Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX792TESE-T

Overview

MAX792TESE-T from Maxim Integrated is a microprocessor supervisory circuit providing reset generation, manual reset input, two-stage power-fail warning (low-line detection 120mV above reset threshold), watchdog timer with pulsed fault output (WDPO), and chip-enable gating for nonvolatile memory protection. It guarantees valid RESET output down to VCC = 1V and supports external or internal reset/low-line threshold programming. Used in embedded controllers and industrial instrumentation requiring reliable brownout and software fault monitoring.

For engineers reviewing the MAX792TESE-T datasheet, MAX792TESE-T pinout, MAX792TESE-T application, or MAX792TESE-T equivalent, this page delivers verified functional identity, confirmed 16-pin SO package mapping, validated 200ms reset timeout, exact watchdog timing behavior (1.6s nominal with SWT = VCC), and real alternative part comparisons - all grounded in Maxim's official 19-0147 Rev. 4 documentation.

Technical Context

The MAX792TESE-T implements dual independent comparators: one for reset assertion (with ±2% threshold accuracy in internal mode) and another for low-line warning, both referenced to a stable 1.30V internal bandgap. Its watchdog function uses an RC-timed oscillator tied to the SWT pin, delivering a 1.6s nominal timeout when SWT is connected to VCC, with WDPO pulsing 70ns before WDO asserts.

Chip-enable gating operates via a transmission gate between CE IN and CE OUT, disabled during reset with ≤10ns propagation delay and 15µs hold time on CE OUT if CE IN is low at reset assertion. The device supports both internal threshold mode (RESET IN/INT ≤60mV) and external resistor-divider programming (RESET IN/INT ≥600mV), with guaranteed operation from VCC = 2.75V to 5.5V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX792TESE-T is housed in a 16-pin narrow SO (Small Outline) package, 3.9mm body width, with standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint and gull-wing leads.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX820TESE-T, the MAX792TESE-T trades guaranteed threshold accuracy for lower cost and adequate performance in commercial-temperature applications; versus TPS3808G33DBVR, it delivers full-feature supervision (dual reset, watchdog pulse, CE gating) at higher current draw but essential for robust memory-critical systems.

Availability

MAX792TESE-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC controllers, medical instrumentation, automotive body modules, and communications gateways requiring stable component supply with full traceability and lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for MAX792TESE-T 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 markets.

The MAX792/MAX820 product line was designed specifically for microprocessor supervisory functions - integrating reset generation, manual reset, watchdog timing, low-line warning, and memory write protection in a single 16-pin package.

FAQ

What is the reset threshold voltage of the MAX792TESE-T?

MAX792TESE-T has a nominal reset threshold voltage of 2.91V, corresponding to the 'T' suffix in its part number. This value is factory-trimmed and specified with ±2% accuracy in internal threshold mode at +25°C. The device guarantees valid RESET output down to VCC = 1V, making it suitable for brownout detection in 3V systems where supply sag must be caught early. Threshold accuracy degrades slightly over temperature, per Figure MAX792-6 in the datasheet.

How does the watchdog function work on the MAX792TESE-T?

The MAX792TESE-T watchdog monitors transitions on the WDI pin; if no edge occurs within the timeout period (1.6s nominal when SWT = VCC), WDPO pulses low for 1.7ms, followed 70ns later by WDO asserting low. WDO remains low until the next WDI transition. This dual-output structure enables both advance warning (WDPO) and definitive fault signaling (WDO), supporting hardware latching schemes like the D-flip-flop circuit in Figure 8 of the datasheet.

Can the MAX792TESE-T be used with a 3.3V microprocessor supply?

Yes, the MAX792TESE-T operates from VCC = 2.75V to 5.5V and is fully compatible with 3.3V systems. Its 2.91V reset threshold provides appropriate margin above 3.3V rail dropout, and all logic thresholds (e.g., MR = 1.30V, WDI = 0.2V to 0.9×VCC) scale correctly. The RESET output remains valid down to VCC = 1V, ensuring reliable assertion even during severe 3.3V supply collapse - critical for preventing undefined µP states.

What is the purpose of the CE IN and CE OUT pins on the MAX792TESE-T?

The CE IN and CE OUT pins implement a transmission gate that passes chip-enable signals to memory devices only when the system is stable. During reset assertion, the gate disables, holding CE OUT inactive to prevent partial writes to CMOS RAM or EEPROM. If CE IN is low when reset activates, CE OUT stays low for 15µs to complete the ongoing memory cycle - a key feature for data integrity in power-transition scenarios.

How do I configure the MAX792TESE-T for external reset threshold programming?

To enable external programming mode on the MAX792TESE-T, pull the RESET IN/INT pin (pin 4) to ≥600mV using a resistor divider from VCC. This disconnects internal references and connects the reset and low-line comparators to RESET IN/INT and LLIN/REFOUT (pin 5), respectively. Then apply your custom threshold voltages via external resistors - e.g., a 4.75V low-line threshold requires setting LLIN/REFOUT to 1.30V using a precision divider, as detailed in Equation 1 of the datasheet.