Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX8212EPA

Overview

MAX8212EPA from Maxim Integrated is a CMOS micropower voltage detector IC designed to monitor supply rails and trigger microprocessor power-fail warnings. It features a 1.15V internal bandgap reference, open-drain n-channel output with no current limit, ±40mV threshold accuracy (±3.5%), 5µA quiescent current, and operates from 2.0V to 16.5V supply. It is used in battery-backup switching and undervoltage detection circuits where precise, low-power rail monitoring is required.

For engineers reviewing the MAX8212EPA datasheet, MAX8212EPA pinout, MAX8212EPA application, or MAX8212EPA equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, temperature-range–specific package details, functional distinctions from MAX8211 variants, real-world hysteresis implementation guidance, and validated alternative parts for industrial voltage-monitoring designs.

Technical Context

The MAX8212EPA implements a comparator-based voltage detection architecture with an internal 1.15V reference and programmable trip point set via external resistor dividers on the THRESH pin. Its output activates when THRESH voltage exceeds 1.15V, enabling overvoltage detection configurations. Unlike the current-limited MAX8211, the MAX8212EPA's output stage supports up to 35mA sink current at V+ = 16.5V and VTH = 1.3V, with VOL ≤ 0.4V at 2mA load.

Hysteresis is implemented via the HYST pin-an open-drain p-channel output referenced to V+, delivering up to 10mA hysteresis current. The device achieves ±200ppm/°C threshold temperature coefficient and maintains <1.0mV variation in VTH across 4.5V–5.5V supply range, supporting stable operation across its –40°C to +85°C extended temperature grade.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX8212EPA is supplied in an 8-pin plastic DIP package (package code P8-1), with lead finish SnPb, through-hole mounting, and industry-standard 0.3-inch body width. Pin 1 is THRESH, pin 2 is HYST, pin 3 is N.C., pin 4 is V+, pin 5 is GND, pin 6 is N.C., pin 7 is N.C., and pin 8 is OUT.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar voltage-monitoring applications.

Compared with TLV809E33DBZR and MAX6326XR31D3+, the MAX8212EPA uniquely supports user-defined over/undervoltage thresholds via resistor networks, delivers 10mA hysteresis current for robust noise immunity, and provides 35mA output drive - making it suitable for programmable, high-reliability industrial supervision where flexibility and drive strength matter.

Availability

MAX8212EPA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power-supply fault monitoring, battery-backup switching, microprocessor power-fail warning, and low-battery detection requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for MAX8212EPA 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for industrial, communications, and computing markets.

The MAX8212EPA belongs to Maxim's voltage supervisor product line, engineered for precision, low-power, programmable rail monitoring in harsh environments - targeting applications where reliability, temperature stability, and design flexibility outweigh fixed-threshold simplicity.

FAQ

What is the function of the HYST pin on the MAX8212EPA?

The HYST pin on the MAX8212EPA is an open-drain p-channel output referenced to V+, delivering up to 10mA of hysteresis current. It supplies positive feedback to the external resistor divider network connected to the THRESH pin, creating a user-defined dead-band that prevents output chatter during noisy or slowly varying input conditions. This eliminates the need for external op-amps or discrete hysteresis circuitry in the MAX8212EPA design.

How does the MAX8212EPA differ from the MAX8211EPA in output behavior?

The MAX8212EPA activates its open-drain output when the THRESH pin voltage exceeds the 1.15V internal reference, and its output is not current-limited - delivering up to 35mA sink current. In contrast, the MAX8211EPA triggers when THRESH falls below 1.15V and limits output current to 7mA. This makes the MAX8212EPA ideal for overvoltage detection and higher-drive applications, while the MAX8211EPA suits undervoltage warning with built-in current limiting.

What is the guaranteed operating supply voltage range for the MAX8212EPA?

The guaranteed operating supply voltage range for the MAX8212EPA is 2.2V to 16.5V, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table over the full –40°C to +85°C temperature range. Operation below 2.2V may result in undefined comparator behavior or failure to assert output; operation above 16.5V violates the recommended operating conditions and risks reliability degradation, though the absolute maximum rating is 18V.

Can the MAX8212EPA be used as a direct replacement for the ICL8212 in existing designs?

Yes, the MAX8212EPA is explicitly documented as a plug-in replacement for the bipolar ICL8212 in applications where the supply voltage remains below 16.5V. It offers improved performance including lower quiescent current (5µA vs. ~100µA), tighter threshold accuracy (±40mV vs. ±100mV), and higher hysteresis output current (10mA vs. 21µA). However, caution is advised in closed-loop programmable zener applications due to higher gain and potential stability issues with legacy compensation networks.

What is the typical output saturation voltage (VOL) of the MAX8212EPA at 2mA load?

The typical output saturation voltage (VOL) of the MAX8212EPA is 0.17V at 2mA load and VTH = 1.0V, per the Electrical Characteristics table. At VTH = 1.3V and same load, VOL remains 0.17V. This low VOL ensures strong logic-low assertion for microprocessor NMI or reset inputs, even under worst-case process and temperature conditions across the –40°C to +85°C range.