Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX792MCPE+

Overview

MAX792MCPE+ from Maxim Integrated is a microprocessor supervisory circuit providing reset generation, manual reset input, two-stage power-fail warning (low-line comparator), watchdog timer with pulse output (WDPO), and chip-enable gating for nonvolatile memory protection. It features 4.37V internal reset threshold, 200ms reset timeout, and operates from 2.75V to 5.5V supply. Used in embedded controllers and industrial instrumentation requiring reliable brownout and software fault detection.

For engineers reviewing the MAX792MCPE+ datasheet, MAX792MCPE+ pinout, MAX792MCPE+ application, or MAX792MCPE+ equivalent, this page delivers verified functional identity, exact pin roles, real-world timing behavior (e.g., 12µs MR-to-RESET delay, 70ns WDPO-to-WDO skew), memory write-cycle completion support, and validated alternative options for µP supervisory replacement.

Technical Context

The MAX792MCPE+ integrates independent reset, low-line, overvoltage, and watchdog comparators with internal 1.30V reference and programmable thresholds. Its dual reset outputs (active-high RESET and active-low RESET) ensure compatibility with diverse µP reset inputs, while the CE IN/CE OUT transmission gate enforces memory write-cycle completion via 10ns max propagation delay and 15µs hold time during reset assertion.

Watchdog operation uses SWT pin capacitance to set timeout (1.6s default with SWT = VCC; k=27 @ 3V, k=16.2 @ 5V), and generates WDPO pulse (0.5–6.0ms duration) 70ns before WDO assertion-enabling two-fault latching via external D flip-flop. Reset remains valid down to VCC = 1V, with guaranteed 200ms minimum timeout after power-up.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX792MCPE+ is housed in a 16-pin plastic DIP (Dual In-line Package) with 0.3-inch body width and through-hole mounting. Pin spacing is 0.1 inch, compatible with standard PCB layouts and socketing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX692ACPE+ and TPS3823MPDBVR, the MAX792MCPE+ uniquely combines reset, low-line NMI, pulsed watchdog, and chip-enable gating in one DIP package - enabling robust fault handling and memory integrity in complex embedded systems where layered supervision is required.

Availability

MAX792MCPE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical instrumentation, and telecom infrastructure requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX792MCPE+ 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 power, sensing, and interface applications - emphasizing reliability, integration, and automotive/industrial qualification.

The MAX792MCPE+ belongs to Maxim's microprocessor supervisory product line, engineered specifically for systems demanding coordinated reset, power-fail warning, watchdog fault staging, and nonvolatile memory write protection in harsh or safety-critical environments.

FAQ

What is the reset threshold voltage for MAX792MCPE+?

The MAX792MCPE+ has a nominal reset threshold voltage of 4.37V, corresponding to the 'M' suffix in its part number. This value is factory-trimmed and specified with ±3% accuracy over the 0°C to +70°C operating range. The threshold remains stable across supply voltages from 2.75V to 5.5V, and reset output validity is guaranteed down to VCC = 1V - making MAX792MCPE+ suitable for brownout detection in 5V systems with marginal supply margins.

Does MAX792MCPE+ support external reset threshold programming?

Yes, MAX792MCPE+ supports external reset threshold programming via the RESET IN/INT pin. When this pin is biased above 600mV (e.g., using a resistor divider from VCC), the device enters external programming mode - disconnecting internal comparators from the factory-set 1.30V reference and routing LLIN/REFOUT and RESET IN/INT pins to the low-line and reset comparators respectively. This allows custom threshold setting using external resistors, as detailed in Figure 4b of the MAX792/MAX820 datasheet.

How does the watchdog function work on MAX792MCPE+?

The MAX792MCPE+ watchdog monitors the WDI pin for transitions. If no edge occurs within the timeout period (1.6s default with SWT = VCC), WDPO pulses low for 0.5–6.0ms, followed 70ns later by WDO asserting low. WDPO enables two-fault latching via external D flip-flop (Figure 8), while WDO can be diode-OR'd to MR for immediate reset. Watchdog operation is disabled when VCC falls below the reset threshold, preventing false triggers during power-up/down.

What is the purpose of the CE IN and CE OUT pins on MAX792MCPE+?

The CE IN and CE OUT pins implement a transmission gate that controls chip-enable signals to nonvolatile memory. During normal operation, CE IN passes directly to CE OUT with ≤10ns propagation delay. When reset is asserted, CE OUT is held low for 15µs if CE IN was low - ensuring memory write-cycle completion. This prevents data corruption during brownout, power-down, or reset events, and is critical for reliable EEPROM/CMOS RAM operation in MAX792MCPE+ applications.

Can MAX792MCPE+ be used in automotive applications?

MAX792MCPE+ is rated for 0°C to +70°C operation and is not AEC-Q100 qualified. While it functions reliably in benign automotive cabin environments (e.g., infotainment head units), it is not recommended for under-hood or safety-critical modules requiring extended temperature (-40°C to +125°C) or automotive qualification. For such applications, consider the MAX792MESE+ (E-suffix, -40°C to +85°C) or automotive-grade alternatives like the TLV809x series - but note these lack WDPO and CE gating features present in MAX792MCPE+.