Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX708TCPA

Overview

MAX708TCPA from Maxim Integrated is an 8-pin PDIP-packaged microprocessor supervisory circuit designed for +3V to +5V systems, providing active-high and active-low reset outputs, a 3.08V reset threshold, 200ms reset pulse width, and power-fail monitoring via 1.25V PFI comparator - used in battery-powered controllers and portable instrumentation requiring reliable power-up sequencing.

For engineers reviewing the MAX708TCPA datasheet, MAX708TCPA pinout, MAX708TCPA application, or MAX708TCPA equivalent, this device delivers dual-reset signaling, brownout immunity down to VCC = 1V, guaranteed reset assertion during power ramp-up, and compatibility with TTL/CMOS manual reset inputs - critical for embedded systems where deterministic reset behavior and supply voltage margining are essential.

Technical Context

The MAX708TCPA integrates dual reset outputs (RESET and RESET) with independent logic polarity, eliminating need for external inverters in systems requiring both signal polarities. Its internal reset generator asserts outputs when VCC falls below 3.08V (±1.5% tolerance) or MR is pulled low, with 200ms delay before deassertion after recovery.

It includes a precision 1.25V reference-based power-fail comparator (PFI/PFO), enabling early-warning detection of unregulated supply droop, and supports debounced manual reset with 500ns minimum pulse width at VCC = 3V. Unlike MAX706 variants, it omits watchdog functionality entirely.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX708TCPA is housed in an 8-pin plastic DIP (PDIP) package (package code P8-1), lead-free compatible, with 0.3-inch body width and through-hole mounting.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX708TCPA, MAX708TCSA offers identical supervision performance in surface-mount form for automated assembly, while MAX708TCUA delivers the same functionality in a miniature 3mm × 3mm package - both retain the critical 3.08V threshold, 200ms reset timeout, and dual-reset capability, but differ solely in mechanical implementation and thermal profile.

Availability

MAX708TCPA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC modules, portable medical diagnostics, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX708TCPA 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 and mixed-signal ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications applications, emphasizing reliability and integration.

The MAX708 series belongs to Maxim's microprocessor supervisory product line, engineered specifically for deterministic power-monitoring in resource-constrained embedded systems where dual-reset signaling and low-voltage operation are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the reset threshold voltage for MAX708TCPA?

The MAX708TCPA has a factory-trimmed reset threshold of 3.08V ±1.5%, specified for VCC falling conditions. This value ensures reliable reset assertion before a 3.3V microprocessor enters undefined operation, and is validated across the 0°C to +70°C temperature range. The MAX708TCPA does not include watchdog functionality, distinguishing it from MAX706 variants.

Does MAX708TCPA provide both active-high and active-low reset outputs?

Yes, MAX708TCPA provides simultaneous RESET (active-high, push-pull) and RESET (active-low, open-drain) outputs. This dual-output architecture eliminates the need for external inverters in systems requiring both signal polarities - for example, driving a microcontroller's active-low reset pin and an FPGA's active-high reset input concurrently. Both outputs are asserted under identical conditions: VCC below 3.08V, MR pulled low, or power-up sequencing.

Can MAX708TCPA monitor a secondary power supply like +12V?

Yes, MAX708TCPA can monitor auxiliary supplies such as +12V using its PFI input and internal 1.25V reference. By connecting PFI to a resistive divider from the +12V rail, the voltage at PFI falls below 1.25V when the monitored supply drops to a user-defined threshold (e.g., 11V). PFO then asserts low to signal impending failure. The MAX708TCPA datasheet provides design examples for this configuration, including hysteresis recommendations.

What is the minimum supply voltage at which MAX708TCPA guarantees reset assertion?

MAX708TCPA guarantees RESET assertion down to VCC = 1V, and RESET assertion down to VCC = 1.2V, across the full operating temperature range. This ensures fail-safe behavior during deep brownout events where other supervisors may release reset prematurely. The guarantee applies regardless of whether reset is triggered by supply drop, manual reset, or power-up - a key reliability feature confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings and Electrical Characteristics tables.

Is MAX708TCPA pin-compatible with other MAX708 variants like MAX708RCPA or MAX708SCPA?

Yes, all MAX708x variants - including MAX708RCPA (2.63V threshold), MAX708SCPA (2.93V), and MAX708TCPA (3.08V) - share identical 8-pin PDIP pinout, electrical interface, and functional block diagram. Only the reset threshold voltage differs between R/S/T suffixes. No PCB changes are required when substituting within the MAX708 family, provided the target supply voltage aligns with the selected threshold.