Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX9601EUP-T

Overview

MAX9601EUP-T from Maxim Integrated is a dual-channel ultra-high-speed PECL-output comparator with 500ps propagation delay, 10ps 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 front ends for VLSI memory testing where precise pulse tracking and minimal timing jitter are critical.

For engineers reviewing the MAX9601EUP-T datasheet, MAX9601EUP-T pinout, MAX9601EUP-T application, or MAX9601EUP-T equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, validated pin functions, confirmed PECL output behavior, latch timing constraints (tLS = 250ps, tLH = 300ps), and real-world design implications of its 4Gbps tracking capability and -1.2V to +4V input common-mode range under ±5.2V/±4.2V supply configurations.

Technical Context

The MAX9601EUP-T implements a bipolar differential pair input stage with ECL-compatible level-shifting and open-emitter PECL outputs requiring external 50Ω pull-downs to VT = VCCO_ − 2V. Its latch-enable architecture supports track-hold and sample-hold modes via complementary differential control signals driven by standard PECL logic.

Propagation delay dispersion is actively minimized across input overdrive (100mV–2V), slew rate (0.2–10V/ns), duty cycle (10%–90%), and common-mode voltage (VEE + 3V to VCC − 2V), with typical variation ≤30ps. Hysteresis is set by a single external resistor (10kΩ–35kΩ) from HYS_ to GND, yielding 5–60mV input-referred hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX9601EUP-T is housed in a 20-pin TSSOP package (4.4mm width) with exposed pad for thermal enhancement. Pin numbering follows standard JEDEC TSSOP layout; all pins are surface-mount compatible and require controlled-impedance PCB routing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX9600EUP-T and ADCMP572BCPZ-R7, the MAX9601EUP-T uniquely balances dual-channel PECL output compatibility, sub-500ps delay, and integrated latch/hysteresis-making it optimal for synchronized high-speed ATE and instrumentation where timing correlation and noise immunity are co-required.

Availability

MAX9601EUP-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed automatic test equipment, oscilloscope front ends, and logic analyzer signal conditioning 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) designs precision analog and mixed-signal ICs for demanding performance applications including sensing, power, and high-speed signal processing.

The MAX9600/MAX9601/MAX9602 family was engineered specifically for ultra-high-speed test and measurement systems requiring sub-nanosecond timing fidelity, low dispersion, and robust noise rejection in dual/quad comparator configurations.

FAQ

What is the correct termination scheme for MAX9601EUP-T PECL outputs?

The MAX9601EUP-T PECL outputs require external 50Ω pull-down resistors connected from each output (QA, QA, QB, QB) to VT = VCCO_ − 2V. For VCCO_ = 5V, VT = 3V; for VCCO_ = 6V, VT = 4V. This ensures proper VOH and VOL levels per datasheet specifications. Do not tie outputs directly to VCCO_ or GND - incorrect termination causes logic level violations and increased jitter. The MAX9601EUP-T datasheet specifies RL = 50Ω to VT as mandatory for guaranteed AC performance.

Does MAX9601EUP-T support both -5.2V/+5V and -4.2V/+6V supply configurations?

Yes, the MAX9601EUP-T is fully specified for operation with either -5.2V/+5V or -4.2V/+6V supplies. At -5.2V/+5V, the input common-mode range is -2.2V to +3V; at -4.2V/+6V, it extends to -1.2V to +4V. Both configurations maintain 500ps typical propagation delay and 10ps skew. The MAX9601EUP-T datasheet confirms these dual-supply capabilities in Absolute Maximum Ratings and DC Electrical Characteristics tables.

How is hysteresis configured on MAX9601EUP-T, and what resistor values yield standard thresholds?

Hysteresis on the MAX9601EUP-T is set by connecting a resistor (RHYS) from HYSA or HYSB to GND. With RHYS = 16.4kΩ, hysteresis is 30mV (typ); 10kΩ yields ~60mV; 35kΩ yields ~5mV. The relationship is linear: hysteresis ≈ 2.5V / RHYS. Leaving HYS_ open gives zero hysteresis. This current-controlled method allows precise, temperature-stable threshold adjustment without trimming. The MAX9601EUP-T datasheet provides the Hysteresis vs. RHYS graph (Figure toc11) confirming this behavior.

What are the absolute maximum latch-enable voltage limits for MAX9601EUP-T?

For the MAX9601EUP-T, the differential latch-enable inputs (LEA/LEA, LEB/LEB) have an absolute maximum voltage range of (VEE − 0.3V) to (VCCO_ + 0.3V). With VEE = -5.2V and VCCO_ = 5V, this is -5.5V to +5.3V. Exceeding these limits risks permanent damage. The functional input range is narrower: 0.25V to 3.5V differential swing, with common-mode voltage constrained to 0V to VCCO_ (if VCCO_ < 3.5V) or (VCCO_ − 3.5V) to VCCO_ (if VCCO_ ≥ 3.5V). These limits are explicitly defined in the MAX9601EUP-T Absolute Maximum Ratings table.

Can MAX9601EUP-T operate without external hysteresis resistors?

Yes, the MAX9601EUP-T operates correctly with HYSA and HYSB left unconnected (open), resulting in zero hysteresis. This configuration is valid for clean, high-slew-rate inputs (>5V/µs). When input signals exhibit noise or slow transitions, adding the recommended 10kΩ–35kΩ resistor from HYS_ to GND introduces 5–60mV of input-referred hysteresis to prevent multiple output toggles. The MAX9601EUP-T datasheet states "HYS_ = open" as a standard test condition in DC Electrical Characteristics, confirming safe open-circuit operation.