Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX966ESA

Overview

MAX966ESA from Maxim Integrated is a dual micropower comparator with rail-to-rail inputs and open-drain outputs, operating from +1.6V to +5.5V single supply, drawing 6.0–10 µA per comparator at +25°C, and featuring -40°C to +85°C temperature range in 8-pin SO package. It enables ultra-low-power threshold detection in battery-constrained systems such as portable medical sensors and IoT node power monitors.

For engineers reviewing the MAX966ESA datasheet, MAX966ESA pinout, MAX966ESA application, or MAX966ESA equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated SO-8 pin mapping, confirmed dual-comparator functional role, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative parts for 2-channel low-voltage sensing designs.

Technical Context

The MAX966ESA implements two independent comparators without internal reference or programmable hysteresis-unlike MAX965/967/968/969-requiring external reference and hysteresis circuitry when needed. Its input common-mode range spans -0.25V to (VCC – 0.25V) across -40°C to +85°C, and output stage supports rail-to-rail swing with external pull-up up to 6V above ground.

Each comparator exhibits 10 µs propagation delay under 50 mV overdrive, 3–6 mV input offset voltage (SO package, full temp range), and < ±5 nA input bias current-enabling stable operation in high-impedance sensor interfaces where leakage-induced errors must be minimized.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX966ESA is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint (package code S8-2), 1.27 mm pitch, and 4.9 mm × 6.0 mm body size.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual micropower comparator applications.

Compared with TLV7012IDR and LMV7215M5X, MAX966ESA uniquely balances 6–10 µA supply current, true rail-to-rail inputs down to -0.25V, open-drain 6V-tolerant outputs, and SO-8 manufacturability-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, multi-voltage industrial and portable designs requiring guaranteed 1.6V operation.

Availability

MAX966ESA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable battery monitoring, industrial threshold detection, IoT node wake-up triggers, and medical sensor signal conditioning requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX966ESA 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 industrial, medical, communications, and consumer applications with emphasis on low-power, high-reliability performance.

The MAX965–MAX970 family was engineered specifically for ultra-low-voltage, micropower sensing in battery-operated systems-prioritizing rail-to-rail operation, minimal supply current, and robust input/output tolerance over speed or integration.

FAQ

Does MAX966ESA include an internal voltage reference?

No, MAX966ESA does not include an internal voltage reference. Unlike MAX965/967/968/969, it omits the REF and HYST pins entirely. Designers must provide an external reference (e.g., precision bandgap or resistor divider) to set comparator trip points. This simplifies layout when high-accuracy or adjustable references are already present in the system, avoiding reference-related noise coupling or drift penalties inherent in integrated solutions.

What is the maximum allowable voltage on MAX966ESA outputs?

The MAX966ESA outputs are open-drain and rated for continuous operation up to +6.0V, regardless of VCC level. This means OUTA and OUTB can be pulled up to 5V logic rails even when VCC = +1.6V, enabling seamless voltage-level translation between disparate supply domains. However, the absolute maximum rating for any pin (including outputs) is -0.3V to (VCC + 0.3V) for inputs and -0.3V to +6.0V for outputs-exceeding these limits risks permanent damage.

Can MAX966ESA operate reliably at 1.6V supply?

Yes, MAX966ESA is fully specified from +1.6V to +5.5V across -40°C to +85°C. At 1.6V, it maintains rail-to-rail input common-mode range (-0.25V to VCC – 0.25V), 10 µs propagation delay (50 mV overdrive), and 6–10 µA per comparator supply current. Performance degrades gradually below 1.6V, but the device typically remains functional down to ~1.0V-though output sink capability weakens and delay increases, making 1.6V the validated minimum for production designs.

How is hysteresis implemented on MAX966ESA since it lacks a HYST pin?

Because MAX966ESA has no HYST pin, hysteresis must be added externally using positive feedback. A three-resistor network (R1, R2, R3) connects between OUT, IN+, and GND or VCC to create controlled switching thresholds. The method draws slightly more current than HYST-pin-based hysteresis and introduces minor delay, but provides full design flexibility-allowing asymmetric hysteresis bands, trip-point tuning independent of reference, and compatibility with any external reference source. Detailed calculation guidance is provided in Maxim's application note "Adding Hysteresis to the MAX966/MAX970".

Is MAX966ESA pin-compatible with other devices in the MAX965–MAX970 family?

No, MAX966ESA is not pin-compatible with MAX965ESA, MAX967ESA, or MAX968ESA. While all use the same 8-pin SO package (S8-2), pin functions differ significantly: MAX966ESA assigns pins 3/4 to INB+/INB− and 5/6 to INA−/INA+, whereas MAX965ESA uses pin 3 for GND and pin 4 for IN+, and MAX967ESA dedicates pin 6 to HYST and pin 7 to REF. Swapping packages without board revision will cause functional failure due to misrouted inputs, missing ground, or floating reference pins.