Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX972CSA-T

Overview

The MAX972CSA-T from Maxim Integrated is a single, ultra-low-power, open-drain comparator with no internal voltage reference and no programmable hysteresis, housed in an 8-pin SO package. It operates from a single 2.5V to 11V supply (or ±1.25V to ±5.5V dual supplies), draws ≤4µA supply current over temperature, supports rail-to-rail input common-mode range down to V− and up to V+ − 1.3V, and features an open-drain output sinking to V− - making it suitable for battery-powered threshold detection in portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX972CSA-T datasheet, MAX972CSA-T pinout, MAX972CSA-T application, or MAX972CSA-T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 4µA max quiescent current, absence of internal reference, lack of HYST/REF pins, SO-8 package compatibility, and open-drain output referenced to V− rather than GND - critical for dual-supply level translation and low-voltage wake-up circuits.

Technical Context

The MAX972CSA-T belongs to the MAX97x/MAX98x micropower comparator family but is uniquely configured without internal reference or hysteresis circuitry. Its input stage accepts voltages from V− to (V+ − 1.3V), enabling direct sensing near supply rails, and its open-drain output connects internally to V− (not GND), supporting true bipolar-to-single-ended conversion when V− ≠ GND.

Unlike MAX971/MAX982 variants, MAX972CSA-T omits REF and HYST pins entirely - confirmed by pin configuration tables and functional diagrams - and relies on external reference and hysteresis implementation. Propagation delay is 12µs (10mV overdrive, 100pF load, 1MΩ pullup), with output leakage <100nA at 11V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX972CSA-T uses an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with standard JEDEC MS-012AC footprint. Pin functions are validated per Maxim's official pin description table and functional diagram (Figure 1a).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX971CSA-T, MAX972CSA-T trades integrated reference and hysteresis for lower cost and reduced internal complexity; compared with TLV3701IDBVR, it offers faster response and SO-8 thermal/mechanical robustness at higher quiescent current - making it optimal for mid-speed, dual-supply, space-constrained industrial monitors.

Availability

MAX972CSA-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered systems, threshold detectors, and level translators requiring stable component supply, long-term manufacturability, and guaranteed SO-8 package consistency.

Supply support for MAX972CSA-T 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 markets.

The MAX97x/MAX98x comparator family was engineered for ultra-low-power, rail-compatible sensing in energy-constrained systems - with MAX972CSA-T specifically optimized as a minimal-feature, V−-output variant for dual-supply translation and externally referenced detection.

FAQ

What is the function of the HYST and REF pins on the MAX972CSA-T?

The HYST and REF pins on the MAX972CSA-T are no-connect (NC) terminals. Unlike other members of the MAX97x family, MAX972CSA-T contains no internal voltage reference and no hysteresis circuitry - confirmed by its ordering information table and pin configuration diagrams. These pins must remain unconnected or tied to V− to avoid unintended biasing; MAX972CSA-T requires external reference and hysteresis implementation.

Can the MAX972CSA-T operate from a single 3.3V supply?

Yes, the MAX972CSA-T operates from a single 3.3V supply within its specified 2.5V–11V range. At 3.3V, typical supply current is 2.4µA (commercial temp range), input common-mode range extends from V− (GND) to 2.0V, and propagation delay remains 12µs under 10mV overdrive. The device maintains full functionality including open-drain output sinking to GND and rail-compatible input operation.

Does the MAX972CSA-T have a GND pin?

No, the MAX972CSA-T does not have a dedicated GND pin. Its ground reference is the V− pin, which must be connected to system ground for single-supply operation. This architecture - confirmed in the Pin Description table and Typical Operating Circuit - enables dual-supply use (e.g., V− = −5V, V+ = +5V) and distinguishes MAX972CSA-T from GND-referenced comparators like MAX971.

What is the maximum output sink current for the MAX972CSA-T?

The MAX972CSA-T output can sink up to 1.8mA while maintaining VOL ≤ V− + 0.4V (at 3V supply) or ≤ V− + 0.4V (at 5V supply), per Electrical Characteristics tables. Short-circuit sink current reaches ~25mA at 10V total supply. The output stage is an N-channel MOSFET sinking to V−, so sink capability scales with V+ − V− and degrades at low supply voltages - verified in Typical Operating Characteristics Figure TOC14.

Is the MAX972CSA-T pin-compatible with the MAX971CSA-T?

No, the MAX972CSA-T is not pin-compatible with the MAX971CSA-T. Although both use 8-pin SO packages, their pin functions differ: MAX971CSA-T assigns Pin 5 to HYST and Pin 6 to REF, whereas MAX972CSA-T designates those pins as NC. Pin 1 (OUT), Pin 2 (V−), Pin 3 (IN+), Pin 4 (IN−), Pin 7 (V+), and Pin 8 (NC in MAX972, OUT in MAX971) are incompatible - requiring PCB redesign for substitution.