Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX9181EXT-T

Overview

MAX9181EXT-T from Maxim Integrated is an LVPECL-to-LVDS level translator IC designed for high-speed signal integrity-critical interconnects. It accepts a single differential LVPECL input (VTH = ±7 mV, RIN = 360–1328 kΩ) and delivers a compliant LVDS output (VOD = 250–450 mV, VOS = 1.125–1.375 V) with guaranteed 400 Mbps data rate, 23 ps_P-P added deterministic jitter, and 0.6 ps_RMS added random jitter. It operates from a single 3.3 V supply, draws only 10 mA, and targets clock-and-data recovery, serializer/deserializer, and telecom backplane interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the MAX9181EXT-T datasheet, MAX9181EXT-T pinout, MAX9181EXT-T application, or MAX9181EXT-T equivalent, this device is selected when ultra-low jitter (<25 ps_P-P), sub-1 ns transition time (0.5 ns min), ANSI/EIA/TIA-644 LVDS compliance, SC70-6 footprint constraints, and -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature operation are mandatory in LVPECL–LVDS bridging.

Technical Context

The MAX9181EXT-T implements a fully differential CMOS-based translation core optimized for minimal timing uncertainty: its deterministic jitter is measured over 2²³–1 PRBS at 400 Mbps, and random jitter is characterized at 200 MHz input frequency. Propagation delay symmetry is tightly controlled (tPHLD/tPLHD = 1.3–2.8 ns, matched within 0.16 ns part-to-part skew).

It features high-impedance inputs and outputs during power-down mode, enabling system-level power gating without signal contention. Input common-mode range spans GND to VCC, ensuring interoperability with 3.3 V LVPECL drivers, while LVDS output drive strength is calibrated for 100 Ω differential termination per ANSI/TIA/EIA-644.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX9181EXT-T is housed in a 6-pin SC70 package (2.2 mm × 1.35 mm, 0.95 mm height), half the footprint of SOT23-6. The package is moisture-sensitive level 1 (MSL-1) and RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LVPECL-to-LVDS translation applications.

Compared with SN65LVDS386D and MC100EP016A, the MAX9181EXT-T uniquely combines SC70-6 size, 10 mA quiescent current, true LVPECL input compatibility (GND-to-VCC range), and sub-25 ps_P-P jitter - making it the only option for space-constrained, low-power, jitter-sensitive telecom timing bridges.

Availability

MAX9181EXT-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for digital cross-connects, cellular base station RF units, and DSL access multiplexers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX9181EXT-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) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, communications, and computing markets.

The MAX9181EXT-T belongs to Maxim's precision timing interface product line, engineered specifically for jitter-critical LVPECL–LVDS bridging in telecom infrastructure where signal integrity, thermal robustness, and miniaturization are non-negotiable.

FAQ

What is the maximum guaranteed data rate for the MAX9181EXT-T?

The MAX9181EXT-T is guaranteed to operate reliably at 400 Mbps under all specified conditions (VCC = 3.0–3.6 V, TA = -40°C to +85°C). This rating is validated using 2²³–1 PRBS patterns and confirmed across temperature and supply voltage variations. While the device may function beyond 400 Mbps in specific lab conditions, system designs must adhere to the 400 Mbps guarantee for production compliance. The MAX9181EXT-T achieves this rate while maintaining 23 ps_P-P added deterministic jitter - a key differentiator versus generic translators.

Does the MAX9181EXT-T require external biasing resistors for LVPECL input interfacing?

No, the MAX9181EXT-T does not require external biasing resistors for LVPECL input interfacing. Its internal input structure provides high-impedance differential inputs (RIN = 360–1328 kΩ) with a common-mode range spanning GND to VCC, enabling direct connection to standard 3.3 V LVPECL drivers. The device's input threshold (±7 mV) and open-circuit high-state behavior (per Table 1) are internally defined. External resistors would degrade noise immunity and increase board area - both avoided by the MAX9181EXT-T's integrated design.

How does the MAX9181EXT-T handle power-down mode, and what happens to its I/O pins?

In power-down mode (VCC = 0 V), the MAX9181EXT-T places both inputs (IN+, IN-) and outputs (OUT+, OUT-) into high-impedance states, eliminating bus contention and leakage paths. Input current drops to ±2.7 µA max, and output leakage remains below ±0.02 µA. This behavior is explicitly verified in the "DC Electrical Characteristics" table under "Power-Off Input Current" and "Power-Off Output Leakage Current". The MAX9181EXT-T's power-down capability is essential for hot-swap-capable telecom line cards and dynamically powered FPGA interfaces.

Is the MAX9181EXT-T compliant with the ANSI/TIA/EIA-644 LVDS standard?

Yes, the MAX9181EXT-T fully conforms to the ANSI/TIA/EIA-644 LVDS standard. Its differential output voltage (VOD = 250–450 mV), common-mode offset (VOS = 1.125–1.375 V), and output resistance (RODIFF = 100–400 Ω) meet all DC specifications. AC parameters including transition time (0.5–1.0 ns), propagation delay matching (≤0.16 ns part-to-part skew), and jitter performance are also validated against the standard's timing and noise requirements. Compliance is stated explicitly in the "Features" section and verified across temperature and supply voltage.

What is the recommended bypass capacitor for the MAX9181EXT-T VCC pin?

The MAX9181EXT-T requires a 0.01 µF ceramic capacitor placed directly at the VCC pin (Pin 5) with minimal trace length - ideally ≤2 mm from the pin to ground. This value is specified in the "Applications Information" section and validated in typical operating characteristics. The capacitor must be X7R or better dielectric, rated for ≥6.3 V, and mounted on the same PCB layer as the device. Larger capacitors (e.g., 1 µF) may be added in parallel for bulk decoupling, but the 0.01 µF high-frequency unit is mandatory to suppress switching noise that would otherwise modulate jitter performance in the MAX9181EXT-T.