Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX969ESE+

Overview

The MAX969ESE+ from Maxim Integrated is a quad micropower comparator with rail-to-rail inputs/outputs, 1.235V ±1.5% internal reference, programmable hysteresis, and open-drain outputs capable of swinging up to 6V above ground. It operates from +1.6V to +5.5V single supply, draws 14–22 µA total supply current (typ. 18 µA), and delivers 10 µs propagation delay at 50mV overdrive. It is designed for ultra-low-voltage 2-cell battery-powered systems requiring precise threshold detection with noise immunity.

For engineers reviewing the MAX969ESE+ datasheet, MAX969ESE+ pinout, MAX969ESE+ application, or MAX969ESE+ equivalent, this page provides verified functional identity, validated 16-pin narrow SO package mapping, confirmed quad comparator + reference + hysteresis architecture, real-world timing and voltage specifications, and two technically documented alternative parts for window/threshold monitoring in portable and sensing applications.

Technical Context

The MAX969ESE+ implements four independent comparators sharing a common 1.235V bandgap reference and a single HYST input that programs hysteresis for all channels simultaneously. Its rail-to-rail input common-mode range extends from –0.25V to VCC – 0.25V (–40°C to +85°C), enabling operation near ground and supply rails in low-voltage systems.

Each comparator features an open-drain output stage with <0.4V VOL at 500µA sink (VCC > 2.7V) and supports external pull-up to voltages up to 6V. The internal reference sources up to 50µA and exhibits ≤10µVRMS noise (100Hz–100kHz) when bypassed with 0.1µF.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX969ESE+ is housed in a 16-pin narrow SO (Small Outline) package (package code S16-1), RoHS-compliant, with 1.27mm lead pitch and standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quad comparator with reference applications.

Compared with MAX969ESE+, MAX969EEE offers identical functionality in a different package for improved assembly yield, while TLV3704IPW trades integrated reference and hysteresis for lower quiescent current-making it suitable only when external components are acceptable and supply voltage exceeds 1.8V.

Availability

MAX969ESE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery voltage monitoring, window comparator systems, portable equipment power sequencing, and ground/supply sensing applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for MAX969ESE+ 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, medical, and portable applications.

The MAX965–MAX970 family was developed specifically for ultra-low-power, single-supply threshold detection in battery-constrained systems-emphasizing rail-to-rail operation, integrated reference, and programmable hysteresis without sacrificing speed or accuracy.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable voltage on the MAX969ESE+ open-drain outputs?

The MAX969ESE+ open-drain outputs (OUTA–OUTD) tolerate voltages up to +6.0V regardless of VCC level. This allows pull-up to higher logic rails (e.g., 3.3V or 5V) while operating from a 1.6V–5.5V supply-enabling seamless voltage-level translation in mixed-supply systems without additional level-shifting components. The absolute maximum rating is strictly +6.0V; exceeding this risks permanent damage.

Does the MAX969ESE+ require external hysteresis components for basic operation?

No. The MAX969ESE+ includes internal hysteresis and functions correctly with HYST pin tied directly to REF. External resistors are optional and only needed when wider hysteresis bands (±1mV to ±50mV) are required for enhanced noise immunity in electrically noisy environments. The internal hysteresis ensures stable switching without external parts in most low-speed threshold detection applications.

Can the MAX969ESE+ operate below its specified 1.6V minimum supply voltage?

Yes, the MAX969ESE+ comparators typically remain functional down to ~1.0V, but key parameters degrade: reference voltage becomes unstable below 1.5V, propagation delay increases significantly, and output sink strength diminishes. The datasheet guarantees performance only from +1.6V to +5.5V; operation below 1.6V is not characterized and should be avoided in production designs relying on timing or reference accuracy.

How is the internal reference used in a typical MAX969ESE+ window comparator configuration?

In a window comparator, two MAX969ESE+ comparators use the shared REF pin to generate upper and lower thresholds via resistor dividers. For example, a 2:1 divider on REF creates a 0.823V lower threshold, while a 1:1 connection yields 1.235V as the upper threshold. The HYST pin applies identical hysteresis to both comparators, ensuring coordinated noise rejection across the entire window-eliminating the need for separate reference ICs or matched external resistors.

What is the temperature coefficient of the MAX969ESE+ internal reference?

The MAX969ESE+ internal 1.235V reference exhibits a typical drift of ±2.5% over the full –40°C to +85°C range, corresponding to approximately ±31 ppm/°C average TC. The reference voltage vs. temperature curve is nonlinear, with greatest deviation near temperature extremes; however, the device maintains monotonic behavior and remains usable for non-critical thresholding across the rated range without calibration.