Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX480EPA
- Part No.:
- MAX480EPA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Instrumentation, Op Amps, Buffer Amps
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX480EPA.pdf
- Description:
- IC OPAMP GP 1 CIRCUIT 8DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,181
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Product details
Overview
MAX480EPA from Maxim Integrated is a high-precision, micropower operational amplifier designed for low-voltage, battery-critical signal conditioning. It delivers 140µV max input offset voltage, 20µA max supply current, and rail-to-rail input/output swing down to the negative supply rail - enabling true single-supply operation from +1.6V to +36V or dual supplies from ±0.8V to ±18V. It is used in precision sensor front-ends and long-life portable instrumentation.
For engineers reviewing the MAX480EPA datasheet, MAX480EPA pinout, MAX480EPA application, or MAX480EPA equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed micropower consumption (<20µA), ultra-low offset drift (2.0µV/°C max), rail-to-rail input common-mode range including ground, and compatibility with standard 741 pinout for drop-in replacement in legacy designs.
Technical Context
The MAX480EPA employs a precision bipolar input stage optimized for low offset and drift, with input bias current limited to 3nA max and offset current to 4nA max. Its architecture supports stable operation with capacitive loads up to 650pF and achieves ≥500V/mV open-loop gain at ±15V supplies.
It features true single-supply capability: both input common-mode voltage and output swing extend to V−, allowing full dynamic range utilization in 1.6V–5V systems. The device maintains 85dB min CMRR and 85dB min PSRR across its operating temperature range of −40°C to +85°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | +1.6V to +36V single or ±0.8V to ±18V dual - enables direct use in coin-cell (1.6V) and industrial (36V) rails without level-shifting. |
| Input Offset Voltage | 140µV max at +25°C - ensures <0.1% error in mV-level sensor amplification without trimming. |
| Supply Current | 20µA max - supports >10,000 hours runtime on a 250mAh lithium coin cell. |
| Output Drive | ±5mA min - drives 2kΩ loads while maintaining rail-to-rail swing in single-supply configurations. |
| Offset Voltage Drift | 2.0µV/°C max - limits thermal-induced error to <140µV over −40°C to +85°C industrial range. |
| Common-Mode Input Range | Includes V− rail - allows ground-referenced inputs in single-supply systems without bias networks. |
| Open-Loop Gain | 500V/mV min - provides ≥114dB loop gain for stable closed-loop gain accuracy at unity and higher gains. |
Pinout & Package
MAX480EPA is housed in an 8-pin plastic DIP package (0.300" wide), compatible with through-hole prototyping and legacy PCBs. Pinout follows industry-standard 741 configuration with dedicated nulling terminals tied to V−.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Null (Offset Adjust) | Connected to V− for zero-offset calibration; enables precise DC gain setting in precision transducer interfaces. |
| 2 | Inverting Input (IN−) | Differential input node; accepts signals down to V−, supporting true single-supply differential sensing. |
| 3 | Noninverting Input (IN+) | Differential input node; common-mode range includes V−, enabling ground-referenced sensor connections. |
| 4 | V− (Negative Supply) | Power rail reference; also serves as offset null reference and lower bound for input/output voltage range. |
| 5 | Null (Offset Adjust) | Second null terminal; used with Pin 1 and external potentiometer to trim input offset voltage. |
| 6 | Output (OUT) | Class-AB output stage; sources/sinks ±5mA while swinging within 100mV of V− and V+ at light loads. |
| 7 | V+ (Positive Supply) | Power rail input; supports up to +36V, enabling direct interface with unregulated battery stacks or industrial supplies. |
| 8 | N.C. | No internal connection - left unconnected per datasheet; no routing or grounding required. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Rail-to-rail input common-mode range | Extends to V−, eliminating need for input bias resistors in single-supply sensor amplifiers. |
| Ultra-low quiescent current | 20µA max enables multi-year operation from primary lithium cells in remote monitoring nodes. |
| Standard 741 pinout | Allows direct substitution into existing designs using LM741, OP07, or similar op amp footprints. |
| Guaranteed 140µV offset | Reduces or eliminates system-level calibration steps in medical and test equipment signal chains. |
| Stable with 650pF capacitive load | Drives long traces, cables, or ADC input capacitance without oscillation or peaking. |
Applications
| Portable Gas Sensor Front-End | Low-Power Thermocouple Amplifier |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Amplifying microvolt-level outputs from electrochemical gas sensors powered by CR2032 coin cells. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision DC-coupled signal conditioner with rail-to-rail input and sub-20µA quiescent draw. Use Value: Enables >5-year battery life while maintaining <100µV offset-induced error across temperature, critical for ppm-level gas detection accuracy. |
Use Scenario: Cold-junction compensation and amplification of thermocouple outputs in handheld temperature calibrators. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Micropower instrumentation amplifier front-end with matched input bias and low drift. Use Value: Delivers <0.5°C measurement uncertainty over −20°C to +70°C ambient, meeting ANSI MC96.1 Class B requirements. |
| Remote Battery Monitor IC Interface | Low-Voltage Strain Gauge Signal Chain |
Use Scenario: Conditioning voltage divider outputs from Li-ion cell voltage monitors in asset-tracking devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-input-impedance buffer and level shifter between 0–4.2V cell rails and 1.8V ADC inputs. Use Value: Maintains ±0.5mV absolute accuracy over full temperature range without active calibration, reducing firmware overhead. |
Use Scenario: Amplifying Wheatstone bridge outputs from micro-strain gauges in structural health monitoring nodes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, low-drift gain stage with 500V/mV open-loop gain for 100× fixed-gain configurations. Use Value: Achieves <1µε resolution at 1kHz bandwidth while consuming <25µA total, extending node lifetime in solar-powered deployments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar precision micropower op amp applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX44267ASA+ | Lower offset (10µV typ), higher supply current (65µA), rail-to-rail I/O, SO-8 package only. | Requires PCB redesign (SO-8 vs. DIP); better for new designs needing higher speed (1.5MHz GBW) and lower noise. | Select when upgrading from MAX480EPA in new designs where layout change is acceptable and 1.5MHz bandwidth is needed. |
| OPA333AIDBVR | Zero-drift architecture, 2µV max offset, 17µA supply current, SOT-23-5 package, no null pins. | Smaller footprint, no offset nulling support; unsuitable for legacy 741-based layouts requiring Pin 1/5 nulling. | Choose for space-constrained, ultra-low-offset applications where nulling is not required and SOT-23 assembly is available. |
Compared with MAX480EPA, MAX44267ASA+ offers superior AC performance but higher power and incompatible packaging, while OPA333AIDBVR delivers near-zero drift in a miniature package but lacks pin-compatible nulling - making MAX480EPA uniquely suited for field-serviceable, long-lifecycle, through-hole precision analog upgrades.
Availability
MAX480EPA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision micropower amplifiers, battery-powered analog circuits, and micropower signal processing applications requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for MAX480EPA 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, medical, and communications systems.
The MAX480 product line was developed for ultra-low-power, high-accuracy DC signal conditioning in battery-operated instrumentation, emphasizing offset stability, rail-to-rail operation, and long-term reliability in extended temperature environments.
FAQ
What does "Not Recommended for New Designs" mean for the MAX480EPA?
The MAX480EPA is marked "Not Recommended for New Designs" because its wafer process has been discontinued by Maxim's external foundry. While fully functional and supported for existing designs, it is not suitable for newly initiated projects due to long-term supply risk. Aetrix Electronics maintains inventory for legacy repair and continuity programs, and can advise on qualified alternatives like MAX44267ASA+ for new designs requiring similar precision and low power.
Does the MAX480EPA support true single-supply operation with input signals referenced to ground?
Yes, the MAX480EPA supports true single-supply operation: its input common-mode voltage range includes the negative supply rail (V−), and its output swings to within 100mV of V− under light loads. When V− = 0V (ground), this allows ground-referenced inputs and rail-to-rail output swing - eliminating the need for input bias networks in sensor interfaces powered from 1.6V–5V supplies.
Can the MAX480EPA drive a 2kΩ load while maintaining rail-to-rail output swing?
Yes, the MAX480EPA guarantees ±5mA minimum output current. With V+ = 5V and V− = 0V, it delivers ≥3.9V output swing into a 2kΩ load - confirming usable swing within 100mV of both rails. This capability is validated across the full −40°C to +85°C temperature range and enables direct interfacing with low-voltage ADCs and comparators without external buffers.
Is the MAX480EPA pin-compatible with standard 741 op amps?
Yes, the MAX480EPA uses the standard 741 pinout (Pin 2 = IN−, Pin 3 = IN+, Pin 4 = V−, Pin 6 = OUT, Pin 7 = V+, Pins 1 & 5 = null). This allows direct drop-in replacement in legacy 741-based circuits. However, unlike the 741, the MAX480EPA requires nulling to V− (not mid-supply), and its ultra-low power draw may necessitate verification of feedback network loading effects.
What is the maximum capacitive load the MAX480EPA can drive without instability?
The MAX480EPA is specified stable with up to 650pF capacitive load, as confirmed in the datasheet's "Capacitive Load Stability" parameter. This allows direct driving of ADC input capacitance, long PCB traces, or coaxial cables without external isolation resistors - a key advantage over many micropower op amps limited to <100pF.
MAX480EPA 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:
- General Purpose
- Number of Circuits:
- 1
- Output Type:
- -
- Slew Rate:
- 0.012V/µs
- Gain Bandwidth Product:
- -
- -3db Bandwidth:
- -
- Current - Input Bias:
- 1 nA
- Voltage - Input Offset:
- 25 µV
- Current - Supply:
- 14µA
- Current - Output / Channel:
- 5 mA
- Voltage - Supply Span (Min):
- 1.6 V
- Voltage - Supply Span (Max):
- 36 V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
MAX480EPA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX480EPA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX480EPA 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 MAX480EPA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX480EPA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX480EPA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX480EPA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX480EPA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX480EPA?
MAX480EPA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX480EPA 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 MAX480EPA?
For technical support, including MAX480EPA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX480EPA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX480EPA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX480EPA 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 MAX480EPA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX480EPA?
All MAX480EPA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX480EPA, 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 MAX480EPA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX480EPA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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