Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX660EPA+

Overview

MAX660EPA+ from Maxim Integrated is a CMOS monolithic charge-pump voltage converter that inverts +1.5V to +5.5V input to -1.5V to -5.5V output or doubles input to +3.0V to +11.0V, delivers 100mA output current, features selectable 10kHz/80kHz oscillator frequency via FC pin, and operates across -40°C to +85°C in 8-pin plastic DIP package - ideal for medical instrument bias rails and handheld device dual-supply generation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX660EPA+ datasheet, MAX660EPA+ pinout, MAX660EPA+ application, or MAX660EPA+ equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, temperature-rated package mapping, confirmed inverter/doubler mode operation, real-world efficiency curves at 100mA load, and validated alternatives for low-ESR capacitor-based board-level voltage conversion without inductors.

Technical Context

The MAX660EPA+ implements a two-phase switched-capacitor topology with internal CMOS switches and on-chip oscillator control logic. Its FC pin selects between 10kHz (low quiescent current) and 80kHz (smaller external capacitors) base frequencies, while OSC supports external clock injection or capacitor-tuned adjustment - all maintaining fixed 2× charge-pump duty cycle.

It operates in two distinct modes: inverter mode (LV = GND or open) delivering negative output referenced to GND, and doubler mode (LV = OUT) generating positive output up to 2× VIN; both modes share identical 6.5Ω typical output impedance and require only two external capacitors (C1, C2), with performance directly dependent on capacitor ESR and value.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX660EPA+ uses an 8-pin plastic DIP (0.300″ wide) with standard through-hole mounting and JEDEC MS-001AC footprint. Pin spacing is 0.100″, body width 0.300″, and lead length complies with IPC-7351B DIP-8_TH_300X100_P100.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar charge-pump voltage converter applications.

Compared with MAX660CPA+, the MAX660EPA+ adds guaranteed operation down to -40°C and up to +85°C with no performance derating, while MAX860ESA+ trades 50% output current for ultra-compact packaging and higher-frequency switching - making MAX660EPA+ the optimal choice for robust, high-current, temperature-extended inverter/doubler designs.

Availability

MAX660EPA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical instrumentation, industrial handheld testers, and laptop display subsystems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX660EPA+ 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, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for industrial, medical, and communications applications.

The MAX660EPA+ belongs to Maxim's legacy switched-capacitor voltage converter product line, engineered specifically for inductor-free DC-DC conversion in space- and EMI-constrained systems where reliability across extended temperatures is mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current of the MAX660EPA+?

The MAX660EPA+ delivers 100mA continuous output current into resistive loads when configured in inverter or doubler mode, with output voltage maintained within specification across its full -40°C to +85°C operating range. This rating assumes proper capacitor selection (C1 = C2 = 150µF, ≤0.2Ω ESR) and adequate PCB copper area for thermal dissipation. Derating applies above +70°C ambient per the 9.09mW/°C thermal resistance of the plastic DIP package.

Can the MAX660EPA+ generate both positive and negative outputs simultaneously?

No, the MAX660EPA+ generates either an inverted negative output (LV = GND or open) or a doubled positive output (LV = OUT) - not both simultaneously from a single device. However, two MAX660EPA+ units can be used in parallel: one in inverter mode for -VIN and another in doubler mode for +2VIN, sharing the same V+ input. Cascading or paralleling configurations are documented in the MAX660 datasheet Figures 3 and 4.

What capacitor values and types are recommended for stable MAX660EPA+ operation at 100mA?

For stable 100mA operation, the MAX660EPA+ requires C1 and C2 ≥150µF aluminum electrolytic capacitors with ≤0.2Ω ESR each, such as Sanyo MV-GX or Nichicon PL series. Lower ESR reduces output voltage droop and ripple; ceramic or tantalum capacitors are unsuitable due to insufficient capacitance and excessive ESR at required values. The datasheet explicitly warns against using capacitors with ESR >0.5Ω for C1/C2 at full load.

Is the MAX660EPA+ pin-compatible with the ICL7660?

Yes, the MAX660EPA+ is fully pin-compatible with the ICL7660 in 8-pin DIP and SO packages, sharing identical pinout, basic connections, and functional modes. However, the MAX660EPA+ upgrades output current from 20mA to 100mA, improves efficiency from ~70% to 88% at 100mA, reduces quiescent current to 120µA, and adds FC pin frequency selection - making it a direct drop-in replacement with enhanced performance.

Does the MAX660EPA+ require external components beyond capacitors?

Yes, the MAX660EPA+ requires exactly two external capacitors (C1 and C2) for basic operation - no resistors, diodes, or inductors are needed. C1 serves as the flying capacitor and C2 as the reservoir/output capacitor. Optional components include an external capacitor on OSC for frequency tuning or an external CMOS clock source driving OSC. The FC pin may be left open or tied to V+ - no pull-up/down resistors are required.