Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX973EPA+
- Part No.:
- MAX973EPA+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Comparators
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX973EPA+.pdf
- Description:
- IC COMPARATOR 2 W/VOLT REF 8DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MAX973EPA+ from Maxim Integrated is a dual ultra-low-power comparator with integrated 1.182V ±1% voltage reference and programmable hysteresis via HYST pin. It operates from single 2.5V–11V or dual ±1.25V–±5.5V supplies, draws ≤4µA supply current over temperature, supports rail-to-rail input down to V− and within 1.3V of V+, and features open-drain outputs with separate GND pin for level translation in battery-powered threshold detection.
For engineers reviewing the MAX973EPA+ datasheet, MAX973EPA+ pinout, MAX973EPA+ application, or MAX973EPA+ equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, validated pin functions, confirmed dual-comparator use cases in window detectors and power-good monitoring, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative parts with documented technical and application differences.
Technical Context
The MAX973EPA+ integrates two independent micropower comparators sharing a precision bandgap reference and a dedicated HYST pin enabling simple resistor-based hysteresis programming without external feedback. Its input common-mode range extends from V− to (V+ − 1.3V), and its open-drain outputs sink current to V− (not GND), distinguishing it from MAX971/MAX974 which use GND-referenced output sinks.
Unlike MAX972 (no reference) or MAX983 (±2% reference), the MAX973EPA+ provides a 1.182V ±1% internal reference over −40°C to +85°C, with source/sink capability up to 25µA/15µA. Propagation delay is 12µs (10mV overdrive, 100pF load, 1MΩ pullup), and input offset voltage is ±10mV - all specified across full extended temperature range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | Single 2.5V–11V or dual ±1.25V–±5.5V - enables direct interface with Li-ion, 3.3V, 5V, and ±5V systems without level shifters. |
| Quiescent Supply Current | ≤4µA max over −40°C to +85°C - ensures multi-year operation on coin-cell batteries in IoT sensors. |
| Reference Voltage Accuracy | 1.182V ±1% (−40°C to +85°C) - provides stable, factory-trimmed threshold for precision undervoltage/overvoltage detection. |
| Input Common-Mode Range | V− to (V+ − 1.3V) - supports sensing near ground or high-side rails without external biasing resistors. |
| Propagation Delay | 12µs (10mV overdrive, 100pF load, 1MΩ pullup) - sufficient for slow-control loops like battery switchover and power sequencing. |
| Output Configuration | Open-drain, sinks to V− - allows wire-ORing and bipolar-to-single-ended conversion when V− = GND or negative rail. |
| Hysteresis Control | Dedicated HYST pin with 0–50mV adjustable range - enables precise, resistor-programmable hysteresis without op-amp feedback networks. |
Pinout & Package
MAX973EPA+ uses an 8-pin plastic DIP package (0.300" wide) with standard through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is OUTA, pin 2 is V−, pin 3 is INA+, pin 4 is INA−, pin 5 is HYST, pin 6 is REF, pin 7 is V+, pin 8 is OUTB.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (OUTA) | Comparator A open-drain output | Sinks current to V−; requires external pullup for logic-high output; used for active-low undervoltage flag. |
| 2 (V−) | Negative supply terminal | Connect to GND for single-supply operation; defines reference point for REF and output sink path. |
| 3 (INA+) | Noninverting input of Comparator A | Accepts input signals from V− to (V+ − 1.3V); high-impedance (±0.01nA leakage) for minimal loading. |
| 4 (INA−) | Inverting input of Comparator A | Paired with INA+ for differential threshold comparison; identical electrical specs to INA+. |
| 5 (HYST) | Hysteresis control input | Adjusts hysteresis band between REF and (REF − 50mV); sets upper/lower thresholds via R1/R2 divider. |
| 6 (REF) | 1.182V ±1% internal reference output | Referenced to V−, not GND; sources up to 25µA; must not be bypassed or loaded beyond spec. |
| 7 (V+) | Positive supply terminal | Accepts 2.5V–11V single supply or positive rail of dual supply; powers internal reference and comparator cores. |
| 8 (OUTB) | Comparator B open-drain output | Independent of OUTA; sinks to V−; used for active-low overvoltage flag in window detector configurations. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low quiescent current | ≤4µA over −40°C to +85°C - enables >10-year shelf life in always-on battery monitors. |
| Integrated ±1% voltage reference | 1.182V referenced to V− - eliminates need for external precision reference IC or resistor divider in threshold circuits. |
| Programmable hysteresis via HYST pin | 0–100mV hysteresis band using two resistors - avoids instability in noisy environments without complex feedback design. |
| Wide supply range & rail-compatible inputs | Operates from 2.5V to 11V single supply; inputs function down to V− - supports direct sensing of 1-cell LiFePO₄ (2.5V min) or 3S Li-ion packs. |
| Open-drain outputs sinking to V− | Enables level-shifting between disparate supply domains (e.g., ±5V analog to 3.3V digital) without isolation components. |
Applications
| Battery-Powered Threshold Detection | Window Comparator (Power-Good Monitoring) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Detecting low-battery condition in portable medical devices powered by CR2032 coin cells. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual comparator compares battery voltage against 2.0V (undervoltage) and 3.0V (overvoltage) thresholds derived from REF and resistor dividers. Use Value: Enables precise, hysteresis-stabilized power-good signaling with <4µA total system current - extending battery life beyond 5 years. | Use Scenario: Validating regulated 5V supply stability in industrial PLC I/O modules before enabling downstream logic. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MAX973EPA+ implements a window detector where OUTA and OUTB are wire-ORed to generate active-high POWER_GOOD signal. Use Value: Provides fail-safe startup sequencing with ±5mV hysteresis at input, eliminating chatter during supply ramp-up/down without external timers. |
| Level Translation (±5V to 3.3V Logic) | Battery Switchover Control |
Use Scenario: Converting analog sensor outputs from ±5V op-amp stages into 3.3V microcontroller-compatible logic levels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Comparator A compares ±5V input against 0V reference; open-drain output pulled to 3.3V generates clean 3.3V logic swing. Use Value: Eliminates need for discrete MOSFET translators or optocouplers - reducing BOM count and PCB area in space-constrained designs. | Use Scenario: Seamlessly switching power source from wall adapter to backup Li-ion pack in handheld test equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Comparator A triggers switchover at 4.0V adapter drop; Comparator B monitors battery health at 3.6V cutoff. Use Value: Achieves zero-downtime transition with <12µs response, preventing MCU brownout during source handoff. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-comparator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX983EPA+ | Same pinout and architecture, but ±2% reference accuracy (vs. ±1%) and higher supply current (≤6µA). | Less suitable for precision thresholding below ±10mV error; acceptable for cost-sensitive consumer-grade battery monitors. | Select MAX983EPA+ only if ±2% reference tolerance and slightly higher current are acceptable trade-offs for lower unit cost. |
| TLV3702IP | CMOS-input dual comparator with rail-to-rail I/O, 850nA supply current, no internal reference, and push-pull outputs. | Requires external reference and pullup resistors; unsuitable for level-shifting or bipolar supply interfaces without added components. | Choose TLV3702IP only when ultra-low current (<1µA) dominates design priority and internal reference/level-shift capability is unnecessary. |
Compared with MAX983EPA+, MAX973EPA+ offers tighter reference accuracy and lower supply current for precision battery monitoring; compared with TLV3702IP, it integrates reference and open-drain outputs - reducing component count and enabling direct bipolar-to-single-ended conversion without redesign.
Availability
MAX973EPA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered systems, window comparators, level translators, and oscillator circuits requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges.
Supply support for MAX973EPA+ 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 MAX97x/MAX98x comparator family targets ultra-low-power sensing and monitoring, with the MAX973EPA+ specifically engineered for dual-threshold detection in energy-constrained, wide-supply-range applications such as portable instrumentation and backup power controllers.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range of the MAX973EPA+?
The MAX973EPA+ is rated for −40°C to +85°C (Extended temperature range). This is confirmed by the "E" suffix in the part number and explicitly stated in the Ordering Information table. All key specifications-including supply current (≤4µA), reference accuracy (±1%), and input offset voltage (±10mV)-are guaranteed across this full range, making MAX973EPA+ suitable for automotive cabin modules and outdoor industrial sensors.
Does the MAX973EPA+ have an internal voltage reference, and what is its accuracy?
Yes, the MAX973EPA+ includes an internal 1.182V bandgap voltage reference referenced to V−. Its accuracy is ±1% over the −40°C to +85°C operating range, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics tables for MAX971/MAX973/MAX974. This is tighter than the ±2% offered by MAX98x variants and eliminates the need for external reference ICs in precision threshold applications.
How is hysteresis implemented on the MAX973EPA+?
Hysteresis on the MAX973EPA+ is implemented via the HYST pin (Pin 5): connect R1 between REF (Pin 6) and HYST, and R2 between HYST and V− (Pin 2). The hysteresis band equals ~2 × (REF − VHYST), adjustable from 0 to 100mV. This method avoids external feedback paths and maintains ultra-low current draw-unlike conventional positive-feedback hysteresis which increases power consumption and slows response.
What is the output configuration of the MAX973EPA+, and how does it differ from MAX971EPA+?
The MAX973EPA+ features open-drain outputs that sink current to V− (Pin 2), not GND. In contrast, MAX971EPA+ (single comparator) has an output sinking to GND. This means MAX973EPA+ supports true dual-supply operation (e.g., V+ = +5V, V− = −5V) with output referenced to the negative rail, enabling bipolar-to-single-ended conversion when V− = GND and level shifting when V− is negative.
Can the MAX973EPA+ operate from a 1.8V supply?
No, the MAX973EPA+ has a minimum guaranteed supply voltage of 2.5V (single supply) or ±1.25V (dual supply), per Absolute Maximum Ratings and Low-Voltage Operation section. While the comparators may function down to ~1V in some conditions, the internal reference ceases operation below ~2.2V, and performance (propagation delay, output drive) degrades significantly-making 1.8V operation unsupported and unreliable for production designs using MAX973EPA+.
MAX973EPA+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- with Voltage Reference
- Number of Elements:
- 2
- Output Type:
- Open-Drain
- Voltage - Supply, Single/Dual (±):
- 2.5V ~ 11V, ±1.25V ~ 5.5V
- :
- 10mV @ 5V
- Voltage - Input Offset (Max):
- -
- Current - Input Bias (Max):
- -
- Current - Output (Typ):
- 6µA
- Current - Quiescent (Max):
- 80dB CMRR, 80dB PSRR
- CMRR, PSRR (Typ):
- -
- Propagation Delay (Max):
- 50mV
- Hysteresis:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- Through Hole
- :
- 8-PDIP
MAX973EPA+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX973EPA+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX973EPA+ on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX973EPA+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX973EPA+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX973EPA+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX973EPA+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX973EPA+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX973EPA+?
MAX973EPA+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX973EPA+ order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX973EPA+?
For technical support, including MAX973EPA+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX973EPA+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX973EPA+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX973EPA+ products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX973EPA+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX973EPA+?
All MAX973EPA+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX973EPA+, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX973EPA+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX973EPA+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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