Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX4243EUB

Overview

MAX4243EUB from Maxim Integrated is a dual-channel, micropower operational amplifier with shutdown capability, designed for ultra-low-voltage, battery-powered systems. It operates from +1.8V to +5.5V (single supply), draws only 10µA per amplifier, features Beyond-the-Rails™ inputs extending 200mV beyond rails, rail-to-rail outputs swinging within 9mV of rails (100kΩ load), and delivers 90kHz gain-bandwidth - ideal for precision sensor signal conditioning in portable medical devices.

For engineers reviewing the MAX4243EUB datasheet, MAX4243EUB pinout, MAX4243EUB application, or MAX4243EUB equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed operation down to +1.8V, shutdown current <1.5µA, input offset voltage ≤±2.0mV over temperature, rail-to-rail I/O performance, and compatibility with two-cell alkaline, NiMH, or Li-ion battery stacks requiring >200,000 hours runtime in normal mode.

Technical Context

The MAX4243EUB integrates two independent amplifiers in a single 10-pin µMAX package, each with a dedicated shutdown control pin enabling independent channel power gating. Its input stage combines NPN and PNP differential pairs to achieve a common-mode range from VEE − 0.2V to VCC + 0.2V, eliminating phase reversal during overdrive.

The output stage is optimized for rail-to-rail swing into 100kΩ loads, delivering VOH ≤ VCC − 9mV and VOL ≥ VEE + 9mV at TA = +25°C, while maintaining unity-gain stability with capacitive loads up to 200pF - critical for driving ADC inputs or low-power display bias networks without external compensation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX4243EUB is housed in a 10-pin µMAX package (5.0mm × 3.0mm × 1.1mm, 0.65mm pitch), pin-compatible with industry-standard 10-lead µMAX footprints and offering superior thermal performance vs. SO packages.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual low-power op amp applications.

Compared with MAX4242EUA and TLV2462IDR, the MAX4243EUB uniquely combines dual-channel shutdown, Beyond-the-Rails inputs, and sub-10µA quiescent current - making it the only option for ultra-long-life, single-supply systems requiring full-rail signal acquisition and dynamic channel power control.

Availability

MAX4243EUB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical diagnostics, digital weight scales, two-cell battery monitoring, and industrial 4–20mA transmitters requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX4243EUB 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 power, sensing, connectivity, and security applications in industrial, automotive, and healthcare markets.

The MAX4240–MAX4244 family was engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, single-supply precision signal conditioning - targeting battery-operated equipment where every microamp and millivolt of headroom directly impacts runtime and measurement fidelity.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature range for the MAX4243EUB?

The MAX4243EUB is fully specified and guaranteed over the −40°C to +85°C extended industrial temperature range. All electrical parameters - including supply current, input offset voltage, and common-mode rejection ratio - are tested and validated across this full range, ensuring reliable operation in portable medical devices or outdoor sensor nodes exposed to ambient thermal extremes.

Does the MAX4243EUB support dual-supply operation?

Yes, the MAX4243EUB supports dual-supply operation from ±0.9V to ±2.75V. When used with dual supplies, the VEE pin becomes the negative rail (not ground), and the shutdown pin (SHDN) must be pulled to VEE to activate shutdown mode. This configuration preserves the full Beyond-the-Rails input range and rail-to-rail output swing, enabling precision AC-coupled signal processing in audio or instrumentation front-ends.

How does the shutdown feature affect output state in the MAX4243EUB?

When the shutdown pin (SHDN) of either channel is pulled low, that amplifier's output enters a high-impedance (Hi-Z) state - effectively disconnecting it from the load. This prevents loading of downstream circuits (e.g., ADC inputs or filter networks) during sleep modes. The MAX4243EUB does not assert a defined logic level or clamp the output; instead, it removes active drive capability while maintaining input bias paths.

Can the MAX4243EUB drive capacitive loads without oscillation?

Yes, the MAX4243EUB is unity-gain stable with capacitive loads up to 200pF when configured as a voltage follower or noninverting amplifier. This stability is verified across temperature and supply voltage ranges. For loads exceeding 200pF - such as long PCB traces or LCD panel capacitance - an isolation resistor (e.g., 100Ω–1kΩ) between the output and load restores stability, though it introduces minor gain error due to voltage division.

What is the typical input bias current behavior across common-mode voltage in the MAX4243EUB?

The MAX4243EUB exhibits polarity-reversing input bias current due to its dual NPN/PNP input stage. As the common-mode voltage crosses the midpoint between VEE and VCC, IB transitions from positive to negative (or vice versa), crossing zero near VCC/2. This behavior requires matched source impedances at IN+ and IN− to minimize offset error - a critical design consideration in precision bridge amplifier configurations using the MAX4243EUB.