Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX974CSE+
- Part No.:
- MAX974CSE+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Comparators
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX974CSE+.pdf
- Description:
- IC COMPARATR 4 W/VOLT REF 16SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,695
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
MAX974CSE+ from Maxim Integrated is a quad ultra-low-power open-drain comparator with integrated 1.182V ±1% bandgap reference, 4µA max supply current at +25°C, 12µs propagation delay (10mV overdrive), and operation from single 2.5V–11V or dual ±1.25V–±5.5V supplies. It features separate GND pin for output transistors and rail-to-rail input range extending to within 1.3V of V+, enabling use in battery-powered threshold detection and level translation.
For engineers reviewing the MAX974CSE+ datasheet, MAX974CSE+ pinout, MAX974CSE+ application, or MAX974CSE+ equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, validated pin functions, confirmed quad-comparator architecture with internal reference, and real-world design context for low-voltage, low-power analog signal conditioning in portable and industrial systems.
Technical Context
The MAX974CSE+ implements four independent comparators sharing a single precision 1.182V ±1% reference referenced to V−, not GND. Its open-drain outputs sink current to GND (not V−), enabled by dedicated GND pins (pins 1 and 15), supporting bipolar-to-single-ended conversion and wire-OR logic.
Input common-mode range spans V− to (V+ − 1.3V); no internal hysteresis is provided (unlike MAX973/MAX983), requiring external feedback for hysteresis implementation. Propagation delay is specified at 12µs (high-to-low) with 10mV overdrive and 100pF load.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Supply Voltage Range | Single 2.5V to 11V or dual ±1.25V to ±5.5V - supports direct integration into 3V/5V systems and legacy ±5V rails without level-shifting. |
| Quiescent Supply Current | 8.5µA max (TA = TMIN to TMAX, 5V supply) - enables multi-year operation on coin-cell batteries in always-on monitoring circuits. |
| Reference Voltage Accuracy | ±1% over 0°C to +70°C - ensures stable threshold setting across commercial temperature range without calibration. |
| Propagation Delay | 12µs typical (10mV overdrive, 100pF load) - suitable for slow-to-moderate speed window detection and power-good signaling. |
| Input Common-Mode Range | V− to (V+ − 1.3V) - allows sensing near ground or high-side signals without external attenuators or bias networks. |
| Output Sink Capability | 50mA max (VOUT = 0.4V, V+ = 5V) - drives standard pull-up resistors and small logic inputs directly without buffer stages. |
| Reference Output Load | Sinks up to 15µA / sources up to 25µA - sufficient to drive resistor dividers for multiple comparator thresholds. |
Pinout & Package
MAX974CSE+ is housed in a 16-pin narrow SO (SOICN) package with 0.150" body width and standard JEDEC outline. Pin 1 is OUTA; pin 16 is V+. The package includes two dedicated GND pins (pins 1 and 15) for output-stage grounding, critical for noise immunity in level-shifting applications.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | OUTA | Open-drain output of Comparator A; sinks current to GND (pin 15), not V− - enables true level translation between domains. |
| 2 | INA− | Inverting input of Comparator A - accepts signals down to V−, supporting ground-referenced or negative-rail sensing. |
| 3 | INA+ | Noninverting input of Comparator A - used with REF (pin 8) or external voltage for precise threshold comparison. |
| 4 | INB− | Inverting input of Comparator B - identical electrical behavior to INA−; supports independent dual-threshold detection. |
| 5 | INB+ | Noninverting input of Comparator B - paired with REF or custom reference for second independent comparator channel. |
| 6 | INC− | Inverting input of Comparator C - enables third independent decision node in compact 16-pin footprint. |
| 7 | INC+ | Noninverting input of Comparator C - allows cascaded or parallel threshold evaluation without external op-amps. |
| 8 | REF | 1.182V ±1% reference output referenced to V− - provides stable, low-drift threshold source for all four comparators. |
| 9 | V− | Negative supply rail - connected to GND in single-supply mode; defines reference and input common-mode baseline. |
| 10 | IND− | Inverting input of Comparator D - completes quad-channel capability for full-window or multi-zone monitoring. |
| 11 | IND+ | Noninverting input of Comparator D - enables fourth independent comparison, e.g., for redundant fault detection. |
| 12 | OUTD | Open-drain output of Comparator D; sinks to GND - matches OUTA/OUTB/OUTC for consistent interface behavior. |
| 13 | GND | Dedicated output-stage ground - isolates comparator output switching noise from analog reference and input paths. |
| 14 | OUTC | Open-drain output of Comparator C; sinks to GND - supports wired-OR of multiple comparator outputs for alarm aggregation. |
| 15 | OUTB | Open-drain output of Comparator B; sinks to GND - identical sink characteristics to OUTA, enabling matched timing. |
| 16 | V+ | Positive supply rail - powers internal circuitry and defines upper limit of input common-mode and output swing. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Quad comparator + integrated reference | Four independent decision channels share one precision 1.182V ±1% reference, reducing component count and board space vs. discrete solutions. |
| Separate GND for output stage | Dual GND pins (1 and 15) isolate output switching return path from analog reference and input grounds, minimizing crosstalk in mixed-signal designs. |
| Rail-to-rail input range | Inputs operate from V− to (V+ − 1.3V), allowing direct connection to sensors, battery terminals, or power rails without external biasing. |
| Ultra-low quiescent current | 8.5µA max over temperature enables >10-year battery life in always-on IoT sensor nodes and portable medical devices. |
| Open-drain outputs with 11V swing | Outputs swing up to 11V above V−, permitting level translation between 3.3V logic and 5V/12V systems without external translators. |
Applications
| Battery-Powered Threshold Detection | Power-Good Monitoring |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Detecting low-battery condition in handheld instruments using a single 3.3V Li-ion cell. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MAX974CSE+ compares cell voltage against 1.182V reference scaled via resistor divider to trigger shutdown at 3.0V. Use Value: 4µA quiescent current extends operational lifetime; open-drain outputs interface directly with microcontroller wake-up pins. |
Use Scenario: Validating stable 5V and 3.3V rails in embedded controllers before firmware initialization. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two comparators monitor each rail against REF; third and fourth implement hysteresis and generate combined power-good signal. Use Value: Quad architecture eliminates need for multiple ICs; ±1% reference ensures accurate trip points across temperature. |
| Level Translation (±5V → 3.3V) | Window Comparator for Sensor Signal Conditioning |
|
Use Scenario: Converting analog signals from ±5V industrial sensors to 3.3V microcontroller inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MAX974CSE+ uses V− = −5V, V+ = 3.3V, REF = 1.182V relative to V−, enabling bipolar input mapping to unipolar output. Use Value: Dedicated GND pins prevent ground bounce; 11V output swing accommodates 3.3V pull-ups while rejecting noise. |
Use Scenario: Monitoring thermistor voltage in HVAC control to detect out-of-range temperature conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Four comparators implement dual high/low thresholds per channel, detecting both over- and under-temperature events. Use Value: Single-package quad solution reduces PCB area and interconnect complexity versus discrete dual-comparator designs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quad comparator with reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX974CPE+ | Same electrical specs, but in 16-pin plastic DIP package - larger footprint, through-hole mounting, higher thermal resistance. | Preferred for prototyping, manual assembly, or legacy through-hole production lines where SOIC reflow is unavailable. | Select MAX974CPE+ when mechanical compatibility with DIP sockets or hand-soldering requirements outweigh SOIC density advantages. |
| MAX984CSE+ | Quad comparator with 1.182V ±2% reference, otherwise identical pinout and electrical behavior - lower reference accuracy, same low-power profile. | Suitable for cost-sensitive applications where ±2% threshold tolerance is acceptable, such as non-critical status indication. | Choose MAX984CSE+ only when ±2% reference drift is permissible and total BOM cost reduction justifies reduced accuracy. |
Compared with MAX974CSE+, MAX974CPE+ offers identical functionality in a through-hole package for ease of prototyping, while MAX984CSE+ trades ±1% reference accuracy for lower unit cost - neither is pin-compatible drop-in replacement due to differing reference tolerances affecting system-level calibration.
Availability
MAX974CSE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered instrumentation, industrial power monitoring, and analog signal conditioning requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed commercial-temperature performance.
Supply support for MAX974CSE+ 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) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.
The MAX971–MAX974/MAX981–MAX984 family was designed specifically for ultra-low-power, precision threshold detection in portable and energy-constrained systems - emphasizing micropower operation, integrated references, and flexible supply configurations.
FAQ
What is the reference voltage accuracy of the MAX974CSE+ over temperature?
The MAX974CSE+ features a 1.182V internal bandgap reference with ±1% accuracy over the commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C). This specification is guaranteed - not typical - and applies to the entire operating temperature range, ensuring reliable threshold setting without external trimming or calibration in MAX974CSE+ designs.
Does the MAX974CSE+ include internal hysteresis?
No, the MAX974CSE+ does not include internal hysteresis. Unlike the MAX973/MAX983 variants, the MAX974CSE+ requires external positive feedback (e.g., resistor network from output to IN+ or IN−) to implement hysteresis. This design choice preserves flexibility for custom hysteresis levels and avoids fixed internal trade-offs in the MAX974CSE+ architecture.
Can the MAX974CSE+ operate from a single 3V supply?
Yes, the MAX974CSE+ operates from a single 2.5V to 11V supply, including 3V. At 3V, supply current remains below 8.0µA (max), input common-mode range extends from V− (GND) to 1.7V, and propagation delay increases slightly to ~15µs - all fully characterized and guaranteed in the MAX974CSE+ datasheet.
What is the purpose of the two GND pins (pins 1 and 15) on the MAX974CSE+?
Pins 1 and 15 on the MAX974CSE+ serve as dedicated ground returns for the open-drain output transistors. This separation isolates high-current switching paths from the analog reference (REF) and input circuitry, reducing ground bounce and improving noise immunity - a key design feature distinguishing MAX974CSE+ from comparators with shared GND.
How does the MAX974CSE+ differ from the MAX972 in terms of functionality?
The MAX974CSE+ is a quad comparator with integrated ±1% reference, while the MAX972 is a dual comparator with no internal reference. MAX974CSE+ has 16 pins and separate GND pins for outputs; MAX972 uses 8 pins and sinks outputs to V−. They are not functionally or pin-compatible - MAX974CSE+ provides greater channel density and self-contained reference capability absent in MAX972.
MAX974CSE+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Type:
- with Voltage Reference
- Number of Elements:
- 4
- 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):
- 8.5µA
- Current - Quiescent (Max):
- 80dB CMRR, 80dB PSRR
- CMRR, PSRR (Typ):
- -
- Propagation Delay (Max):
- -
- Hysteresis:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- Surface Mount
- :
- 16-SOIC
MAX974CSE+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX974CSE+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX974CSE+ 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 MAX974CSE+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX974CSE+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX974CSE+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX974CSE+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX974CSE+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX974CSE+?
MAX974CSE+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX974CSE+ 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 MAX974CSE+?
For technical support, including MAX974CSE+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX974CSE+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX974CSE+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX974CSE+ 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 MAX974CSE+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX974CSE+?
All MAX974CSE+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX974CSE+, 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 MAX974CSE+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX974CSE+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX974CSE+ Tags

-
LM2903DR
Texas Instruments
-
LM339DR
Texas Instruments

-
LM339PWR
Texas Instruments

-
LM393DT
STMicroelectronics

-
LM2901PWR
Texas Instruments

-
LM2903DT
STMicroelectronics

-
LM393DR
Texas Instruments
-
LM239DR
Texas Instruments

-
LM339APWR
Texas Instruments

-
LM2903P
Texas Instruments

-
LM393ADR
Texas Instruments

-
NCX2200GMAZ
NXP USA Inc.
Tech Hub
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
LDO regulator guide covering low dropout voltage, power dissipation, thermal design, PSRR, output noise, capacitor stability, adjustable LDO circuits, LDO vs buck converter and datasheet selection chec…
Conditional Access Module guide covering CAM meaning, CI/CI+ interface, smart card authorization, DVB security workflow, TV and set-top box compatibility, internal electronics, ESD protection, connecto…
Guide to electronic component obsolescence covering EOL risk, PCN/PDN notices, last-time buy planning, replacement options, form-fit-function validation, counterfeit risk and BOM lifecycle management.
18650 battery guide covering lithium-ion cell basics, 3.6V/3.7V voltage, 4.2V charging, mAh and Wh capacity, protected cells, chargers, BMS, series-parallel packs, holders, welding and sourcing checks.…
Hall effect sensor guide covering working principle, linear and digital sensors, Arduino circuits, current sensing, speed detection, automotive applications, A3144 examples, signal filtering and datash…
Product Change Notification guide for electronic components, covering PCN meaning, PCN vs PDN/EOL, common change types, risk levels, form-fit-function review, engineering validation, BOM control, LTB/L…
A practical guide to blend door actuators, covering HVAC function, symptoms, location, AC and heater issues, reset and calibration, replacement cost, electrical diagnosis, compatibility checks, and rep…

