Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6888AETE+

Overview

The MAX6888AETE+ from Maxim Integrated is a quad-voltage, overvoltage/undervoltage supervisory IC with watchdog timer functionality, designed for multivoltage system monitoring in telecom and server applications. It features four factory-set voltage-detector inputs (IN1–IN4 = 4.62V/3.06V/2.31V/1.67V UV thresholds), ±1% threshold accuracy, 180ms minimum reset timeout, and active-low open-drain RESET/OV/WDO outputs.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6888AETE+ datasheet, MAX6888AETE+ pinout, MAX6888AETE+ application, or MAX6888AETE+ equivalent, this device delivers precise supply monitoring across four rails, integrated watchdog supervision with 102.4s initial and 1.6s normal timeout periods, and robust noise immunity via internal hysteresis and external bypassing requirements.

Technical Context

The MAX6888AETE+ implements independent undervoltage and overvoltage detection per input using precision reference-based comparators with 0.3% hysteresis and 10ppm/°C tempco. Its virtual diode-OR power architecture selects the highest of IN1–IN4 (≥2.7V) to internally generate VCC and BP (2.55V nominal), eliminating need for external bias.

Watchdog operation uses dual-mode timing: initial 102.4s timeout enables µP initialization, followed by 1.6s normal timeout requiring WDI edge transitions. RESET asserts on any UV condition or MR low, remains active for 200ms after fault clearance, while OV deasserts after 25µs post-OV clearance - all outputs are open-drain with 0.4V VOL at 4mA sink.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6888AETE+ is housed in a 5mm × 5mm × 0.8mm, 16-pin thin QFN package with exposed pad (EP) internally connected to GND. The package supports reflow soldering and provides low thermal resistance for industrial temperature operation (-40°C to +85°C).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar power-supply supervisory applications.

Compared with MAX6887AETE+, the MAX6888AETE+ reduces pin count and layout complexity for four-rail systems, while TPS3808G33DBVR offers lower unit cost but sacrifices multi-rail visibility, overvoltage protection, and watchdog functionality essential for telecom and server platforms.

Availability

MAX6888AETE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telecom infrastructure, server motherboard design, and network switch fabric cards requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX6888AETE+ 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 high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for demanding industrial, communications, and computing applications.

The MAX6888AETE+ belongs to Maxim's power-supply supervisory product line, engineered specifically for multivoltage system integrity in telecom, networking, and enterprise computing equipment where simultaneous rail monitoring and watchdog supervision are mandatory.

FAQ

What voltage thresholds does the MAX6888AETE+ monitor?

The MAX6888AETE+ monitors four factory-set voltage rails: IN1 at 4.62V UV / 5.36V OV, IN2 at 3.06V UV / 3.54V OV, IN3 at 2.31V UV / 2.68V OV, and IN4 at 1.67V UV / 1.93V OV. These values are specified in Table 2 of the datasheet and reflect ±1% accuracy at +25°C, with ±1.5% tolerance over the full -40°C to +85°C operating range. No external resistors are needed for these fixed thresholds.

How does the watchdog timer function in the MAX6888AETE+?

The MAX6888AETE+ watchdog timer operates in two phases: an initial 102.4s timeout period after power-up or reset, followed by a normal 1.6s timeout requiring WDI edge transitions. If WDI fails to toggle within the active timeout window, WDO asserts low. Connecting WDO to MR generates an automatic reset pulse, leveraging the MAX6888AETE+'s built-in 200ms reset timeout for guaranteed processor recovery.

Can the MAX6888AETE+ be powered from a dedicated supply instead of monitored rails?

Yes - the MAX6888AETE+ can be powered via the VCC pin with an external 2.7V–5.8V supply, provided it is at least 200mV higher than any voltage applied to IN1–IN4 and is ramped up before those inputs. However, the default and recommended method is to power it from the highest monitored rail (IN1–IN4), as the device uses internal virtual diode-ORing to autonomously select the best source without external components.

What is the purpose of the MARGIN input on the MAX6888AETE+?

The MARGIN input on the MAX6888AETE+ allows system-level voltage margining tests by holding RESET, OV, and WDO in their current states regardless of subsequent changes in monitored voltages or watchdog expiration. When pulled low, it overrides MR assertion and freezes output behavior - enabling safe validation of supply tolerance margins during production test or field diagnostics without triggering unintended resets.

Does the MAX6888AETE+ require external pullup resistors on its outputs?

Yes - all three outputs (RESET, OV, WDO) are active-low open-drain and require external pullup resistors to the appropriate logic rail (e.g., 3.3V or 5V). The MAX6888AETE+ specifies a maximum VOL of 0.4V at 4mA sink current, so pullup values must be selected to ensure proper logic high levels under worst-case loading. Typical values range from 4.7kΩ to 10kΩ depending on bus capacitance and speed requirements.