Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX792MCSE+

Overview

MAX792MCSE+ 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, and chip-enable signal 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 power-up/down sequencing and brownout immunity.

For engineers reviewing the MAX792MCSE+ datasheet, MAX792MCSE+ pinout, MAX792MCSE+ application, or MAX792MCSE+ equivalent, key selection considerations include its guaranteed RESET validity down to VCC = 1V, ±2% reset threshold accuracy (in external programming mode), programmable watchdog timeout via SWT capacitor, and integrated CE gating with 10ns max propagation delay - all critical for deterministic µP boot integrity and memory write-cycle completion.

Technical Context

The MAX792MCSE+ integrates five independent monitoring functions: a reset generator with hysteresis and 200ms timeout, a low-line comparator asserting 120mV above the reset threshold, a manual-reset input with 12µs propagation delay and internal 1.30V reference, a watchdog timer with adjustable timeout (1.6s default, scalable via SWT capacitor), and a bidirectional chip-enable transmission gate enabling memory write-cycle completion during power-down.

It supports dual operating modes: internal threshold mode (RESET IN/INT grounded) using factory-trimmed 1.30V reference, and external programming mode (RESET IN/INT ≥600mV) allowing resistor-divider configuration of both reset and low-line thresholds. The overvoltage comparator (OVI/OVO) is fully independent and uncommitted, with no interaction with other internal logic.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX792MCSE+ is housed in a 16-pin narrow SOIC (SO) package, 3.9mm width, surface-mount, RoHS-compliant with + symbol denoting lead-free finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX820MCSE+, MAX792MCSE+ provides identical pinout, timing, and functional architecture but with relaxed accuracy specs in external mode - making it suitable for cost-sensitive designs where ±2% is not strictly required. Compared with TPS3808G33DBVR, MAX792MCSE+ delivers five integrated supervision functions in one package, eliminating need for discrete comparators, timers, and logic gates.

Availability

MAX792MCSE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC controllers, medical diagnostic instruments, telecom base station management units, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX792MCSE+ 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 industrial, communications, and computing applications.

The MAX792/MAX820 product line was designed specifically for microprocessor supervisory tasks - integrating reset, watchdog, low-line warning, memory write protection, and overvoltage detection in a single 16-pin package to reduce system-level component count and improve boot reliability.

FAQ

What is the reset threshold voltage for MAX792MCSE+?

The MAX792MCSE+ has a nominal reset threshold voltage of 4.37V, indicated by the 'M' suffix in the part number. This value is factory-trimmed and specified with typical accuracy in internal threshold mode; in external programming mode, it achieves ±2% accuracy per the MAX792 datasheet. The threshold remains stable across the 0°C to +70°C operating range, with normalized variation shown in Figure MAX792-6.

Does MAX792MCSE+ support watchdog timeout adjustment?

Yes, MAX792MCSE+ supports adjustable watchdog timeout via the SWT pin. With SWT tied to VCC, the default timeout is 1.6s. Connecting an external capacitor from SWT to GND scales the timeout: 27 × C(nF) ms at VCC = 3V, or 16.2 × C(nF) ms at VCC = 5V, for capacitors ≥4.7nF. The MAX792MCSE+ datasheet provides design equations and timing curves (Figure MAX792-10) to select precise timeout values.

How does the chip-enable gating function work in MAX792MCSE+?

The MAX792MCSE+ implements chip-enable gating using a bidirectional transmission gate between CE IN and CE OUT. During normal operation, CE transitions pass through with ≤10ns delay. When reset is asserted, the gate disables: if CE IN was low, CE OUT remains low for 15µs to complete the current memory write cycle; if CE IN was high, CE OUT is pulled to VCC. This prevents data corruption in CMOS RAM or EEPROM during brownout.

Can MAX792MCSE+ be used in 3.3V systems?

Yes, MAX792MCSE+ operates from 2.75V to 5.5V, making it fully compatible with 3.3V systems. Its reset threshold is fixed at 4.37V, so it is intended for monitoring higher-voltage rails (e.g., 5V supply feeding a 3.3V regulator). For direct 3.3V rail supervision, a different suffix (e.g., 'T' = 3.06V) or alternative part would be required - MAX792MCSE+ itself is not rated for 3.3V reset assertion.

What is the purpose of the LLIN/REFOUT pin on MAX792MCSE+?

On MAX792MCSE+, the LLIN/REFOUT pin serves dual roles depending on mode: in internal threshold mode (RESET IN/INT ≤60mV), it outputs a buffered 1.30V reference; in external programming mode (RESET IN/INT ≥600mV), it becomes the input to the low-line comparator. This pin enables either factory-set or user-programmable low-line detection - delivering early NMI warning 120mV above the reset threshold in internal mode.