My Inquiry
My Account
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX472EPA
- Part No.:
- MAX472EPA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX472EPA.pdf
- Description:
- IC CURRENT SENSE 1 CIRCUIT 8DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,329
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
MAX472EPA from Maxim Integrated is a precision, high-side current-sense amplifier designed for bidirectional battery/DC power-line monitoring in portable and energy-critical systems. It features external sense and gain-setting resistors, operates from 3V to 36V, delivers ±2.5% output current accuracy over temperature, and includes an open-collector SIGN output for charge/discharge direction detection. It is used in smart battery packs and portable test equipment requiring stable, ground-referred voltage conversion of sensed current.
For engineers reviewing the MAX472EPA datasheet, MAX472EPA pinout, MAX472EPA application, or MAX472EPA equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, exact pin functions, real-world design meaning of specifications, validated alternative options, and supply support for legacy-design continuity and industrial replacement planning.
Technical Context
The MAX472EPA implements a dual-amplifier topology with separate paths for forward and reverse current flow through external RSENSE, using RG1 and RG2 to set gain. Its current-output architecture (IOUT ∝ |ILOAD|) enables scalable voltage conversion via a single ROUT resistor while maintaining high-impedance output compliance up to VCC − 1.5V.
It integrates a dedicated SIGN comparator that sinks current when VSENSE < 0 (discharge mode for battery systems), with threshold specified at ±60µV typical and ±140µV max. Shutdown mode reduces supply current to ≤18µA, disabling OUT and placing SIGN in high-impedance state.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | 3V to 36V - supports wide-input battery and industrial DC bus monitoring without level-shifting. |
| Output Current Accuracy | ±2.5% over −40°C to +85°C - ensures reliable charge/discharge quantification across full industrial temperature range. |
| SIGN Threshold Voltage | ±60µV typ, ±140µV max - detects sub-mA current reversal with minimal hysteresis, critical for low-power smart battery state tracking. |
| Shutdown Supply Current | ≤18µA - enables ultra-low-power sleep modes in always-on portable instrumentation. |
| Input Offset Voltage | 140µV max - limits baseline error in low-current sensing (e.g., <100mA) where VSENSE ≈ mV-level. |
| PSRR | 0.1%/V - rejects supply ripple-induced measurement drift, essential for noisy DC bus environments. |
| Max Output Current | 1.5mA - defines upper limit on IOUT, constraining minimum RG value for given VSENSE (RG ≥ VSENSE / 1.5mA). |
Pinout & Package
MAX472EPA is housed in an 8-pin plastic DIP package rated for −40°C to +85°C operation. Pin 1 is SHDN; pins 2–3 are RS+ (battery/power side); pins 6–7 are RS− (load/charger side); pin 4 is GND; pin 5 is SIGN; pin 8 is OUT; pins labeled RG1 and RG2 are internal connection points for external gain resistors; VCC is pin 3 in SO variant but internally tied to RS+ in DIP - per MAX472 DIP pinout, VCC is not a separate pin and RS+ serves as power input.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| SHDN (Pin 1) | Active-low shutdown control | Pulling low enables normal operation; high disables OUT and places SIGN in high-Z, reducing ICC to ≤18µA. |
| RS+ (Pins 2, 3) | Battery/power-side sense node | Connects to positive terminal of external RSENSE; supplies operating power to device (no separate VCC pin in DIP). |
| RS− (Pins 6, 7) | Load/charger-side sense node | Completes current path through RSENSE; referenced to GND for output scaling; must be soldered to large copper for thermal dissipation. |
| GND (Pin 4) | Analog ground reference | Return path for OUT current and SIGN pull-up; requires star-ground layout to avoid IR-drop errors in high-current systems. |
| SIGN (Pin 5) | Open-collector direction indicator | Sinks current when ILOAD flows from RS− to RS+ (discharge); floats or pulled up for logic interface; no internal pull-up. |
| OUT (Pin 8) | High-impedance current output | Delivers IOUT = (RSENSE × ILOAD)/RG; converts to ground-referred voltage with single ROUT to GND (e.g., 2kΩ → 1V/A). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Bidirectional high-side sensing | Enables current monitoring without breaking ground return - preserves integrity of battery charger ICs, thermistors, and fuel gauges in smart battery packs. |
| External RSENSE and RG selection | Supports custom full-scale ranges from 100mA to 10A (per Table 1), allowing optimization of voltage drop, accuracy, and power loss for each application. |
| 1.5mA max IOUT with 3MΩ output impedance | Permits paralleling multiple MAX472EPA outputs for higher-current summing or integration into capacitive loads without loading error. |
| 18µA shutdown current | Reduces system standby power in portable devices - e.g., extends runtime of handheld test meters between measurements. |
| −40°C to +85°C operating range | Validated for use in automotive cabin modules, industrial battery backup units, and outdoor portable instrumentation. |
Applications
| Smart Battery Packs | Portable Test Equipment |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Monitoring charge/discharge cycles and health metrics in Li-ion battery packs with embedded fuel gauges. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-side current sensor providing bidirectional ILOAD data to microcontroller-based gas gauge ICs. Use Value: Enables accurate coulomb counting and state-of-charge estimation without compromising ground-referenced charger or protection circuit operation. |
Use Scenario: Measuring load current during calibration and functional testing of handheld multimeters and portable oscilloscopes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision analog front-end element converting sensed current to stable voltage for ADC digitization. Use Value: Delivers ±2.5% accuracy over full temperature range, eliminating need for per-unit gain trimming in production test fixtures. |
| Energy Management Systems | Cellular Base Station Power Modules |
Use Scenario: Real-time DC bus current monitoring in solar charge controllers and UPS inverters with battery backup. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fault-detection sensor feeding overcurrent alerts and load-balancing logic in embedded power management firmware. Use Value: SIGN output provides immediate hardware-level direction flag for charge/discharge arbitration, reducing MCU polling overhead. |
Use Scenario: Monitoring 48V DC feed current to remote radio units in distributed antenna systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-voltage-tolerant current monitor interfaced to isolated ADC via ROUT and optocoupler. Use Value: 36V max supply rating and 0.1%/V PSRR ensure stable readings despite telecom-grade supply ripple and transient noise. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| INA240A1QDRQ1 | Voltage-output architecture; 80V common-mode range; integrated 20ppm/°C gain resistor; ±0.5% initial gain error. | Designed for automotive AEC-Q100 Grade 1; supports higher bus voltages (e.g., 48V EV subsystems) and tighter accuracy requirements. | Select when upgrading from legacy designs needing improved accuracy, wider common-mode range, or automotive qualification - requires PCB redesign due to different pinout and voltage-output interface. |
| LTC6101BCS5#TRMPBF | Current-output like MAX472EPA but with rail-to-rail output swing; 60V supply rating; ±1% gain error; no SIGN output. | Optimized for high-voltage industrial power supplies; lacks direction indication, requiring external comparator for bidirectional use. | Select when high-side sensing above 36V is needed and direction detection can be implemented externally - retains current-output compatibility but omits SIGN functionality. |
Compared with MAX472EPA, INA240A1QDRQ1 offers superior accuracy and automotive qualification but requires voltage-interface redesign, while LTC6101BCS5#TRMPBF extends voltage range and simplifies output scaling yet removes integrated direction sensing - both demand layout changes and firmware adaptation.
Availability
MAX472EPA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart battery packs, portable test equipment, energy management systems, and cellular base station power modules requiring stable component supply for legacy design support and long-lifecycle industrial programs.
Supply support for MAX472EPA 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 analog and mixed-signal ICs for power, sensing, and communication applications.
The MAX472EPA belongs to Maxim's precision current-sense amplifier product line, engineered specifically for high-side, bidirectional monitoring in battery-powered and energy-constrained systems where ground-path integrity is critical.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the MAX472EPA?
The MAX472EPA is specified for operation from −40°C to +85°C. This extended industrial temperature range makes it suitable for deployment in harsh environments such as automotive cabin modules, outdoor portable instrumentation, and industrial battery backup units. The "E" suffix explicitly denotes this grade, distinguishing it from the "C" (0°C to +70°C) and "A" (−40°C to +85°C with tighter initial accuracy) variants. All electrical characteristics in the datasheet are guaranteed across this full range.
Does the MAX472EPA require a separate VCC pin?
No, the MAX472EPA does not have a dedicated VCC pin in its 8-pin DIP package. Power is supplied through the RS+ pins (2 and 3), which connect directly to the positive terminal of the external sense resistor. This eliminates the need for an auxiliary supply rail and simplifies layout in high-side configurations. The SO-package version does include a VCC pin, but the MAX472EPA DIP variant uses RS+ as the sole power input - confirmed by the pin configuration diagram and "VCC = RS+" note in the datasheet.
How is bidirectional current direction indicated on the MAX472EPA?
The MAX472EPA uses its open-collector SIGN output (Pin 5) to indicate current direction: a low state (sinking current) signifies current flow from RS− to RS+ (e.g., battery discharge), while a high-impedance or pulled-high state indicates flow from RS+ to RS− (e.g., battery charge). The threshold is defined by VSENSE polarity, with typical switching at ±60µV. A 100kΩ pull-up resistor to the logic supply is required for proper interfacing, and SIGN remains inactive (high-Z) during shutdown.
Can the MAX472EPA be used with very low sense voltages?
Yes, the MAX472EPA supports low VSENSE operation down to ±5mV, as validated in typical operating characteristics (Figure MAX471-10). However, accuracy degrades below ~10mV due to input offset voltage (140µV max) and bias-current effects. For 100mA full-scale sensing with a 10mΩ RSENSE, VSENSE = 1mV - too low for reliable measurement. Use ≥50mΩ RSENSE or higher full-scale current to maintain usable signal-to-error ratio. The device's ±2.5% accuracy spec assumes VSENSE ≥ 100mV per the Electrical Characteristics table.
Is the MAX472EPA pin-compatible with the MAX471 series?
No, the MAX472EPA is not pin-compatible with the MAX471 series. While both share the same 8-pin DIP/SO footprint and identical RS+, RS−, GND, SIGN, OUT, and SHDN pin assignments, the MAX472EPA lacks internal RSENSE and requires external RG1/RG2 connections - which are NC on MAX471. In the MAX472EPA DIP, pins labeled RG1 and RG2 are internal bond pads, not accessible terminals; functional connectivity differs fundamentally. Interchanging them without circuit redesign will result in non-operation or damage.
MAX472EPA 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:
- 140 µV
- Current - Supply:
- 20µA
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 1.5 mA
- Voltage - Supply Span (Min):
- 3 V
- Voltage - Supply Span (Max):
- 36 V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
MAX472EPA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX472EPA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX472EPA 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 MAX472EPA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX472EPA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX472EPA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX472EPA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX472EPA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX472EPA?
MAX472EPA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX472EPA 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 MAX472EPA?
For technical support, including MAX472EPA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX472EPA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX472EPA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX472EPA 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 MAX472EPA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX472EPA?
All MAX472EPA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX472EPA, 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 MAX472EPA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX472EPA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX472EPA Tags
-
LM358DT
STMicroelectronics
-
LM358DR
Texas Instruments
-
LM2904DR
Texas Instruments
-
LM358ADR
Texas Instruments
-
LM2904DGKR
Texas Instruments
-
LM324DR
Texas Instruments
-
MCP6006T-E/OT
Microchip Technology
-
MCP6006UT-E/OT
Microchip Technology
-
LM324PWR
Texas Instruments
-
LM2902PWR
Texas Instruments
-
LM2902DR
Texas Instruments
-
LM358P
Texas Instruments
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
