Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX4257ESA
- Part No.:
- MAX4257ESA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX4257ESA.pdf
- Description:
- IC OPAMP GP 2 CIRCUIT 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,153
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Product details
Overview
MAX4257ESA from Analog Devices is a dual, decompensated, rail-to-rail output operational amplifier optimized for low-noise (7.9nV/√Hz at 30kHz), ultra-low distortion (0.0012% THD+N at 1kHz), and low-power operation (400µA per amplifier) in single-supply systems from 2.4V to 5.5V. It features 22MHz gain-bandwidth product, stability at gains ≥10V/V, and operates over –40°C to +85°C - ideal for precision ADC buffering and portable instrumentation.
For engineers reviewing the MAX4257ESA datasheet, MAX4257ESA pinout, MAX4257ESA application, or MAX4257ESA equivalent, this page delivers verified circuit role (dual decompensated op amp), package mapping (8-pin SO), key AC/DC specs, real-world application context, and two validated alternative parts with documented technical and application differences.
Technical Context
The MAX4257ESA belongs to the decompensated subgroup (MAX4249/MAX4255/MAX4256/MAX4257) of the MAX4249–MAX4257 family, requiring minimum closed-loop gain of 10V/V for stability and delivering 2.1V/µs slew rate and 22MHz GBW. Its input stage supports ground-sensing common-mode range (down to VSS – 0.2V), while the push-pull output drives 1kΩ loads and swings within 8mV of rails under 10kΩ load.
Unlike unity-gain stable variants (MAX4250–MAX4254), the MAX4257ESA lacks shutdown functionality (SHDN pin absent in SO package), and its noise performance is dominated by thermal noise above 1kHz (7.9nV/√Hz typ.) with 0.5fA/√Hz current noise - critical for high-impedance sensor interfaces and low-distortion signal chains.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Gain-Bandwidth Product | 22MHz - enables stable closed-loop operation at AV ≥ 10V/V with sufficient loop gain for low distortion at audio and IF frequencies. |
| Slew Rate | 2.1V/µs - supports clean 2VP-P output at 1MHz without slewing-induced distortion in gain-of-10 configurations. |
| Input Voltage-Noise Density | 7.9nV/√Hz at 30kHz - ensures minimal added noise when conditioning signals from piezoelectric transducers or strain gauges. |
| Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise | 0.0012% at 1kHz, 2VP-P, RL = 1kΩ - meets requirements for 16-bit ADC front-ends where spurious-free dynamic range >100dB is essential. |
| Supply Current per Amplifier | 400µA at VDD = 5V - enables battery-powered designs with multi-hour runtime while maintaining rail-to-rail DC accuracy. |
| Input Common-Mode Range | VSS – 0.2V to VDD – 1.1V - allows direct interfacing with grounded sensors and single-supply DAC outputs without level-shifting. |
| Output Voltage Swing | Within 8mV of VDD/VSS with 10kΩ load - maximizes dynamic range in low-voltage (2.4V–5.5V) systems such as portable medical devices. |
Pinout & Package
MAX4257ESA is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with standard JEDEC MS-012AC outline. Pin functions are fully defined per the MAX4249–MAX4257 family pin description table and confirmed for the SO variant.
| Pin | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | OUTA | Output of amplifier A - rail-to-rail capable, drives 1kΩ loads with <8mV headroom to supplies. |
| 2 | IN−A | Inverting input of amplifier A - high-impedance (1000GΩ), supports ground-referenced feedback networks. |
| 3 | IN+A | Noninverting input of amplifier A - common-mode range includes VSS, enabling true single-supply sensor biasing. |
| 4 | VSS | Negative supply / ground reference - must be connected to system ground in single-supply operation. |
| 5 | VDD | Positive supply - accepts 2.4V to 5.5V; requires local 0.1µF ceramic bypass capacitor. |
| 6 | IN+B | Noninverting input of amplifier B - electrically isolated from amplifier A; supports independent signal paths. |
| 7 | IN−B | Inverting input of amplifier B - matched offset and bias characteristics to IN−A for differential pair use. |
| 8 | OUTB | Output of amplifier B - identical AC/DC performance to OUTA; no internal shutdown control. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Rail-to-rail output swing | Swings within 8mV of VDD/VSS with 10kΩ load - preserves full signal amplitude in 3.3V or lower systems. |
| Ultra-low THD+N | 0.0012% at 1kHz, 2VP-P, 1kΩ load - enables high-fidelity signal amplification for 16-bit data acquisition without harmonic contamination. |
| Low input voltage noise | 7.9nV/√Hz at 30kHz - minimizes noise contribution when amplifying microvolt-level signals from high-Z sources. |
| Single-supply operation | 2.4V to 5.5V range with input CMVR extending to VSS - eliminates need for negative rail in portable/battery-powered equipment. |
| Capacitive-load drive | Stable with up to 400pF - supports direct connection to ADC input capacitors or long PCB traces without external isolation resistors. |
Applications
| ADC Buffering | Portable Instrumentation |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Driving the input of a 16-bit SAR ADC (e.g., MAX195) in a handheld multimeter or data logger. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision voltage buffer isolating high-impedance sensor front-end from ADC sampling capacitance. Use Value: 0.0012% THD+N and 7.9nV/√Hz noise preserve SFDR >100dB; rail-to-rail swing maximizes utilization of ADC's full-scale range at 3.3V supply. |
Use Scenario: Signal conditioning in battery-powered ECG or pulse oximeter modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel amplifier for simultaneous lead-I/lead-II analog processing before digitization. Use Value: 400µA per amplifier extends battery life; ground-sensing inputs enable direct electrode coupling without DC bias circuitry. |
| Digital Scale Interface | Strain Gauge Signal Chain |
|
Use Scenario: Amplifying mV-level bridge outputs in consumer-grade digital kitchen or bathroom scales. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, low-drift gain stage preceding 24-bit ΣΔ ADC. Use Value: 70µV max VOS and 0.3µV/°C TCVOS ensure <0.01% linearity error across 0–40°C operating range. |
Use Scenario: Conditioning Wheatstone bridge signals from load cells in industrial weighing terminals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-stage instrumentation amplifier with matched dual topology for common-mode rejection. Use Value: Dual configuration enables differential input with shared reference; 116dB large-signal gain maintains resolution at low output impedances. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual decompensated op amp applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX4257EUA+ | Identical electrical specs but in 8-pin µMAX package (3mm × 3mm), not SO. No SHDN pin. | Better suited for space-constrained PCBs; same thermal performance (362mW PD at +70°C) but different footprint. | Select MAX4257EUA+ when board area is limited and µMAX reflow profile is supported. |
| OPA2350EA/250 | 22MHz GBW, rail-to-rail I/O, but higher quiescent current (1.8mA vs. 400µA) and higher noise (7nV/√Hz vs. 7.9nV/√Hz). | Preferred in high-speed, low-distortion applications where power budget allows; less optimal for battery life-critical designs. | Choose OPA2350EA/250 only if higher drive strength or different packaging (SO-8 compatible) is required and 4.5× higher IQ is acceptable. |
Compared with MAX4257ESA, MAX4257EUA+ offers identical performance in a smaller package but requires layout revision, while OPA2350EA/250 trades significant power efficiency for marginally better speed - making MAX4257ESA the optimal balance for low-power, precision dual-amplifier roles.
Availability
MAX4257ESA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, precision ADC buffering, digital scale interfaces, and strain gauge signal chains requiring stable component supply across industrial and medical OEM programs.
Supply support for MAX4257ESA 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
Analog Devices is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets since 1965.
The MAX4249–MAX4257 family was designed specifically for low-noise, low-distortion, single-supply signal conditioning in portable and precision measurement systems - emphasizing rail-to-rail operation, micropower efficiency, and robust capacitive-load driving capability.
FAQ
What is the gain stability requirement for MAX4257ESA?
The MAX4257ESA is decompensated and requires a minimum closed-loop gain of 10V/V for stable operation. This is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table and Typical Operating Characteristics (gain/phase plots). Using it at unity gain will cause oscillation. Designers must set feedback networks accordingly - for example, RF/RG ≥ 9 for noninverting configuration. The 22MHz GBW and 68° phase margin at AV = 10V/V ensure robust transient response in precision applications.
Does MAX4257ESA include a shutdown feature?
No, MAX4257ESA does not include a shutdown feature. Although the MAX4249/MAX4251/MAX4253/MAX4256 variants have SHDN pins, the MAX4257ESA (8-pin SO package) omits this function entirely - as confirmed in the Pin/Bump Description table and Ordering Information. Its quiescent current remains fixed at 400µA per amplifier across temperature and supply voltage. For shutdown capability, consider MAX4256ESA instead.
What is the maximum capacitive load MAX4257ESA can drive without compensation?
MAX4257ESA is stable driving up to 400pF capacitive load without external compensation, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table under "Capacitive-Load Stability". This applies to both AV = 10V/V and typical gain configurations. For loads exceeding 400pF, a series isolation resistor (e.g., 150Ω for 1000pF) between output and load restores stability - per Figure 6 in the datasheet. This capability simplifies anti-aliasing filter design in ADC interface applications.
What are the input offset voltage specifications for MAX4257ESA?
MAX4257ESA has a guaranteed input offset voltage (VOS) of ±0.75mV over –40°C to +85°C, with a typical value of ±0.07mV at +25°C. Its offset voltage drift is 0.3µV/°C (TCVOS). These values are measured per amplifier and apply to both channels independently. The low VOS and drift ensure minimal DC error in precision gain stages - critical for digital scale and strain gauge applications where offset contributes directly to measurement error.
Is MAX4257ESA suitable for driving 1kΩ loads while maintaining DC accuracy?
Yes, MAX4257ESA is explicitly characterized to drive 1kΩ loads while preserving DC accuracy - confirmed in the "Output Voltage Swing" table (VOH/VOL tested at RL = 1kΩ) and Applications Information section. At VDD = 5V, it delivers VOH ≤ VDD – 77mV and VOL ≥ VSS + 47mV into 1kΩ, supporting accurate low-impedance interfacing with ADC drivers or active filters. Its 116dB large-signal voltage gain ensures minimal gain error under load.
MAX4257ESA 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:
- Obsolete
- Amplifier Type:
- General Purpose
- Number of Circuits:
- 2
- Output Type:
- Push-Pull, Rail-to-Rail
- Slew Rate:
- 2.1V/µs
- Gain Bandwidth Product:
- 22 MHz
- -3db Bandwidth:
- -
- Current - Input Bias:
- 0.1 pA
- Voltage - Input Offset:
- 70 µV
- Current - Supply:
- 420µA (x2 Channels)
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 68 mA
- Voltage - Supply Span (Min):
- 2.4 V
- Voltage - Supply Span (Max):
- 5.5 V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
MAX4257ESA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX4257ESA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX4257ESA 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 MAX4257ESA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX4257ESA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX4257ESA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX4257ESA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX4257ESA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX4257ESA?
MAX4257ESA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX4257ESA 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 MAX4257ESA?
For technical support, including MAX4257ESA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX4257ESA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX4257ESA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX4257ESA 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 MAX4257ESA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX4257ESA?
All MAX4257ESA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX4257ESA, 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 MAX4257ESA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX4257ESA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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