Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX4278EUK+
- Part No.:
- MAX4278EUK+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps
- Package:
- SC-74A, SOT-753
- Datasheet:
-
MAX4278EUK+.pdf
- Description:
- GAIN OF 2 CLOSED-LOOP BUFFER
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:5,106
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Product details
Overview
MAX4278EUK+ from Maxim Integrated is a ±5V, closed-loop video buffer IC preset for +2 voltage gain (6dB), optimized for 75Ω video/RF cable driving applications. It delivers 310MHz -3dB bandwidth, 1600V/µs slew rate, and ultra-low differential gain/phase errors (0.04%/0.01°) to preserve broadcast-quality video integrity in routing and distribution systems.
For engineers reviewing the MAX4278EUK+ datasheet, MAX4278EUK+ pinout, MAX4278EUK+ application, or MAX4278EUK+ equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, SOT23-5 package mapping, confirmed pin functions, and two validated alternative parts for video amplifier selection - all grounded in Maxim's official documentation.
Technical Context
The MAX4278EUK+ uses a hybrid current-feedback/voltage-feedback architecture: its unique input stage enables high slew rate (1600V/µs) and low power while retaining low input offset voltage (0.5mV), low bias current (1µA), and high PSRR (90dB). This architecture avoids trade-offs typical of pure current-feedback amplifiers.
It operates with dual ±5V supplies, drives 50Ω or 75Ω loads directly, and maintains 0.1dB flatness to 150MHz. Its output is short-circuit protected (150mA limit), ESD-rated to 8000V, and stable driving up to 100pF capacitive load without oscillation - critical for PCB trace and connector parasitics in video signal paths.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Voltage Gain | +2 (6dB), factory-fixed - eliminates external feedback resistor selection and layout sensitivity in video line drivers. |
| -3dB Bandwidth | 310MHz at RL = 100Ω - supports full HD (1080p60) baseband video with headroom for harmonics and edge fidelity. |
| Slew Rate | 1600V/µs - ensures <12ns settling to 0.1% for 2V step signals, preventing transient distortion in fast video transitions. |
| Differential Gain/Phase | 0.04% / 0.01° at 3.58MHz - meets broadcast-grade NTSC/PAL requirements without post-compensation circuitry. |
| Supply Current | 8mA (±5V) - enables low-power multi-channel video distribution without thermal derating in compact SOT23-5 layouts. |
| Input Offset Voltage | 0.5mV max - minimizes DC error accumulation in cascaded video gain stages, preserving black-level stability. |
| Output Short-Circuit Current | 150mA typical - safely handles momentary shorts to GND in field-deployed video equipment without latch-up or damage. |
Pinout & Package
SOT23-5 surface-mount package (2.9mm × 1.6mm × 1.1mm), rated for -40°C to +85°C operation. Pin 1 marked with dot; pin 1–5 arranged left-to-right in top view.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | OUT | Amplified output; drives 75Ω coaxial cable directly - requires no series termination resistor when back-terminated. |
| 2 | IN | Inverting input configured as unity-gain follower input; noninverting input internally connected for fixed +2 gain. |
| 3 | GND | Analog ground reference; must connect to low-impedance ground plane to maintain 310MHz bandwidth and minimize noise coupling. |
| 4 | VEE | Negative supply (–5V); substrate tied to VEE per Maxim chip info - requires clean, low-ESR decoupling near pin. |
| 5 | VCC | Positive supply (+5V); paired with VEE for symmetric rail operation - enables rail-to-rail output swing of ±2V into 100Ω. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Hybrid feedback topology | Combines 1600V/µs slew rate of current-feedback amps with 0.5mV offset and 90dB PSRR of voltage-feedback amps - no external trimming needed. |
| 75Ω video drive capability | Delivers ±2Vp-p into 75Ω load with <0.04% differential gain error - eliminates need for external level-shifting or impedance-matching networks. |
| Capacitive load tolerance | Stable with up to 100pF load capacitance - accommodates typical PCB trace + connector + cable input capacitance without compensation. |
| ESD protection | 8000V HBM - protects against handling damage during SMT assembly and field service of video interface boards. |
| Small-signal flatness | ±0.1dB gain variation to 150MHz - preserves chroma/luma amplitude balance across full NTSC/PAL spectrum without equalization. |
Applications
| Broadcast Video Routing | Medical Endoscopy Imaging |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Switching composite video between multiple SD/HD sources and monitors in broadcast control rooms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-gain +2 buffer isolating source from switch matrix and driving 75Ω coaxial cables to displays. Use Value: Maintains 0.01° differential phase accuracy across 3.58MHz color subcarrier - prevents hue shifts during switching. |
Use Scenario: Amplifying high-resolution analog video from endoscopic CMOS sensors before digitization. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise preamplifier stage driving ADC input with minimal added jitter or distortion. Use Value: 5nV/√Hz input voltage noise and 250MHz full-power bandwidth preserve fine tissue detail in real-time imaging. |
| Video Distribution Amplifier | High-Speed DAC Output Buffer |
Use Scenario: Splitting one video source to six simultaneous 75Ω outputs in security DVR systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current driver enabling parallel 75Ω terminations without gain droop or crosstalk. Use Value: 150mA short-circuit rating and ±2Vp-p drive into 150Ω allow ≥6 outputs at +25°C - reduces channel count vs. discrete solutions. |
Use Scenario: Buffering 12-bit, 100Msps DAC output feeding RF upconversion stage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision gain-of-2 stage matching DAC output impedance and driving 50Ω transmission line. Use Value: 1.0% max gain error with 100Ω load ensures accurate amplitude scaling; 310MHz bandwidth supports >5× Nyquist reconstruction. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar video buffer applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX4278ESA+ | 8-pin SO package; identical electrical specs but larger footprint and higher thermal resistance (5.88mW/°C derating). | Preferred for prototyping or lower-frequency designs where manual rework or socket use is acceptable. | Select MAX4278ESA+ only if board space allows SO-8 and thermal budget permits higher junction temperature rise. |
| THS3201DR | Single 2.2GHz bandwidth current-feedback amp; gain set externally; higher supply current (14mA); no integrated 75Ω drive optimization. | Used in wideband test equipment requiring variable gain or >500MHz bandwidth, not broadcast video. | Choose THS3201DR only when programmable gain or >310MHz bandwidth is mandatory - adds complexity and cost for standard video routing. |
Compared with MAX4278ESA+, the MAX4278EUK+ saves 65% board area and improves thermal performance in dense video modules; versus THS3201DR, it delivers guaranteed 75Ω video fidelity out-of-box without external resistor networks or layout-sensitive compensation.
Availability
MAX4278EUK+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for broadcast video routing, medical imaging front-ends, and high-speed DAC buffering requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed parametric compliance over –40°C to +85°C.
Supply support for MAX4278EUK+ 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 ICs for demanding signal-chain applications.
The MAX4278EUK+ belongs to Maxim's high-speed video amplifier product line, designed specifically for broadcast, medical, and instrumentation systems requiring precision gain, ultra-low distortion, and robust 75Ω/50Ω cable drive capability.
FAQ
What is the operating supply voltage range for the MAX4278EUK+?
The MAX4278EUK+ requires dual ±5V supplies (VCC = +5V, VEE = –5V), with absolute maximum ratings allowing ±6V rails. Operation outside ±4.5V to ±5.5V degrades PSRR and increases quiescent current. The MAX4278EUK+ is not specified for single-supply use; attempting 0V/10V operation violates internal bias conditions and invalidates all AC specifications including 310MHz bandwidth and 0.04% differential gain.
Does the MAX4278EUK+ require external gain-setting resistors?
No, the MAX4278EUK+ is a factory-configured +2 voltage gain (6dB) closed-loop buffer - no external feedback resistors are needed or supported. Its internal feedback network is trimmed during wafer test to ensure ≤1.0% gain error with 100Ω load. Adding external resistors would disrupt the calibrated loop and degrade differential phase/gain performance below the guaranteed 0.01°/0.04% spec.
Can the MAX4278EUK+ drive a 50Ω load instead of 75Ω?
Yes, the MAX4278EUK+ is explicitly characterized for both 50Ω and 75Ω loads per Maxim's datasheet. Into 50Ω, it delivers ±2.0V output swing (vs. ±2.5V into 100Ω) with maintained 310MHz bandwidth and 0.04% differential gain error. For 50Ω systems, ensure proper source termination to avoid reflections - the MAX4278EUK+ output impedance remains low (<0.1Ω) across frequency.
What is the maximum capacitive load the MAX4278EUK+ can drive without oscillation?
The MAX4278EUK+ is stable driving up to 100pF capacitive load with no external compensation, as verified in Figures 2a/2b and 3a/3b of the datasheet. Beyond 100pF, ringing increases and risk of oscillation rises - for loads >100pF (e.g., long cables or multiple connectors), add a 20Ω isolation resistor in series with the output per Figure 1. This preserves stability but reduces delivered gain by ~0.17dB into 75Ω.
Is the MAX4278EUK+ pin-compatible with the MAX4178EUK+?
No, the MAX4278EUK+ and MAX4178EUK+ share the same SOT23-5 package and pinout (OUT, IN, GND, VEE, VCC), but they are functionally distinct: MAX4178EUK+ is unity-gain (+1), while MAX4278EUK+ is +2-gain. Swapping them changes system gain by 6dB and alters bandwidth (330MHz vs. 310MHz), potentially overdriving downstream stages or violating signal level standards like SMPTE 259M.
MAX4278EUK+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- SC-74A, SOT-753
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Amplifier Type:
- Buffer, Current Feedback
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Output Type:
- Single-Ended
- Slew Rate:
- 1.6kV/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):
- 12 V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-23-5
MAX4278EUK+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX4278EUK+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX4278EUK+ 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 MAX4278EUK+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX4278EUK+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX4278EUK+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX4278EUK+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX4278EUK+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX4278EUK+?
MAX4278EUK+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX4278EUK+ 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 MAX4278EUK+?
For technical support, including MAX4278EUK+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX4278EUK+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX4278EUK+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX4278EUK+ 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 MAX4278EUK+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX4278EUK+?
All MAX4278EUK+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX4278EUK+, 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 MAX4278EUK+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX4278EUK+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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