Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX4523EGE+

Overview

MAX4523EGE+ from Maxim Integrated is a quad SPST analog switch with two normally open (NO) and two normally closed (NC) channels, designed for rail-to-rail signal routing in low-voltage systems. It features 100Ω max on-resistance at ±5V supplies, 4Ω max channel-to-channel R_ON matching, <1µW power consumption, and >2kV ESD protection - enabling precision signal switching in battery-powered test equipment and avionics interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the MAX4523EGE+ datasheet, MAX4523EGE+ pinout, MAX4523EGE+ application, or MAX4523EGE+ equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, QFN-EP package layout, break-before-make timing for mixed NO/NC operation, TTL/CMOS logic compatibility at +5V, and real-world leakage performance across -40°C to +85°C.

Technical Context

The MAX4523EGE+ uses complementary CMOS switch architecture with independent N- and P-channel MOSFETs per channel, driven by logic-level translators that convert TTL/CMOS inputs into full-rail V+ and V− gate signals. Its dual-supply operation (±2V to ±6V) or single-supply mode (+2V to +12V) sets analog signal limits directly via V+ and V−, while internal ESD diodes clamp overvoltage transients.

Unlike MAX4521 (all-NC) and MAX4522 (all-NO), the MAX4523EGE+ implements a hybrid configuration: IN1/IN4 control NO1/NO4, while IN2/IN3 control NC2/NC3 - requiring explicit break-before-make timing (5–20ns) during state transitions to prevent momentary shorting between NC and NO paths.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX4523EGE+ uses a 16-pin QFN-EP package (4mm × 4mm × 0.9mm, G1644-1) with exposed pad (EP) tied to V+. The thermal pad improves power dissipation and EMI performance in compact layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX4522EGE+, the MAX4523EGE+ provides hybrid NO/NC topology for fail-safe routing, while ADG1412BRUZ offers lower on-resistance at the cost of higher power, no native TTL compatibility, and no pin alignment - making MAX4523EGE+ optimal for drop-in upgrades requiring mixed switching logic.

Availability

MAX4523EGE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-operated equipment, data acquisition systems, and avionics signal conditioning requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX4523EGE+ 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, automotive, and communications markets.

The MAX452x family was engineered for low-voltage, low-leakage analog signal routing in portable and mission-critical systems - emphasizing rail-to-rail operation, ESD robustness, and seamless TTL/CMOS interfacing without external level shifters.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable V+ to V− differential voltage for MAX4523EGE+?

The absolute maximum V+ to V− differential is 13.0V. Exceeding this - even momentarily due to supply overshoot or noise spikes - risks permanent damage. For ±5V nominal supplies (10V differential), ensure ±5% tolerance stays within 13.0V limit; ±6V supplies require tighter regulation or derating to avoid violation. This specification is explicitly defined in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table of the MAX4523EGE+ datasheet.

Does MAX4523EGE+ support single-supply operation below +2.7V?

No. The MAX4523EGE+ is fully specified down to +2.7V for single-supply operation, with R_ON = 600Ω max and guaranteed logic thresholds at that voltage. Operation below +2.7V is not characterized - parameters like on-resistance, leakage, and switching time degrade unpredictably, and input logic thresholds may fall outside TTL/CMOS compatibility. Always maintain V+ ≥ +2.7V for reliable function.

How is the exposed pad (EP) of MAX4523EGE+ connected, and why is it critical?

The exposed pad (EP) of MAX4523EGE+ must be soldered directly to the V+ net on the PCB. It is not a ground or thermal relief pad - it connects internally to the die substrate and V+. Omitting this connection causes excessive junction temperature rise, degraded ESD performance (>2kV fails), and potential latch-up. The MAX4523EGE+ datasheet explicitly states "connect EP to V+" in both Pin Description and Package Information sections.

Can MAX4523EGE+ be used in AC-coupled audio paths without DC bias concerns?

Yes - the MAX4523EGE+ supports true rail-to-rail analog signals from V− to V+, including bipolar AC waveforms centered at any DC offset. Its CMOS switch architecture has no intrinsic DC path; signal integrity depends only on maintaining V+ and V− within absolute ratings. However, ensure external coupling capacitors and bias networks respect the device's 100Ω R_ON and 2pF off-capacitance to avoid high-frequency roll-off.

What defines the break-before-make timing in MAX4523EGE+, and is it programmable?

The break-before-make (t_BBM) timing in MAX4523EGE+ is an inherent property of its internal logic design for hybrid NO/NC channels - it is fixed at 5–20ns (typical 10ns) and not user-programmable. This delay ensures NC2/NC3 disconnect before NO1/NO4 connect during simultaneous control transitions, preventing momentary shorts. No external components or configuration bits affect t_BBM; it is guaranteed across temperature and supply voltage per the MAX4523EGE+ Electrical Characteristics table.