Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX4204ESA+
- Part No.:
- MAX4204ESA+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX4204ESA+.pdf
- Description:
- IC BUFFER 2 CIRCUIT 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:259
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Product details
Overview
MAX4204ESA+ from Maxim Integrated is a dual ultra-high-speed open-loop buffer with integrated 50Ω output termination resistors, designed for driving 50Ω transmission lines in high-frequency signal paths. It delivers 720MHz -3dB bandwidth, 230MHz 0.1dB gain flatness, 4200V/μs slew rate, ±52mA output drive, and operates on ±5V supplies with 2.2mA per buffer quiescent current - enabling high-fidelity analog signal conditioning in IF/RF data acquisition systems.
For engineers reviewing the MAX4204ESA+ datasheet, MAX4204ESA+ pinout, MAX4204ESA+ application, or MAX4204ESA+ equivalent, key selection considerations include its dual-channel architecture, fixed 50Ω internal termination, SOT23-compatible 8-pin SO package, low 2.1nV/√Hz input voltage noise, and suitability for high-speed ADC/DAC interface and coaxial cable driver designs requiring minimal group delay variation.
Technical Context
The MAX4204ESA+ employs a proprietary open-loop architecture that eliminates dominant-pole compensation, achieving near-constant 405ps group delay across frequency and avoiding phase-shift-induced instability. Its dual independent buffers share no internal coupling beyond common supply rails, with each channel featuring matched input offset voltage (0.4mV max) and integrated 50Ω series output termination.
This architecture enables stable operation into capacitive loads without external isolation resistors in many cases, while maintaining 720MHz -3dB bandwidth and 230MHz 0.1dB gain flatness under 100mVRMS output conditions. The device's 2.1nV/√Hz voltage-noise density and 0.8pA/√Hz current-noise density support high-dynamic-range signal chain front-ends.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| -3dB Bandwidth | 720MHz - supports full-power signal delivery up to ~310MHz (FPBW), suitable for wideband IF sampling. |
| 0.1dB Gain Flatness | 230MHz - ensures amplitude fidelity across multi-MHz video or communication channels without equalization. |
| Slew Rate | 4200V/μs - enables clean 2V step response in ≤12ns (0.1% settling), critical for fast pulse integrity. |
| Output Drive | ±52mA - sustains ±1.9V to ±2.1V swing into 50Ω load, matching standard RF line-driver requirements. |
| Voltage-Noise Density | 2.1nV/√Hz at 1MHz - preserves SNR in precision ADC buffer stages where thermal noise dominates. |
| Supply Current | 2.2mA per buffer (4.4mA total) - enables low-power dual-channel buffering without thermal derating concerns. |
| Operating Temp Range | -40°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial and communications infrastructure environments. |
Pinout & Package
MAX4204ESA+ is housed in an 8-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package, pin-compatible with industry-standard 8-SO footprints (outline 21-0041). The package supports surface-mount reflow assembly and provides robust thermal performance (derate 5.9mW/°C above +70°C).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 IN1 | Buffer 1 Input | High-impedance (500kΩ || 2pF) differential input node; requires proper 50Ω source termination to avoid peaking. |
| 2 OUT1 | Buffer 1 Output | 50Ω series-terminated output; delivers signal directly to 50Ω coax or PCB trace without external resistor. |
| 3 VEE1 | Negative Supply for Buffer 1 | Separate negative rail connection per buffer minimizes crosstalk; bypass with 0.1μF capacitor near pin. |
| 4 VEE2 | Negative Supply for Buffer 2 | Independent negative supply pin for second buffer; allows split-rail or dual-supply flexibility. |
| 5 IN2 | Buffer 2 Input | Electrically identical to IN1; matched input offset voltage (≤0.4mV) enables precise dual-path signal conditioning. |
| 6 OUT2 | Buffer 2 Output | 50Ω series-terminated output, functionally identical to OUT1; supports independent 50Ω line driving. |
| 7 VCC2 | Positive Supply for Buffer 2 | Decoupled positive rail for second buffer; improves PSR rejection and reduces inter-buffer supply coupling. |
| 8 VCC1 | Positive Supply for Buffer 1 | Separate VCC pin per buffer enhances power-supply rejection (72dB typical) and channel isolation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual independent 50Ω-terminated buffers | Eliminates two external 50Ω resistors per channel, reducing BOM count and board area in dual-line applications. |
| Open-loop architecture with 405ps group delay | Delivers phase-linear response across 720MHz bandwidth - essential for pulse fidelity and I/Q signal integrity. |
| Low 2.1nV/√Hz input voltage noise | Minimizes added noise in high-resolution ADC front-ends, preserving effective number of bits (ENOB) at high frequencies. |
| Stable into capacitive loads without oscillation | Enables direct driving of ADC inputs or long traces without stability-compromising feedback networks. |
| Matched input offset voltage (≤0.4mV) | Ensures consistent DC bias handling across both channels in differential or parallel-sampling architectures. |
Applications
| High-Speed ADC Input Buffers | Coaxial Cable Drivers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving the analog input of a 125MSPS pipeline ADC in a software-defined radio receiver. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel open-loop buffer providing low-noise, low-distortion signal conditioning and 50Ω impedance matching to ADC input network. Use Value: Maintains SFDR >–32dBc at 100MHz while delivering ±2.0V swing into 50Ω, enabling full dynamic range utilization without external termination. |
Use Scenario: Transmitting IF signals over 1m RG-58 coaxial cable to a downstream mixer stage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual 50Ω line driver ensuring impedance-matched launch into coax, minimizing reflections and group delay distortion. Use Value: Delivers 230MHz 0.1dB gain flatness and 405ps constant group delay, preserving modulation accuracy in QPSK/16-QAM waveforms. |
| Wireless LAN Front-Ends | Digital Transmission Line Drivers |
Use Scenario: Buffering baseband I/Q signals in an 802.11ac transceiver before upconversion. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel low-noise amplifier providing matched gain and phase response for quadrature signal paths. Use Value: 0.4mV input offset matching and <–65dB crosstalk at 100MHz prevent I/Q imbalance and image rejection degradation. |
Use Scenario: Driving LVDS-compatible backplane traces between FPGA and high-speed DAC in test equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-slew-rate dual buffer translating single-ended logic outputs to controlled-impedance transmission lines. Use Value: 4200V/μs slew rate and 12ns 0.1% settling time ensure clean edge transitions at >200Mbps data rates. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual high-speed buffer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX4204EUA+ | Same electrical specs but in 8-pin μMAX® package (3mm × 3mm); 4.1mW/°C thermal derating vs. 5.9mW/°C for SOIC. | Better suited for space-constrained portable RF modules; requires different land pattern (90-0092) and reflow profile. | Select MAX4204EUA+ when board area is constrained and thermal management permits lower power dissipation margin. |
| LMH6723MA/NOPB | Single-channel, no internal termination; 1.8GHz GBW, 3100V/μs slew rate, higher supply current (6.5mA/channel). | Requires external 50Ω termination per channel; better for ultra-wideband (>500MHz) single-path applications. | Choose LMH6723MA/NOPB only when needing >1GHz bandwidth and accepting added component count and layout complexity. |
Compared with MAX4204ESA+, MAX4204EUA+ offers identical performance in a smaller footprint but reduced thermal headroom, while LMH6723MA/NOPB trades integrated termination and dual-channel integration for higher bandwidth and single-channel simplicity - making MAX4204ESA+ optimal for compact, dual 50Ω line-driving applications.
Availability
MAX4204ESA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition, wireless infrastructure, and test equipment applications requiring stable component supply, guaranteed RoHS compliance, and full production lifecycle support.
Supply support for MAX4204ESA+ 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 RF solutions for industrial, communications, and computing markets.
The MAX4200–MAX4205 family was engineered specifically for ultra-high-speed open-loop buffering in signal-chain front-ends where low noise, minimal group delay variation, and integrated termination simplify 50Ω/75Ω line driving - targeting ADC/DAC interfaces and IF distribution systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating frequency supported by the MAX4204ESA+?
The MAX4204ESA+ achieves a -3dB bandwidth of 720MHz and maintains 0.1dB gain flatness up to 230MHz. Its full-power bandwidth is 310MHz for 2VP-P output, making it suitable for IF signals up to approximately 300MHz in high-fidelity applications. Performance remains stable across the –40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range.
Does the MAX4204ESA+ require external termination resistors when driving 50Ω cables?
No - the MAX4204ESA+ integrates 50Ω series output termination resistors on both OUT1 and OUT2 pins. This eliminates the need for external resistors when driving 50Ω transmission lines, simplifying layout and reducing component count. The internal termination forms a voltage divider with the load, delivering half-amplitude signal to the far end of properly terminated coax.
How does the open-loop architecture of the MAX4204ESA+ affect stability with capacitive loads?
The MAX4204ESA+'s open-loop design avoids feedback-loop phase shift, making it inherently stable into capacitive loads - unlike closed-loop amplifiers that may oscillate. While capacitive loading reduces bandwidth via RC filtering (RT × CL), it does not cause instability. For optimal flatness, use the integrated 50Ω termination or add a small isolation resistor if peaking occurs.
What is the power-supply rejection ratio (PSR) of the MAX4204ESA+ and how is it measured?
The MAX4204ESA+ delivers 55dB minimum and 72dB typical PSR over ±4V to ±5.5V supply range. PSR is measured as the ratio of supply voltage change to resulting output voltage change, specified at DC and characterized up to 1GHz. High PSR ensures minimal corruption of sensitive analog signals by noisy digital supply rails in mixed-signal systems.
Can the MAX4204ESA+ be used in single-supply configurations?
No - the MAX4204ESA+ is specified exclusively for dual ±4V to ±5.5V operation. Its input common-mode range and output swing are centered around ground, and the datasheet does not characterize performance under single-supply biasing. Attempting single-supply use risks clipping, increased distortion, and potential damage due to violation of absolute maximum ratings on input voltage.
MAX4204ESA+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Amplifier Type:
- Buffer
- Number of Circuits:
- 2
- Output Type:
- -
- Slew Rate:
- 4200V/µs
- Gain Bandwidth Product:
- -
- -3db Bandwidth:
- 720 MHz
- Current - Input Bias:
- 800 nA
- Voltage - Input Offset:
- 1 mV
- Current - Supply:
- 2.2mA (x2 Channels)
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 52 mA
- Voltage - Supply Span (Min):
- 8 V
- Voltage - Supply Span (Max):
- 11 V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
MAX4204ESA+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX4204ESA+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX4204ESA+ 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 MAX4204ESA+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX4204ESA+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX4204ESA+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX4204ESA+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX4204ESA+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX4204ESA+?
MAX4204ESA+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX4204ESA+ 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 MAX4204ESA+?
For technical support, including MAX4204ESA+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX4204ESA+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX4204ESA+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX4204ESA+ 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 MAX4204ESA+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX4204ESA+?
All MAX4204ESA+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX4204ESA+, 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 MAX4204ESA+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX4204ESA+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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