Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX953EUA-T

Overview

MAX953EUA-T from Maxim Integrated is a micropower, single-supply analog IC integrating a unity-gain-stable operational amplifier, rail-to-rail comparator, and no internal reference in an 8-pin μMAX package. It operates from 2.4V to 7V with 5μA typical supply current, supports common-mode input down to VSS and within 1.6V of VDD, and delivers rail-to-rail output swing - ideal for battery-powered smoke detectors and infrared receiver front ends.

For engineers reviewing the MAX953EUA-T datasheet, MAX953EUA-T pinout, MAX953EUA-T application, or MAX953EUA-T equivalent, key selection criteria include ultra-low quiescent current (5μA), absence of internal reference (enabling flexible external reference use), unity-gain op amp stability, and guaranteed rail-to-rail output performance across -40°C to +85°C.

Technical Context

The MAX953EUA-T implements two independent analog signal paths: a CMOS-input op amp internally compensated for unity-gain stability (20kHz GBW, 12.5V/ms slew rate), and a high-impedance comparator with ±3mV internal hysteresis, 22μs propagation delay (10mV overdrive), and continuous 40mA sourcing capability. Both blocks share a common 2.4V–7V supply and operate with inputs extending to VSS.

No internal voltage reference is present - unlike MAX951/MAX952 - making REF pin unconnected in MAX953EUA-T. The comparator's inverting input (Pin 6) is externally accessible as COMPIN−, enabling user-defined threshold configurations without reference dependency.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX953EUA-T uses the 8-pin μMAX package (2.1mm × 2.1mm, 0.5mm pitch), thermally enhanced with exposed pad. Pin numbering follows standard SO/μMAX top-view convention.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar op amp + comparator applications.

Compared with MAX951EUA-T, MAX953EUA-T trades internal reference convenience for lower supply current and design flexibility; versus TLV2304IDR, it offers tighter integration and 2.4× lower quiescent power in a 35% smaller package - critical for space-constrained battery safety systems.

Availability

MAX953EUA-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered smoke detectors, infrared remote receivers, bar-code scanners, and low-frequency alarm systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for MAX953EUA-T 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 power management ICs for industrial, medical, and automotive applications.

The MAX951–MAX954 family was engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, single-supply sensor signal conditioning and threshold detection in portable and safety-critical systems - prioritizing micropower operation, rail-to-rail performance, and robust hysteresis.

FAQ

What is the function of Pin 6 (COMPIN−) on the MAX953EUA-T?

On the MAX953EUA-T, Pin 6 is the inverting comparator input (COMPIN−), not a reference output - unlike MAX951/MAX952. This allows users to apply external reference voltages or configure differential sensing. The MAX953EUA-T contains no internal reference, so REF functionality is omitted. This design gives full control over comparator threshold setting while maintaining the same pinout compatibility across the MAX951–MAX954 family.

Does the MAX953EUA-T require power-supply bypassing?

Yes, the MAX953EUA-T requires a 0.1μF ceramic capacitor between VDD (Pin 8) and VSS (Pin 4), placed as close as possible to the device. Although the IC draws only 5μA, bypassing suppresses supply noise coupling into the high-impedance op amp and comparator inputs - especially critical in smoke detector applications where crosstalk could cause false alarms. Do not bypass the REF pin, as it is unused on MAX953EUA-T.

Can the MAX953EUA-T drive capacitive loads without oscillation?

Yes, the MAX953EUA-T op amp is internally compensated for unity-gain stability and can drive up to 1000pF capacitive loads without external compensation. Its unique output stage maintains linearity under load while preserving ultra-low supply current. However, for loads >100pF, layout best practices (short traces, ground guard rings) are essential to prevent instability induced by stray capacitance - particularly in photodiode preamp configurations.

What is the maximum continuous output source current of the MAX953EUA-T comparator?

The MAX953EUA-T comparator output (Pin 7) can continuously source up to 40mA while maintaining microamp-level quiescent current. This is verified across the full operating temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and supply range (2.4V to 7V). Short pulses up to 100mA are permissible if average power dissipation remains within the μMAX package limit (330mW at +70°C ambient).

How does the MAX953EUA-T handle input signals below VSS or above VDD?

The MAX953EUA-T inputs tolerate voltages up to 300mV beyond the supply rails (VSS − 0.3V to VDD + 0.3V) without damage. This protects against transient overvoltage in sensor interfaces - such as electrostatic discharge from ionization chambers. However, sustained operation outside this range forward-biases ESD protection diodes and may cause latch-up or increased supply current; external clamping is recommended for long-term reliability.