Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX9017AEKA+T

Overview

MAX9017AEKA+T from Maxim Integrated is a dual nanoPower comparator with integrated 1.236V ±1% reference, Beyond-the-Rails™ inputs (VEE − 0.2V to VCC + 0.2V), push-pull output stage, and 1.2μA supply current at 1.8V. It operates down to 1.8V supply, features 4mV internal hysteresis, and delivers rail-to-rail output swing up to ±6mA - ideal for 2-cell battery monitoring in portable medical instruments and telemetry systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX9017AEKA+T datasheet, MAX9017AEKA+T pinout, MAX9017AEKA+T application, or MAX9017AEKA+T equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 1.8V operation, precision reference tolerance (±1%), ultra-low quiescent current stability across temperature, and push-pull output drive capability without external pull-up.

Technical Context

The MAX9017AEKA+T integrates two independent comparators sharing a single precision bandgap reference. Its input stage supports common-mode voltages beyond supply rails by 200mV, enabling direct sensing at ground or supply lines without level-shifting. The reference exhibits 40ppm/°C tempco and 29µVRMS noise (10Hz–1kHz).

Its break-before-make push-pull output stage eliminates crowbar current during switching, limiting supply-current surges and suppressing supply glitches. Propagation delays are 6–11µs (tPD−/tPD+) at 5V with 15pF load, and power-up time is 1.2ms - optimized for low-duty-cycle wake-up detection in ultra-low-power systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX9017AEKA+T is housed in an 8-pin SOT23 package (package code T833+2, outline 21-0078), footprint-compatible with JEDEC MO-178AC. Thermal resistance θJA = 196°C/W on four-layer board.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual nanoPower comparator applications.

Compared with MAX9017BEKA+T, the MAX9017AEKA+T offers tighter reference accuracy (±1% vs ±1.75%) critical for calibrated thresholds, while versus TLV7032DRYR it provides integrated reference and rail-to-rail input capability - eliminating two external components and enabling direct ground-referenced sensing.

Availability

MAX9017AEKA+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 2-cell battery monitoring, portable medical instrumentation, telemetry system wake-up, and automotive cabin sensor interface requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long-life deployments.

Supply support for MAX9017AEKA+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, designs precision analog and mixed-signal ICs for power, sensing, and interface applications in industrial, medical, and automotive markets.

The MAX9015–MAX9020 family targets ultra-low-power sensing and monitoring systems - specifically engineered to replace discrete reference + comparator solutions in battery-powered equipment where size, current, and input-range flexibility are critical.

FAQ

What is the reference voltage tolerance and temperature coefficient of the MAX9017AEKA+T?

The MAX9017AEKA+T features an on-board 1.236V reference with ±1% initial tolerance at +25°C and ±2.5% total variation over −40°C to +85°C. Its temperature coefficient is 40ppm/°C, measured across the full operating temperature range. This reference is internally connected to the INA− input and can source/sink up to 100nA for external use. The MAX9017AEKA+T datasheet specifies these values in the Electrical Characteristics table on page 3.

Does the MAX9017AEKA+T support operation at 1.8V supply, and what is its typical supply current at that voltage?

Yes, the MAX9017AEKA+T is guaranteed to operate down to 1.8V supply voltage. At 1.8V and +25°C, its typical supply current is 1.2μA, with a maximum of 1.9μA over temperature (−40°C to +85°C). This ultra-low current enables multi-year operation on standard AA batteries - confirmed in the datasheet's Table 1 and Figure toc02. The MAX9017AEKA+T maintains full functionality including reference output and hysteresis at this minimum voltage.

What is the input common-mode voltage range of the MAX9017AEKA+T, and how does "Beyond-the-Rails™" work?

The MAX9017AEKA+T has an input common-mode voltage range of VEE − 0.2V to VCC + 0.2V - meaning it accepts signals 200mV below ground or 200mV above VCC. This "Beyond-the-Rails™" capability is achieved through specialized input-stage design with ESD diodes that conduct safely outside rails. It enables direct sensing of ground-referenced signals (e.g., shunt voltage) or supply-line voltages without level-shifting circuitry. The MAX9017AEKA+T datasheet confirms this in the Absolute Maximum Ratings and Electrical Characteristics sections.

What output configuration does the MAX9017AEKA+T use, and what is its drive capability?

The MAX9017AEKA+T uses a CMOS push-pull output stage on both comparators (OUTA and OUTB), capable of sinking and sourcing up to ±6mA while maintaining rail-to-rail swing. This eliminates the need for external pull-up resistors and allows direct interfacing with microcontroller GPIOs or logic inputs. The output voltage swing is specified as ≤300mV from rail at 6mA sink/source (VCC = 5V), per the Electrical Characteristics table on page 2 of the MAX9017AEKA+T datasheet.

How does the internal 4mV hysteresis improve performance in noisy or slow-slew applications?

The MAX9017AEKA+T's internal 4mV hysteresis creates distinct high-to-low and low-to-high trip points, preventing oscillation when input signals hover near the threshold - common with thermistors, battery voltage ramps, or EMI-coupled traces. This eliminates need for external hysteresis resistors in most cases. The hysteresis is inherent to the comparator core and active across the full temperature range, ensuring reliable switching even with input overdrive as low as 100mV. This behavior is documented in the MAX9017AEKA+T Typical Operating Characteristics (Figure toc19).