Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX4372FESA-T

Overview

MAX4372FESA-T from Maxim Integrated is a precision high-side current-sense amplifier with 50V/V fixed gain, operating from 2.7V to 28V supply and consuming only 30μA. It delivers 0.18% full-scale accuracy, 0.3mV input offset voltage, and low 1.5Ω output impedance in an 8-pin SO package - enabling accurate battery/DC current monitoring in notebook computers and portable systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX4372FESA-T datasheet, MAX4372FESA-T pinout, MAX4372FESA-T application, or MAX4372FESA-T equivalent, this device supports high-accuracy, micropower, high-side sensing with 0–28V common-mode range independent of supply voltage - critical for deep-discharge battery monitoring and compact power-management designs.

Technical Context

The MAX4372FESA-T implements a high-side current-sense architecture using internal current-mirror amplification and precision resistive feedback to generate a voltage output proportional to sense resistor voltage drop (V_SENSE). Its input common-mode range (0–28V) remains fully functional even when V_CC is as low as 2.7V, enabling operation during battery deep discharge.

It features rail-to-rail output swing capability (V_OH within 0.25V of V_CC, V_OL ≤ 65mV at 100μA load), 110kHz –3dB bandwidth (at G = 100V/V), and 20μs settling time to 1% - optimized for stable, low-latency current feedback in DC/DC converters and smart-battery chargers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX4372FESA-T is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint (5.0mm × 6.2mm, 1.27mm pitch). Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or dot; pins are numbered counter-clockwise.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-side current-sense amplifier applications.

Compared with MAX4372TESA+ and MAX4372HESA+, the MAX4372FESA-T provides optimal trade-off between output voltage headroom and current resolution for mid-range applications (e.g., 1–5A loads), delivering 5V output at full scale while maintaining 0.18% accuracy and 30μA quiescent current.

Availability

MAX4372FESA-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook computers, smart-battery packs, and portable/battery-powered systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MAX4372FESA-T 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 semiconductor company specializing in analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for industrial, computing, and portable applications.

The MAX4372 family was designed specifically for high-accuracy, micropower, high-side current sensing in space-constrained battery-powered systems - emphasizing supply independence, low offset, and minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the gain of the MAX4372FESA-T and how does it affect current-sense design?

The MAX4372FESA-T has a fixed voltage gain of 50V/V. This means a 100mV differential voltage across the sense resistor produces a 5V output, simplifying interface with 5V ADCs and reducing sensitivity to noise and trace resistance. The gain is laser-trimmed during manufacturing and contributes directly to the device's ±0.18% full-scale accuracy specification. In practice, this allows designers to select sense resistors that yield optimal V_SENSE (e.g., 20mΩ for 100mA full-scale current) while keeping V_OUT well within supply rails. The MAX4372FESA-T gain cannot be adjusted externally.

Does the MAX4372FESA-T support operation during battery deep discharge?

Yes, the MAX4372FESA-T supports operation during battery deep discharge due to its 0V to 28V input common-mode range - which is fully independent of the 2.7V to 28V supply voltage. When used in high-side configuration, it continues delivering accurate current measurements even if the battery voltage drops below 1V, as long as V_CC remains ≥2.7V. This behavior is verified across –40°C to +85°C and is critical for smart-battery fuel gauging and end-of-life detection in Li-ion systems.

What package type and pin count does the MAX4372FESA-T use?

The MAX4372FESA-T uses an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package per JEDEC MS-012AC outline, measuring 5.0mm × 6.2mm with 1.27mm lead pitch. It contains three no-connect (N.C.) pins (pins 5, 6, and 7), while functional pins include GND (pin 1), OUT (pin 2), RS+ (pin 3), RS− (pin 4), and V_CC (pin 8). The "ESA" suffix explicitly denotes the 8-pin SO package, distinguishing it from SOT23 (U5+1) and UCSP (B6+2) variants of the same MAX4372 family.

How does the MAX4372FESA-T achieve high accuracy with such low supply current?

The MAX4372FESA-T achieves 0.18% full-scale accuracy with only 30μA supply current through a combination of BiCMOS process optimization, laser-trimmed internal resistors, and a current-mirror-based architecture that avoids power-hungry op-amp stages. Its input offset voltage is trimmed to ±0.3mV (typ), and gain error is minimized via matched transistor pairs and precision biasing - all while maintaining rail-to-rail output drive capability. This architecture eliminates the need for external gain resistors or output buffers, preserving both accuracy and micropower performance simultaneously.

Can the MAX4372FESA-T replace the MAX4372FUK+T in an existing design?

No - the MAX4372FESA-T and MAX4372FUK+T are not pin-compatible replacements. The MAX4372FESA-T uses an 8-pin SO package, while the MAX4372FUK+T uses a 5-pin SOT23 package with different pinout (GND, OUT, V_CC, RS+, RS−). Swapping them would require PCB redesign, new footprint, and revalidation of thermal and layout performance. For drop-in replacement, only other 8-pin SO variants (e.g., MAX4372TESA+, MAX4372HESA+) are mechanically and electrically compatible with the MAX4372FESA-T footprint.