Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX934ESE+

Overview

MAX934ESE+ from Maxim Integrated is a quad micropower comparator with integrated 1.182V ±2% bandgap reference, designed for ultra-low-power battery-operated systems. It operates from +2.5V to +11V single supply (or ±1.25V to ±5.5V dual supply), features TTL/CMOS-compatible outputs that source up to 40mA and sink ≥5mA, and supports input common-mode range from V− to V+ − 1.3V - enabling direct sensing near rail in 3V/5V applications like threshold detection and window monitoring.

For engineers reviewing the MAX934ESE+ datasheet, MAX934ESE+ pinout, MAX934ESE+ application, or MAX934ESE+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its guaranteed −40°C to +85°C extended temperature operation, 4µA max supply current at 5V, programmable hysteresis capability (via external feedback), 12µs propagation delay at 10mV overdrive, and 16-pin narrow SO package compatibility with military-grade MAX924.

Technical Context

The MAX934ESE+ integrates four independent comparators and a shared precision reference in a single die. Each comparator uses a rail-to-rail input stage with guaranteed operation down to V− and up to V+ − 1.3V, and an output stage engineered to eliminate crowbar current during transitions - reducing parasitic supply feedback and improving layout robustness without mandatory bypassing.

Its reference is internally referenced to V− (not GND), delivering 1.182V ±2% over 0°C to +70°C and ±2.5% over −40°C to +85°C. The device supports low-voltage operation down to 2.5V (single-supply) or ±1.25V (dual-supply); below 2.5V, comparator functionality persists but reference accuracy degrades and propagation delay increases.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX934ESE+ is housed in a 16-pin narrow SO (Small Outline) package, 3.9mm width, JEDEC MS-012AC compliant, with exposed pad not connected. Pin 1 is marked by notch or dot; pin numbering follows standard counter-clockwise convention.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX924ESE+, MAX934ESE+ trades 1% reference accuracy for lower cost and adequate precision in industrial thresholding; versus TLV3704IPW, it delivers integrated reference and 30× faster response but consumes ~5× more quiescent current - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, medium-speed, self-contained detection tasks.

Availability

MAX934ESE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered instrumentation, industrial power supervision, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX934ESE+ 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 high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for power, sensing, and interface applications, with emphasis on integration, reliability, and energy efficiency.

The MAX931–MAX934 family was developed to deliver micropower comparators with integrated references for space-constrained, battery-critical systems - targeting portable medical devices, remote sensors, and industrial controllers where BOM reduction and low standby current are essential.

FAQ

What is the reference voltage accuracy of MAX934ESE+ over its full operating temperature range?

The MAX934ESE+ reference voltage is specified as 1.182V ±2.5% over the −40°C to +85°C extended temperature range. This tolerance includes initial accuracy, temperature drift, and load regulation effects. At room temperature (25°C), accuracy tightens to ±2%. The reference is referenced to V−, not GND, so proper grounding of V− is essential for correct operation in single-supply configurations. MAX934ESE+ maintains this specification without external trimming or calibration.

Can MAX934ESE+ operate from a 3.3V single supply, and what are the key performance implications?

Yes, MAX934ESE+ is fully specified for 3.3V single-supply operation (within its +2.5V to +11V range). At 3.3V, supply current remains ≤4.5µA, propagation delay increases to ~14µs (vs. 12µs at 5V), and output high voltage drops to V+ − 0.4V (≥2.9V), while output low stays ≤0.4V. Input common-mode range extends from GND to 2.0V, supporting most 3.3V sensor interfaces. The internal reference remains functional and stable at this voltage.

How is hysteresis implemented on MAX934ESE+, and why does it differ from MAX931–MAX933?

Unlike MAX931–MAX933, which feature a dedicated HYST pin for simple resistor-based hysteresis programming, MAX934ESE+ requires external positive feedback (e.g., resistor from OUT to IN+) to implement hysteresis. This is due to its quad architecture and lack of shared HYST node. Designers select R1/R2 values based on desired hysteresis voltage and threshold - typically using 10MΩ for R3 and calculating R1 = R3 × VHB / 1.182V. MAX934ESE+ does not support the internal HYST pin method.

Is MAX934ESE+ pin-compatible with any higher-accuracy alternatives, and what are the trade-offs?

Yes, MAX934ESE+ is pin-compatible with MAX924ESE+, which offers 1% reference accuracy and identical 16-pin narrow SO packaging. No PCB changes are required for substitution. Trade-offs include higher cost (+~25%), slightly higher quiescent current (5µA vs. 4µA), and identical speed/performance otherwise. MAX924ESE+ is recommended only when system-level threshold accuracy demands <±2% total error; otherwise MAX934ESE+ provides optimal cost-performance balance.

What is the maximum continuous output source current of MAX934ESE+, and under what conditions is it guaranteed?

MAX934ESE+ guarantees ≥40mA continuous output source current into V+ at TA = +25°C and V+ = 5V, with V− = GND. This rating holds across the full −40°C to +85°C range at reduced levels (≥30mA at +85°C). The output stage is designed for sustained sourcing without thermal shutdown under these conditions, provided package power dissipation remains within 696mW (16-pin SO, TA = +70°C). Short pulses up to 100mA are possible if duty cycle and thermal design allow.