Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX4602EWE+

Overview

MAX4602EWE+ from Maxim Integrated is a quad, single-pole single-throw (SPST), normally open (NO) analog switch IC designed for precision signal routing in industrial and test equipment. It delivers 2.5Ω maximum on-resistance, 0.4Ω typical on-resistance match between channels, rail-to-rail analog signal handling (±15V dual or +12V single supply), and only 2.5nA max off-leakage at +85°C. It replaces electromechanical relays in automatic test equipment where low distortion and high reliability are required.

For engineers reviewing the MAX4602EWE+ datasheet, MAX4602EWE+ pinout, MAX4602EWE+ application, or MAX4602EWE+ equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed R_ON flatness (0.4Ω max over ±10V signal range), TTL/CMOS-compatible logic thresholds (+0.8V/+2.4V), -40°C to +85°C operating temperature, and 16-pin Wide SO package compatibility with automated PCB assembly.

Technical Context

The MAX4602EWE+ implements four independent CMOS SPST NO switches with matched channel characteristics and symmetric analog signal paths. Its architecture supports both single-supply (+4.5V to +36V) and dual-supply (±4.5V to ±20V) operation, with dedicated VL pin enabling logic-level independence from analog rails.

All four switches share common V+, V-, GND, and VL connections while maintaining isolated COM/NO paths. Control inputs exhibit guaranteed 0.8V low and 2.4V high logic thresholds across full temperature range, ensuring robust interfacing with microcontrollers and FPGAs without level-shifting circuitry.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX4602EWE+ uses a 16-pin Wide SO (SOIC-W) package with standard 0.3-inch body width and 1.27mm pitch. The package is RoHS-compliant, surface-mountable, and rated for -40°C to +85°C operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX4602EWE+, ADG1412BRUZ offers lower R_ON but demands PCB redesign and loses VL-based logic/analog rail decoupling, while TS5A3157DCKR cannot support the required ±15V analog range or quad-channel count-making MAX4602EWE+ uniquely suited for industrial relay-replacement and wide-supply test equipment.

Availability

MAX4602EWE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automatic test equipment, avionics signal conditioning, and audio routing applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX4602EWE+ 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 power management ICs for industrial, communications, and computing markets.

The MAX460x family was designed specifically for high-fidelity, wide-supply analog switching in mission-critical instrumentation and test systems-emphasizing R_ON matching, rail-to-rail operation, and robust logic interface.

FAQ

What is the maximum analog signal voltage range supported by the MAX4602EWE+?

The MAX4602EWE+ supports rail-to-rail analog signals from V− to V+. With dual supplies of ±15V, it handles ±15V signals; with a single +12V supply (V− = GND), it supports 0V to +12V. Absolute maximum ratings allow V+ to +44V and V− to -44V, but operational signal range is bounded by the applied supply rails. This makes MAX4602EWE+ suitable for industrial control and test equipment with wide dynamic range requirements.

Does the MAX4602EWE+ require external level-shifting circuitry when interfaced with a 3.3V microcontroller?

No. The MAX4602EWE+ features fixed TTL/CMOS-compatible logic thresholds of +0.8V (low) and +2.4V (high), which are fully compatible with 3.3V logic outputs. Its VL pin allows independent logic supply referencing, so a 3.3V controller can directly drive IN1–IN4 without level shifters-even when analog supplies are ±15V. This simplifies design and improves noise immunity in mixed-voltage systems using MAX4602EWE+.

Can the MAX4602EWE+ be used in a single-supply configuration with V− tied to GND?

Yes. The MAX4602EWE+ explicitly supports single-supply operation: tie V− to GND, apply V+ between +4.5V and +36V, and route analog signals from 0V to V+. All specifications-including 2.5Ω R_ON, 0.4Ω match, and 2.5nA leakage-are guaranteed under this configuration. The VL pin may be tied to the same supply as the controller (e.g., 3.3V or 5V) to maintain proper logic thresholds. This mode is widely used in portable test instruments and industrial PLC I/O modules with MAX4602EWE+.

How does the on-resistance flatness specification impact signal fidelity in precision applications?

The MAX4602EWE+ guarantees R_ON flatness of ≤0.4Ω over the full ±10V analog signal range. This means the switch's resistance changes by less than 0.4Ω as the signal swings-critical for minimizing harmonic distortion and gain nonlinearity in audio routing, sensor multiplexing, and precision DAC output switching. In a 10kΩ load circuit, this translates to <0.004% gain variation, preserving signal integrity far better than mechanical relays or older analog switches. This performance is validated in MAX4602EWE+ datasheet Figure toc10 and toc11.

Is the MAX4602EWE+ pin-compatible with other members of the MAX460x family, such as the MAX4601EWE+ or MAX4603EWE+?

Yes-MAX4602EWE+, MAX4601EWE+, and MAX4603EWE+ share identical 16-pin Wide SO packages and pinouts. The only functional difference is switch type: MAX4601EWE+ has four normally closed (NC) switches, MAX4602EWE+ has four normally open (NO), and MAX4603EWE+ has two NC + two NO. This allows hardware reuse across designs requiring different default states, provided firmware logic accounts for inverted control behavior. All three variants maintain identical electrical specs and thermal characteristics in the MAX4602EWE+ footprint.