Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX973ESA
- Part No.:
- MAX973ESA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Comparators
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX973ESA.pdf
- Description:
- IC COMPARATOR 2 W/VOLT REF 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,310
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Product details
Overview
The MAX973ESA from Maxim Integrated is a dual, ultra-low-power, open-drain comparator with internal 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, features input common-mode range from V− to (V+ − 1.3V), and draws ≤4µA supply current over temperature. It is used in battery-powered threshold detectors requiring rail-to-rail input operation and level translation.
For engineers reviewing the MAX973ESA datasheet, MAX973ESA pinout, MAX973ESA application, or MAX973ESA equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact pin functions, real-world use cases for window detection and power-good signaling, and validated alternative comparators with documented parameter differences.
Technical Context
The MAX973ESA integrates two independent micropower comparators sharing a precision bandgap reference and a dedicated HYST pin for resistor-programmable hysteresis. Its open-drain outputs sink to V−, enabling wire-OR configurations and bipolar-to-single-ended level shifting without external components.
It supports true single-supply operation (V− = GND) and dual-supply mode (V− < 0V), with guaranteed input operation down to the negative rail and up to 1.3V below V+. Propagation delay is 12µs (10mV overdrive, 100pF load, 1MΩ pullup), and output leakage remains ≤100nA at 11V.
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 3V/5V logic and legacy ±5V systems. |
| Quiescent Supply Current | ≤4µA over −40°C to +85°C - ensures multi-year battery life in always-on sensor nodes. |
| Reference Voltage Accuracy | 1.182V ±1% (0°C to +70°C), ±2% (−40°C to +85°C) - provides stable threshold generation without external precision references. |
| Input Common-Mode Range | V− to (V+ − 1.3V) - allows direct sensing of signals near supply rails, e.g., battery voltage monitoring. |
| Propagation Delay | 12µs (10mV overdrive, 100pF load, 1MΩ pullup) - supports medium-speed window detection in power sequencing circuits. |
| Output Configuration | Open-drain, sinks to V− - permits wired-OR logic, level translation across domains, and compatibility with 12V-tolerant pullups. |
| Hysteresis Control | HYST pin accepts REF − 0.05V to REF - enables precise, resistor-set hysteresis bands up to 100mV without feedback networks. |
Pinout & Package
MAX973ESA is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with standard 150-mil width and 0.050" lead pitch. Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or dot; orientation follows JEDEC MS-012.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (OUTA) | Comparator A open-drain output | Sinks current to V−; requires external pullup for logic-high output; supports wire-OR with other open-drain devices. |
| 2 (V+) | Positive supply | Accepts 2.5V–11V single supply or positive rail of dual supply; powers internal reference and comparator cores. |
| 3 (REF) | Reference output | Provides 1.182V ±1% (C-temp) / ±2% (E-temp) referenced to V−; capable of sourcing 25µA/sinking 15µA. |
| 4 (HYST) | Hysteresis control input | Accepts voltage from REF − 50mV to REF; sets hysteresis band width when used with external resistors R1/R2. |
| 5 (IN−) | Inverting input of Comparator B | One input of second comparator; full rail-to-rail common-mode range supports direct connection to sensors or dividers. |
| 6 (IN+) | Noninverting input of Comparator B | Second input of Comparator B; matched offset and leakage (<±5nA) enable accurate differential thresholding. |
| 7 (V−) | Negative supply | Connect to GND for single-supply use; serves as reference point for REF and output sink path; defines lower rail for inputs. |
| 8 (OUTB) | Comparator B open-drain output | Independent open-drain output sinking to V−; enables dual-threshold window detection when paired with OUTA. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual comparator + reference in one 8-pin SO | Reduces PCB area and BOM count vs. discrete reference + dual comparator solutions; eliminates layout-sensitive feedback paths. |
| Programmable hysteresis via HYST pin | Enables precise, resistor-defined hysteresis (up to 100mV) without op-amp feedback or additional ICs-critical for noise-immune undervoltage/overvoltage detection. |
| Input range includes negative supply rail | Supports direct sensing of signals referenced to V− (e.g., battery cathode monitoring), eliminating level-shifting circuitry. |
| Separate V− pin for output sink path | Allows output to sink to V− even when V− ≠ GND-enabling bipolar-to-single-ended conversion (e.g., ±5V input → 3.3V logic output). |
| 12µs propagation delay at 10mV overdrive | Meets timing requirements for power-good assertion, battery switchover, and window comparator applications without compromising quiescent current. |
Applications
| Power-Good Monitoring | Window Voltage Detection |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Verifying that a microcontroller's 3.3V supply remains within 3.15V–3.45V during startup and runtime. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual comparator configures as high-threshold (OUTB) and low-threshold (OUTA) detector; wired-OR output asserts active-high "PGOOD" only when both thresholds are satisfied. Use Value: Eliminates need for separate supervisor IC; hysteresis prevents chatter near trip points; 4µA supply current extends battery backup duration. | Use Scenario: Detecting valid USB VBUS (4.75V–5.25V) in portable chargers to enable downstream power delivery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MAX973ESA implements undervoltage lockout (UVOO) and overvoltage protection (OVP) using resistor dividers on IN+ and IN− of each comparator. Use Value: Single 8-pin SO replaces two comparators + reference + hysteresis resistors; ±1% reference ensures tight threshold accuracy across temperature. |
| Battery Switchover Control | Level Translation Interface |
Use Scenario: Seamlessly switching between wall adapter (5V) and Li-ion battery (3.0–4.2V) in handheld medical devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: One comparator monitors adapter voltage (OUTA triggers switchover at 4.0V); second monitors battery voltage (OUTB flags low-battery at 3.3V). Use Value: Open-drain outputs drive P-channel MOSFET gates directly; no external level shifters needed; 2.5V minimum supply enables operation during brownout. | Use Scenario: Converting ±5V analog sensor outputs to 3.3V logic-compatible signals in industrial data acquisition modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Uses V− = −5V, V+ = 0V configuration; REF referenced to V− provides 1.182V above −5V (i.e., −3.818V), enabling bipolar input comparison. Use Value: Output sinks to V− (−5V), allowing pullup to 3.3V - achieves true bipolar-to-unipolar translation without isolated supplies or op-amps. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual comparator with reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX973CSA | Same functionality and pinout, but rated for 0°C to +70°C commercial temperature range only. | Not suitable for automotive or industrial environments requiring −40°C operation. | Select MAX973CSA only for cost-sensitive consumer applications with controlled ambient temperatures. |
| MAX983ESA | Identical pinout and package, but uses ±2% reference (vs. ±1%) and lacks internal hysteresis programming capability. | Requires external positive-feedback hysteresis network; less accurate threshold setting in wide-temperature deployments. | Choose MAX983ESA only if ±2% reference tolerance is acceptable and board space allows external hysteresis resistors. |
Compared with MAX973CSA, the MAX973ESA guarantees operation down to −40°C and maintains tighter reference accuracy over temperature; compared with MAX983ESA, it delivers built-in hysteresis control and superior reference stability-making it optimal for robust, space-constrained power-monitoring designs.
Availability
MAX973ESA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered systems, threshold detectors, window comparators, and level translators requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX973ESA 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 was engineered for ultra-low-power, rail-to-rail sensing in portable and energy-harvesting systems-emphasizing micropower operation, integrated references, and flexible supply configurations.
FAQ
What is the maximum supply voltage for the MAX973ESA?
The MAX973ESA supports a total supply voltage up to 11V in single-supply mode (V+ to V−) or ±5.5V in dual-supply mode. Absolute maximum ratings specify V+ to V− as +12V and V+ to GND as +12V, but functional operation is guaranteed only up to 11V. Exceeding 11V risks parametric degradation or damage, especially under temperature extremes.
Does the MAX973ESA require external bypass capacitors?
No external bypass capacitors are required for the MAX973ESA if the power supply impedance is low and trace lengths are short. However, a 100nF ceramic capacitor placed close to the V+ and V− pins is recommended when supply leads are long or source impedance is high to suppress high-frequency noise coupling into the reference and comparator inputs.
Can the MAX973ESA operate with V− not tied to GND?
Yes, the MAX973ESA is explicitly designed for dual-supply operation with V− below GND. In such configurations, the internal reference (REF) and outputs (OUTA/OUTB) are referenced to V−, not GND. For example, with V+ = 0V and V− = −5V, REF = −3.818V, enabling direct comparison of bipolar signals like ±5V sensor outputs.
What is the purpose of the HYST pin on the MAX973ESA?
The HYST pin on the MAX973ESA enables resistor-programmable hysteresis without external feedback. By connecting R1 between REF and HYST and R2 between HYST and V−, users set a hysteresis band up to 100mV. This prevents output oscillation near threshold voltages in noisy environments-critical for reliable power-good and battery-monitoring applications.
Is the MAX973ESA pin-compatible with other devices in the MAX97x/MAX98x family?
Yes, the MAX973ESA shares identical 8-pin SO pinout with MAX971ESA, MAX972ESA, MAX981ESA, MAX982ESA, and MAX983ESA. However, functional differences exist: MAX972 lacks reference and hysteresis; MAX98x variants use ±2% reference; MAX971 is single-channel. Always verify reference presence, channel count, and hysteresis capability before substitution.
MAX973ESA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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:
- Surface Mount
- :
- 8-SOIC
MAX973ESA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX973ESA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX973ESA 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 MAX973ESA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX973ESA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX973ESA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX973ESA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX973ESA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX973ESA?
MAX973ESA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX973ESA 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 MAX973ESA?
For technical support, including MAX973ESA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX973ESA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX973ESA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX973ESA 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 MAX973ESA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX973ESA?
All MAX973ESA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX973ESA, 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 MAX973ESA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX973ESA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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