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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX472CPA
- Part No.:
- MAX472CPA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX472CPA.pdf
- Description:
- IC CURRENT SENSE 1 CIRCUIT 8DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,595
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Product details
Overview
MAX472CPA from Maxim Integrated is a precision bidirectional high-side current-sense amplifier designed for battery/DC power-line monitoring in portable systems. It features external sense and gain-setting resistors, 3V–36V supply operation, ±2% output current accuracy over temperature, and an open-collector SIGN output indicating charge/discharge direction. It is used in smart battery packs and cellular phones for real-time load-current measurement without ground-path interference.
For engineers reviewing the MAX472CPA datasheet, MAX472CPA pinout, MAX472CPA application, or MAX472CPA equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact pin functions, real-world design meaning of specifications, and two confirmed alternative parts - all grounded in Maxim's official documentation and electrical characteristics for the MAX472CPA variant.
Technical Context
The MAX472CPA implements a dual-amplifier topology with external RSENSE, RG1, and RG2 to enable flexible high-side sensing across wide current ranges. Its current-output architecture (IOUT ∝ |ILOAD|) and independent SIGN comparator allow simultaneous magnitude and polarity detection without ground-referencing compromises.
It operates with VCC referenced to either side of the external sense resistor, supports shutdown mode (<18µA ICC), and maintains 0.1%/V PSRR up to 100kHz. The device requires no internal sense resistor and achieves ±2% full-scale accuracy at 0°C to +70°C per its C-grade specification.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | 3V to 36V - powers from battery or system rail without level-shifting; supports automotive and industrial DC inputs. |
| Output Current Accuracy | ±2% (MAX472C grade) - ensures reliable current reporting for battery fuel gauging and overcurrent protection logic. |
| Shutdown Supply Current | ≤18µA - enables ultra-low-power sleep modes in portable devices during standby or idle states. |
| Power-Supply Rejection Ratio | 0.1%/V - suppresses supply ripple effects on IOUT, critical for stable readings in noisy DC-DC environments. |
| SIGN Threshold Voltage | 60µV to 140µV (typical) - detects low-level current reversal (e.g., <10mA load shift), enabling precise charge/discharge state transitions. |
| Input Offset Voltage | 140µV max - limits baseline error in low-current sensing (e.g., µA–mA range battery leakage monitoring). |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C - validated for commercial portable electronics including notebooks and cellular handsets. |
Pinout & Package
MAX472CPA uses an 8-pin plastic DIP package with through-hole mounting and standard 0.3-inch width. Pin 1 (SHDN) controls power-down; pins 2–3 (RS+) and 6–7 (RS−) are internally bonded pairs for high-current routing; pin 4 (GND) serves as reference return; pin 5 (SIGN) is open-collector; pin 8 (OUT) delivers proportional current output.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| SHDN (Pin 1) | Shutdown control input | Active-high logic: pull to VCC (>2.4V) disables device and reduces supply current to ≤18µA. |
| RS+ (Pins 2, 3) | Battery/power-source side terminal | Internally bonded pair; connects to high-side of external sense resistor - must be routed with low-inductance, high-current traces. |
| RG1 (Pin 6) | Gain-setting resistor input (positive) | Connects to battery side of RSENSE via external resistor; sets current-gain ratio with RG2. |
| RG2 (Pin 7) | Gain-setting resistor input (negative) | Connects to load/charger side of RSENSE; matched with RG1 to maintain polarity-sensitive gain stability. |
| SIGN (Pin 5) | Current-direction indicator | Open-collector output sinks current when VSENSE < 0 (discharge); requires external pull-up for logic interfacing. |
| OUT (Pin 8) | Proportional current output | High-impedance current source (IOUT = (RSENSE × ILOAD)/RG); converts to voltage with single ROUT to GND. |
| GND (Pin 4) | Reference ground | Return path for SIGN pull-up and ROUT; must be star-connected to minimize ground-loop errors in high-accuracy apps. |
| VCC (Pin ?) | Power supply input | Not present on MAX472CPA - powered via RS+ and RS− terminals; VCC pin exists only on SO-package variants per functional diagram. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional high-side sensing | Enables charge/discharge monitoring without breaking ground paths - essential for "smart" battery systems with integrated chargers. |
| External sense resistor support | Allows scalable current measurement from 100mA to >10A using custom RSENSE values (e.g., 5mΩ–500mΩ), unlike fixed-resistor MAX471. |
| 1.5mA max output current limit | Prevents saturation and ensures linear response up to full-scale loads when paired with appropriate ROUT and RG selection. |
| Low quiescent current | 100µA max operating supply current minimizes parasitic drain on battery-powered systems during active monitoring. |
| Wide common-mode voltage range | Supports sensing in 36V systems while maintaining accuracy - suitable for 24V industrial backup supplies and 12V automotive accessories. |
Applications
| Smart Battery Packs | Cellular Phones |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Real-time battery current tracking during charging cycles and system load transients in Li-ion battery management units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side current sensor providing isolated magnitude and polarity feedback to fuel gauge MCU without compromising charger ground integrity. Use Value: Enables accurate state-of-charge estimation and overcurrent cutoff at ±2% error, directly supporting JEITA-compliant thermal charge control. |
Use Scenario: Monitoring RF power amplifier current draw and baseband processor load shifts during call setup and data transmission bursts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bidirectional analog front-end that feeds instantaneous current data to PMIC for dynamic power budgeting and thermal throttling decisions. Use Value: Delivers sub-10ms transient response (15µs settling time) to detect fast load changes, preventing brownouts during LTE/Wi-Fi coexistence events. |
| Notebook Power Management | Portable Test Equipment |
Use Scenario: Measuring total system current drawn from main battery during CPU/GPU boost states and USB-C PD negotiation sequences. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-common-mode current monitor interfaced to ADC via 2kΩROUT, delivering 1V/A scaling for direct microcontroller interpretation. Use Value: Maintains ±2% accuracy across 0°C–70°C ambient, enabling reliable battery life prediction and adaptive performance scaling in fanless designs. |
Use Scenario: Precision current sourcing/sinking verification in handheld multimeters and portable oscilloscope current probes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reference-grade current transducer with 140µV offset and 0.1%/V PSRR, used to calibrate shunt-based measurement channels. Use Value: Supports traceable 0.1% full-scale calibration down to 100mA with external 50mΩRSENSE and matched 200ΩRG resistors. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-side current-sense amplifier applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX472CSA | Same electrical specs but in 8-pin SO package - smaller footprint, surface-mount compatible, identical pinout except VCC pin placement differs in SO layout. | Preferred for space-constrained PCBs; requires reflow-compatible layout; thermal performance differs due to SO package dissipation rating (471mW vs. 727mW for DIP). | Select MAX472CSA when board area is limited and SMT assembly is used; verify copper pour and thermal relief for RS+/RS− pads match SO thermal requirements. |
| INA219BIDR | Integrated I²C digital output, internal 0.1Ω shunt, 12-bit ADC, 26V max common-mode - no external RG/RSENSE needed but lacks SIGN output and true high-side isolation above 26V. | Suitable for microcontroller-based systems requiring digital bus interface and auto-ranging; not drop-in for analog-signaling or >26V applications like 36V industrial battery packs. | Choose INA219BIDR for new designs needing digital integration and reduced BOM count; avoid where analog SIGN polarity signaling or >26V operation is required. |
Compared with MAX472CPA, MAX472CSA offers identical functionality in a compact SO package ideal for modern layouts, while INA219BIDR replaces analog signal chain complexity with digital convenience at the cost of voltage range and discrete polarity signaling - making MAX472CPA uniquely suited for legacy analog battery monitors and 36V-capable portable equipment.
Availability
MAX472CPA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart battery packs, cellular phone power management, and notebook energy monitoring requiring stable component supply amid end-of-life transitions.
Supply support for MAX472CPA 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 and mixed-signal ICs for power, sensing, and connectivity in portable, industrial, and communications systems.
The MAX471/MAX472 product line was engineered specifically for high-side current monitoring in battery-powered equipment - prioritizing ground-path independence, low quiescent current, and bidirectional polarity detection without external op-amps or level shifters.
FAQ
What is the maximum continuous sense current supported by the MAX472CPA?
The MAX472CPA does not specify a fixed maximum RMS sense current like the MAX471 (±3A), because it relies on external RSENSE. Its safe operating limit depends on RSENSE power rating and thermal design. With a 10mΩ resistor at 10A, power dissipation is 1W - requiring adequate copper area. The device itself supports VSENSE up to ±0.3V differential, implying up to ±30A with 10mΩ, provided layout and heatsinking prevent junction overheating beyond 150°C.
Does the MAX472CPA have an internal current-sense resistor?
No, the MAX472CPA does not include an internal sense resistor. Unlike the MAX471CPA, it requires external RSENSE, RG1, and RG2 to set gain and sensing range. This design provides flexibility for custom current ranges and thermal management - for example, using low-TCR metal foil resistors or PCB traces - and avoids fixed 35mΩ limitations inherent in the MAX471.
How does the SIGN output indicate current direction in the MAX472CPA?
In the MAX472CPA, the SIGN output goes low when the voltage across the external sense resistor (VSENSE = VRG1 − VRG2) is negative - i.e., current flows from load/charger toward battery (discharge). It remains high-impedance when SHDN is asserted, and requires an external pull-up resistor (e.g., 100kΩ to logic supply) to generate a valid logic level. Its threshold is specified at 60µV to 140µV, enabling detection of sub-10mA reversals.
Can the MAX472CPA operate from a 3.3V supply?
Yes, the MAX472CPA operates from 3V to 36V, so 3.3V is fully supported. At 3.3V, the OUT output compliance is reduced to VOUT ≤ VCC − 1.5V = 1.8V, limiting full-scale voltage range. For 1V/A scaling, maximum measurable current drops to ~1.8A. Also, SIGN switching margin narrows slightly, but remains functional per datasheet curves showing stable behavior down to 3V across temperature.
Is the MAX472CPA pin-compatible with the MAX471CPA?
No, the MAX472CPA is not pin-compatible with the MAX471CPA. While both use 8-pin DIP packages and share RS+, RS−, SIGN, OUT, GND, and SHDN pin positions, the MAX472CPA repurposes pins 6 and 7 as RG1 and RG2 inputs (not RS− duplicates), and lacks the internal RSENSE connection. MAX471CPA bonds pins 6–7 together as RS−; MAX472CPA uses them independently - requiring different PCB layout and external resistor routing.
MAX472CPA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Amplifier Type:
- Current Sense
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Output Type:
- -
- Slew Rate:
- -
- Gain Bandwidth Product:
- -
- -3db Bandwidth:
- -
- Current - Input Bias:
- 20 µA
- Voltage - Input Offset:
- 120 µV
- Current - Supply:
- 20µA
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 1.5 mA
- Voltage - Supply Span (Min):
- 3 V
- Voltage - Supply Span (Max):
- 36 V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
MAX472CPA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX472CPA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX472CPA on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX472CPA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX472CPA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX472CPA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX472CPA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX472CPA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX472CPA?
MAX472CPA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX472CPA order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX472CPA?
For technical support, including MAX472CPA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX472CPA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX472CPA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX472CPA products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX472CPA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX472CPA?
All MAX472CPA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX472CPA, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX472CPA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX472CPA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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