Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX918EUK+T

Overview

MAX918EUK+T from Maxim Integrated is a nanopower, open-drain comparator with integrated 1.245V ±1.5% reference, guaranteed to operate from +1.8V to +5.5V supply, consuming only 750nA typical supply current, and featuring Beyond-the-Rails™ input range extending 200mV beyond VEE and VCC - ideal for 2-cell battery monitoring in portable medical instruments and ultra-low-power telemetry systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX918EUK+T datasheet, MAX918EUK+T pinout, MAX918EUK+T application, or MAX918EUK+T equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, real-world design meaning for key specs, validated SOT23-5 pinout, confirmed alternatives for mixed-voltage system design, and supply-chain support for long-lifecycle embedded deployments.

Technical Context

The MAX918EUK+T implements an open-drain output stage enabling rail-to-rail logic-level translation across voltage domains (e.g., 5V logic to 3V I/O), with output capable of sinking up to 8mA while maintaining VOL ≤ 400mV at VCC = 5V and ISINK = 8mA. Its internal 1.245V reference exhibits ±1.5% initial accuracy and 95ppm/°C temperature coefficient over –40°C to +85°C.

Input stage supports common-mode range from VEE − 0.2V to VCC + 0.2V, with 1mV typical input offset voltage and 4mV internal hysteresis band ensuring clean switching on slow-moving signals - critical for threshold detection in battery voltage monitoring where noise immunity and low quiescent power are co-constrained.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT23-5 package (U5+1 code), RoHS-compliant, footprint compatible with JEDEC MO-178AB standard; 2.9mm × 1.6mm × 1.1mm body, 0.95mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLV3691IDBVR, MAX918EUK+T trades 430nA lower current for integrated reference and open-drain flexibility; compared with MAX919EUK+T, it sacrifices sourcing ability for interoperability across voltage domains - making it optimal for battery-monitoring systems requiring both precision thresholding and interface isolation.

Availability

MAX918EUK+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 2-cell battery monitoring, ultra-low-power telemetry, and medical instrument power management requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for MAX918EUK+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 and mixed-signal ICs for power, sensing, and interface applications in industrial, medical, and communications markets.

The MAX917–MAX920 family was engineered specifically for nanopower, rail-aware threshold detection in battery-constrained systems - emphasizing sub-1µA operation, Beyond-the-Rails™ input capability, and integrated reference stability without sacrificing speed or noise immunity.

FAQ

What is the maximum sink current capability of the MAX918EUK+T output?

The MAX918EUK+T open-drain output can sink up to 8mA while maintaining VOL ≤ 400mV at VCC = 5V and TA = +25°C. At VCC = 1.8V and ISINK = 1mA, VOL remains ≤ 200mV. This allows direct driving of LEDs, small relays, or logic inputs with appropriate pull-up configuration - all while preserving the ultra-low 750nA quiescent current of the MAX918EUK+T core.

Does the MAX918EUK+T require an external bypass capacitor on its reference pin?

No, the MAX918EUK+T does not require an external bypass capacitor on the IN−/REF pin. The internal 1.245V reference is stable with any capacitive load, including direct connection to high-impedance divider networks. The reference output impedance is ~200kΩ, so for low-impedance loads (>10µA), a buffer op amp like the MAX406 is recommended - but bypassing is unnecessary for standard UVLO or threshold detection use cases of the MAX918EUK+T.

Can the MAX918EUK+T operate with input voltages below ground (VEE)?

Yes, the MAX918EUK+T supports input voltages down to VEE − 0.2V, enabling true ground-referenced sensing and negative signal detection in single-supply systems. This Beyond-the-Rails™ capability allows the IN+ or IN−/REF pins to accept signals 200mV below ground without damage or phase reversal - critical for monitoring battery voltage at the system ground node or detecting zero-crossings in AC-coupled sensor outputs within the MAX918EUK+T's operating range.

How does the internal hysteresis of the MAX918EUK+T improve reliability in battery monitoring?

The MAX918EUK+T's 4mV internal hysteresis creates distinct rising (VTHR) and falling (VTHF) trip thresholds, preventing output oscillation when battery voltage slowly decays near the undervoltage lockout point. This eliminates false triggering during gradual discharge - a common failure mode in systems using comparators without hysteresis. Because the hysteresis is built-in, no external resistors are needed, preserving the MAX918EUK+T's ultra-low power and small SOT23-5 footprint.

Is the MAX918EUK+T pin-compatible with other devices in the MAX917–MAX920 family?

Yes, the MAX918EUK+T shares identical SOT23-5 pinout (VEE, IN−/REF, IN+, VCC, OUT) with MAX917EUK+T, MAX919EUK+T, and MAX920EUK+T. However, output behavior differs: MAX918EUK+T and MAX920EUK+T have open-drain outputs, while MAX917EUK+T and MAX919EUK+T feature push-pull outputs. Swapping requires verifying external circuit compatibility - especially pull-up requirements and load-driving capability - though PCB layout remains unchanged for the MAX918EUK+T.