Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX954EPA
- Part No.:
- MAX954EPA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Special Purpose Amplifiers
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX954EPA.pdf
- Description:
- OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIER
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:375
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Product details
Overview
MAX954EPA from Maxim Integrated is an ultra-low-power, single-supply analog IC integrating a decompensated op amp (125kHz GBW, 66V/ms slew rate), rail-to-rail comparator, and no internal reference in an 8-pin plastic DIP package. It operates from 2.4V to 7V with 5μA typical supply current, supports common-mode input down to VSS, and delivers rail-to-rail outputs - ideal for battery-powered smoke detectors requiring continuous sensor monitoring and fast alarm triggering.
For engineers reviewing the MAX954EPA datasheet, MAX954EPA pinout, MAX954EPA application, or MAX954EPA equivalent, key selection criteria include its 10V/V minimum stable gain, ±3mV internal comparator hysteresis, 1.6V headroom CMVR, 5μA quiescent current, and compatibility with high-impedance ionization chamber sensors in safety-critical embedded systems.
Technical Context
The MAX954EPA implements a decompensated CMOS op amp optimized for gains ≥10V/V, delivering 125kHz gain-bandwidth and 66V/ms slew rate while maintaining micropower operation. Its comparator features rail-to-rail CMOS output capable of 40mA continuous sourcing, ±3mV internal hysteresis, and glitch-free switching during logic transitions.
Both amplifier and comparator share a common-mode input range extending from VSS to (VDD − 1.6V), enabling ground-referenced signal conditioning in single-supply systems. The device lacks an internal voltage reference - unlike MAX951/MAX952 - making external reference selection mandatory for comparator threshold setting.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.4V to 7V - supports coin-cell (3V) and Li-ion (up to 4.2V) battery systems without regulation. |
| Supply Current (Typ) | 5μA - enables multi-year operation on 200mAh batteries in always-on smoke detection circuits. |
| Op Amp Gain Bandwidth | 125kHz - sufficient for low-frequency sensor amplification (e.g., ionization chamber signals <10Hz) with 10V/V gain stability. |
| Comparator Propagation Delay | 4μs (100mV overdrive, CL = 100pF) - ensures rapid alarm assertion in life-safety applications. |
| Input Common-Mode Range | VSS to (VDD − 1.6V) - allows direct interfacing with grounded sensors and resistive dividers. |
| Output Swing | Rail-to-rail - delivers full dynamic range into high-impedance loads (e.g., microcontroller ADC inputs or logic gates). |
| Comparator Hysteresis | ±3mV - suppresses chatter from slow-moving or noisy sensor signals without external components. |
Pinout & Package
MAX954EPA uses an 8-pin plastic DIP (dual in-line package) with 0.300" wide body and 0.100" lead pitch. Pin 1 is AMPOUT; pin 4 is VSS (ground); pin 5 is COMPIN+; pin 6 is COMPIN−; pin 7 is COMPOUT; pin 8 is VDD. No internal reference is present - REF pin (pin 6 on MAX951/952) is repurposed as COMPIN−.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (AMPOUT) | Op Amp Output | Drives high-impedance loads (≥100kΩ) with rail-to-rail swing; stable at 10V/V gain with ≤100pF capacitive load. |
| 2 (AMPIN−) | Inverting Op Amp Input | High-impedance CMOS node (IB < 0.05nA); accepts signals from VSS to (VDD − 1.6V). |
| 3 (AMPIN+) | Noninverting Op Amp Input | High-Z input for sensor buffering; used with ionization chamber in smoke detector front ends. |
| 4 (VSS) | Negative Supply / Ground | Reference for all analog circuitry; must be low-impedance to minimize crosstalk from comparator switching. |
| 5 (COMPIN+) | Noninverting Comparator Input | Accepts threshold or sensor-derived signal; referenced to VSS; compatible with 0–VDD range. |
| 6 (COMPIN−) | Inverting Comparator Input | Replaces REF pin of MAX951/952; receives reference voltage from external source (e.g., resistor divider). |
| 7 (COMPOUT) | Comparator Output | Rail-to-rail CMOS output; sources up to 40mA continuously; sinks >5mA; TTL-compatible at 5V supply. |
| 8 (VDD) | Positive Supply | Single-supply input (2.4–7V); bypassing with 0.1μF to VSS recommended for noise immunity. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Decompensated op amp | Stable at AV ≥ 10V/V with 125kHz GBW - enables higher closed-loop gain than unity-stable variants without sacrificing bandwidth. |
| Rail-to-rail output stage | Delivers full supply voltage swing to maximize SNR when driving ADCs or logic interfaces in low-voltage systems. |
| Comparator with internal hysteresis | ±3mV hysteresis eliminates need for external feedback resistors in basic threshold-detection circuits. |
| Ultra-low supply current | 5μA typical - reduces average power to ~15μW at 3V, critical for multi-year battery life in safety sensors. |
| Ground-sensing input range | CMVR includes VSS - allows direct connection of grounded sensors (e.g., ionization chambers, photodiodes) without level-shifting. |
Applications
| Smoke Detector Sensor Interface | Low-Frequency RF Alarm Receiver |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Ionization chamber in residential smoke alarms generates picoamp-level current changes during smoke ingress; requires high-impedance buffering and precise threshold detection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MAX954EPA op amp buffers high-Z chamber voltage; comparator triggers alarm when buffered signal exceeds externally set threshold. Use Value: 5μA quiescent current enables continuous monitoring without duty cycling; ±3mV hysteresis prevents false alarms from EMI or slow drift. | Use Scenario: Low-cost perimeter intrusion detection using 10kHz RF carrier and unshielded loop antenna; requires low-noise amplification and clean digital pulse generation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MAX954EPA op amp amplifies weak RF envelope; comparator converts analog signal to TTL-compatible digital pulses for microcontroller decoding. Use Value: Rail-to-rail outputs interface directly with MCU GPIO; 4μs propagation delay ensures timely response to short-duration RF bursts. |
| Infrared Remote Control Front End | Battery-Powered Instrumentation |
Use Scenario: IR receiver for TV remotes or industrial data links operating at 38kHz carrier frequency; subject to ambient light interference and low signal amplitude. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MAX954EPA op amp configured as bandpass filter; comparator provides noise-immune digital output for demodulation. Use Value: 125kHz op amp bandwidth supports 38kHz carrier envelope detection; 2.4V min supply enables operation from partially discharged alkaline cells. | Use Scenario: Portable gas analyzer or pH meter requiring long battery life, high-input-impedance sensing, and analog signal conditioning before digitization. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MAX954EPA op amp buffers electrochemical sensor output; comparator acts as low-power window detector or battery-low indicator. Use Value: Input bias current < 0.05nA preserves accuracy of high-impedance sensors; 7V max supply accommodates boost-regulated rails. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar op amp + comparator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX952EPA | Includes internal 1.2V ±2% bandgap reference; same 125kHz op amp and comparator specs. | Eliminates need for external reference divider; better for space-constrained designs where reference accuracy is critical. | Select MAX952EPA when internal reference simplifies BOM and layout; avoid if reference voltage tolerance or temperature drift is insufficient for threshold precision. |
| TLV2304IPW | Dual micropower op amp only (no comparator); 120kHz GBW, 5.5μA per channel; SO-14 package. | Requires external comparator and reference; offers independent channel control but increases component count. | Choose TLV2304IPW when separate op amp channels are needed for differential sensing or filtering stages prior to comparison. |
Compared with MAX952EPA, MAX954EPA trades integrated reference for lower supply current (5μA vs. 7μA) and reduced pin count complexity in reference-free designs; versus TLV2304IPW, it consolidates functions into one die but lacks dual op amp flexibility - optimal where space, power, and integration outweigh channel independence.
Availability
MAX954EPA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smoke detectors, battery-powered instrumentation, low-frequency RF alarms, and infrared remote receivers requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX954EPA 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 product line targets ultra-low-power, single-supply sensor signal conditioning and threshold detection in portable and safety-critical systems - emphasizing micropower operation, rail-to-rail performance, and integrated functionality.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range of the MAX954EPA?
The MAX954EPA is rated for operation from -40°C to +85°C, meeting industrial-grade requirements for deployment in harsh environments such as HVAC ducts, outdoor security sensors, and battery-powered fire alarm panels. This range is confirmed by the "E" grade suffix in the part number and validated across all electrical parameters in the datasheet's Electrical Characteristics tables.
Does the MAX954EPA include an internal voltage reference?
No, the MAX954EPA does not include an internal voltage reference. Unlike the MAX951/MAX952, its pin 6 is designated COMPIN−, not REF. Users must provide an external reference (e.g., resistor divider or precision reference IC) to set the comparator threshold. This design choice reduces supply current to 5μA and avoids reference-related crosstalk in sensitive analog paths.
What is the minimum stable gain for the op amp in MAX954EPA?
The op amp in MAX954EPA is decompensated and stable for closed-loop gains of 10V/V or greater. It is not unity-gain stable - attempting AV = 1V/V will cause oscillation. This architecture enables higher bandwidth (125kHz GBW) and faster slew rate (66V/ms) than unity-stable variants like MAX953EPA, making it suitable for moderate-speed signal conditioning where gain ≥10 is acceptable.
Can MAX954EPA drive capacitive loads directly?
Yes, the MAX954EPA op amp can drive capacitive loads up to 100pF while maintaining stability, as verified in the "OP AMP Percent Overshoot vs. Capacitive Load" graph. For larger loads, a small isolation resistor (e.g., 10–50Ω) in series with the output is recommended. The comparator output also tolerates capacitive loading but may exhibit increased propagation delay beyond 100pF.
How does the comparator hysteresis function in MAX954EPA?
The MAX954EPA comparator includes fixed ±3mV internal hysteresis centered on the trip point, ensuring clean output transitions even with slow-moving or noisy input signals. This hysteresis is inherent to the comparator core and requires no external components. It cannot be disabled or adjusted, but external positive feedback can increase total hysteresis width if needed for higher noise immunity.
MAX954EPA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Amplifier, Comparator, Reference
- Applications:
- Smart Card
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
MAX954EPA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX954EPA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX954EPA 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 MAX954EPA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX954EPA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX954EPA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX954EPA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX954EPA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX954EPA?
MAX954EPA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX954EPA 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 MAX954EPA?
For technical support, including MAX954EPA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX954EPA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX954EPA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX954EPA 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 MAX954EPA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX954EPA?
All MAX954EPA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX954EPA, 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 MAX954EPA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX954EPA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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