional sense amplifier feeding real-time current data to PWM controller for torque regulation and stall detection. Use Value: Single-output polarity encoding eliminates need for digital logic or dual ADC channels, cutting firmware complexity and latency. |
Use Scenario: Integrated current sensing in Li-ion smart battery packs for portable medical devices and power tools. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision current monitor reporting charge/discharge flow to fuel-gauge IC via shared VREF-referenced analog output. Use Value: 103µA supply current and automotive temp rating ensure reliable operation in compact, thermally constrained battery modules. |
Availability
MAX4081SAUA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive battery monitoring, 48V telecom power distribution, and bidirectional motor control requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and voltage ranges.
Supply support for MAX4081SAUA 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 MAX4080/MAX4081 family was engineered specifically for high-voltage, high-accuracy bidirectional current sensing - addressing design challenges in battery-powered systems where ground-path integrity and wide common-mode range are critical.
FAQ
What is the function of REF1A and REF1B on the MAX4081SAUA?
REF1A and REF1B set the output reference voltage (VREF) for the MAX4081SAUA. When both are tied to the same voltage, VREF equals that voltage. When REF1B is grounded, VREF equals half of REF1A. This configuration determines the zero-current output level and enables flexible output swing centering - essential for maximizing dynamic range in asymmetric charge/discharge applications. The MAX4081SAUA relies on these pins to maintain bidirectional linearity and accurate polarity indication.
How does the MAX4081SAUA differ from the unidirectional MAX4080SAUA?
The MAX4081SAUA supports bidirectional current sensing with a single output pin that swings above or below VREF depending on current direction, while the MAX4080SAUA only senses unidirectional current with output proportional to VSENSE. The MAX4081SAUA requires external reference inputs (REF1A/REF1B) and has higher supply current (103–190µA vs. 75–190µA). Both share identical 60V/V gain, 4.5V–76V common-mode range, and µMAX package - but only MAX4081SAUA enables true charge/discharge discrimination without additional circuitry.
What is the maximum full-scale current measurable with the MAX4081SAUA?
The MAX4081SAUA's full-scale sense voltage is ±50mV. Maximum measurable current depends on the external shunt resistor value: for example, with a 10mΩ shunt, full-scale current is ±5A; with a 100mΩ shunt, it is ±0.5A. The device maintains ±1.2% gain accuracy and ±1.2mV offset across –40°C to +125°C, ensuring consistent performance regardless of shunt selection - provided power dissipation (I²R) and thermal drift remain within specification limits.
Can the MAX4081SAUA operate with VCC lower than the sensed common-mode voltage?
Yes - the MAX4081SAUA features independent supply and common-mode voltage ranges, both specified from 4.5V to 76V. This allows VCC to be derived from a local 5V or 12V rail while sensing currents on a 48V or 72V bus. The architecture isolates the internal amplifiers from common-mode transients, eliminating the need for level-shifting or isolation components. This capability is confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings and DC Electrical Characteristics tables of the official datasheet for MAX4081SAUA.
What package type and footprint does the MAX4081SAUA use?
The MAX4081SAUA uses the 8-pin µMAX® package (outline 21-0036, land pattern 90-0092), measuring 3.0mm × 3.0mm × 0.8mm with an exposed thermal pad. It is RoHS-compliant (denoted by '+' suffix) and qualified for automotive temperature range (–40°C to +125°C). The µMAX package offers superior thermal performance and board-space efficiency compared to SO-8, making it ideal for compact power modules and battery management PCBs where layout area and thermal management are critical constraints for MAX4081SAUA deployment.
MAX4081SAUA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Amplifier Type:
- Current Sense
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Output Type:
- -
- Slew Rate:
- -
- Gain Bandwidth Product:
- -
- -3db Bandwidth:
- 150 kHz
- Current - Input Bias:
- 5 µA
- Voltage - Input Offset:
- 100 µV
- Current - Supply:
- 103µA
- Current - Output / Channel:
- -
- Voltage - Supply Span (Min):
- 4.5 V
- Voltage - Supply Span (Max):
- 76 V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-uMAX/uSOP
MAX4081SAUA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX4081SAUA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX4081SAUA on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX4081SAUA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX4081SAUA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX4081SAUA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX4081SAUA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX4081SAUA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX4081SAUA?
MAX4081SAUA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX4081SAUA order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX4081SAUA?
For technical support, including MAX4081SAUA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX4081SAUA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX4081SAUA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX4081SAUA products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX4081SAUA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX4081SAUA?
All MAX4081SAUA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX4081SAUA, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX4081SAUA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX4081SAUA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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