Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX961ESA-T
- Part No.:
- MAX961ESA-T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Comparators
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX961ESA-T.pdf
- Description:
- IC COMPARATOR 1 GEN PUR 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,340
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Product details
Overview
The MAX961ESA-T from Maxim Integrated is a single ultra-high-speed comparator with internal hysteresis, optimized for +3V or +5V single-supply operation. It features 4.5ns propagation delay (5mV overdrive), Beyond-the-Rails™ input range (–0.1V to VCC + 0.1V), TTL/CMOS-compatible complementary outputs, and latch-enable functionality - enabling precise timing capture in GPS receiver front-ends and high-speed sampling circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MAX961ESA-T datasheet, MAX961ESA-T pinout, MAX961ESA-T application, or MAX961ESA-T equivalent, key selection considerations include latch timing (tSU = 5ns, tH = 5ns), shutdown current (270μA), rail-to-rail output swing (VOL = 0.52V, VOH = VCC – 0.52V), and guaranteed operation across –40°C to +85°C.
Technical Context
The MAX961ESA-T implements a current-driven output stage that delivers fast slew rates while maintaining low static power; its internal 3.5mV hysteresis eliminates external feedback resistors and prevents oscillation near trip points. Input protection includes dual 200Ω series resistors and back-to-back diode clamps limiting differential input voltage to ≤3VF.
It integrates a transparent latch controlled by LE (pin 5), enabling storage of comparator state without external logic; latch timing is tightly specified (tLPW = 5ns, tLPD = 10ns). Shutdown mode (SHDN = pin 8) disables internal biasing, reducing supply current to 270μA per comparator while placing outputs in high-impedance state.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Propagation Delay | 4.5ns typical at 5mV overdrive - enables sub-220MHz sampling decision windows. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.7V to 5.5V - supports direct interface with 3.3V and 5V logic domains without level shifting. |
| Input Common-Mode Range | –0.1V to VCC + 0.1V - accepts signals beyond supply rails, simplifying sensor interface in battery-powered systems. |
| Output Drive Capability | Sinks/sources 4mA to within 0.52V of GND or VCC - drives standard TTL/CMOS loads without pull-up resistors. |
| Internal Hysteresis | 3.5mV - suppresses noise-induced chatter without external components, critical for clean threshold detection. |
| Shutdown Current | 270μA per comparator - reduces system standby power in portable instrumentation and GPS modules. |
| Latch Enable Timing | tSU = tH = 5ns - allows synchronization with high-speed clocks up to 200MHz without metastability risk. |
Pinout & Package
MAX961ESA-T is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with exposed pad not present; footprint matches JEDEC MS-012AC standard (package code S8-2). Pin 1 is top-left corner marker; device orientation follows standard SO polarity.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | N.C. | No internal connection - must be left floating or tied to GND per layout best practice to prevent parasitic coupling. |
| 2 | IN− | Inverting input - accepts analog signals up to –0.1V or VCC + 0.1V; protected by 200Ω resistor and clamp diodes. |
| 3 | IN+ | Noninverting input - same protection and common-mode range as IN−; differential input impedance is 8kΩ. |
| 4 | GND | Analog/digital ground reference - requires low-inductance connection to solid ground plane for stable high-speed operation. |
| 5 | LE | Latch-enable control - high = latched output, low = transparent mode; high-impedance CMOS input (±15μA leakage). |
| 6 | VCC | Positive supply - must be decoupled with 0.1μF ceramic capacitor placed <1mm from pin per high-frequency layout rules. |
| 7 | Q | True TTL/CMOS output - active-high when IN+ > IN−; sinks 4mA to 0.52V, sources 4mA to VCC – 0.52V. |
| 8 | SHDN | Shutdown control - high = disable comparator core and output drivers; low = normal operation; CMOS-compatible threshold. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-fast 4.5ns propagation delay | Enables real-time decision making in GPS C/A-code tracking loops and high-speed data acquisition front-ends. |
| Complementary Q/Q̅ outputs | Eliminates need for external inverters in differential signaling paths or clock-domain crossing circuits. |
| Integrated 3.5mV hysteresis | Removes requirement for external positive-feedback resistors, reducing BOM count and PCB area in threshold detectors. |
| Latch-enable with 5ns setup/hold | Allows precise edge-aligned capture of transient events (e.g., zero-crossing pulses) without external flip-flops. |
| Beyond-the-Rails™ input range | Accepts inputs below GND or above VCC - ideal for interfacing with unbuffered sensors or legacy industrial transducers. |
Applications
| GPS Receiver Front-End | High-Speed Sampling Circuit |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Detecting C/A-code chip transitions in L1-band GPS RF downconverters with minimal group delay. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Ultra-low-latency comparator converting analog IF signal to digital clock-synchronized edge for correlator input. Use Value: 4.5ns tPD ensures sub-chip timing resolution; latch function captures exact transition point under variable SNR conditions. |
Use Scenario: Triggering sample-and-hold stages in 100+ MSPS data converters using analog threshold crossings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed threshold detector generating precise strobe pulses synchronized to input waveform zero-crossings. Use Value: 0.3ns propagation skew between Q/Q̅ outputs enables balanced sampling gate control; rail-to-rail output drives ADC control logic directly. |
| Portable Battery-Powered Threshold Detector | Single-Supply Line Receiver |
|
Use Scenario: Monitoring Li-ion cell voltage during charging cycles in handheld medical devices with 3.3V microcontroller supervision. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power comparator detecting overvoltage/undervoltage thresholds with hysteresis to prevent chatter near cutoff points. Use Value: 270μA shutdown current extends battery life; Beyond-the-Rails input accepts direct cell connection without level-shifting circuitry. |
Use Scenario: Receiving RS-422/RS-485 differential signals in industrial PLC I/O modules powered from isolated 5V rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single-ended conversion stage translating differential bus signals into clean CMOS logic levels for FPGA input. Use Value: 8kΩ differential input impedance minimizes loading on termination networks; 0.52V VOL ensures robust noise margin against 5V logic thresholds. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-speed comparator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX961EUA-T | Same electrical specs but in 8-pin μMAX® package (U8-1); 330mW max power dissipation vs. 471mW for SO. | Preferred for space-constrained layouts where thermal performance permits smaller footprint. | Select MAX961EUA-T when board area is critical and thermal management supports μMAX package derating. |
| TLV3501CD | 4.5ns tPD, 2.7–5.5V supply, but no latch-enable or shutdown; 6.5mA ICC vs. 7.2mA typical for MAX961ESA-T. | Suitable for always-on comparator functions where latch/shutdown are unnecessary. | Choose TLV3501CD only if latch and shutdown features are unused - avoids paying for unneeded functionality. |
Compared with MAX961ESA-T, MAX961EUA-T offers identical performance in a smaller package but reduced thermal headroom, while TLV3501CD trades away latch/shutdown capability for marginally lower quiescent current and no Maxim-specific features like Beyond-the-Rails input.
Availability
MAX961ESA-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for GPS receivers, portable battery-powered systems, and high-speed sampling circuits requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges.
Supply support for MAX961ESA-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 industrial, communications, and consumer applications.
The MAX961ESA-T belongs to Maxim's ultra-high-speed comparator family engineered for single-supply, low-power, noise-immune threshold detection in portable and timing-critical systems.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for MAX961ESA-T?
The MAX961ESA-T is rated for –40°C to +85°C ambient operation (E-grade specification). This range is fully characterized for all key parameters including propagation delay, input offset voltage, and supply current - ensuring reliable performance in industrial and automotive-adjacent environments where thermal cycling occurs.
Does MAX961ESA-T require external hysteresis resistors?
No, the MAX961ESA-T includes 3.5mV of internal hysteresis, eliminating the need for external positive-feedback resistors. This simplifies PCB layout, reduces component count, and guarantees consistent hysteresis behavior across temperature and process variations - unlike discrete resistor-based solutions which drift with temperature.
How does the latch function work on MAX961ESA-T?
The MAX961ESA-T latch is controlled by the LE pin (pin 5): when LE is low, the comparator output is transparent; when LE goes high, the current output state is held until LE returns low. Setup and hold times are both 5ns, enabling synchronization with high-speed clocks - a feature absent in most competing comparators like the TLV3501.
Can MAX961ESA-T operate from a 3.3V supply?
Yes, MAX961ESA-T operates across 2.7V to 5.5V, making it fully compatible with 3.3V systems. At VCC = 3.3V, output high voltage is guaranteed ≥2.78V and output low voltage ≤0.52V, providing adequate noise margin for 3.3V CMOS logic families without level translation.
What is the maximum capacitive load the MAX961ESA-T can drive?
The MAX961ESA-T is characterized with 5pF load, but its current-driven output stage can reliably drive up to ~20pF while maintaining <10ns propagation delay degradation. For heavier loads (>20pF), rise/fall times increase linearly - design guidelines recommend keeping trace capacitance low and avoiding long stubs to preserve 4.5ns timing integrity.
MAX961ESA-T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Series:
- Beyond-the-Rails™
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- General Purpose
- Number of Elements:
- 1
- Output Type:
- CMOS, Complementary, TTL
- Voltage - Supply, Single/Dual (±):
- 2.7V ~ 5.5V
- :
- 1.5mV @ 5V
- Voltage - Input Offset (Max):
- 15µA @ 5V
- Current - Input Bias (Max):
- -
- Current - Output (Typ):
- 11mA
- Current - Quiescent (Max):
- 80dB CMRR, 86.02dB PSRR
- CMRR, PSRR (Typ):
- 7ns
- Propagation Delay (Max):
- 3.5mV
- Hysteresis:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- Surface Mount
- :
- 8-SOIC
MAX961ESA-T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX961ESA-T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX961ESA-T 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 MAX961ESA-T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX961ESA-T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX961ESA-T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX961ESA-T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX961ESA-T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX961ESA-T?
MAX961ESA-T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX961ESA-T 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 MAX961ESA-T?
For technical support, including MAX961ESA-T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX961ESA-T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX961ESA-T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX961ESA-T 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 MAX961ESA-T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX961ESA-T?
All MAX961ESA-T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX961ESA-T, 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 MAX961ESA-T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX961ESA-T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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