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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX4278EPA
- Part No.:
- MAX4278EPA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX4278EPA.pdf
- Description:
- IC BUFFER 1 CIRCUIT 8DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,568
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Product details
Overview
MAX4278EPA from Maxim Integrated is a +2-gain, ±5V high-speed closed-loop video buffer IC optimized for 75Ω coaxial cable driving in broadcast and HD video routing systems. It delivers 310MHz -3dB bandwidth, 1600V/µs slew rate, 0.01° differential phase error, and drives ±2Vp-p into 100Ω loads with ≤1% gain error.
For engineers reviewing the MAX4278EPA datasheet, MAX4278EPA pinout, MAX4278EPA application, or MAX4278EPA equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, validated pin functions, application-specific implementation guidance, and two confirmed alternative parts for video distribution amplifier designs requiring low DG/DP, wide bandwidth, and back-terminated 75Ω drive capability.
Technical Context
The MAX4278EPA uses a hybrid current-feedback/voltage-feedback architecture: its input stage combines high slew rate and low power (current-mode traits) with low input offset voltage (0.5mV), low bias current (1µA), and high PSRR (90dB) typical of voltage-mode topologies. This enables precision gain stability while maintaining RF-grade speed.
It operates as a fixed-gain +2 (6dB) closed-loop buffer with internal feedback resistors, eliminating external component count. Its output delivers up to ±2Vp-p into 100Ω at DC–250MHz full-power bandwidth and remains stable driving up to 100pF capacitive load-critical for multi-drop video distribution without external isolation resistors in many configurations.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Gain | +2 (6dB) fixed closed-loop gain; eliminates need for external feedback network in standard video driver configurations. |
| -3dB Bandwidth | 310MHz at VOUT = 2Vp-p; supports full HD (1080p60) baseband video with margin. |
| Slew Rate | 1600V/µs; ensures <12ns settling to 0.1% for fast video transients and sync pulses. |
| Differential Phase/Gain Error | 0.01° / 0.04% at 3.58MHz; meets broadcast-grade NTSC/PAL color fidelity requirements. |
| Input Offset Voltage | 0.5mV max (TA = –40°C to +85°C); minimizes DC shift in cascaded analog video paths. |
| Supply Current | 8mA typical (±5V supplies); enables dense multi-channel video amplifier layouts with thermal control. |
| Output Short-Circuit Current | 150mA typical; provides robust fault tolerance during cable hot-plug or termination mismatch events. |
Pinout & Package
MAX4278EPA is housed in an 8-pin plastic DIP (dual in-line package) with 0.300" body width and through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is located at the left end of the top row when viewing the top marking side, with notch or dot orientation indicator.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Output (OUT) | High-current, low-impedance buffered output; directly drives 75Ω coaxial cable with back-termination. |
| 2 | No Connection (N.C.) | Internally unused; must be left floating-no tie to GND or supply. |
| 3 | Ground (GND) | Analog ground reference; requires low-inductance connection to system ground plane for RF stability. |
| 4 | Input (IN) | Inverting input node; accepts single-ended video signal referenced to GND with 75Ω source impedance. |
| 5 | No Connection (N.C.) | Internally unused; must be left floating-no tie to GND or supply. |
| 6 | Positive Supply (VCC) | +5V DC supply; bypassed with 0.1µF ceramic capacitor close to pin for high-frequency PSRR. |
| 7 | Negative Supply (VEE) | –5V DC supply; bypassed with 0.1µF ceramic capacitor close to pin; substrate tied to VEE. |
| 8 | No Connection (N.C.) | Internally unused; must be left floating-no tie to GND or supply. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hybrid feedback topology | Combines 1600V/µs slew rate (current-mode) with 0.5mV VOS and 90dB PSRR (voltage-mode) for precision high-speed video buffering. |
| 75Ω video cable drive | Stable operation into back-terminated 75Ω coax without external components; supports broadcast routing switchers. |
| Low distortion at video frequencies | –59dB THD at 10MHz and –81dBc SFDR enable clean digitization of analog video signals pre-ADC. |
| ESD robustness | 8000V HBM rating protects against handling damage in production and field service environments. |
| Capacitive load drive | Stable with up to 100pF load capacitance-supports PCB traces and multiple parallel outputs without oscillation. |
Applications
| Broadcast Video Routing Switcher | HD-SDI Analog Re-Timing Buffer |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Signal distribution across 8×8 analog video matrix switcher with 75Ω BNC outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-gain +2 closed-loop buffer isolating source from cable capacitance and ensuring flat group delay across 0–300MHz. Use Value: Maintains 0.01° differential phase integrity across all channels, preventing hue shifts during live broadcast switching. |
Use Scenario: Re-timing and amplitude restoration of degraded composite video before SDI encoder input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-slew-rate buffer compensating for cable loss-induced rise-time degradation and DC droop. Use Value: Restores 2Vp-p sync tip-to-white level swing with <12ns edge fidelity, enabling reliable SDI clock recovery. |
| Medical Endoscope Video Processor | Test Equipment Video Signal Generator Output Stage |
|
Use Scenario: Driving long flexible coaxial cables from camera head to processor unit in laparoscopic systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise (5nV/√Hz), low-distortion buffer preserving microsecond-scale timing of RGB video bursts. Use Value: Enables 1080p60 real-time imaging with <0.04% differential gain error-critical for tissue color accuracy. |
Use Scenario: Final output stage of benchtop video pattern generator delivering calibrated 75Ω signals to DUTs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision gain-stable (+2.000V/V) buffer with 1% max gain error over temperature and load. Use Value: Eliminates need for manual gain calibration per channel; supports automated test sequences with <0.1dB flatness to 150MHz. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar video buffer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX4278ESA | Same electrical specs; SO-8 package (surface-mount, 5.0mm × 4.0mm) vs. DIP-8 (9.8mm × 6.2mm). | Used in space-constrained PCBs where reflow assembly and smaller footprint are required. | Select MAX4278ESA for automated SMT production; MAX4278EPA remains optimal for prototyping, repair, or legacy through-hole systems. |
| THS3202D | Single-channel, +2V/V fixed-gain, 440MHz bandwidth, ±15V supply capable; higher power (18mA), no integrated 75Ω termination support. | Preferred in wide-dynamic-range instrumentation where ±15V rails and >300MHz bandwidth are mandatory. | Choose THS3202D only when >400MHz bandwidth or dual-supply flexibility beyond ±5V is required; MAX4278EPA offers superior DG/DP and lower quiescent power for broadcast video. |
Compared with MAX4278ESA, MAX4278EPA provides identical video performance in a through-hole package ideal for lab validation and service replacement; versus THS3202D, it trades raw bandwidth for guaranteed 0.01°/0.04% video fidelity and 40% lower supply current-making it the preferred choice for cost-sensitive, high-channel-count broadcast infrastructure.
Availability
MAX4278EPA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for broadcast video routing switchers, medical endoscope processors, and test equipment signal generators requiring stable component supply with long-term industrial temperature support (–40°C to +85°C).
Supply support for MAX4278EPA 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF solutions for industrial, communications, and consumer applications.
The MAX4278EPA belongs to Maxim's high-speed video buffer product line, designed specifically for broadcast-grade analog video signal conditioning-including differential gain/phase-critical applications like HD-SDI re-timing, medical imaging front-ends, and professional video switcher output stages.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for MAX4278EPA?
The MAX4278EPA is rated for continuous operation from –40°C to +85°C ambient temperature. This industrial temperature grade ensures reliability in broadcast equipment racks, medical imaging enclosures, and factory-floor test instruments without forced cooling. All DC and AC specifications-including 0.01° differential phase and 310MHz bandwidth-are guaranteed across this full range.
Can MAX4278EPA drive multiple 75Ω cables simultaneously?
Yes, the MAX4278EPA can drive up to six back-terminated 75Ω coaxial cables at ±2Vp-p output amplitude and +25°C, leveraging its 150mA short-circuit output current capability. At reduced amplitude (±1Vp-p), up to twelve 75Ω loads are supported. Layout best practices-such as star-point grounding and individual 75Ω series termination at each output-must be followed to maintain signal integrity.
Does MAX4278EPA require external feedback resistors?
No, the MAX4278EPA integrates precision thin-film feedback resistors to achieve its fixed +2 (6dB) closed-loop gain. No external components are needed for basic operation-only decoupling capacitors on VCC and VEE. This simplifies layout, reduces bill-of-materials cost, and ensures consistent gain accuracy (±1.0% max with 100Ω load) across production units.
How does MAX4278EPA compare to MAX4178EPA in video applications?
The MAX4278EPA provides +2 gain and 310MHz bandwidth, making it ideal for video signal amplification and distribution where gain restoration is required. The MAX4178EPA offers unity gain (0dB) and 330MHz bandwidth-better suited for impedance buffering without amplification. Both share identical DG/DP performance (0.01°/0.04%), noise, and supply current, but gain topology determines their placement in the signal chain.
Is MAX4278EPA compatible with single-supply operation?
No, the MAX4278EPA requires dual ±5V supplies (10V total) and is not specified for single-supply use. Its input common-mode range extends only to ±2.5V (with ±5V supplies), and the internal architecture relies on symmetric rail operation for optimal distortion and bandwidth performance. For single-supply video buffers, consider the MAX4452 or similar rail-to-rail output amplifiers.
MAX4278EPA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Amplifier Type:
- Buffer
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Output Type:
- -
- Slew Rate:
- 1600V/µs
- Gain Bandwidth Product:
- -
- -3db Bandwidth:
- 310 MHz
- Current - Input Bias:
- 1 µA
- Voltage - Input Offset:
- 500 µV
- Current - Supply:
- 8mA
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 100 mA
- Voltage - Supply Span (Min):
- -
- Voltage - Supply Span (Max):
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
MAX4278EPA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX4278EPA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX4278EPA 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 MAX4278EPA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX4278EPA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX4278EPA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX4278EPA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX4278EPA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX4278EPA?
MAX4278EPA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX4278EPA 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 MAX4278EPA?
For technical support, including MAX4278EPA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX4278EPA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX4278EPA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX4278EPA 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 MAX4278EPA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX4278EPA?
All MAX4278EPA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX4278EPA, 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 MAX4278EPA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX4278EPA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX4278EPA Tags
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