Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX970EEE

Overview

The MAX970EEE from Maxim Integrated is a quad micropower comparator with rail-to-rail inputs and open-drain outputs, operating from +1.6V to +5.5V single supply, drawing 11–18 µA total supply current (typ. 14 µA), featuring -0.25V to VCC input common-mode range and 10 µs propagation delay (50 mV overdrive). It is designed for ultra-low-power, multi-voltage threshold detection in portable battery systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX970EEE datasheet, MAX970EEE pinout, MAX970EEE application, or MAX970EEE equivalent, this device serves as a quad comparator without internal reference or programmable hysteresis-requiring external reference and hysteresis circuitry for precision thresholding, voltage monitoring, or level translation in space-constrained, low-quiescent-current designs.

Technical Context

The MAX970EEE implements four independent comparators with rail-to-rail input stages optimized for operation down to +1.6V, enabling reliable sensing across full supply rails. Its open-drain outputs support pull-up to voltages up to 6V above ground, facilitating voltage-level translation between disparate logic domains.

No internal reference or HYST pin is integrated-unlike MAX965/967/968/969-so external reference and positive-feedback hysteresis networks must be used. Input offset voltage is specified at 7.0 mV (SO), 10.0 mV (µMAX, 0°C to +85°C), and 15.0 mV (µMAX, -40°C to +85°C); input bias current is ±5 nA typical across full common-mode range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX970EEE is housed in a 16-pin QSOP package (package code E16-1), 3.9 mm × 4.9 mm body, 1.0 mm height, 0.635 mm pitch. Pin 1 is OUTB; pin 16 is OUTC. Pins 8 and 9 are no-connect (N.C.) and not internally bonded.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX969EEE, MAX970EEE trades internal reference and hysteresis control for lower cost and design flexibility with external references; versus TLV3494IPW, it delivers faster response and true rail-to-rail input capability at higher quiescent current-making it optimal for precision, low-voltage, multi-threshold detection where timing and input range are critical.

Availability

MAX970EEE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 2-cell battery monitoring, multi-zone voltage threshold detection, low-voltage logic-level translation, and ground-sensing fault detection requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for MAX970EEE 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 power management ICs for industrial, communications, and consumer applications.

The MAX965–MAX970 family was engineered for ultra-low-voltage, micropower comparator applications in portable and battery-constrained systems-prioritizing rail-to-rail operation, minimal supply current, and robust input tolerance.

FAQ

Does the MAX970EEE include an internal voltage reference?

No, the MAX970EEE does not include an internal voltage reference. Unlike the MAX965/MAX967/MAX968/MAX969, it lacks both the REF and HYST pins. For threshold comparison, an external reference-such as a precision bandgap IC or resistor divider from a stable supply-must be provided to the comparator inputs. This design gives designers full control over reference accuracy and temperature drift characteristics in the MAX970EEE application.

What is the maximum allowable voltage on the MAX970EEE open-drain outputs?

The MAX970EEE open-drain outputs (OUTA–OUTD) tolerate voltages up to +6.0V relative to GND, regardless of VCC level. This allows safe pull-up to higher logic rails (e.g., 5V or 3.3V) even when VCC is supplied from a lower voltage like 1.8V or 2.5V. The specification is absolute-not dependent on VCC-and is explicitly stated in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table of the MAX970EEE datasheet.

Can the MAX970EEE operate from a 1.5V supply?

The MAX970EEE is specified for operation from +1.6V to +5.5V. While the comparators may function down to ~1.0V, performance degrades significantly below 1.6V: reference functionality ceases below ~1.5V, propagation delay increases, and output sink capability diminishes. For reliable operation-including guaranteed input common-mode range and timing-the MAX970EEE must be powered within its rated +1.6V to +5.5V range.

How is hysteresis implemented in the MAX970EEE since it lacks a HYST pin?

Hysteresis for the MAX970EEE must be added externally using positive feedback-typically a three-resistor network connecting the output back to the noninverting input. This method introduces a small additional current draw and slightly increases propagation delay compared to the HYST-pin method used in MAX965/MAX967/MAX968/MAX969. The MAX970EEE datasheet provides detailed design equations and example calculations for setting precise hysteresis bands in the Applications Information section.

What is the input offset voltage specification for the MAX970EEE in the QSOP package?

The MAX970EEE is offered only in the 16-pin QSOP package (E16-1), and its input offset voltage is specified as 10.0 mV (max) over 0°C to +85°C and 15.0 mV (max) over -40°C to +85°C. These values apply to the QSOP variant and are measured across the full common-mode input range. The offset is not trimmed and remains consistent across all four comparators within a single MAX970EEE unit.