Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX9692EPE

Overview

MAX9692EPE from Maxim Integrated is a single-channel, ultra-fast ECL-output comparator with latch-enable functionality, designed for high-speed signal conditioning in timing-critical systems. It delivers 1.2ns typical propagation delay, 100ps skew, and operates from +5V/-5.2V supplies, enabling clean 600MHz+ signal processing in applications such as high-speed line receivers and threshold detectors.

For engineers reviewing the MAX9692EPE datasheet, MAX9692EPE pinout, MAX9692EPE application, or MAX9692EPE equivalent, this device requires attention to ECL-level input/output voltage ranges, external pull-down resistor selection (50Ω–200Ω to –2V), dual ground pin separation (GND1/GND2), latch-enable timing constraints (0.5ns setup/hold), and PDIP-16 thermal derating (10.5mW/°C above +70°C).

Technical Context

The MAX9692EPE implements a BiCMOS-based differential comparator core with fully complementary ECL-compatible outputs, supporting open-emitter operation requiring external pull-down resistors. Its latch-enable (LE) input enables sample-hold mode: LE high enables normal comparison; LE low freezes outputs in an unambiguous ECL state based on instantaneous input conditions at the latch edge.

This device features tightly matched internal paths-100ps propagation delay skew between Q/Q̅ outputs and 150ps dispersion over 10mV–100mV input overdrive-ensuring deterministic timing in multi-channel synchronization and high-fidelity pulse detection. Input common-mode range spans –2.5V to +3.0V, with ±11.5mV max input offset voltage across –40°C to +85°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX9692EPE is housed in a 16-pin plastic DIP (PDIP-16) package with 0.3-inch body width and through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is located at the top-left corner when the notch faces upward; pin numbering proceeds counterclockwise.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ultra-fast ECL-comparator applications.

Compared with MAX9692EPE, MAX9692ESE offers identical performance in a surface-mount package ideal for volume production, while MAX9691EPA removes latch functionality to reduce cost and footprint-making it suitable only where timing capture is not required.

Availability

MAX9692EPE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed test equipment, industrial instrumentation, and communications infrastructure requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX9692EPE 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) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and RF ICs for industrial, communications, and computing applications.

The MAX9691/MAX9692/MAX9693 family was designed specifically for ultra-high-speed ECL-compatible comparison in timing-critical systems-emphasizing sub-ns delay, low skew, and latch-controlled sampling for test, measurement, and data acquisition.

FAQ

What is the recommended power supply configuration for MAX9692EPE?

The MAX9692EPE requires dual supplies: +5V on VCC (Pin 1) and –5.2V on VEE (Pin 16). Each supply must be bypassed to its respective ground (VCC to GND1, VEE to GND2) using 0.1µF ceramic capacitors placed within 5mm of the pins. GND1 and GND2 must be connected to a solid copper ground plane but kept separate near the IC to isolate input-stage and output-stage return currents. Failure to follow this decoupling and grounding scheme risks oscillation and degraded propagation delay consistency.

How should unused pins be handled on the MAX9692EPE PDIP package?

MAX9692EPE has eleven N.C. (no connection) pins (Pins 5, 7–14). These pins are not internally bonded and must remain electrically floating-do not tie them to VCC, VEE, or GND. Per Maxim's layout guidance, leaving them unconnected avoids parasitic coupling; grounding or powering them may introduce noise or unintended current paths. The only mandatory connections are VCC, VEE, IN+, IN–, LE, Q OUT, GND1, and GND2-eight functional pins total.

What are the critical layout requirements for stable operation of MAX9692EPE?

Stable operation of MAX9692EPE demands a multilayer PCB with uninterrupted ground plane, microstrip routing for all I/O traces, and strict adherence to termination: 50Ω–200Ω pull-down resistors from Q/Q̅ to –2V, placed within 5mm of the output pins. Input traces must also be impedance-controlled and shielded from noisy supplies. Decoupling capacitors must be chip-type 0.1µF ceramics mounted directly at VCC/GND1 and VEE/GND2. GND1 and GND2 must join only at the ground plane-not at the IC-to prevent gain-stage contamination from output-stage switching noise.

Can MAX9692EPE operate with a single supply or different voltage rails?

No-MAX9692EPE is strictly a dual-supply ECL comparator requiring +5V and –5.2V. It cannot operate from a single supply or alternate rails like +3.3V/–3.3V. The absolute maximum ratings specify VCC ≤ +6V and VEE ≥ –6V, but electrical characteristics-including propagation delay, output swing, and input common-mode range-are guaranteed only at +5V/–5.2V. Deviating from these rails invalidates all AC/DC specifications and risks latch-up or permanent damage due to violation of internal BiCMOS biasing conditions.

What is the function of GND1 and GND2, and why must they be separated?

GND1 biases the input differential pair and gain stages; GND2 biases the ECL output transistors. Separating them prevents high-frequency switching noise from the output stage from modulating the sensitive input stage's reference point-directly impacting offset voltage stability and propagation delay repeatability. Layout guidelines require GND1 and GND2 to connect only at the main system ground plane, never locally at the IC. This isolation maintains >60dB PSRR and preserves the 100ps skew specification under dynamic load conditions.