Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX9120EXK-T
- Part No.:
- MAX9120EXK-T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Comparators
- Package:
- 5-TSSOP, SC-70-5, SOT-353
- Datasheet:
-
MAX9120EXK-T.pdf
- Description:
- IC COMPARATOR 1 GEN PUR SC70-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,820
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Product details
Overview
MAX9120EXK-T from Analog Devices is a nanopower, open-drain comparator in a 5-pin SC70 package, featuring Beyond-the-Rails™ inputs, 350nA supply current at 1.6V, and guaranteed operation from +1.6V to +5.5V. It delivers rail-to-rail output swing with ±5mA drive capability and internal 4mV hysteresis-optimized for 2-cell battery monitoring and ultra-low-power threshold detection.
For engineers reviewing the MAX9120EXK-T datasheet, MAX9120EXK-T pinout, MAX9120EXK-T application, or MAX9120EXK-T equivalent, key selection criteria include its open-drain output architecture, sub-1µA quiescent current across temperature, input common-mode range extending 200mV beyond rails, and compatibility with mixed-voltage logic-level translation.
Technical Context
The MAX9120EXK-T implements a break-before-make output stage that eliminates crowbar current during switching, minimizing supply glitches and dynamic power surges. Its input stage supports VCM = VEE − 0.2V to VCC + 0.2V, enabling sensing at ground or supply lines without level-shifting.
Unlike reference-equipped variants (MAX9117/MAX9118), the MAX9120EXK-T omits the internal 1.252V reference, reducing supply current to 350nA and simplifying designs where external reference or direct signal comparison is used. Its open-drain output allows pull-up to voltages up to +6V relative to VEE, supporting wire-OR logic and bidirectional voltage translation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Current | 350nA at VCC = 1.6V - enables multi-year operation on coin cells in always-on telemetry sensors. |
| Supply Voltage Range | +1.6V to +5.5V - supports direct interface with 2× alkaline, NiMH, or Li-ion battery stacks without regulation. |
| Input Common-Mode Range | VEE − 0.2V to VCC + 0.2V - permits accurate ground-referenced or supply-line sensing without external biasing. |
| Output Type | Open-drain - enables mixed-voltage I/O (e.g., 5V device driving 3V logic) and wired-AND bus configurations. |
| Propagation Delay | 16µs high-to-low, 45µs low-to-high (VCC = 5V, RPULLUP = 100kΩ) - balances speed and ultra-low power for slow-varying thresholds. |
| Hysteresis | 4mV (input-referred) - suppresses noise-induced oscillation in low-slew-rate signals like battery voltage ramps. |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial and portable medical instrument environments. |
Pinout & Package
The MAX9120EXK-T is housed in a 5-pin SC70 package (package code X5-1), measuring 2.0mm × 1.25mm × 0.9mm with 0.65mm lead pitch. This ultra-compact footprint occupies half the area of standard SOT23 packages.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - OUT | Open-drain output | Requires external pull-up; sinks up to 50mA; compatible with 3V/5V logic families and voltage translation. |
| 2 - VEE | Negative supply | Ground reference (typically 0V); supports operation with single-supply configurations. |
| 3 - IN+ | Noninverting input | Accepts signals up to VCC + 0.2V; used for threshold comparison against IN− or external reference. |
| 4 - IN− | Inverting input | Accepts signals down to VEE − 0.2V; commonly tied to fixed reference or sensor output. |
| 5 - VCC | Positive supply | Supplies core logic and output driver; operates from 1.6V–5.5V with no external decoupling required under low-noise conditions. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Beyond-the-Rails™ inputs | Enables direct sensing of signals below ground or above VCC, eliminating level-shifters in battery voltage monitors. |
| Crowbar-current-free switching | Reduces supply current transients by >90% vs. conventional comparators, minimizing need for bulk bypass capacitors. |
| Internal 4mV hysteresis | Prevents chatter on noisy or slowly varying inputs (e.g., thermistor outputs), eliminating external hysteresis resistors in most cases. |
| No phase reversal on overdrive | Maintains correct output polarity even when inputs exceed common-mode limits - critical for fault-detection circuits. |
| SC70-5 package | Reduces PCB area by 50% vs. SOT23-5, enabling high-density wearable and implantable medical designs. |
Applications
| 2-Cell Battery Monitoring | Logic-Level Translation |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Real-time monitoring of dual alkaline/NiMH cell stack voltage to trigger low-battery alerts before cutoff. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Comparator compares battery voltage against fixed threshold; open-drain output drives microcontroller interrupt line. Use Value: 350nA supply current extends usable battery life by >2× versus µA-range comparators in always-on mode. | Use Scenario: Interfacing a 5V microcontroller GPIO to a 3V sensor interface without level-shifter ICs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MAX9120EXK-T acts as unidirectional voltage translator; IN+ driven by 5V logic, OUT pulled to 3V. Use Value: Eliminates discrete MOSFET translators and associated BOM cost while supporting <100kHz signal rates. |
| Telemetry Threshold Detection | Medical Instrument Sensing |
Use Scenario: Detecting patient respiration rate via analog pressure sensor output crossing predefined apnea thresholds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Compares filtered sensor output to programmable reference; triggers wake-up interrupt on microcontroller. Use Value: Sub-µA quiescent current enables multi-month operation on primary lithium batteries in remote patient monitors. | Use Scenario: Monitoring lead integrity in ECG front-end by detecting electrode disconnection via impedance change. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Comparator senses voltage drop across series resistor; open-drain output flags fault to safety controller. Use Value: Beyond-the-Rails™ input allows direct connection to ±100mV ECG signal path without biasing circuitry. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar comparator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLV3691IDCKR | 320nA supply current, 1.8V–5.5V range, push-pull output, no internal hysteresis | Requires external hysteresis network; unsuitable for direct replacement where open-drain bus arbitration is needed | Select when lowest possible current is critical and output type flexibility allows redesign. |
| MAX40002ANSR | 600nA supply current, 1.7V–5.5V, open-drain, 6.5mV hysteresis, integrated reference | Includes 1.2V reference but draws nearly 2× more current; larger SOT23-6 footprint | Choose when reference integration outweighs current penalty and board space permits larger package. |
Compared with TLV3691IDCKR and MAX40002ANSR, the MAX9120EXK-T uniquely combines sub-400nA current, open-drain output, and built-in hysteresis in the smallest SC70-5 footprint-making it optimal for space-constrained, battery-critical systems requiring robust threshold detection without external components.
Availability
MAX9120EXK-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 2-cell battery monitoring, ultra-low-power telemetry, and medical instrument sensing requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for MAX9120EXK-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 MAX9117–MAX9120 family was designed specifically for nanopower, rail-extending comparator applications in battery-powered instrumentation-emphasizing ultra-low current, input flexibility, and glitch-free switching.
FAQ
What is the maximum allowable voltage on the MAX9120EXK-T OUT pin?
The MAX9120EXK-T OUT pin is rated for voltages up to +6V relative to VEE, independent of VCC. This allows safe interfacing with higher-voltage logic families (e.g., 5V MCU driving 3.3V peripheral) using an external pull-up resistor. Exceeding +6V on OUT risks permanent damage per Absolute Maximum Ratings.
Does the MAX9120EXK-T require external hysteresis for stable operation?
No. The MAX9120EXK-T includes 4mV of internal input-referred hysteresis, which prevents oscillation on slow-moving or noisy signals such as battery voltage decay or thermistor outputs. External hysteresis is only needed when wider trip bands (>4mV) are required for specific noise immunity.
Can the MAX9120EXK-T operate from a single 1.6V supply?
Yes. The MAX9120EXK-T is fully specified to operate from VCC = +1.6V to +5.5V with VEE = 0V. At 1.6V, it maintains 350nA typical supply current and retains full functionality-including Beyond-the-Rails™ input range and open-drain output drive-making it ideal for emerging low-voltage energy-harvesting systems.
What is the purpose of the IN− pin on the MAX9120EXK-T?
The IN− pin is the inverting input of the comparator and serves as the reference node for threshold comparison. In typical configurations, it is connected to a fixed voltage (e.g., divider from VCC or external reference) while IN+ monitors the sensed signal. Its common-mode range extends to VEE − 0.2V, enabling true ground-referenced detection.
How does the MAX9120EXK-T minimize supply glitches during output transitions?
The MAX9120EXK-T uses a proprietary break-before-make output stage that avoids simultaneous conduction of high-side and low-side drivers. This design limits supply current surges during switching to <100nA, virtually eliminating the voltage spikes that degrade ADC accuracy or disrupt sensitive analog circuitry in shared power domains.
MAX9120EXK-T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- 5-TSSOP, SC-70-5, SOT-353
- Series:
- Beyond-the-Rails™
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- General Purpose
- Number of Elements:
- 1
- Output Type:
- Open-Drain
- Voltage - Supply, Single/Dual (±):
- 1.6V ~ 5.5V
- :
- 5mV @ 5V
- Voltage - Input Offset (Max):
- 0.001µA @ 5V
- Current - Input Bias (Max):
- 50mA
- Current - Output (Typ):
- 1.2µA
- Current - Quiescent (Max):
- 66.02dB CMRR, 80dB PSRR
- CMRR, PSRR (Typ):
- 45µs
- Propagation Delay (Max):
- 4mV
- Hysteresis:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- Surface Mount
- :
- SC-70-5
MAX9120EXK-T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX9120EXK-T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX9120EXK-T 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 MAX9120EXK-T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX9120EXK-T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX9120EXK-T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX9120EXK-T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX9120EXK-T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX9120EXK-T?
MAX9120EXK-T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX9120EXK-T 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 MAX9120EXK-T?
For technical support, including MAX9120EXK-T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX9120EXK-T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX9120EXK-T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX9120EXK-T 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 MAX9120EXK-T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX9120EXK-T?
All MAX9120EXK-T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX9120EXK-T, 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 MAX9120EXK-T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX9120EXK-T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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