Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX971ESA

Overview

The MAX971ESA from Maxim Integrated is a single, ultra-low-power, open-drain comparator with integrated 1.182V ±1% voltage reference and programmable hysteresis via HYST pin. It operates from 2.5V to 11V single supply (or ±1.25V to ±5.5V dual supply), draws ≤4µA quiescent current over temperature, supports rail-to-rail input common-mode range down to V− and up to V+ −1.3V, and features separate GND pin for output stage-enabling bipolar-to-single-ended level translation in battery-powered threshold detection systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX971ESA datasheet, MAX971ESA pinout, MAX971ESA application, or MAX971ESA equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, validated pin functions, confirmed use cases in low-voltage window detectors and power-good monitoring, and two technically documented alternative parts with explicit functional and application-level differences.

Technical Context

The MAX971ESA implements a micropower comparator core with internal bandgap reference referenced to V−, not GND. Its HYST pin enables user-programmable hysteresis using two external resistors-eliminating need for feedback networks or complex calculations. The open-drain output sinks current to GND (not V−), enabling wire-OR configurations and level-shifting across voltage domains.

Input common-mode range extends from V− to V+ −1.3V, supporting operation near supply rails. Propagation delay is 12µs (10mV overdrive, 100pF load, 1MΩ pullup), and output voltage swing reaches up to 11V above V−-allowing use as a level translator even when no V+ is applied.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX971ESA is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package per JEDEC MS-012, with standard 1.27mm pitch and gull-wing leads.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX971ESA, MAX921ESA offers push-pull output but lacks hysteresis control and level-shifting capability, while TLV3701IDBVR achieves lower quiescent current but shifts reference design burden to the system-making MAX971ESA optimal for self-contained, low-power threshold detection with minimal external components.

Availability

MAX971ESA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered instrumentation, industrial power supervision, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX971ESA 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 and mixed-signal ICs for power, sensing, and interface applications in industrial, medical, and communications systems.

The MAX971ESA belongs to Maxim's ultra-low-power comparator family engineered for energy-constrained systems where micropower operation, integrated reference accuracy, and flexible supply configuration are essential-especially in portable and remote monitoring equipment.

FAQ

What is the maximum supply voltage for MAX971ESA?

The MAX971ESA supports a single-supply voltage range of 2.5V to 11V, or dual supplies from ±1.25V to ±5.5V. Absolute maximum ratings specify V+ to V− up to +12V, but continuous operation above 11V is not guaranteed. For reliable long-term performance, operate within the 2.5V–11V range specified in the electrical characteristics table. The MAX971ESA datasheet confirms 11V as the maximum recommended supply voltage under normal conditions.

Does MAX971ESA require an external reference?

No, the MAX971ESA integrates a precision 1.182V ±1% bandgap voltage reference referenced to V−, eliminating the need for external reference components. The REF pin provides this voltage directly and is rated for sourcing up to 25µA and sinking up to 15µA. Bypassing the REF pin is explicitly discouraged in the datasheet, as it degrades noise performance and stability. The MAX971ESA thus enables compact, low-component-count threshold detection circuits.

Can MAX971ESA operate from a 3V supply?

Yes, the MAX971ESA is fully specified and characterized for 3V single-supply operation. Electrical characteristics tables include dedicated "3V OPERATION" sections confirming supply current (≤3.8µA), input offset voltage (±10mV), and propagation delay (12µs) at V+ = 3V, V− = 0V. Input common-mode range remains V− to V+ −1.3V (i.e., 0V to 1.7V), and the internal reference maintains ±1% accuracy-making the MAX971ESA ideal for modern 3V microcontroller-based systems.

What is the purpose of the HYST pin on MAX971ESA?

The HYST pin on MAX971ESA enables user-programmable hysteresis without external feedback components. By connecting two resistors between REF, HYST, and V−, designers set a voltage offset that adjusts both upper and lower switching thresholds symmetrically. The HYST input accepts voltages from REF −50mV to REF, yielding a maximum hysteresis band of 100mV. This feature prevents output oscillation near threshold crossings in noisy environments-critical for reliable battery voltage monitoring in the MAX971ESA.

Is MAX971ESA pin-compatible with other comparators in the MAX97x/MAX98x family?

The MAX971ESA shares the same 8-pin SO package and pinout with MAX971CPA, MAX971EPA, MAX981ESA, and MAX981EPA-but not with dual or quad variants (e.g., MAX972, MAX973). Pin compatibility is limited to single-comparator members with identical ordering suffixes (e.g., -CPA/-CSA/-CUA/-EPA/-ESA). The MAX971ESA pinout differs from MAX972ESA (which lacks REF and HYST pins) and MAX973ESA (which has different pin assignments for IN+/IN−). Always verify pin mapping using the "Pin Configurations" diagram in the MAX971ESA datasheet.