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Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Logic > Translators, Level Shifters

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX9420EHJ

Name: MAX9420EHJ
Brand: Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
SKU: MAX9420EHJ
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: MAX9420EHJ

Manufacturer:: Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated

Category:: Translators, Level Shifters

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Datasheet:: MAX9420EHJ.pdf

Description:: LOGIC LEVEL TRANSLATOR

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

MAX9420EHJ from Maxim Integrated is a quad differential LVECL-to-LVPECL translator in 32-pin TQFP (5mm × 5mm), designed for high-speed clock and data distribution. It delivers 336ps typical propagation delay, 17ps typical channel-to-channel skew, and supports up to 2GHz data frequency in asynchronous mode. Used in central office backplane clock distribution where deterministic timing and low jitter are critical.

For engineers reviewing the MAX9420EHJ datasheet, MAX9420EHJ pinout, MAX9420EHJ application, or MAX9420EHJ equivalent, key selection criteria include its open-input/open-emitter configuration, -2.0V to -3.6V VEE supply compatibility with LVECL inputs, 2.375V to 3.6V VCC range for LVPECL outputs, and synchronous/asynchronous mode control via SEL differential pair.

Technical Context

The MAX9420EHJ implements four independent differential translation channels using bipolar process technology, with no internal input termination (100Ω differential impedance not integrated) and no internal output series resistors (open-emitter outputs require external 50Ω termination to VCC − 2V). Its SEL-controlled dual-mode operation enables either edge-triggered synchronous latching (using CLK/CLK) or transparent asynchronous translation.

Propagation delay variation is tightly controlled at 0.2–1.0 ps/°C temperature coefficient, and added random jitter is specified at 0.53–1.0 ps(RMS) at 2GHz input. The device uses differential signaling throughout - all inputs (IN0–IN3, CLK, SEL, EN) and outputs (OUT0–OUT3) are strictly differential pairs, with no single-ended operation supported.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Propagation Delay	336ps typical (IN-to-OUT, asynchronous mode); enables sub-ns timing alignment in multi-channel clock trees.
Channel-to-Channel Skew	17ps typical; ensures <20ps timing mismatch across all four translated channels for coherent signal routing.
Max Data Frequency	2GHz (asynchronous mode); supports OC-48/STM-16 serial data rates without retiming.
Supply Voltage Range	VEE = -2.0V to -3.6V, VCC = 2.375V to 3.6V; matches standard LVECL input and LVPECL output voltage domains.
Operating Temperature	-40°C to +85°C; qualified for industrial and telecom infrastructure environments including DSLAM and base station equipment.
Differential Output Swing	600–660mV (VOH − VOL); provides robust noise margin for LVPECL receivers at 3.3V VCC.
Input Common-Mode Range	VEE − 0.2V to VEE + 1.4V; compatible with standard LVECL logic levels referenced to negative supply.

Pinout & Package

MAX9420EHJ is housed in a 32-pin TQFP package (5mm × 5mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed paddle connected to VEE. Pin assignment follows JEDEC MO-220 standard; all signals are differential pairs requiring matched trace lengths and controlled 50Ω impedance routing.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1, 8 VEE	Negative supply rail	Bipolar core supply; must be bypassed with 0.1µF + 0.01µF ceramics close to pins to suppress high-frequency noise.
2 SEL / 3 SEL	Differential mode select	SEL high/low = asynchronous translation; SEL low/high = synchronous clocked operation using CLK/CLK.
4 CLK / 5 CLK	Differential clock input	Active only in synchronous mode; rising edge on CLK clocks all four channels simultaneously.
6 EN / 7 EN	Differential output enable	EN high/low = outputs active; EN low/high = forces all OUT_/OUT_ pairs to differential low state.
9–10, 15–16, 25–26, 31–32 IN0–IN3	Differential data inputs	Open inputs; require external biasing (e.g., 1kΩ to VEE) or termination per Figure 5 to prevent floating noise coupling.
12–13, 18–19, 22–23, 28–29 OUT0–OUT3	Differential open-emitter outputs	Must be terminated externally: 50Ω to VCC − 2V (Thevenin equivalent acceptable); mismatch causes skew and amplitude loss.
11, 17, 24, 30 VCC	Positive supply rail	LVPECL output reference; bypassing required identically to VEE for power integrity and jitter performance.
14, 20, 21, 27 GND	Ground reference	Four dedicated ground pins minimize ground bounce; connect directly to solid ground plane with multiple vias.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Ultra-low skew architecture	17ps typical channel-to-channel skew enables precise phase alignment across four parallel clock/data paths.
Dual-mode operation	Synchronous (clocked) or asynchronous (transparent) mode selected via differential SEL pair - no mode-setting register needed.
Open-emitter output stage	Allows flexible external termination: 50Ω to VCC − 2V, or custom Thevenin networks for level-shifting or impedance matching.
Open-input interface	No internal 100Ω differential termination - preserves design freedom for custom input biasing and noise immunity tuning.
High-speed DC-coupled path	336ps propagation delay with <1ps/°C tempco supports deterministic timing closure in >1.5GHz serial links.

Applications

Central Office Backplane Clock Distribution	DSLAM Backplane
Use Scenario: Distributing 155MHz–622MHz SONET/SDH reference clocks across 16-slot telecom backplanes with sub-100ps skew budget. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Quad LVECL-to-LVPECL translator providing four isolated, low-skew clock fanout paths from a common source. Use Value: 17ps channel skew and 336ps delay ensure inter-slot clock phase deviation remains below 0.1 UI at 622MHz, meeting GR-1244-CORE jitter accumulation limits.	Use Scenario: Driving line-card clock receivers in DSL access multiplexers where multiple ADI/AFE chips require synchronized sampling clocks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed differential translator converting LVECL backplane clocks to LVPECL-compatible levels for downstream PHYs. Use Value: Open-emitter outputs allow direct 50Ω termination to VCC − 2V, delivering stable 600–660mV swing into LVPECL inputs without external resistors or level shifters.
Base Station Transceiver Timing	ATE High-Speed Digital Test
Use Scenario: Synchronizing RFIC local oscillators and ADC/DAC sampling clocks in 3G/4G macro base stations operating at ambient −30°C to +70°C. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Quad translator enabling simultaneous clock distribution to multiple RF front-end ICs while maintaining tight phase coherence. Use Value: -40°C to +85°C qualification and 0.2–1.0 ps/°C delay tempco guarantee timing stability across full environmental range without recalibration.	Use Scenario: Generating precisely timed stimulus and capture clocks for 1.25Gbps–2.5Gbps digital pattern generators in automated test equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-jitter translator converting ECL-pattern generator outputs to LVPECL levels for DUT clock inputs. Use Value: 0.53–1.0 ps(RMS) added random jitter at 2GHz ensures test system timing uncertainty stays below 1% of unit interval for high-accuracy parametric testing.

Central Office Backplane Clock Distribution

DSLAM Backplane

Use Scenario: Distributing 155MHz–622MHz SONET/SDH reference clocks across 16-slot telecom backplanes with sub-100ps skew budget.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Quad LVECL-to-LVPECL translator providing four isolated, low-skew clock fanout paths from a common source.

Use Value: 17ps channel skew and 336ps delay ensure inter-slot clock phase deviation remains below 0.1 UI at 622MHz, meeting GR-1244-CORE jitter accumulation limits.

Use Scenario: Driving line-card clock receivers in DSL access multiplexers where multiple ADI/AFE chips require synchronized sampling clocks.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed differential translator converting LVECL backplane clocks to LVPECL-compatible levels for downstream PHYs.

Use Value: Open-emitter outputs allow direct 50Ω termination to VCC − 2V, delivering stable 600–660mV swing into LVPECL inputs without external resistors or level shifters.

Base Station Transceiver Timing

ATE High-Speed Digital Test

Use Scenario: Synchronizing RFIC local oscillators and ADC/DAC sampling clocks in 3G/4G macro base stations operating at ambient −30°C to +70°C.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Quad translator enabling simultaneous clock distribution to multiple RF front-end ICs while maintaining tight phase coherence.

Use Value: -40°C to +85°C qualification and 0.2–1.0 ps/°C delay tempco guarantee timing stability across full environmental range without recalibration.

Use Scenario: Generating precisely timed stimulus and capture clocks for 1.25Gbps–2.5Gbps digital pattern generators in automated test equipment.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-jitter translator converting ECL-pattern generator outputs to LVPECL levels for DUT clock inputs.

Use Value: 0.53–1.0 ps(RMS) added random jitter at 2GHz ensures test system timing uncertainty stays below 1% of unit interval for high-accuracy parametric testing.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
MAX9422EHJ	Integrated 100Ω differential input termination; same open-emitter outputs and TQFP package.	Reduces external bias components for unused inputs but adds fixed input impedance; less flexible for non-standard input drive conditions.	Select MAX9422EHJ when input signal sources lack built-in termination and board space for external 1kΩ bias resistors is constrained.
MAX9421EHJ	Integrated 50Ω series output termination and 8.2mA internal pulldown; same open inputs and TQFP package.	Eliminates external output termination resistors but fixes output impedance at 50Ω; incompatible with non-standard termination schemes.	Select MAX9421EHJ when board layout requires minimal external components and all loads are standard 50Ω LVPECL receivers.

Compared with MAX9420EHJ, MAX9422EHJ adds input termination at the cost of design flexibility, while MAX9421EHJ integrates output resistors but removes termination adaptability - MAX9420EHJ retains full external component control for custom impedance matching and biasing.

Availability

MAX9420EHJ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for central office backplane clock distribution, DSLAM backplane timing, and base station transceiver synchronization requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX9420EHJ 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 interface ICs for industrial, communications, and computing applications.

The MAX9420–MAX9423 family targets high-speed telecom and test equipment requiring deterministic low-skew translation between LVECL and LVPECL logic families, with emphasis on jitter performance and thermal stability.

FAQ

What is the recommended termination for MAX9420EHJ open-emitter outputs?

MAX9420EHJ open-emitter outputs must be terminated externally with a 50Ω resistor to VCC − 2V (e.g., 3.3V VCC → terminate to 1.3V). This matches standard LVPECL receiver input impedance and ensures 600–660mV differential swing. Using Thevenin equivalents (e.g., 100Ω to VCC || 100Ω to GND) is acceptable if the equivalent resistance equals 50Ω and common-mode voltage remains within spec.

Does MAX9420EHJ support single-ended input or output operation?

No, MAX9420EHJ is strictly a differential device: all inputs (IN0–IN3, CLK, SEL, EN) and outputs (OUT0–OUT3) are differential pairs. Single-ended use violates the input common-mode range and output swing specifications, causing timing errors and increased jitter. Unused differential inputs must be biased differentially (e.g., 1kΩ to VEE per side) per Figure 5.

How does the SEL pin control synchronous vs. asynchronous mode in MAX9420EHJ?

In MAX9420EHJ, SEL and SEL form a differential pair: SEL high/SEL low enables asynchronous mode (transparent translation), while SEL low/SEL high enables synchronous mode (data latched on CLK rising edge). The device ignores CLK in asynchronous mode, and all inputs except SEL/SEL are disabled during mode transitions to prevent metastability.

What is the maximum allowable input differential voltage for MAX9420EHJ?

The absolute maximum differential input voltage for MAX9420EHJ is ±3V, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Exceeding this risks permanent damage. For reliable operation, VIHD − VILD must remain between 0.2V and the smaller of 3.0V or |VEE|, with typical values at 0.8V (e.g., VEE = −3.3V → VIHD = −2.5V, VILD = −3.3V).

Can MAX9420EHJ operate with VCC = 2.5V and VEE = -3.3V?

Yes, MAX9420EHJ supports VCC from 2.375V to 3.6V and VEE from -2.0V to -3.6V independently. At VCC = 2.5V and VEE = -3.3V, output swing reduces to ~500mV (per VOH − VOL vs. VCC curve), but remains functional for short-reach LVPECL interfaces. Input thresholds scale with VEE, preserving noise margin.

MAX9420EHJ Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated

Series:: -

Package/Case:

Packaging:: Bulk

Product Status:: Active

Translator Type:: Mixed Signal

Channel Type:: Unidirectional

Number of Circuits:: 1

Channels per Circuit:: 4

Voltage - VCCA:: -

Voltage - VCCB:: -

Input Signal:: LVECL

Output Signal:: LVPECL

Output Type:: Non-Inverted

Data Rate:: 3GHz

Operating Temperature:: -40°C ~ 85°C

Grade:: -

Qualification:: -

Features:: -

Mounting Type:: Surface Mount

Supplier Device Package:: 32-TQFP

MAX9420EHJ FAQ

1.How can I place an order for MAX9420EHJ through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX9420EHJ on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.

2.Are the price and stock information for MAX9420EHJ reliable?

The price and inventory of MAX9420EHJ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX9420EHJ is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX9420EHJ?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX9420EHJ transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for MAX9420EHJ?

MAX9420EHJ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your MAX9420EHJ order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.

Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.

5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX9420EHJ?

For technical support, including MAX9420EHJ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX9420EHJ requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX9420EHJ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All MAX9420EHJ products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX9420EHJ meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX9420EHJ?

All MAX9420EHJ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX9420EHJ, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:

1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.

2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.

3.The MAX9420EHJ part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for MAX9420EHJ:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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