Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX9602EUG-T

Overview

The MAX9602EUG-T from Maxim Integrated is a quad-channel, ultra-high-speed PECL-output comparator with 500ps propagation delay, 10ps channel-to-channel skew, and 30ps propagation delay dispersion-designed for high-fidelity pulse tracking in VLSI ATE, high-speed instrumentation, and logic analyzer front ends.

For engineers reviewing the MAX9602EUG-T datasheet, MAX9602EUG-T pinout, MAX9602EUG-T application, or MAX9602EUG-T equivalent, this device delivers deterministic timing at 4Gbps toggle rates, supports -1.2V to +4V input common-mode range with ±5.2V differential inputs, and requires external 50Ω pull-down termination to VT (typically 3V for PECL).

Technical Context

The MAX9602EUG-T implements a bipolar differential pair input stage with ECL/PECL-compatible open-emitter outputs, operating from dual supplies (e.g., VCC = +6V, VEE = -4.2V) and requiring external pull-down resistors (50Ω–75Ω) to VT. Its architecture minimizes propagation delay variation across input overdrive (100mV–2V), slew rate (0.2–10V/ns), duty cycle (10%–90%), and temperature (-40°C to +85°C).

Unlike the MAX9600/MAX9601, the MAX9602EUG-T omits latch-enable (LE_, LE_) and hysteresis (HYS_) pins-simplifying layout for pure high-speed comparison tasks where sampling or noise immunity are handled externally. It features four independent comparator channels, each with matched propagation delay (±40ps inter-channel match) and <30ps dispersion under nominal conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAX9602EUG-T is housed in a 24-pin TSSOP package (4.4mm body width) with exposed pad for thermal enhancement. All pins are surface-mount, lead-free, and RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX9601EUP+ and ADCMP572BCPZ-R7, the MAX9602EUG-T offers the only monolithic quad-channel solution with guaranteed 10ps skew and 30ps dispersion-reducing component count, PCB routing complexity, and inter-device timing uncertainty in high-density ATE and instrumentation designs.

Availability

The MAX9602EUG-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for VLSI test equipment, high-speed oscilloscope front ends, logic analyzer signal conditioning, and multi-channel trigger subsystems requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX9602EUG-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 precision analog, mixed-signal, and high-speed interface ICs for industrial, communications, and test & measurement applications.

The MAX9600/MAX9601/MAX9602 family was designed specifically for ultra-high-speed, low-skew comparison in automated test equipment and instrumentation-prioritizing propagation delay consistency, input common-mode flexibility, and PECL/ECL interoperability over feature richness.

FAQ

What is the minimum input slew rate required for stable operation of the MAX9602EUG-T?

The MAX9602EUG-T requires a minimum input slew rate of 25V/µs to avoid oscillation during threshold crossing. This specification is derived from layout-sensitive gain-bandwidth behavior and assumes proper PCB implementation with matched differential traces, 0.01µF local decoupling, and controlled-impedance routing. Slower slew rates may cause output steps or multiple transitions unless external hysteresis is added via upstream circuitry. The MAX9602EUG-T itself does not support internal hysteresis.

Does the MAX9602EUG-T include latch-enable or hysteresis functionality?

No, the MAX9602EUG-T does not include latch-enable (LE_, LE_) or hysteresis (HYS_) pins. These features are present only in the MAX9600EUP and MAX9601EUP variants. The MAX9602EUG-T is optimized for pure high-speed comparison tasks where timing determinism and channel density take priority over sampling control or noise rejection. External latching or hysteresis must be implemented using discrete logic or preceding signal conditioning stages.

What are the recommended termination conditions for the PECL outputs of the MAX9602EUG-T?

The MAX9602EUG-T PECL outputs require external 50Ω pull-down resistors connected to VT, where VT = VCCO_ − 2V (e.g., 3V when VCCO_ = 5V). Resistors must be placed within 5mm of the output pins, use 50Ω–75Ω values, and connect directly to a low-inductance VT plane. Improper termination causes degraded VOH/VOL levels, increased jitter, and potential signal integrity failure above 2Gbps. No internal termination is provided.

How does the MAX9602EUG-T achieve 10ps channel-to-channel propagation delay skew?

The MAX9602EUG-T achieves 10ps skew through matched bipolar transistor sizing, symmetrical layout of all four comparator cores within the die, and dedicated, isolated power routing for each channel's output drivers (VCCOA, VCCOB, VCCOC, VCCOD). Process trimming and design-for-test structures ensure inter-channel delay matching is verified during 100% production testing at +25°C and guaranteed by design across -40°C to +85°C.

Can the MAX9602EUG-T operate with asymmetric supply voltages such as +5.5V and -4.5V?

Yes, the MAX9602EUG-T supports asymmetric supplies as long as VCC remains within 4.3V–6.3V, VEE within -6V–-4V, and their difference (VS = VCC − VEE) stays between 9.5V and 11.5V. For example, +5.5V/−4.5V yields VS = 10V and satisfies all absolute maximum and functional specifications. Input common-mode range adjusts accordingly: (VEE + 3V) to (VCC − 2V) = -1.5V to +3.5V in this case.