Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX968ESA+
- Part No.:
- MAX968ESA+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Comparators
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX968ESA+.pdf
- Description:
- IC COMPARATOR 2 WINDW 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:190
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Product details
Overview
The MAX968ESA+ from Maxim Integrated is a dual micropower comparator with rail-to-rail inputs/outputs, 1.235V ±1.5% internal reference, programmable hysteresis, and ultra-low 1.6V to 5.5V single-supply operation. It draws only 10–16 µA total supply current, features open-drain outputs that swing beyond VCC up to +6V, and is designed for precision threshold detection in space-constrained 2-cell battery systems.
For engineers reviewing the MAX968ESA+ datasheet, MAX968ESA+ pinout, MAX968ESA+ application, or MAX968ESA+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-channel configuration, guaranteed ±1mV hysteresis control via HYST pin, -40°C to +85°C temperature range, SO-8 package compatibility, and direct use of the internal reference for window comparator topologies.
Technical Context
The MAX968ESA+ implements a dual-window comparator architecture using shared hysteresis programming via the HYST pin and a common 1.235V reference output. Its input stage supports rail-to-rail common-mode voltage from -0.25V to (VCC – 0.25V), enabling operation at 1.6V minimum supply while maintaining functional comparators down to ~1.0V.
Each comparator uses an open-drain output stage slew-rate limited to minimize switching current, with VOL ≤ 0.2V at 100µA sink (1.6V < VCC < 2.7V) and propagation delay of 10µs (50mV overdrive). The REF pin sources up to 50µA and exhibits ≤10µVRMS noise with 0.1µF bypass.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | +1.6V to +5.5V - enables direct use with 2-cell alkaline/NiMH or single Li-ion batteries without regulation. |
| Total Supply Current | 10µA (typ) to 16µA (max) - ensures multi-year battery life in always-on portable sensors. |
| Reference Voltage | 1.235V ±1.5% (0°C to +85°C) - provides stable trip point for precision threshold detection without external components. |
| Propagation Delay | 10µs at 50mV overdrive - supports response to fast transients in power monitoring and fault detection. |
| Input Offset Voltage | ≤6.0mV (–40°C to +85°C, µMAX/SO) - maintains accuracy across industrial temperature range. |
| Hysteresis Control | Programmable ±1mV to ±50mV via HYST pin - eliminates oscillation in noisy environments without external feedback resistors. |
| Output Configuration | Open-drain, 6V-tolerant - allows level-shifting between 1.6V logic and 5V microcontrollers or FPGAs. |
Pinout & Package
MAX968ESA+ is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package (package code S8-2), RoHS-compliant, with standard 1.27mm pitch and 5.0mm × 6.2mm footprint.
| Pin | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | OUTB | Comparator B open-drain output - requires external pull-up for logic-level translation or wired-OR bus interfacing. |
| 2 | VCC | Positive supply input - accepts 1.6V–5.5V; powers both comparators and internal reference. |
| 3 | INB+ | Comparator B noninverting input - used as high-threshold input in window comparator configuration. |
| 4 | INB− | Comparator B inverting input - connected to reference or adjustable threshold for upper-bound detection. |
| 5 | INA− | Comparator A inverting input - used as low-threshold input in window comparator configuration. |
| 6 | INA+ | Comparator A noninverting input - connected to monitored signal for lower-bound comparison. |
| 7 | REF | 1.235V reference output - supplies precise voltage to HYST and external circuitry; bypass with 0.1µF capacitor. |
| 8 | GND | Analog ground return - must be tied to system ground plane; separates reference and comparator bias paths. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Rail-to-rail input common-mode range | Operates from -0.25V to (VCC – 0.25V), enabling direct sensing of signals near supply rails in low-voltage systems. |
| Shared programmable hysteresis | Single HYST pin controls hysteresis for both comparators simultaneously - simplifies window comparator design and reduces component count. |
| Internal 1.235V ±1.5% reference | Eliminates need for external voltage reference IC or resistor divider, improving long-term stability and reducing PCB area. |
| Ultra-low quiescent current | 10–16 µA total (not per comparator) - extends battery life in IoT sensors, wearables, and remote monitors. |
| 6V-tolerant open-drain outputs | Supports mixed-voltage systems: 1.6V comparator core interfaces directly with 3.3V or 5V logic without level-shifters. |
Applications
| 2-Cell Battery Monitoring | Window Comparator for Sensor Thresholds |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Monitoring voltage of two alkaline cells (2.0V–3.2V) to trigger low-battery warning before cutoff. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual comparator compares cell voltage against upper (2.8V) and lower (2.2V) thresholds derived from REF and HYST. Use Value: Eliminates external reference and hysteresis resistors, reducing BOM cost by ≥3 components and saving >3mm² PCB area. | Use Scenario: Detecting out-of-range temperature sensor output (e.g., thermistor voltage) in medical wearable devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Configured as window comparator where INA± and INB± monitor same analog signal against fixed REF-based bounds. Use Value: Guarantees clean digital output with no chatter during slow-moving analog transitions due to built-in hysteresis control. |
| Voltage-Level Translation | Ground/Supply-Sensing Applications |
Use Scenario: Converting 1.8V I²C alert signal from a low-power sensor to 5V-compatible interrupt for MCU. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Uses open-drain OUTA with 5V pull-up; REF sets trip point at 1.235V to ensure reliable 1.8V logic recognition. Use Value: Achieves bidirectional level shift without active translators or MOSFETs-reducing component count and layout complexity. | Use Scenario: Detecting loss of regulated 3.3V supply in industrial controller during brownout conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: One comparator monitors VCC vs. REF (scaled via resistor divider); second validates backup supply presence. Use Value: Enables fail-safe shutdown sequencing with <10µs response to supply collapse, meeting IEC 61000-4-29 immunity requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual comparator with reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX967ESA+ | Identical pinout, same 1.235V reference and HYST pin, but configured as dual voltage monitor (shared IN+) | Better suited for monitoring two independent supply rails (e.g., VDDA/VDDD) rather than windowing one signal | Select MAX967ESA+ when comparing separate voltages; MAX968ESA+ when windowing a single analog input |
| TLV3702IDR | No internal reference; requires external 1.235V source; higher 17µA supply current; rail-to-rail output only (not input) | Lacks integrated hysteresis programming and reference - needs ≥4 external components for equivalent window function | Choose TLV3702IDR only if reference-free design or higher speed (>1µs) is required; not drop-in compatible |
Compared with MAX967ESA+, MAX968ESA+ provides dedicated inverting/noninverting inputs per comparator for true window topology, while TLV3702IDR demands external reference and hysteresis circuitry - increasing design time, cost, and board area.
Availability
MAX968ESA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 2-cell battery-powered systems, precision threshold detectors, and voltage-level translation circuits requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges.
Supply support for MAX968ESA+ 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 power, sensing, and interface applications in industrial, medical, and portable electronics.
The MAX965–MAX970 family was engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, rail-to-rail comparator functions in battery-critical systems - emphasizing sub-5µA-per-comparator operation, integrated references, and programmable hysteresis without external components.
FAQ
What is the maximum supply voltage rating for the MAX968ESA+?
The MAX968ESA+ has an absolute maximum supply voltage (VCC) of +6V. However, its specified operating range is +1.6V to +5.5V. Operation above +5.5V risks exceeding electrical limits and may cause permanent damage. For robust design, maintain VCC within the 1.6V–5.5V range per the datasheet's Electrical Characteristics table.
Does the MAX968ESA+ require external hysteresis resistors to function?
No, the MAX968ESA+ does not require external hysteresis resistors to operate. Its internal hysteresis is functional when the HYST pin is tied to REF. External resistors (R1/R2) are only needed to program hysteresis beyond the default ±1mV - for example, to achieve ±50mV in noisy environments. The MAX968ESA+ will perform reliable comparisons without any external hysteresis components.
Can the MAX968ESA+ be used with a 1.0V supply?
The MAX968ESA+ is not specified for 1.0V operation. Its minimum guaranteed operating voltage is +1.6V. While the comparators may exhibit marginal functionality down to ~1.0V, the internal 1.235V reference fails below ~1.5V, propagation delay increases significantly, and output sink capability degrades. For reliable performance, use MAX968ESA+ only within its rated +1.6V to +5.5V supply range.
How is the reference voltage accuracy specified across temperature for MAX968ESA+?
The MAX968ESA+ internal reference is specified as 1.235V ±1.5% over the commercial temperature range (0°C to +85°C) and ±2.5% over the extended range (–40°C to +85°C). This tolerance includes initial accuracy, temperature drift, and load regulation effects. The SO-8 package (MAX968ESA+) achieves ±1.5% at +25°C and remains within ±2.5% across the full –40°C to +85°C range per the Electrical Characteristics table.
What is the purpose of the HYST pin on the MAX968ESA+?
The HYST pin on the MAX968ESA+ enables precise, externally programmable hysteresis for both comparators simultaneously. When connected to REF, it provides default ±1mV hysteresis. Adding resistors between REF, HYST, and GND scales hysteresis up to ±50mV - preventing output oscillation in noisy or slowly varying input signals. Unlike discrete hysteresis methods, this approach preserves ultra-low quiescent current and avoids adding gain-stage errors.
MAX968ESA+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- Window
- Number of Elements:
- 2
- Output Type:
- Open-Drain, Rail-to-Rail
- Voltage - Supply, Single/Dual (±):
- 1.6V ~ 5.5V
- :
- 7mV @ 5.5V
- Voltage - Input Offset (Max):
- 0.05µA @ 5.5V
- Current - Input Bias (Max):
- -
- Current - Output (Typ):
- 16µA
- Current - Quiescent (Max):
- 56.48dB CMRR, 80dB PSRR
- CMRR, PSRR (Typ):
- 20µs
- Propagation Delay (Max):
- ±1mV
- Hysteresis:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- Surface Mount
- :
- 8-SOIC
MAX968ESA+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX968ESA+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX968ESA+ 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 MAX968ESA+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX968ESA+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX968ESA+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX968ESA+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX968ESA+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX968ESA+?
MAX968ESA+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX968ESA+ 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 MAX968ESA+?
For technical support, including MAX968ESA+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX968ESA+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX968ESA+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX968ESA+ 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 MAX968ESA+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX968ESA+?
All MAX968ESA+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX968ESA+, 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 MAX968ESA+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX968ESA+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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