Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX4521EUE+

Overview

MAX4521EUE+ from Maxim Integrated is a quad, low-voltage, normally closed (NC) SPST analog switch IC designed for precision signal routing in battery-powered and mixed-signal systems. It features 100Ω max on-resistance (±5V supplies), 4Ω max channel-to-channel R_ON matching, rail-to-rail analog signal handling (±5V or +2.7V to +12V single supply), and <1µW quiescent power. It is used in audio signal routing, data acquisition front-ends, and avionics I/O conditioning where low leakage and tight resistance matching are critical.

For engineers reviewing the MAX4521EUE+ datasheet, MAX4521EUE+ pinout, MAX4521EUE+ application, or MAX4521EUE+ equivalent, key selection criteria include NC configuration per channel, -40°C to +85°C extended temperature operation, TSSOP-16 package compatibility with DG211 footprint, and verified 1nA COM off-leakage at +25°C - all essential for low-power, high-fidelity analog switching designs.

Technical Context

The MAX4521EUE+ implements four independent CMOS transmission gates with complementary N- and P-channel MOSFETs driven by logic-level translators, enabling rail-to-rail analog conduction without ground reference. Its dual-supply architecture (±2V to ±6V) or single-supply operation (+2.7V to +12V) sets analog voltage limits via V+ and V−, while internal ESD diodes clamp signals exceeding those rails.

Each NC switch connects COM to NC when IN = 0V and opens when IN = logic high; input thresholds (0.8V/2.4V) ensure TTL/CMOS compatibility across supply configurations. The device achieves <15pC charge injection and >90dB off-isolation at 100kHz, supporting high-accuracy sampling and low-crosstalk multiplexing in 50Ω systems up to 50MHz.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX4521EUE+ is housed in a 16-pin TSSOP (U16-2) package, 4.4mm body width, with exposed pad connected to V+. Pin 1 is NC1 (normally closed terminal for Switch 1); pins 2–4, 7–8, 10–12, 14–16 serve analog and control functions as defined below.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar analog switch applications.

Compared with MAX4522EUE+, the MAX4521EUE+ provides fail-safe NC continuity without external pull-downs; versus ADG1411BRUZ, it delivers superior leakage performance at lower supply voltages but lacks high-voltage tolerance - making it optimal for portable, low-power, precision analog routing.

Availability

MAX4521EUE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-operated equipment, data acquisition systems, and avionics sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX4521EUE+ 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 high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, communications, and consumer applications.

The MAX4521/MAX4522/MAX4523 family was engineered for low-voltage, low-leakage analog signal routing in space-constrained, power-sensitive systems - emphasizing rail-to-rail operation, tight R_ON matching, and robust ESD protection without sacrificing speed.

FAQ

What is the default switch state of MAX4521EUE+?

The MAX4521EUE+ is a normally closed (NC) analog switch: each channel conducts between COM and NC when its IN pin is at logic low (≤0.8V). When IN rises above 2.4V, the switch opens. This default-closed behavior provides inherent signal continuity during power-up or controller reset - a key safety feature in MAX4521EUE+ deployments like avionics monitoring circuits.

Does MAX4521EUE+ support single-supply operation at +3.3V?

Yes, MAX4521EUE+ is fully specified for single +2.7V operation. At +3.3V supply, typical on-resistance is ~250Ω (max 500Ω), turn-on time is ≤300ns, and logic thresholds remain compatible (0.8V/2.4V). This makes MAX4521EUE+ suitable for modern 3.3V microcontroller-based data loggers where low standby current (<1µA) and rail-to-rail analog swing are required.

How does the exposed pad on MAX4521EUE+ function?

The exposed pad (EP) on the MAX4521EUE+ TSSOP package must be soldered and electrically connected to V+. It serves as an internal substrate connection and thermal path - improving thermal dissipation and ensuring proper CMOS switch biasing. Leaving EP floating or grounding it violates the MAX4521EUE+ absolute maximum ratings and may cause latch-up or parametric shift.

Can MAX4521EUE+ handle bipolar analog signals without external level-shifting?

Yes - when powered with dual supplies (e.g., V+ = +5V, V− = −5V), MAX4521EUE+ supports true bipolar analog signals from −5V to +5V on all COM/NC pins. The internal CMOS topology requires no ground reference for analog paths, enabling direct interface with op-amps, transducers, and ADCs operating across symmetric rails - a core capability confirmed in MAX4521EUE+ electrical characteristics tables.

Is MAX4521EUE+ pin-compatible with industry-standard DG211?

Yes, MAX4521EUE+ is explicitly documented as pin-compatible with DG211 in its datasheet Features section. Both use identical TSSOP-16 pinouts for NC/COM/IN assignments, allowing direct replacement without PCB modification. However, MAX4521EUE+ offers lower leakage (1nA vs. DG211's 5nA), tighter R_ON matching (4Ω vs. 10Ω), and enhanced ESD protection (>2kV vs. 2kV), making it a functional upgrade.