Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX9201ESE+

Overview

The MAX9201ESE+ from Maxim Integrated is a quad voltage comparator IC with TTL-compatible outputs, 7ns typical propagation delay, ±5V or +5V–+10V analog supply range, and -40°C to +85°C operating temperature-designed for high-speed A/D converter front-ends, line receivers, and signal restoration in mixed-signal systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX9201ESE+ datasheet, MAX9201ESE+ pinout, MAX9201ESE+ application, or MAX9201ESE+ equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, package-specific terminal mapping, real-world use cases, and validated alternative options for fast comparator selection in timing-critical analog-digital interfaces.

Technical Context

The MAX9201ESE+ integrates four independent high-speed comparators on a bipolar process, each featuring rail-to-rail input common-mode range (including VEE), internal active pullups, and separate analog (VCC/VEE) and digital (VDD) supply domains. It operates without latches-distinguishing it from the MAX9202/MAX9203 variants.

All four channels share identical timing behavior: 7ns typical tPD± at 5mV overdrive, <2.5ns inter-channel propagation skew, and guaranteed 12ns max delay across -40°C to +85°C. Input offset voltage is 7.5mV max over temperature, and power dissipation is 33–44mW total at +5V supplies.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX9201ESE+ is supplied in a 16-pin narrow SO (Small Outline) package with gull-wing leads, 1.27mm pitch, and JEDEC MS-012AC compliance. Thermal resistance θJA = 8.7mW/°C above +70°C.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX9201EUE+, the MAX9201ESE+ offers identical functionality in a mature, widely supported SO package with proven manufacturability; compared with LM339MX/NOPB, it delivers 185× faster response and true analog/digital supply isolation-essential for precision high-speed signal conditioning.

Availability

MAX9201ESE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed A/D converters, line receivers, and signal restoration applications requiring stable component supply, long-term industrial lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for MAX9201ESE+ 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 high-speed ICs for industrial, communications, and computing markets-founded in 1983 and headquartered in San Jose, CA.

The MAX9201ESE+ belongs to Maxim's high-speed comparator product line, engineered specifically for low-latency, low-power signal discrimination in data acquisition, communications, and real-time control systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency supported by the MAX9201ESE+?

The MAX9201ESE+ does not specify a maximum operating frequency directly, but its 7ns typical propagation delay and <2.5ns inter-channel skew enable reliable operation with input signals up to 100MHz, as demonstrated in Figures 6 and 7 of the datasheet. For clean square-wave output, input slew rate must exceed 0.5V/s to avoid oscillation during linear-region traversal. The MAX9201ESE+ is optimized for edge-detection-not continuous waveform digitization-but supports effective sampling rates exceeding 100MSPS in flash ADC architectures.

Does the MAX9201ESE+ include internal latches?

No, the MAX9201ESE+ does not include internal latches. Unlike the MAX9202 and MAX9203 variants-which feature TTL-compatible latch inputs-the MAX9201ESE+ provides fully transparent comparator operation with no hold functionality. This makes it ideal for real-time signal monitoring where output must track input changes without latency introduced by latch enable/disable timing. The absence of latch pins (e.g., LATCHA/LATCHB) is confirmed in the MAX9201 pin configuration diagram and explicitly noted in the General Description section stating "The MAX9201 provides all the same features as the MAX9202/MAX9203 with the exception of the latches."

Can the MAX9201ESE+ operate from a single +5V supply?

Yes, the MAX9201ESE+ supports single-supply operation with VEE tied to GND and VCC = +5V, while VDD remains at +5V. In this configuration, the input common-mode range extends from GND to +2.75V (VCC – 2.25V), enabling ground-referenced threshold detection. The device draws 33–44mW total under these conditions, and all specifications-including 7ns propagation delay and 7.5mV max input offset-are guaranteed across -40°C to +85°C. Decoupling capacitors must be placed separately on VCC and VDD pins per the Applications Information section.

What is the input impedance of the MAX9201ESE+?

The MAX9201ESE+ features a differential input impedance of 5MΩ and a common-mode input impedance of 5.5MΩ, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table. These values reflect the bipolar input stage design and remain stable across temperature and supply voltage variations. Input capacitance is 4pF, contributing to minimal loading on high-frequency source impedances. These parameters ensure compatibility with standard 50Ω or 75Ω transmission lines when used with appropriate termination-critical for line receiver and signal restoration applications where source matching affects rise time fidelity.

Is the MAX9201ESE+ pin-compatible with other devices in the MAX920x family?

The MAX9201ESE+ shares the same 16-pin SO footprint and pin assignments with the MAX9201EUE+, but is not pin-compatible with the 14-pin MAX9202 or 8-pin MAX9203 due to differing channel counts, latch functionality, and pin allocations. Specifically, pins 4 and 5 on the MAX9201ESE+ are OUTC and OUTD, whereas those pins serve as LATCHA and LATCHB on the MAX9202. Substituting any MAX920x variant without verifying pin function mapping will result in incorrect operation or damage. Always consult the Pin Description table for the exact part number before board layout or replacement.