Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX9370EUA

Overview

MAX9370EUA from Maxim Integrated is a dual LVTTL/TTL-to-differential LVPECL/PECL translator IC designed for high-speed clock and data distribution in telecom and datacom systems. It operates up to 1.5GHz, delivers 600mV differential output swing, exhibits 270ps propagation delay, and supports 3.0V–5.25V supply voltage - enabling use in 3.3V or 5.0V infrastructure such as DSLAMs and base station timing modules.

For engineers reviewing the MAX9370EUA datasheet, MAX9370EUA pinout, MAX9370EUA application, or MAX9370EUA equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 1GHz operation at 600mV swing, 10ps output-to-output skew across both channels, industry-standard flow-through pinout, and compatibility with PECL/LVPECL termination at VCC − 2.0V.

Technical Context

The MAX9370EUA implements two independent bipolar-based LVTTL/TTL input stages driving matched differential LVPECL/PECL output pairs, each terminated to VCC − 2.0V via 50Ω resistors. Its flow-through pinout minimizes signal path asymmetry, directly supporting low-skew (<10ps) differential signaling critical for clock tree integrity.

It features internal pull-up circuitry that forces outputs high when inputs are open, eliminating need for external biasing. The device uses a bipolar process (358 transistors), optimized for speed over power efficiency, with deterministic jitter of 40ps (P-P) and RMS random jitter of 0.8ps at 1GHz.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX9370EUA is housed in an 8-pin µMAX package (pin-compatible with SO and SOT23-8 footprints), featuring exposed pad for thermal enhancement and industry-standard flow-through layout that aligns inputs on one side and outputs on the opposite side to minimize crosstalk and routing complexity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MC100EPT22 and SY100EL15ZC, the MAX9370EUA uniquely delivers dual differential outputs with flow-through pinout, open-input safety, and wide 3.0V–5.25V supply support - making it the only option among the three capable of replacing two single-channel translators while maintaining timing coherence and design flexibility.

Availability

MAX9370EUA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DSLAM timing distribution, base station clock fanout, and central office SONET/SDH clocking requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for MAX9370EUA 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 RF ICs for precision timing, power management, and data conversion.

The MAX9370EUA belongs to Maxim's high-speed interface translator product line, engineered specifically for telecom infrastructure applications demanding sub-nanosecond timing accuracy, differential signaling integrity, and industrial temperature reliability.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating frequency of the MAX9370EUA?

The MAX9370EUA is guaranteed to operate at 1.0GHz minimum with ≥600mV differential output swing, and achieves 1.5GHz typical performance under standard test conditions (VCC = 3.3V, 50Ω termination to VCC − 2.0V). This makes the MAX9370EUA suitable for OC-48/STM-16 and Gigabit Ethernet clock distribution where deterministic timing is essential.

Does the MAX9370EUA require external pull-up or pull-down resistors on its inputs?

No - the MAX9370EUA includes internal pull-up circuitry on both D0 and D1 inputs, forcing the corresponding differential outputs high when inputs are left unconnected. This eliminates the need for external biasing components and simplifies system design, especially in configurations where one channel may be unused.

What is the correct termination scheme for MAX9370EUA LVPECL outputs?

Each differential LVPECL output pair (e.g., Q0/Q0 or Q1/Q1) must be terminated with two 50Ω resistors: one from Q0 to VCC − 2.0V and another from Q0 to VCC − 2.0V. Using identical termination on both sides ensures minimal output-to-output skew and preserves the specified 600mV differential swing for the MAX9370EUA.

Can the MAX9370EUA operate from a 5.0V supply?

Yes - the MAX9370EUA supports a wide supply range of 3.0V to 5.25V, making it fully compatible with standard 5.0V system rails. Unlike the MAX9372 variant (3.0V–3.6V only), the MAX9370EUA maintains full AC/DC specifications across this entire range, including propagation delay, skew, and output swing.

How does the MAX9370EUA compare to the MAX9371 in terms of channel count and pinout?

The MAX9370EUA is a dual-channel translator with eight functional pins (two inputs, four outputs, VCC, GND), whereas the MAX9371 is single-channel and contains no-connect (N.C.) pins in the µMAX package. Their pinouts differ significantly: MAX9370EUA uses flow-through layout (inputs on left, outputs on right), while MAX9371 reassigns pins for single-ended operation - so they are not pin-compatible.