Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX917EUK

Overview

MAX917EUK from Maxim Integrated is a nanopower, single-channel comparator with integrated 1.245V ±1.5% reference, Beyond-the-Rails™ input range (VEE −0.2V to VCC +0.2V), 750nA supply current at 1.8V–5.5V, and push-pull CMOS output capable of ±8mA drive. It operates from +1.8V minimum and is designed for 2-cell battery monitoring in portable medical instruments and ultra-low-power telemetry systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX917EUK datasheet, MAX917EUK pinout, MAX917EUK application, or MAX917EUK equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 1.8V operation, internal reference accuracy and temperature coefficient, input common-mode range extending beyond rails, propagation delay vs. load/capacitance, and rail-to-rail output swing under dynamic sink/source conditions.

Technical Context

The MAX917EUK employs a break-before-make output stage that minimizes supply-current surges during switching-reducing supply glitches and eliminating need for large bypass capacitors. Its input stage uses ESD-protected PNP-based circuitry enabling operation with inputs up to 200mV beyond supply rails.

Internal hysteresis (4mV typical) ensures clean switching with slow-moving or noisy signals; the 1.245V reference is generated by a 120nA current source driving a PNP emitter-follower (200kΩ typical output impedance), stable across −40°C to +85°C with 95ppm/°C TC.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT23-5 package (U5+1 code), 2.9mm × 1.6mm × 1.1mm body, RoHS-compliant, thermal pad optional.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLV3691IDBVR and MAX913ESA+, the MAX917EUK uniquely combines integrated 1.245V reference, 750nA supply current, and 1.8V operation in SOT23-5-making it optimal for space- and energy-constrained 2-cell battery systems where reference integration reduces component count and improves long-term threshold stability.

Availability

MAX917EUK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 2-cell battery monitoring, ultra-low-power telemetry, and portable medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX917EUK 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, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for industrial, medical, and communications applications.

The MAX917EUK belongs to the MAX917–MAX920 nanopower comparator family, engineered specifically for battery-constrained systems requiring rail-extension input capability, integrated reference, and glitch-free switching.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for the MAX917EUK?

The MAX917EUK is specified and guaranteed over the industrial temperature range of −40°C to +85°C. All electrical characteristics-including supply current, reference voltage, input offset, and propagation delay-are validated across this full range per Maxim's datasheet Rev 2 (2010). The MAX917EUK maintains stable 1.245V reference output and 750nA ICC performance throughout this interval, making it suitable for outdoor telemetry and portable medical devices exposed to ambient extremes.

Does the MAX917EUK require external bypass capacitors?

The MAX917EUK does not require external bypass capacitors under typical conditions due to its crowbar-current-free output architecture and minimal supply-current variation during switching. However, Maxim recommends a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed close to the VCC and VEE pins if supply impedance is high, PCB traces are long, or electromagnetic noise is present-especially in shared-battery systems where other high-current loads may induce ripple.

Can the internal reference of the MAX917EUK be used to bias external circuitry?

Yes, the MAX917EUK's internal 1.245V reference is accessible at the IN− pin and can bias external circuitry, but only with light loads. Its typical output impedance is 200kΩ, and reference load regulation is ±0.2mV per 1nA of output current. For loads exceeding 100nA or requiring low-impedance drive, Maxim recommends buffering the reference with a low-input-leakage op amp such as the MAX406-otherwise, reference voltage error and drift will increase significantly.

How does the MAX917EUK handle overdriven inputs?

The MAX917EUK features no phase reversal for overdriven inputs-a critical reliability feature. When either input exceeds the supply rails by up to 200mV (within Absolute Maximum Ratings), the output remains logically consistent with the differential input polarity. This behavior is enabled by ESD protection diodes and robust input stage design, preventing erroneous state changes in fault conditions such as sensor disconnection or transient coupling.

Is the MAX917EUK pin-compatible with other devices in the MAX917–MAX920 family?

Yes, the MAX917EUK shares identical SOT23-5 pinout and footprint with MAX918EUK, MAX919EUK, and MAX920EUK. All four variants use pins 1 (VEE), 2 (IN−/REF), 3 (IN+), 4 (VCC), and 5 (OUT). However, functional differences exist: MAX917EUK and MAX918EUK include the 1.245V reference (shared at IN−), while MAX919EUK and MAX920EUK omit it; MAX917EUK and MAX919EUK feature push-pull outputs, whereas MAX918EUK and MAX920EUK use open-drain outputs.