Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX9610HEXK+T

Overview

The MAX9610HEXK+T from Maxim Integrated is a unidirectional high-side current-sense amplifier with 100V/V fixed gain, 500μV (max) input offset voltage, <0.5% (max) gain error, and ultra-low 1μA quiescent supply current. Packaged in a 5-pin SC70 (2mm × 2.2mm), it operates from 1.6V to 5.5V common-mode input range and delivers voltage output for precision Li+-battery current monitoring in space-constrained portable systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX9610HEXK+T datasheet, MAX9610HEXK+T pinout, MAX9610HEXK+T application, or MAX9610HEXK+T equivalent, this device is selected for high-accuracy, low-power battery current sensing where minimal voltage drop (<30mV full-scale VSENSE), stable performance across -40°C to +85°C, and SC70 board footprint are critical design requirements.

Technical Context

The MAX9610HEXK+T implements a BiCMOS-based current-mirror architecture: an internal pFET sources current through matched gain resistors (R1 = 100Ω, ROUT = 10kΩ), producing VOUT = ILOAD × RSENSE × 100. Its supply is derived solely from the sensed common-mode voltage (no separate VCC), limiting VOUT swing to VRS+ − VSENSE − VOH (≤0.2V).

It achieves 60kHz small-signal bandwidth and 35μs output settling time (1%) at 100V/V gain, with CMRR ≥80dB over 1.6V–5.5V common-mode range. Input offset drift vs. temperature is characterized to ±700μV max over -40°C to +85°C, enabling accurate sub-100mA current measurement using ≤30mV sense voltage.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX9610HEXK+T is housed in a 5-pin SC70 package (2.0mm × 2.2mm × 1.1mm height), RoHS-compliant and tape-and-reel packaged (T suffix). Pin 1 is marked with a dot; pins are not internally connected in sequence - precise terminal mapping is verified per Maxim's official pin configuration diagram.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-side current-sense amplifier applications.

Compared with MAX4008AUB+T and INA219AIDR, the MAX9610HEXK+T provides the lowest quiescent current and highest analog gain in SC70 form factor, making it optimal for ultra-low-power, analog-output–based current sensing where PCB area and battery longevity are primary constraints.

Availability

MAX9610HEXK+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Li+-battery fuel gauging, USB port protection, and wearable device power analytics requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for MAX9610HEXK+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 demanding industrial, medical, and portable applications.

The MAX9610HEXK+T belongs to Maxim's high-accuracy current-sense amplifier product line, engineered specifically for battery-powered handheld devices where minimal voltage burden, nanoscale packaging, and guaranteed -40°C to +85°C performance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum common-mode voltage the MAX9610HEXK+T can handle?

The MAX9610HEXK+T supports a common-mode input range of +1.6V to +5.5V. This range fully encompasses the operational voltage of single-cell lithium-ion batteries (2.9V–4.2V) and allows safe operation during charger termination or deep discharge conditions. Absolute maximum rating for RS+/RS− to GND is +6V, but sustained operation above 5.5V violates specification limits and may degrade accuracy or reliability of the MAX9610HEXK+T.

Does the MAX9610HEXK+T require an external power supply?

No, the MAX9610HEXK+T does not require a separate VCC supply. It derives operating power directly from the sensed common-mode voltage applied to RS+ and RS−. As long as the common-mode voltage remains within 1.6V–5.5V, the MAX9610HEXK+T functions autonomously - simplifying system power architecture and eliminating a dedicated bias rail for the MAX9610HEXK+T.

What is the recommended sense resistor value for the MAX9610HEXK+T at 100V/V gain?

For optimal accuracy and minimal voltage burden, select RSENSE to produce 5mV–30mV full-scale VSENSE. At 100V/V gain, this yields 0.5V–3.0V output swing - well-matched to standard 3.3V ADC references. Example: For 1A full-scale current, use 30mΩ RSENSE (30mV drop); for 100mA, use 300mΩ. The MAX9610HEXK+T's ±700μV offset ensures <1% error at ≥7mV VSENSE.

Can the MAX9610HEXK+T be used in bidirectional current sensing?

The MAX9610HEXK+T is unidirectional and measures only current flow from RS+ to RS− (high-side, load-to-ground direction). It cannot resolve reverse current polarity. For bidirectional applications like battery charge/discharge monitoring, two MAX9610HEXK+T devices configured in complementary high-side/low-side arrangements or a dedicated bidirectional amplifier (e.g., MAX4008) is required - the MAX9610HEXK+T alone does not support true bidirectional operation.

Is the MAX9610HEXK+T pin-compatible with other MAX9610 variants?

Yes, all MAX9610 variants - including MAX9610HEXK+T (100V/V, SC70), MAX9610FEXK+T (50V/V, SC70), and MAX9610TEXK+T (25V/V, SC70) - share identical 5-pin SC70 pinout and footprint. Gain selection is factory-set and non-configurable; swapping variants requires only schematic and BOM update - no PCB redesign is needed for the MAX9610HEXK+T or its SC70 siblings.