Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX9118EXK-T

Overview

The MAX9118EXK-T from Analog Devices is a nanopower, open-drain comparator with integrated 1.252V ±1.75% reference, guaranteed to operate from +1.6V supply, consuming only 600nA supply current, and featuring Beyond-the-Rails™ inputs extending 200mV beyond VEE and VCC - ideal for 2-cell battery monitoring in portable medical instruments and telemetry systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX9118EXK-T datasheet, MAX9118EXK-T pinout, MAX9118EXK-T application, or MAX9118EXK-T equivalent, key selection criteria include ultra-low quiescent current, rail-to-rail input range exceeding supply rails, open-drain output compatibility with mixed-voltage logic interfaces, internal reference accuracy, and SC70-5 package footprint constraints.

Technical Context

The MAX9118EXK-T implements a break-before-make output stage optimized for minimal supply-current surges during switching, eliminating typical supply glitches. Its input stage supports common-mode voltages from (VEE − 0.2V) to (VCC + 0.2V), with input bias current ≤1nA and internal 4mV hysteresis for noise-immune threshold detection.

It integrates a PNP emitter-follower reference (1.252V ±1.75%, 100ppm/°C TC) with 200kΩ output impedance, stable under any capacitive load. The open-drain output supports absolute maximum voltage of +6V relative to VEE, enabling level translation between 1.6V–5.5V domains without external level shifters.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAX9118EXK-T is housed in a 5-pin SC70-5 package (X5-1 code), measuring 2.0mm × 1.25mm × 0.9mm, with 0.65mm lead pitch and RoHS-compliant lead-free finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX9117EXK-T, the MAX9118EXK-T trades push-pull drive for open-drain flexibility in mixed-voltage systems; compared with TLV3691IDCKR, it adds a precision reference at the cost of 250nA higher supply current - a justified trade for simplified BOM and layout in battery-critical designs.

Availability

The MAX9118EXK-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 2-cell battery monitoring, telemetry sensor nodes, portable medical instruments, and industrial remote I/O modules requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX9118EXK-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

Analog Devices is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets.

The MAX9118EXK-T belongs to the MAX9117–MAX9120 nanopower comparator family, designed specifically for ultra-low-power battery-operated systems where supply voltage headroom is minimal and long-term reliability is essential.

FAQ

What is the operating supply voltage range for the MAX9118EXK-T?

The MAX9118EXK-T operates from +1.6V to +5.5V. It is fully specified down to +1.6V, making it suitable for direct connection to two alkaline, NiMH, or lithium primary cells without regulation. At +1.6V, the device maintains full functionality including reference accuracy, input range, and propagation delay performance as documented in the Electrical Characteristics table.

Does the MAX9118EXK-T require an external pullup resistor on the OUT pin?

Yes, the MAX9118EXK-T features an open-drain output and requires an external pullup resistor to define the high-state voltage level. The value depends on speed and load requirements - typical values range from 10kΩ (for faster edges) to 100kΩ (for ultra-low power). The output can be pulled up to any voltage up to +6V relative to VEE, enabling interoperability with 1.8V, 3.3V, or 5V logic domains.

What is the accuracy and temperature stability of the internal reference in the MAX9118EXK-T?

The MAX9118EXK-T integrates a 1.252V reference with initial accuracy of ±1.75% (±21.9mV) over temperature and a temperature coefficient of 100ppm/°C across –40°C to +85°C. The reference remains stable under all capacitive loads and exhibits line regulation of 0.25mV/V and load regulation of ±1mV/nA, supporting precise threshold detection without trimming.

Can the MAX9118EXK-T sense input voltages below ground or above VCC?

Yes - the MAX9118EXK-T features Beyond-the-Rails™ inputs with a common-mode range extending 200mV beyond both supply rails: from (VEE − 0.2V) to (VCC + 0.2V). This allows direct sensing of signals at ground (VEE), at VCC, or even slightly outside those boundaries - eliminating the need for level-shifting resistors in battery voltage monitoring or rail-to-rail signal conditioning applications.

How does the MAX9118EXK-T minimize supply-line interference during output transitions?

The MAX9118EXK-T employs a unique break-before-make output stage that limits supply-current surges during switching, virtually eliminating the supply glitches common in conventional comparators. Measured supply current increases by less than 100nA even at 1kHz output toggle frequency, reducing demand on power-supply filtering and extending battery life in always-on applications.