Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX903ESA
- Part No.:
- MAX903ESA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Comparators
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX903ESA.pdf
- Description:
- IC COMPARATOR 1 W/LATCH 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,930
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Product details
Overview
MAX903ESA from Maxim Integrated is a high-speed, low-power, single-channel voltage comparator with differential analog inputs and TTL-logic output featuring active internal pull-up, 8ns typical propagation delay at 5mV overdrive, ±5V or +5V single-supply operation, and independent TTL-compatible latch input - used in high-speed data sampling, line receivers, and PWM circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MAX903ESA datasheet, MAX903ESA pinout, MAX903ESA application, or MAX903ESA equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, real-world design meaning for key specs, validated pin functions, confirmed alternatives, and supply support for legacy industrial and test-equipment designs.
Technical Context
The MAX903ESA implements a high-gain, wide-bandwidth comparator core optimized for sub-10ns response to small-signal overdrives (5mV), with separate analog (VCC/VEE) and digital (VDD) supply domains to isolate noise-sensitive analog inputs from digital switching transients. Its input common-mode range extends to the negative rail (VEE), enabling ground-referenced sensing in single-supply configurations.
It integrates a dedicated TTL-compatible latch input (Pin 5) that freezes the output state on logic-low assertion, supporting synchronized sampling in A/D converter interfaces and time-critical threshold detection. Output stages are designed for fan-out of four low-power Schottky TTL loads without external buffering.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Propagation Delay | 8ns typical at 5mV overdrive - enables reliable sampling of >100MHz signals in A/D front-ends and V/F converters. |
| Supply Configuration | +5V to +10V analog (VCC) with VEE = GND, or ±5V analog (VCC = +5V, VEE = -5V); fixed +5V digital (VDD) - supports mixed-signal isolation in noisy environments. |
| Input Common-Mode Range | VEE − 0.1V to VCC − 2.25V - allows direct ground-sensing when VEE = GND and VCC = +5V, eliminating level-shifting circuitry. |
| Output Drive | TTL-compatible with VOH ≥ 2.4V @ 1mA source, VOL ≤ 0.4V @ 8mA sink - directly interfaces with standard LS-TTL and 74HC logic without pull-up resistors. |
| Power Dissipation | 18mW total at +5V supplies (ICC = 2.5mA, IEE = 2mA, IDD = 1mA) - suitable for thermally constrained portable and multi-channel instrumentation. |
| Latch Input Threshold | VLH = 1.4–2.0V, VLL = 0.8–1.4V - compatible with standard TTL logic levels; latching occurs on falling edge with 2ns setup/1ns hold timing. |
Pinout & Package
MAX903ESA is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with gull-wing leads, JEDEC MS-012AC compliant, body size 4.9mm × 3.9mm, 1.27mm pitch.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VCC | Positive analog supply input (+5V to +10V); must be decoupled locally with 100nF ceramic capacitor. |
| 2 | IN+ | Non-inverting analog input; accepts common-mode voltages down to VEE − 0.1V. |
| 3 | IN− | Inverting analog input; differential pair with IN+ defines comparison threshold. |
| 4 | VEE | Negative analog supply and substrate connection (GND for single-supply, −5V for split-supply). |
| 5 | LATCH | TTL-compatible control input; drives output into transparent mode (high) or latched hold (low). |
| 6 | GND | Digital ground reference; separate from analog ground in split-supply layouts to minimize noise coupling. |
| 7 | OUT | TTL-output stage with internal pull-up; sinks up to 8mA, sources 1mA; fan-out of four LS-TTL loads. |
| 8 | VDD | Fixed +5V digital supply input; powers latch logic and output buffer; requires dedicated 100nF decoupling. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 8ns propagation delay | Enables accurate timing capture in high-speed sampling systems where <10ns jitter margin is required. |
| Separate analog/digital supplies | Allows physical and electrical isolation between sensitive analog inputs and noisy digital control paths. |
| Input range includes negative rail | Eliminates need for input biasing networks when monitoring signals referenced to system ground. |
| TTL-compatible latch input | Supports synchronous acquisition across multiple comparators using shared clocked latch signals. |
| 18mW total power at +5V | Reduces thermal load in dense PCB layouts and extends battery life in portable test equipment. |
Applications
| High-Speed A/D Converters | Line Receivers |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Front-end threshold detection for flash or pipeline ADCs sampling at 50–100MSPS. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Voltage comparator providing precise, low-jitter decision points for analog input quantization. Use Value: 8ns propagation delay ensures minimal aperture uncertainty; latch input synchronizes decisions to system clock edges. |
Use Scenario: Differential signal recovery in RS-422/RS-485 receiver stages with noise immunity requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed comparator converting differential bus voltage to clean TTL logic levels. Use Value: Input common-mode range including VEE allows direct interface to −7V to +12V bus swings without level shifters. |
| PWM Circuits | Threshold Detectors |
|
Use Scenario: Real-time duty-cycle monitoring and fault detection in motor-control inverters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast comparator comparing sensed current/voltage against reference to trigger protection logic. Use Value: Sub-10ns response captures transient overcurrent events before IGBT damage occurs. |
Use Scenario: Precision window or over/under-voltage detection in power-supply supervision circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single comparator with latch holding alarm state until reset by host controller. Use Value: Latch input enables debounced, glitch-free status capture without software polling overhead. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-speed comparator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX9203ESA | Pin-for-pin compatible, same 8ns propagation delay, but 9mW power dissipation (half of MAX903ESA) and improved input offset drift (±3mV max over temp). | Preferred for new designs requiring lower thermal load and tighter DC accuracy; retains identical layout and interface. | Select MAX9203ESA when upgrading legacy MAX903ESA-based boards where power budget or long-term stability is critical. |
| LM360N | Discrete transistor-based comparator with 25ns propagation delay, no latch input, ±15V supply capability, and higher input bias current (250nA vs. 100nA typ). | Suitable for high-voltage industrial sensing where speed is secondary to ruggedness and supply flexibility. | Choose LM360N only if ±15V operation or extreme temperature tolerance (−55°C to +125°C) outweighs need for sub-10ns timing and latch synchronization. |
Compared with MAX903ESA, MAX9203ESA offers identical speed and footprint with half the power and better DC precision, while LM360N trades speed and latch functionality for wider supply range and higher ruggedness - making MAX9203ESA the direct modernization path and LM360N a niche high-voltage alternative.
Availability
MAX903ESA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data sampling, line receiver interfaces, and PWM fault-detection systems requiring stable component supply amid ongoing obsolescence management.
Supply support for MAX903ESA 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 precision analog, mixed-signal, and high-speed interface ICs for industrial, communications, and computing applications.
The MAX900–MAX903 family was engineered for high-speed data-acquisition systems requiring nanosecond-level timing fidelity, low power, and robust latch-controlled sampling - targeting A/D converter drivers, V/F converters, and real-time signal discriminators.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for MAX903ESA?
The MAX903ESA is specified for −40°C to +85°C ambient operation (industrial grade), with junction temperature limits of −65°C to +160°C. Electrical parameters such as input offset voltage (1–6mV), propagation delay (10–15ns), and supply currents are guaranteed across this full range per the datasheet's "full operating temperature" test conditions.
Can MAX903ESA operate from a single +5V supply?
Yes, MAX903ESA supports single-supply operation with VCC = +5V, VEE = GND, and VDD = +5V. In this configuration, the input common-mode range extends from −0.1V to +2.75V, enabling ground-referenced signal detection. The datasheet confirms functionality with VEE grounded and VCC set between +5V and +10V.
Does MAX903ESA require external pull-up resistors on its output?
No, MAX903ESA features an active internal TTL-compatible pull-up on its output stage, delivering VOH ≥ 2.4V at 1mA source current. External pull-ups are unnecessary and may degrade rise time or increase power consumption - the internal structure is optimized for direct fan-out to four LS-TTL loads.
What is the function of the LATCH pin on MAX903ESA?
The LATCH pin (Pin 5) controls output transparency: when driven high (≥1.4V), the comparator responds immediately to input changes; when driven low (≤1.4V), the output holds its last valid state. This enables synchronized sampling in systems like A/D converters, where timing alignment with a master clock is essential - a feature absent in MAX901.
Is MAX903ESA still recommended for new designs?
No - Maxim explicitly states MAX903ESA is "Not Recommended for New Designs" due to discontinuation of its wafer process. While fully supported for existing designs and available through authorized channels, Maxim recommends MAX9203ESA as the pin-compatible, lower-power replacement with identical speed and enhanced specifications.
MAX903ESA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- with Latch
- Number of Elements:
- 1
- Output Type:
- TTL
- Voltage - Supply, Single/Dual (±):
- 5V ~ 10V, ±2.5V ~ 5V
- :
- 4mV @ ±5V
- Voltage - Input Offset (Max):
- 10µA @ ±5V
- Current - Input Bias (Max):
- -
- Current - Output (Typ):
- 4mA, 3mA, 1.5mA
- Current - Quiescent (Max):
- 82.5dB CMRR, 80dB PSRR
- CMRR, PSRR (Typ):
- -
- Propagation Delay (Max):
- -
- Hysteresis:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- Surface Mount
- :
- 8-SOIC
MAX903ESA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX903ESA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX903ESA on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX903ESA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX903ESA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX903ESA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX903ESA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX903ESA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX903ESA?
MAX903ESA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX903ESA order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX903ESA?
For technical support, including MAX903ESA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX903ESA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX903ESA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX903ESA products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX903ESA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX903ESA?
All MAX903ESA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX903ESA, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX903ESA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX903ESA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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