Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX800MEPE+

Overview

MAX800MEPE+ from Maxim Integrated is a microprocessor supervisory circuit with dual reset outputs (active-low RESET and active-high RESET), 4.4V typical reset threshold, ±2% power-fail accuracy, and integrated chip-enable gating. It monitors VCC for brownout detection, asserts reset down to VCC = 1V, provides battery switchover control (VBATT to VOUT), and supports watchdog timeout selection via OSC IN/OSC SEL. Used in industrial controllers requiring reliable power-up sequencing and nonvolatile memory write protection.

For engineers reviewing the MAX800MEPE+ datasheet, MAX800MEPE+ pinout, MAX800MEPE+ application, or MAX800MEPE+ equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, validated pin functions, confirmed backup-battery switchover behavior, and real-world timing specifications including 200ms reset timeout, 1.6s watchdog period, and 6ns CE propagation delay - all specific to the MAX800M variant in plastic DIP package.

Technical Context

The MAX800MEPE+ implements a dual-threshold comparator architecture: one for VCC monitoring (4.4V typ, hysteresis 15mV) and another for power-fail detection (PFI threshold 1.25V, ±2% accuracy). Its internal PMOS-based VCC/VBATT switchover logic ensures seamless transition when VCC falls below VBATT − 0.3V, maintaining VOUT from battery during main supply loss.

It integrates three independent timing subsystems: an internal oscillator (50kHz base) controlling 200ms reset assertion and 1.6s watchdog timeout; configurable external timing via OSC IN capacitor or clock input; and a dedicated chip-enable transmission gate (75Ω on-resistance, 6–10ns propagation delay) that disables CE IN→CE OUT path during reset to prevent RAM corruption.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX800MEPE+ is supplied 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; lead finish is lead-free (indicated by '+' suffix).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX800MEPE+, MAX800LEPE+ offers higher reset threshold for improved noise immunity on clean rails, while MAX693AEPE+ trades power-fail accuracy for broader temperature qualification - both retain identical CE gating, battery switchover, and watchdog functionality.

Availability

MAX800MEPE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial controllers, intelligent instruments, embedded computers, and critical μP power monitoring applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for MAX800MEPE+ 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, medical, and communications applications, with emphasis on reliability and integration.

The MAX800M series belongs to Maxim's microprocessor supervisory product line, engineered specifically for systems requiring dual-reset outputs, battery switchover, and high-accuracy power-fail monitoring in space-constrained industrial environments.

FAQ

What is the reset threshold voltage for MAX800MEPE+ and how is it specified?

The MAX800MEPE+ has a typical reset threshold voltage of 4.40V, with a guaranteed range of 4.25V to 4.50V over temperature and supply variations. This value is measured during VCC falling edge and applies specifically to the MAX800M variant. The 15mV hysteresis prevents oscillation near the trip point. MAX800MEPE+ uses this threshold to assert both RESET and RESET outputs reliably when main supply voltage drops below safe operating level.

Does MAX800MEPE+ support battery backup, and what are the key electrical limits?

Yes, MAX800MEPE+ supports battery backup via the VBATT pin. It guarantees switchover when VCC falls below VBATT − 0.3V (power-down) or VBATT + 0.3V (power-up), with 60mV hysteresis. VBATT can range from 2.0V to 5.5V; continuous current is limited to 25mA, and peak current to 250mA. In battery-backup mode, MAX800MEPE+ draws ≤1µA from VBATT while maintaining VOUT regulation and RESET assertion.

How does the chip-enable gating function work on MAX800MEPE+?

The MAX800MEPE+ implements hardware-enforced CE gating: CE IN passes through to CE OUT only when VCC is above the 4.4V reset threshold and no reset condition is active. During reset assertion, CE OUT is forced high-impedance for ≥15µs, preventing spurious writes to attached memory. The transmission gate has 75Ω on-resistance and 6–10ns propagation delay (tested at 50Ω source, 50pF load), making MAX800MEPE+ compatible with high-speed microprocessors.

Can MAX800MEPE+ generate different watchdog timeout periods, and how is it configured?

Yes, MAX800MEPE+ supports multiple watchdog timeout periods. With OSC SEL floating or high, the default is 1.6s nominal. Pulling OSC SEL low and connecting a capacitor from OSC IN to GND sets custom timeouts: e.g., 47pF yields ~100ms short period and ~1.6s long period. Driving OSC IN with an external clock allows fixed-cycle timeouts (1024 or 4096 cycles). All configurations maintain the 200ms reset timeout, and MAX800MEPE+ guarantees these values across temperature and process variation.

What is the purpose of the PFI and PFO pins on MAX800MEPE+, and what accuracy do they provide?

PFI (Power-Fail Input) and PFO (Power-Fail Output) form an uncommitted comparator pair on MAX800MEPE+. PFI accepts a divided-down voltage; when it falls below 1.25V (±2% over temperature), PFO asserts low. This ±2% accuracy is guaranteed for MAX800M variants and enables precise low-battery detection or early power-loss warning without external calibration. PFO is open-drain and sinks 3.2mA at 0.1V, allowing direct connection to μP interrupts or status LEDs.