Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX931ESA+

Overview

MAX931ESA+ from Maxim Integrated is a single micropower comparator with integrated 1.182V ±2% bandgap reference, programmable hysteresis via HYST pin, TTL/CMOS-compatible output sinking and sourcing up to 50mA/40mA, and 4µA max supply current over –40°C to +85°C. It operates from +2.5V to +11V single supply (or ±1.25V to ±5.5V dual), with input common-mode range extending from V– to V+ – 1.3V - ideal for battery-powered threshold detection in portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX931ESA+ datasheet, MAX931ESA+ pinout, MAX931ESA+ application, or MAX931ESA+ equivalent, key selection criteria include ultra-low quiescent current (<4µA), rail-to-rail input capability down to V–, internal reference accuracy (±2%), hysteresis configurability without external feedback, and output drive strength (40mA source) in an 8-pin µMAX package.

Technical Context

The MAX931ESA+ integrates a precision 1.182V bandgap reference referenced to V– (not GND), enabling stable threshold generation in single- or dual-supply configurations. Its comparator core features input offset voltage ≤±10mV, input leakage ≤±0.01nA, and propagation delay of 12µs (10mV overdrive) at 5V.

The unique output stage eliminates crowbar current during logic transitions, preventing supply-line glitches and parasitic feedback. Hysteresis is implemented via the HYST pin (REF to REF – 50mV range), allowing simple two-resistor configuration without external feedback networks or complex calculations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX931ESA+ is housed in an 8-pin µMAX package (3mm × 3mm, 0.8mm height), thermally enhanced for high-current operation in space-constrained designs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar comparator-with-reference applications.

Compared with MAX921ESA+, MAX931ESA+ trades reference accuracy for lower supply current and retains full hysteresis configurability; compared with TLV3011DBVR, it delivers 33× higher output drive and integrated hysteresis control at the cost of higher minimum supply voltage (2.5V vs. 1.8V).

Availability

MAX931ESA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered instrumentation, portable medical devices, and industrial sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.

Supply support for MAX931ESA+ 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 management, sensing, and signal conditioning in demanding environments.

The MAX931ESA+ belongs to the MAX93x micropower comparator family, engineered specifically for ultra-low-power threshold detection in battery-critical applications where reference stability, hysteresis simplicity, and output drive matter.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for MAX931ESA+?

The MAX931ESA+ is specified for –40°C to +85°C (industrial grade). Its electrical characteristics - including supply current (<4µA), reference voltage (1.147V to 1.217V), and propagation delay - are guaranteed across this full range. The 'E' suffix in MAX931ESA+ explicitly denotes the extended temperature grade, distinct from the commercial-grade MAX931CSA (0°C to +70°C).

Can MAX931ESA+ operate from a 3V single supply?

Yes, MAX931ESA+ operates from +2.5V to +11V single supply. At 3V, supply current remains <4µA, input common-mode range extends from V– to V+ – 1.3V (i.e., 0V to 1.7V), and propagation delay increases to 14µs (typical, 10mV overdrive). The internal 1.182V reference remains functional and accurate, enabling reliable thresholding in 3V systems like wearables and IoT sensors.

How is hysteresis configured on MAX931ESA+?

Hysteresis on MAX931ESA+ is configured using the HYST pin: connect resistor R1 between REF and HYST, and R2 between HYST and V–. The hysteresis band (VHB) ≈ 2 × (VREF – VHYST), with VHYST adjustable from REF down to REF – 50mV. For example, setting VHYST = REF – 25mV yields ~50mV hysteresis. No external op-amp or feedback loop is needed - the HYST pin implements hysteresis internally.

Does MAX931ESA+ require a bypass capacitor on the REF pin?

No - the REF pin of MAX931ESA+ must not be bypassed. The internal bandgap reference is optimized for stability without external capacitance. Bypassing REF can cause oscillation or increased noise. Instead, use a 100nF ceramic capacitor between V+ and GND if supply impedance is high or traces are long. Keep REF trace short and away from noisy outputs to minimize crosstalk-induced noise (~1mV p-p).

Is MAX931ESA+ pin-compatible with any other comparators?

Yes, MAX931ESA+ is pin-compatible with the MAX921ESA+ (1% reference version) and shares identical 8-pin µMAX pinout, supply ranges, and functional block diagram. This allows drop-in replacement where higher reference accuracy is needed without PCB redesign. It is not pin-compatible with MAX932/MAX933 (dual) or MAX934 (quad) variants due to differing pin assignments and channel counts.