Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX4241ESA

Overview

MAX4241ESA from Maxim Integrated is a single-channel, micropower operational amplifier with Beyond-the-Rails™ inputs and rail-to-rail output, operating from +1.8V to +5.5V supply. It delivers 90kHz gain-bandwidth, 10µA supply current per amplifier, ±200µV input offset voltage (typ), and shutdown current <1µA - optimized for precision signal conditioning in ultra-low-power, two-cell battery systems such as portable medical sensors and digital scales.

For engineers reviewing the MAX4241ESA datasheet, MAX4241ESA pinout, MAX4241ESA application, or MAX4241ESA equivalent, key selection criteria include its guaranteed +1.8V operation, 200mV beyond-the-rails input common-mode range, rail-to-rail swing within 9mV of rails (100kΩ load), shutdown logic compatibility (VIH/VIL = 0.7×/0.3×VCC), and SO-8 package thermal performance across –40°C to +85°C.

Technical Context

The MAX4241ESA employs dual NPN/PNP input differential pairs enabling a common-mode range extending 200mV beyond both VEE and VCC rails, with crossover at mid-supply. Its rail-to-rail output stage uses complementary push-pull drivers capable of sourcing/sinking up to 240µA near VCC and 2.5mA near VEE under specified loads.

It features unity-gain stability with capacitive loads ≤200pF, 68° phase margin, and 18dB gain margin. Shutdown mode disables internal bias networks and forces output into high-impedance state, reducing ICC to ≤1.5µA (VCC = 1.8V) while maintaining VIH/VIL thresholds referenced to VCC/2.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX4241ESA is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package, 3.9mm × 4.9mm body, 1.27mm pitch, with standard JEDEC MO-153 footprint and moisture sensitivity level MSL-1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar precision op amp applications.

Compared with TLV8512IDR and OPA316IDBVR, MAX4241ESA uniquely balances sub-µA shutdown, guaranteed 1.8V operation, and 200mV beyond-the-rails input - making it irreplaceable in multi-year, two-cell battery systems where every nanoamp affects field lifetime.

Availability

MAX4241ESA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical devices, digital weight scales, battery monitoring circuits, and low-power environmental sensors requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX4241ESA 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 MAX4240–MAX4244 family was engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, single-supply precision amplification in battery-constrained systems - emphasizing sub-µA shutdown, beyond-the-rails input operation, and rail-to-rail output swing at voltages as low as +1.8V.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating voltage for MAX4241ESA?

The MAX4241ESA is fully specified and guaranteed to operate from +1.8V to +5.5V. While datasheet absolute minimum is +1.8V, characterization shows typical functionality down to +1.5V - however, parameters like CMRR, PSRR, and output swing are not guaranteed below +1.8V. For production designs, +1.8V must be maintained as the functional lower limit.

Does MAX4241ESA support dual-supply operation?

Yes, MAX4241ESA operates from dual supplies of ±0.9V to ±2.75V. In dual-supply mode, VCC connects to the positive rail and VEE to the negative rail. The SHDN pin threshold remains referenced to VCC/2, so for symmetric ±1.5V supplies, SHDN must be pulled to –1.5V (VEE) to activate shutdown. Input common-mode and output swing specifications scale accordingly.

What is the output behavior of MAX4241ESA during shutdown?

When SHDN is pulled low (≤0.3×VCC), the MAX4241ESA disables internal bias circuitry and places the output in a high-impedance state - neither sourcing nor sinking current. This prevents loading of downstream circuitry and eliminates unintended signal injection. Output voltage floats and must be externally biased if required for system-level logic states.

Can MAX4241ESA drive capacitive loads greater than 200pF?

The MAX4241ESA is unity-gain stable up to 200pF. Driving larger capacitive loads (e.g., ADC input capacitance + PCB trace) requires an isolation resistor (RISO) between OUT and CL. Typical RISO values range from 100Ω to 1kΩ; however, this introduces gain error due to voltage division with RL, and bandwidth reduction proportional to RISO × CL.

How does input bias current polarity reversal affect MAX4241ESA design?

Due to its dual NPN/PNP input stage, MAX4241ESA's input bias current changes sign near mid-supply (VCC/2). To minimize offset error, match source impedances seen by IN+ and IN− - e.g., use equal resistors in noninverting gain networks or add a compensating resistor in the inverting path. Unmatched impedances cause voltage drops that directly add to VOS.