Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX917EUK+T

Overview

MAX917EUK+T 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), push-pull output, and guaranteed operation down to +1.8V supply. It draws only 750nA supply current and delivers rail-to-rail output swing up to ±8mA, making it ideal for 2-cell battery monitoring in portable medical instruments and telemetry systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX917EUK+T datasheet, MAX917EUK+T pinout, MAX917EUK+T application, or MAX917EUK+T equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, validated SOT23-5 pin mapping, confirmed alternatives, and supply-chain support details specific to this exact variant.

Technical Context

The MAX917EUK+T implements a proprietary break-before-make output stage that eliminates crowbar-current surges during switching-reducing supply glitches and dynamic power consumption. Its input stage features ESD-protected PNP inputs with ±0.15nA typical bias current and 4mV internal hysteresis band centered on input offset voltage.

This device integrates a PNP emitter-follower reference (120nA bias, ~200kΩ output impedance) referenced to VEE, stable across capacitive loads, and specified with ±1.5% initial accuracy and 95ppm/°C temperature coefficient over −40°C to +85°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

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

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX917EUK+T, MAX919EUK+T reduces supply current by 49% but removes the 1.245V reference-increasing BOM count and layout area. TLV3691IDBVR offers lower current and offset but sacrifices Beyond-the-Rails™ input range and requires external biasing, limiting use in ground- or supply-referenced sensing.

Availability

MAX917EUK+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 2-cell battery monitoring, ultra-low-power telemetry, and medical instrument threshold detection requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

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

The MAX917–MAX920 family was engineered specifically for nanopower, rail-extended sensing in battery-critical systems-prioritizing sub-1µA operation, integrated reference accuracy, and glitch-free switching over speed or wide supply range.

FAQ

What is the function of Pin 2 (IN−/REF) on the MAX917EUK+T?

Pin 2 serves a dual function: it acts as the comparator's inverting input (IN−) when the internal reference is not used, or as the 1.245V reference output (REF) when the reference is enabled. These modes are mutually exclusive-do not connect both a signal and a load to Pin 2 simultaneously. The MAX917EUK+T datasheet specifies that REF output impedance is ~200kΩ, so buffer with a low-leakage op amp (e.g., MAX406) if driving >100nA loads.

Does the MAX917EUK+T require external hysteresis for stable operation?

No-the MAX917EUK+T includes 4mV of internal hysteresis, which prevents oscillation on slow or noisy inputs like thermistors or battery voltage ramps. This eliminates the need for external positive-feedback resistors in most threshold-detection applications. External hysteresis can be added using three resistors (R1–R3) if wider hysteresis bands (e.g., 50mV) are required, as detailed in the MAX917EUK+T application circuit on page 11 of the datasheet.

Can the MAX917EUK+T operate from a single 1.8V supply?

Yes-the MAX917EUK+T is fully specified and guaranteed to operate from +1.8V to +5.5V supply voltage. At 1.8V, it maintains 750nA typical supply current, 4mV hysteresis, and rail-to-rail output swing capable of sinking/source ±1mA. Input common-mode range extends from −0.2V to +2.0V, enabling direct sensing of signals near ground or the 1.8V rail without level shifting.

What is the maximum capacitive load the MAX917EUK+T output can drive?

The MAX917EUK+T output is characterized with CL = 15pF in propagation delay tests, and its push-pull stage remains stable with any capacitive load. However, rise/fall times increase linearly with load capacitance: tRISE/tFALL ≈ 6µs/4µs at CL = 15pF (VCC = 5V), scaling to ~60µs at CL = 150pF. For loads >100pF, add a series resistor (10–100Ω) close to the output pin to dampen ringing without affecting DC performance.

How does the MAX917EUK+T's reference accuracy impact battery monitoring accuracy?

The MAX917EUK+T's 1.245V ±1.5% reference (±18.7mV) sets the absolute threshold for battery voltage detection. At 2.5V total for two cells, a ±1.5% reference error translates to ±0.75% full-scale voltage error-equivalent to ±19mV at the reference node. Combined with 5mV max input offset, total threshold uncertainty is ±38mV, enabling reliable detection of end-of-life battery voltage (e.g., 1.25V/cell) within ±1.5% system accuracy.