Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX970ESD+

Overview

The MAX970ESD+ 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, featuring -0.25V to VCC–0.25V input common-mode range, and housed in a 14-pin SO package (S14-4). It is designed for ultra-low-voltage 2-cell battery-powered systems requiring four independent threshold detection channels without internal reference or programmable hysteresis.

For engineers reviewing the MAX970ESD+ datasheet, MAX970ESD+ pinout, MAX970ESD+ application, or MAX970ESD+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its quad-channel open-drain architecture, absence of internal reference and hysteresis control, 10 µs propagation delay at 50 mV overdrive, rail-to-rail input operation down to 1.6 V, and compatibility with multivoltage level-shifting schemes in portable instrumentation and power monitoring circuits.

Technical Context

The MAX970ESD+ implements four independent voltage comparators with rail-to-rail input stages optimized for operation below 2 V, where input offset voltage remains within 15 mV over –40°C to +85°C and common-mode rejection ratio holds at 1.5–4.0 mV/V. Its open-drain outputs support pull-up to voltages up to 6 V above ground, enabling bidirectional voltage-level translation between disparate supply domains.

No internal reference or hysteresis programming circuitry is integrated-unlike MAX965/MAX967/MAX968/MAX969-so external resistor networks are required for hysteresis implementation via positive feedback, and external references must be supplied for precision thresholding. The device's 380-transistor die supports low quiescent current while maintaining robust short-circuit tolerance on all outputs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX970ESD+ is packaged in a 14-pin Small Outline (SO) package with 1.27 mm pitch (PKG CODE S14-4), RoHS-compliant, surface-mountable, and thermally rated for 330 mW continuous dissipation at +70°C ambient.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM339DR and TLV3704IPW, the MAX970ESD+ uniquely balances micropower operation (11–18 µA), rail-to-rail input capability down to 1.6 V, and open-drain outputs tolerant to 6 V-making it optimal for compact, multi-threshold battery-powered systems requiring flexible interfacing without added components.

Availability

MAX970ESD+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for 2-cell battery monitoring, multi-rail voltage-level translation, window comparator banks, and ground-sensing fault detection requiring stable component supply across industrial, portable, and embedded OEM programs.

Supply support for MAX970ESD+ 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 industrial, medical, communications, and consumer applications.

The MAX965–MAX970 family was engineered specifically for ultra-low-voltage, micropower threshold detection in space-constrained, battery-operated systems-emphasizing rail-to-rail input operation, open-drain flexibility, and minimal quiescent current without sacrificing speed or accuracy.

FAQ

What is the maximum supply voltage the MAX970ESD+ can tolerate?

The MAX970ESD+ has an absolute maximum supply voltage (VCC) of +6 V. However, its specified operating range is +1.6 V to +5.5 V. Operation above +5.5 V may cause permanent damage or parametric shift. For reliable long-term performance, maintain VCC within the 1.6–5.5 V range per the datasheet. The MAX970ESD+ output pins tolerate up to +6 V regardless of VCC, enabling safe level translation.

Does the MAX970ESD+ include an internal voltage reference?

No, the MAX970ESD+ does not include an internal voltage reference. Unlike MAX965/MAX967/MAX968/MAX969, this variant omits the REF and HYST pins. Threshold detection requires externally generated reference voltages applied to comparator inputs. This simplifies the die but mandates external precision references or resistor-divider networks for accurate trip-point setting.

Can the MAX970ESD+ operate from a 1.5 V supply?

The MAX970ESD+ is specified to operate down to +1.6 V. At 1.5 V, functionality is not guaranteed: input common-mode range remains rail-to-rail, but output sink capability degrades, propagation delay increases significantly, and reference-dependent features (not applicable here) fail. For reliable operation, maintain VCC ≥1.6 V. Systems powered by fresh alkaline cells (1.6 V/cell) may briefly meet this; NiMH (1.4 V/cell) will not.

How is hysteresis implemented on the MAX970ESD+ since it lacks a HYST pin?

Hysteresis on the MAX970ESD+ must be added externally using positive feedback with three resistors per comparator, as detailed in Figure 4 of the datasheet. This method draws more current than the HYST-pin approach used in other family members and slows response slightly. Resistor values are calculated based on desired hysteresis band, trip point, and supply voltage-no internal hysteresis circuitry exists in the MAX970ESD+.

What is the input offset voltage specification for the MAX970ESD+ over temperature?

The MAX970ESD+ input offset voltage is specified as ≤15 mV over the full –40°C to +85°C operating range. At +25°C, typical offset is ≤10 mV for the SO package. This parameter directly limits the smallest detectable voltage difference between inputs and affects accuracy in precision threshold detection applications such as battery end-of-life signaling or thermal trip points.