Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX941ESA+

Overview

The MAX941ESA+ from Maxim Integrated is a single high-speed rail-to-rail input comparator optimized for 3V/5V single-supply systems, featuring 80ns propagation delay, 350μA supply current per comparator, and internal hysteresis - used in battery-powered threshold detection, zero-crossing sensing, and CMOS/TTL interface circuits.

For engineers reviewing the MAX941ESA+ datasheet, MAX941ESA+ pinout, MAX941ESA+ application, or MAX941ESA+ equivalent, key selection considerations include its -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range, 8-pin SO package, latch and shutdown control functions, and rail-to-rail input operation down to 2.7V.

Technical Context

The MAX941ESA+ employs a bipolar process with internal hysteresis (1mV typical input-referred width) to ensure clean output transitions under slow-moving or noisy inputs. Its rail-to-rail input stage accepts common-mode voltages from -0.2V to V+ + 0.2V, enabling direct interfacing with sensors operating beyond supply rails.

The output stage delivers CMOS/TTL-compatible levels - VOH = V+ − 0.2V (at 400μA), VOL = 0.2V (at 400μA) - without external pullups. LATCH and SHDN pins provide transparent latching and sub-60μA shutdown current, both with high-impedance logic-level inputs referenced to V+/2 ± 0.4V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX941ESA+ is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package, 3.9mm × 4.9mm body, 1.27mm pitch, RoHS-compliant, with exposed pad option not applicable.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-speed, low-power comparator applications.

Compared with LMV7219M5X and TLV3501CDR, the MAX941ESA+ uniquely balances sub-100ns speed, μA-level quiescent current, and integrated latch/shutdown - making it optimal for energy-constrained, digitally controlled threshold detection where deterministic timing and low average power are co-required.

Availability

MAX941ESA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered instrumentation, industrial sensor interfaces, and 3.3V/5V embedded control systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for MAX941ESA+ 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 semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, communications, and consumer applications.

The MAX941ESA+ belongs to the MAX94x family of rail-to-rail, low-power comparators designed specifically for 3V/5V single-supply systems where speed, precision, and power efficiency must coexist - such as portable test equipment and smart sensor nodes.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range of the MAX941ESA+?

The MAX941ESA+ is specified for operation from -40°C to +85°C, qualifying it for industrial environments including factory automation, outdoor metering, and automotive under-hood auxiliary modules. This range is confirmed in the Ordering Information table and Absolute Maximum Ratings section of the official datasheet, and distinguishes it from the commercial-grade MAX941CSA (0°C to +70°C) and extended-temp MAX941AUA (-40°C to +125°C).

Does the MAX941ESA+ require external pull-up resistors on its output?

No, the MAX941ESA+ does not require external pull-up resistors. Its output stage is a push-pull design capable of sourcing up to 4mA and sinking up to 4mA while maintaining VOH ≥ V+ − 0.4V and VOL ≤ 0.4V - sufficient to drive standard CMOS and TTL logic inputs directly. This is explicitly stated in the "Outputs pull to within 0.4V of either supply rail without external pullup circuitry" sentence in the General Description.

How does the internal hysteresis of the MAX941ESA+ improve performance in noisy environments?

The MAX941ESA+ features fixed internal hysteresis (~1mV input-referred width), which creates distinct upper and lower trip points. This prevents output oscillation when input signals linger near the threshold - a common issue with slow-moving or noisy inputs. Unlike external hysteresis networks, this built-in feature requires no additional resistors or calculations, simplifying layout and ensuring consistent behavior across temperature and voltage.

Can the LATCH and SHDN pins of the MAX941ESA+ be used simultaneously?

Yes, the LATCH and SHDN pins of the MAX941ESA+ can be used simultaneously, but with defined sequencing: SHDN must be high to enable the comparator before asserting LATCH low to capture the output state. If SHDN is low, the output enters high-impedance state and latching has no effect. The datasheet specifies that shutdown disable time is ~10ns, and latch setup/hold times are 20ns/30ns - confirming concurrent use is supported when timing constraints are met.

What package type is used for the MAX941ESA+ and what are its key mechanical dimensions?

The MAX941ESA+ uses an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package, designated as S8-2 in Maxim's package coding. Its body dimensions are 3.9mm × 4.9mm, with 1.27mm lead pitch and standard gull-wing leads. This footprint matches industry-standard SOIC-8 land patterns (Maxim land pattern no. 90-0096), enabling drop-in compatibility with existing 8-pin SO layouts and automated assembly processes.