Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX9601EUP+T

Overview

The MAX9601EUP+T from Maxim Integrated is a dual-channel ultra-high-speed PECL-output comparator with 500ps propagation delay, 10ps channel-to-channel skew, and 30ps propagation delay dispersion. It features latch-enable (LE_, LE_) and adjustable current-controlled hysteresis (HYS_), operates from -5.2V/+5V supplies, and drives 50Ω-terminated transmission lines directly. It is used in high-speed ATE, logic analyzer front ends, and 4Gbps signal restoration.

For engineers reviewing the MAX9601EUP+T datasheet, MAX9601EUP+T pinout, MAX9601EUP+T application, or MAX9601EUP+T equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, real-world timing behavior, PECL output interface details, latch/hysteresis implementation guidance, and validated alternative options for high-fidelity pulse tracking and low-timing-dispersion designs.

Technical Context

The MAX9601EUP+T implements a bipolar differential input stage with common-mode range from (VEE + 3V) to (VCC − 2V), supporting −2.2V to +3V input swing on ±5.2V/5V supplies. Its open-emitter PECL outputs require external 50Ω pull-downs to VT = VCCO_ − 2V and sink current during both logic states.

Latch enable operates differentially: LE_ low / LE_ high enables track mode; LE_ high / LE_ low triggers latch mode. Hysteresis is set by RHYS_ (10kΩ–35kΩ to GND), delivering 5–60mV input-referred hysteresis. Propagation delay dispersion remains ≤40ps across input overdrive (100mV–2V), slew rate (0.2–10V/ns), duty cycle (10%–90%), and pulse width (350ps–1ns).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX9601EUP+T is housed in a 20-pin TSSOP package (4.4mm body width) with exposed pad for thermal enhancement. Pin numbering follows standard JEDEC TSSOP orientation (pin 1 at top-left corner, counterclockwise).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX9600EUP+T, the MAX9601EUP+T provides PECL compatibility for modern high-speed interconnects, while the ADCMP572 offers lower delay at the cost of channel count and integrated features - making MAX9601EUP+T optimal for dual-channel, latch-enabled, PECL-system designs.

Availability

MAX9601EUP+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for VLSI ATE, high-speed instrumentation, logic analyzer front ends, scope triggering, and signal restoration applications requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges.

Supply support for MAX9601EUP+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) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, communications, and computing markets.

The MAX9600/MAX9601/MAX9602 family was designed specifically for ultra-high-speed test and measurement systems demanding sub-nanosecond timing fidelity, low skew, and direct interface to ECL/PECL infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the propagation delay specification for MAX9601EUP+T?

The MAX9601EUP+T has a typical propagation delay of 500ps, with a maximum of 700ps over temperature and supply variations. This value is measured with 100mV input overdrive under standard conditions (VCC = 5V, VEE = −5.2V, RL = 50Ω to 3V). The low delay enables precise edge alignment in 4Gbps data paths and high-speed ATE applications where timing resolution is critical. The MAX9601EUP+T maintains this performance across its full −40°C to +85°C operating range.

How does the latch-enable function operate on MAX9601EUP+T?

The MAX9601EUP+T uses differential latch-enable inputs (LEA/LEA and LEB/LEB) to switch between track and latch modes. When LE_ is low and LE_ is high, the comparator tracks input changes; when LE_ is high and LE_ is low, outputs freeze at their last state. This allows synchronous sampling without external flip-flops. For unused channels, tie LE_ to low PECL and LE_ to high PECL. The MAX9601EUP+T requires PECL-level logic (250mV–3.5V swing) on these inputs, unlike the ECL-compatible MAX9600EUP+T.

What external components are required for MAX9601EUP+T PECL output operation?

The MAX9601EUP+T PECL outputs require two external components per channel: (1) 50Ω pull-down resistors from QA/QA and QB/QB to VT = VCCO_ − 2V (typically 3V), and (2) a resistor RHYS_ (10kΩ–35kΩ) from HYSA/HYSB to GND to set hysteresis. VCCO_ must be supplied externally (2.4V to VCC) and decoupled locally. No AC coupling or level shifters are needed - the MAX9601EUP+T drives 50Ω loads directly with valid PECL logic levels (VOH ≈ VCCO_ − 0.94V, VOL ≈ VCCO_ − 1.72V).

What is the input common-mode voltage range for MAX9601EUP+T?

The MAX9601EUP+T accepts differential inputs with a common-mode range from (VEE + 3V) to (VCC − 2V). With standard ±5.2V/5V supplies, this equals −2.2V to +3V - wider than most comparators and enabling direct interface to CML, LVDS, and other high-speed sources without level shifting. CMRR is 70dB typical, ensuring stable operation despite common-mode noise. The range shifts with supply voltages: e.g., with −4.2V/+6V supplies, it becomes −1.2V to +4V. This flexibility makes the MAX9601EUP+T suitable for diverse signal chain architectures.

Does MAX9601EUP+T support adjustable hysteresis, and how is it configured?

Yes, the MAX9601EUP+T supports current-controlled hysteresis via pins HYSA and HYSB. Connect a single resistor RHYS_ (10kΩ–35kΩ) from each HYS_ pin to GND to set input-referred hysteresis from 60mV down to 5mV. The relationship is linear: RHYS_ = 2.5V / IHYS, where IHYS is the desired hysteresis current (0–200µA). Leaving HYS_ open yields zero hysteresis. This feature stabilizes switching on noisy or low-slew-rate inputs - a key advantage over fixed-hysteresis comparators in high-speed ATE and instrumentation applications using the MAX9601EUP+T.