Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6301ESA+

Overview

MAX6301ESA+ from Maxim Integrated is an industrial-grade, low-power microprocessor supervisory circuit with open-drain active-low reset output, adjustable reset threshold (≥1.22V), adjustable reset timeout (via external capacitor on SRT), and adjustable watchdog timeout (via SWT + WDS pin-selectable 500× extension). It operates from +2V to +5.5V and is used in battery-powered medical instruments and embedded controllers requiring brownout immunity and programmable supervision.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6301ESA+ datasheet, MAX6301ESA+ pinout, MAX6301ESA+ application, or MAX6301ESA+ equivalent, key selection considerations include its -40°C to +85°C temperature range, 4µA supply current, guaranteed RESET assertion down to VCC = 1V, power-supply transient immunity, and compatibility with manual reset and wake-up timer configurations.

Technical Context

The MAX6301ESA+ implements a precision voltage-monitoring comparator with 1.22V internal reference, enabling user-defined reset thresholds via external resistor dividers on RESET IN. Its reset timeout is generated by a 500nA current source charging CSRT, while watchdog timing uses an identical current source on SWT, with WDS selecting either normal mode (tWD ≈ 2.67 × CSWT in µs) or extended mode (tWD × 500).

It features dual-mode watchdog control: in extended mode (WDS = VCC), WDI is internally driven to service the timer without external toggling; in normal mode (WDS = GND), WDI requires active µP transitions. The open-drain RESET output supports bidirectional µP reset pins and pull-up flexibility.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6301ESA+ is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package, RoHS-compliant and lead-free, with 1.27mm pitch and standard JEDEC MS-012AC outline.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microprocessor supervisory applications.

Compared with MAX6303ESA+, the MAX6301ESA+ offers lower system-level component count for open-drain interfaces but requires an external pull-up; compared with TPS3808G12DBVR, it trades fixed-threshold simplicity for full adjustability in reset voltage, timeout, and watchdog behavior-critical for multi-rail or ultra-low-power wake-up systems.

Availability

MAX6301ESA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical instrumentation, industrial embedded controllers, and battery-powered intelligent instruments requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX6301ESA+ 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 applications.

The MAX6301–MAX6304 family was designed specifically for low-power microprocessor supervision in space-constrained, battery-operated, and thermally demanding systems-emphasizing adjustability, transient immunity, and flexible reset architecture.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage at which MAX6301ESA+ guarantees RESET assertion?

The MAX6301ESA+ guarantees RESET remains asserted (low) for VCC ≥ 1V. Below 1V, output drive capability declines significantly. This ensures reliable µP initialization during brownout conditions common in battery-powered systems. The device continues functional operation down to VCC = 2V, with full specification compliance across the -40°C to +85°C range.

Can MAX6301ESA+ monitor a 3.3V supply rail instead of VCC?

Yes, MAX6301ESA+ can monitor any voltage rail-including 3.3V-by connecting it to the RESET IN pin via an external resistor divider. The internal 1.22V reference allows setting VRST ≥ 1.22V; for a 3.3V rail, use R1 = 1.7MΩ and R2 = 1MΩ to achieve VRST ≈ 3.32V. The high-impedance input (leakage < ±1nA) prevents loading errors.

How does the WDS pin affect watchdog behavior in MAX6301ESA+?

In MAX6301ESA+, the WDS pin selects watchdog mode: grounded = normal mode (tWD ≈ 2.67 × CSWT in µs); tied to VCC = extended mode (tWD × 500). A WDS transition resets the watchdog timer. In extended mode, WDI may be left unconnected-the internal driver pulses it to prevent timeout-enabling true "set-and-forget" wake-up timing.

What capacitor type is recommended for SRT and SWT connections on MAX6301ESA+?

Ceramic capacitors are recommended for both SRT and SWT pins due to their low leakage (<10nA) and stability. Film or NP0/C0G types are preferred; avoid X7R or Y5V dielectrics, whose voltage/temperature coefficients and leakage can cause timing inaccuracies. Layout best practice: keep traces short, away from digital signals, and avoid probe contact during testing.

Is MAX6301ESA+ pin-compatible with other devices in the MAX6301–MAX6304 family?

Yes, MAX6301ESA+ shares identical 8-pin SO packaging and pinout with MAX6302ESA+, MAX6303ESA+, and MAX6304ESA+. All four variants differ only in reset output polarity (active-low/high) and drive type (open-drain/push-pull); electrical characteristics, timing, and peripheral pin functions (SRT, SWT, WDS, WDI, RESET IN, VCC, GND) are fully interchangeable.