Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX4428ESA+

Overview

MAX4428ESA+ from Maxim Integrated is a dual high-speed MOSFET driver IC with one inverting and one noninverting output stage, delivering 1.5A peak source/sink current per channel, 20ns typical rise/fall times into 1000pF, and operation across 4.5V–18V supply range. It drives power MOSFET gates in synchronous buck converters and half-bridge motor controllers.

For engineers reviewing the MAX4428ESA+ datasheet, MAX4428ESA+ pinout, MAX4428ESA+ application, or MAX4428ESA+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its mixed inverting/noninverting topology, ±25ns delay matching (tD1/tD2), 4Ω typical output resistance over temperature, and SO-8 package compatibility with industrial-grade thermal range (–40°C to +85°C).

Technical Context

The MAX4428ESA+ integrates two independent gate drivers on a single die: Channel A is inverting, Channel B is noninverting-enabling direct control of complementary high-side/low-side FETs without external logic inversion. Its CMOS/TTL-compatible inputs tolerate 0.8V/2.4V thresholds and require <50ns input transition window to avoid metastability.

Output stages use bipolar transistor pairs with low-saturation design, achieving 25mV VOL and VDD–25mV VOH under no-load conditions. Delay times (tD1 = 15–40ns, tD2 = 30–60ns) remain stable across VDD (4.5V–18V) and temperature (–40°C to +85°C), critical for phase-aligned switching in DC-DC controllers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX4428ESA+ uses an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with exposed pad for thermal enhancement, rated for –40°C to +85°C operation. Pin 1 is NC (no connect); pins 2 and 4 are inputs; pins 5 and 7 are outputs; pin 3 is GND; pin 6 is VDD.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual MOSFET driver applications.

Compared with IXDN604PI and LM5112MMX/NOPB, the MAX4428ESA+ uniquely integrates matched inverting and noninverting drivers in one SO-8 package, eliminating external logic and reducing component count in half-bridge and synchronous rectifier designs - critical for compact, cost-sensitive industrial power modules.

Availability

MAX4428ESA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for switching power supplies, DC-DC converters, and motor controllers requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX4428ESA+ 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, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The MAX4426/MAX4427/MAX4428 family was engineered specifically for high-efficiency, high-frequency gate driving in power conversion systems where propagation delay matching and low output impedance are essential.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for the MAX4428ESA+?

The MAX4428ESA+ is specified for operation from –40°C to +85°C ambient temperature. This industrial-grade range is validated across all electrical parameters in the datasheet, including delay times, output resistance, and supply current. The "ESA" suffix explicitly denotes this extended temperature grade, distinguishing it from the "CSA" (0°C to +70°C) variant. Thermal derating begins above +70°C at 5.88mW/°C for the SO-8 package.

Does the MAX4428ESA+ support both inverting and noninverting outputs simultaneously?

Yes, the MAX4428ESA+ integrates one inverting driver (Channel A, driven by INA → OUTA) and one noninverting driver (Channel B, driven by INB → OUTB) on a single die. This mixed topology eliminates the need for external inverters in half-bridge or synchronous rectifier configurations. Pin 2 (INA) and pin 4 (INB) accept independent TTL/CMOS inputs, and their respective outputs (pins 7 and 5) respond with opposite or identical polarity as defined by internal circuit architecture.

What is the recommended bypass capacitor configuration for the MAX4428ESA+?

The MAX4428ESA+ requires a 4.7µF low-ESR electrolytic capacitor in parallel with a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor placed as close as possible to pin 6 (VDD) and pin 3 (GND). This dual-capacitor network suppresses high-frequency ringing and sustains >3A peak supply transients during fast gate switching. Layout best practice mandates short, wide traces to a solid ground plane - not daisy-chained or shared with signal grounds - to prevent ground bounce from degrading tD1/tD2 matching.

Can the MAX4428ESA+ drive GaN FETs effectively?

Yes, the MAX4428ESA+ can drive enhancement-mode GaN FETs requiring ≤10V gate drive, provided VDD is set within 4.5V–10V. Its 20ns rise/fall times, 1.5A peak current, and 4Ω output resistance meet typical GaN gate charge (Qg ≈ 1–5nC) requirements at 1–2MHz switching frequencies. However, GaN devices often demand tighter negative turn-off voltage control; the MAX4428ESA+ does not provide active pull-down below GND, so external circuitry may be needed for robust negative biasing.

Is the MAX4428ESA+ pin-compatible with the MAX4427ESA+ or MAX4426ESA+?

No, the MAX4428ESA+, MAX4427ESA+, and MAX4426ESA+ share identical SO-8 pinouts and package dimensions, but differ in internal logic configuration: MAX4426ESA+ is dual inverting, MAX4427ESA+ is dual noninverting, and MAX4428ESA+ is mixed (one inverting, one noninverting). Swapping them requires corresponding input signal reassignment - e.g., connecting both inputs to the same source works for MAX4427ESA+, but would produce opposing outputs with MAX4428ESA+.