Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX968EUA

Overview

The MAX968EUA 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 - drawing only 10µA per comparator at +25°C. It enables precision threshold detection in space-constrained, battery-powered systems such as portable medical sensors and low-voltage IoT node power monitors.

For engineers reviewing the MAX968EUA datasheet, MAX968EUA pinout, MAX968EUA application, or MAX968EUA equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact pin functions, real-world use cases, and validated alternative options - all grounded in Maxim's official 19-1226 Rev 4 specification and package documentation.

Technical Context

The MAX968EUA implements two independent comparators in an 8-pin µMAX package, each featuring rail-to-rail input common-mode range (–0.25V to VCC – 0.25V) and open-drain outputs capable of sinking beyond VCC up to +6V. Its internal 1.235V bandgap reference supports ±1.5% accuracy over 0°C to +85°C and sources up to 50µA.

Hysteresis is programmable via the HYST pin using external resistors, enabling adjustable trip-point bands from ±1mV to ±50mV - with identical hysteresis applied to both comparators. Propagation delay is 10µs (50mV overdrive) and input offset voltage is 4.0mV (max, –40°C to +85°C, µMAX package).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX968EUA is housed in an 8-pin µMAX® package (U8-1), measuring 3.0mm × 3.0mm × 1.1mm with exposed pad for thermal enhancement. Pin 1 is marked by a dot; pin numbering follows standard counter-clockwise orientation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLV3692IDR and MAX967EUA-T, the MAX968EUA uniquely integrates a precision reference, programmable hysteresis, and optimized internal routing for window comparator topologies - reducing external component count by up to 4 passive parts while maintaining 10µA quiescent current.

Availability

MAX968EUA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, battery management units, and low-power IoT edge nodes requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MAX968EUA 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, automotive, and portable applications.

The MAX965–MAX970 family was engineered specifically for ultra-low-voltage, micropower sensing and threshold detection - prioritizing rail-to-rail operation, integrated references, and minimal supply current in compact packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum supply voltage the MAX968EUA can tolerate?

The MAX968EUA absolute maximum supply voltage is +6V. However, its specified operating range is +1.6V to +5.5V. Exceeding +5.5V risks violating electrical specifications and may degrade reference accuracy or increase leakage. For robust 5V-system interfacing, use the open-drain outputs with a 5V pull-up - the device itself should be powered within its 1.6V–5.5V range. The MAX968EUA remains fully functional at 5.5V.

Does the MAX968EUA support true window comparator functionality out-of-the-box?

Yes - the MAX968EUA is explicitly configured as a window comparator per Maxim's functional diagram (page 8, Figure 7). Unlike the MAX967EUA-T, it routes INA– and INB+ to dedicated pins enabling direct implementation of high/low threshold detection with shared HYST control. No external resistors are needed to configure basic window operation; the internal architecture ensures matched hysteresis and reference coupling between both comparators in the MAX968EUA.

Can the internal reference of the MAX968EUA be disabled or bypassed?

No - the 1.235V reference in the MAX968EUA is permanently enabled and cannot be shut down. It draws ~15µA (typ) from VCC and is always active when powered. To minimize noise, Maxim recommends bypassing the REF pin with a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor to ground. While the reference cannot be disabled, it may be left unconnected if unused - though doing so forfeits the benefit of its precision and adds no power savings, as the reference remains operational regardless.

What is the recommended pull-up resistor value for the MAX968EUA open-drain outputs?

For the MAX968EUA, a 100kΩ pull-up resistor is recommended per Maxim's typical operating conditions (datasheet p.3). This value balances speed (10µs propagation delay preserved) and current consumption (~33µA at 3.3V). Lower values (e.g., 10kΩ) improve rise time but increase static current; higher values (>1MΩ) risk noise susceptibility and slower edges. The MAX968EUA output can sink ≥10mA at VCC = 5V, so pull-up selection depends on target logic family and noise environment - not output drive strength.

How does hysteresis behave across temperature and supply voltage for the MAX968EUA?

Hysteresis in the MAX968EUA varies with common-mode voltage (per "Programmed Hysteresis vs. Common-Mode Voltage" plot, p.5), but is stable across temperature and supply voltage when HYST is tied to REF. When programmed externally, hysteresis band drift is dominated by REF voltage drift (±2.5% over –40°C to +85°C) and resistor tolerance. Maxim specifies hysteresis as ±1mV to ±50mV - with worst-case variation bounded by REF accuracy and external resistor matching. The MAX968EUA does not specify hysteresis drift separately from reference drift.