Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX974ESE
- Part No.:
- MAX974ESE
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Comparators
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX974ESE.pdf
- Description:
- IC COMPARATR 4 W/VOLT REF 16SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
The MAX974ESE from Maxim Integrated is a quad, ultra-low-power, open-drain comparator with integrated 1.182V ±1% precision bandgap reference and no internal hysteresis. It operates from single 2.5V–11V or dual ±1.25V–±5.5V supplies, features rail-to-rail input range (V− to V+ − 1.3V), 4µA max supply current over temperature, and separate GND pin for output stage-enabling bipolar-to-single-ended level translation in battery-powered threshold detection systems.
For engineers reviewing the MAX974ESE datasheet, MAX974ESE pinout, MAX974ESE application, or MAX974ESE equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact pin functions, real-world use cases in window detectors and power-good monitoring, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional and packaging differences.
Technical Context
The MAX974ESE integrates four independent comparators sharing one precision 1.182V ±1% reference (referred to V−), with open-drain outputs sinking to GND-not V−-enabling true level-shifting across supply domains. Its HYST pin is not internally connected, confirming absence of programmable hysteresis.
Input common-mode range extends from V− to V+ − 1.3V; output voltage swing reaches up to 11V above V−, supporting operation even when V+ = V− = 0V. Propagation delay is 12µs (10mV overdrive, 100pF load, 1MΩ pullup) and supply current remains ≤8.5µA at 5V over −40°C to +85°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Comparator Count | Quad - supports simultaneous multi-threshold evaluation in power supervision or window detection. |
| Supply Voltage Range | Single: 2.5V–11V; Dual: ±1.25V–±5.5V - enables direct interface with Li-ion battery stacks and industrial ±5V rails. |
| Reference Accuracy | ±1% (−40°C to +85°C) - ensures stable 1.182V threshold generation without external trimming. |
| Quiescent Current | ≤8.5µA at 5V, full temp range - sustains >10-year battery life in always-on sensor nodes. |
| Input Common-Mode Range | V− to V+ − 1.3V - allows direct sensing of signals near supply rails, e.g., undervoltage on 3.3V logic rails. |
| Output Configuration | Open-drain with dedicated GND pin - permits wire-ORing and level translation between isolated voltage domains. |
| Propagation Delay | 12µs (10mV overdrive) - sufficient for slow-control loops like battery switchover or power-good assertion. |
Pinout & Package
MAX974ESE is supplied in a 16-pin narrow SO (SOICN) package with 0.150" body width and standard 0.050" lead pitch. Pin 1 is OUTA; pin 16 is V+. The device uses GND (pin 14) as the output sink reference, distinct from V− (pin 9), enabling true ground-referenced output drive.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (OUTA) | Comparator A open-drain output | Sinks current to GND (pin 14), not V− - enables level shift from negative to positive domain. |
| 2 (OUTB) | Comparator B open-drain output | Independent output with same GND-sink architecture; supports wired-OR with OUTA/OUTC/OUTD. |
| 3 (OUTC) | Comparator C open-drain output | Third dedicated output; critical for multi-output logic functions like power-good generation. |
| 4 (OUTD) | Comparator D open-drain output | Fourth output; allows full 4-channel threshold monitoring without external logic. |
| 5 (IND+) | Comparator D noninverting input | One of eight total comparator inputs; accepts signals up to V+ − 1.3V, enabling high-side sensing. |
| 6 (IND−) | Comparator D inverting input | Differential input pair for precise comparison against reference or resistor-divider thresholds. |
| 7 (INC+) | Comparator C noninverting input | Supports independent threshold setup per comparator; no shared input constraints. |
| 8 (INC−) | Comparator C inverting input | Enables flexible window detector topology using two comparators per channel. |
| 9 (V−) | Negative supply | Reference for internal reference (REF); tied to GND in single-supply mode but electrically isolated from output sink path. |
| 10 (REF) | 1.182V reference output | Stable, temperature-compensated voltage referenced to V− - used directly as threshold for all comparators. |
| 11 (INB+) | Comparator B noninverting input | Allows asymmetric input routing; supports mixed single/dual-supply signal conditioning. |
| 12 (INB−) | Comparator B inverting input | Paired with INB+ for differential sensing; leakage < ±5nA minimizes divider error. |
| 13 (INA+) | Comparator A noninverting input | Primary input for first comparator; compatible with high-impedance sensor interfaces. |
| 14 (GND) | Output stage ground | Dedicated return for all four open-drain outputs - isolates output switching noise from analog V− reference path. |
| 15 (INA−) | Comparator A inverting input | Completes first comparator pair; supports hysteresis via external feedback if required. |
| 16 (V+) | Positive supply | Supplies gate drive for all output MOSFETs; determines maximum sink current capability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Quad comparator + precision reference | Four independent decision units share one ±1% 1.182V reference - eliminates need for external voltage sources in multi-rail monitoring. |
| GND-referenced open-drain outputs | All four outputs sink to dedicated GND pin - enables clean level translation between isolated grounds (e.g., ±5V analog to 3.3V digital). |
| Rail-to-rail input range | Inputs operate from V− to V+ − 1.3V - supports direct monitoring of battery voltage or regulator output without attenuation. |
| Ultra-low 8.5µA supply current | Guaranteed over −40°C to +85°C - extends shelf life and runtime in energy-harvesting and coin-cell applications. |
| No internal hysteresis | HYST pin unconnected - provides design flexibility to add custom hysteresis only where needed, avoiding unnecessary complexity. |
Applications
| Battery Power-Good Monitoring | Industrial Bipolar Level Translation |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Detecting valid operating voltage windows in portable medical devices powered by dual Li-ion cells (6.4V–8.4V). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Quad comparator compares battery voltage against upper/lower thresholds derived from REF; wired-OR outputs generate active-high POWER_GOOD signal. Use Value: Eliminates external op-amps and voltage references, reducing BOM count by 4 components while maintaining ±1% threshold accuracy over temperature. | Use Scenario: Converting ±5V analog sensor outputs to 3.3V logic-compatible signals in PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two comparators condition positive/negative excursions relative to REF; GND-sink outputs drive 3.3V pullups without level-shifter ICs. Use Value: Achieves sub-12µs response with no timing skew between channels, preserving signal integrity in synchronized acquisition systems. |
| Low-Power Window Detector | Backup Battery Switchover Control |
Use Scenario: Supervising 3.3V system rail in always-on IoT edge node to trigger shutdown before brownout. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: One comparator monitors upper limit (3.6V), another lower limit (3.0V); REF sets thresholds via resistor dividers. Use Value: Draws <9µA total - contributes <0.1% to system standby current, enabling 10+ year coin-cell operation. | Use Scenario: Seamless transition from wall adapter to backup LiPo in network router during AC outage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Comparator A detects adapter dropout (<4.0V); Comparator B monitors battery health (<3.6V); outputs control P-MOSFET gate. Use Value: Prevents diode drop losses (≥0.3V) and associated heat, improving efficiency by 8% and eliminating thermal derating concerns. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar quad comparator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX984ESE | Same 16-pin SO package, but ±2% reference accuracy and internal hysteresis enabled. | Less precise thresholding; hysteresis reduces need for external feedback but limits flexibility in noise-sensitive designs. | Select MAX984ESE only when ±2% reference tolerance is acceptable and hysteresis simplifies layout. |
| TLV3404IPW | Quad comparator with rail-to-rail input/output, 650nA supply current, no integrated reference, SO-14 package. | Requires external reference; lower power but higher design complexity and reduced integration. | Choose TLV3404IPW when ultra-low power (<1µA) dominates over integration and reference accuracy. |
Compared with MAX984ESE and TLV3404IPW, the MAX974ESE uniquely balances ±1% reference precision, GND-sink outputs for level translation, and zero internal hysteresis-making it optimal for high-accuracy, multi-domain supervision where design flexibility and noise immunity are critical.
Availability
MAX974ESE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered systems, industrial level translators, window comparators, and power-supply supervision requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.
Supply support for MAX974ESE 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.
The MAX97x/MAX98x comparator family was engineered for ultra-low-power, high-accuracy threshold detection in space-constrained, battery-operated systems-emphasizing integration, rail-to-rail operation, and robust performance across industrial temperatures.
FAQ
What is the reference voltage accuracy of the MAX974ESE over its full operating temperature range?
The MAX974ESE features a 1.182V internal bandgap reference with ±1% accuracy over the −40°C to +85°C extended temperature range. This specification is guaranteed and tested per Maxim's datasheet (Rev 3, p.3, "REFERENCE" table), ensuring stable threshold generation without calibration in harsh environments where the MAX974ESE is deployed.
Does the MAX974ESE include internal hysteresis, and how is the HYST pin used?
No, the MAX974ESE does not include internal hysteresis. As confirmed in the Ordering Information table and Pin Description (p.8), the HYST pin is unconnected in MAX974/MAX984 variants. Unlike MAX971/MAX982/MAX973, the MAX974ESE requires external hysteresis implementation via positive feedback if noise immunity is needed-giving designers full control over hysteresis magnitude and topology.
Can the MAX974ESE operate from a single 3.3V supply, and what are the input voltage limits?
Yes, the MAX974ESE operates from a single 3.3V supply (within 2.5V–11V range). Input voltages may swing from V− (GND in single-supply mode) to V+ − 1.3V = 2.0V, allowing direct interface with 3.3V logic outputs and sensors. This rail-to-rail input capability is specified in the "Input Common-Mode Voltage Range" parameter (p.3) and validated across temperature for the MAX974ESE.
What is the purpose of the separate GND pin (pin 14) on the MAX974ESE, and how does it differ from V− (pin 9)?
The separate GND pin (pin 14) serves exclusively as the return path for all four open-drain output transistors, while V− (pin 9) is the reference for the internal 1.182V bandgap reference and comparator input stage. This isolation prevents output switching noise from modulating the reference or input bias points-critical for stable, low-noise threshold detection. The distinction is explicitly defined in the Pin Description (p.8) and Functional Diagram (p.9).
How does the MAX974ESE compare to the MAX974CSE in terms of temperature rating and suitability for industrial applications?
The MAX974ESE is rated for −40°C to +85°C (extended temperature range), whereas the MAX974CSE is limited to 0°C to +70°C (commercial range). For industrial applications exposed to wide ambient swings-such as outdoor metering, factory automation, or automotive under-hood environments-the MAX974ESE is the qualified choice, with full electrical specifications guaranteed across its extended range per the Ordering Information table (p.15).
MAX974ESE 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:
- Obsolete
- 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:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- Surface Mount
- :
- 16-SOIC
MAX974ESE FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX974ESE through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX974ESE 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 MAX974ESE reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX974ESE are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX974ESE is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX974ESE?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX974ESE transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX974ESE?
MAX974ESE orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX974ESE 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 MAX974ESE?
For technical support, including MAX974ESE datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX974ESE requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX974ESE is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX974ESE 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 MAX974ESE meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX974ESE?
All MAX974ESE units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX974ESE, 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 MAX974ESE part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX974ESE:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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