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Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Linear > Comparators

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX978ESE+T

Name: MAX978ESE+T
Brand: Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
SKU: MAX978ESE+T
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: MAX978ESE+T

Manufacturer:: Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated

Category:: Comparators

Package:: 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)

Datasheet:: MAX978ESE+T.pdf

Description:: IC COMPARATOR 4 GEN PUR 16SOIC

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Product details

Overview

MAX978ESE+T from Maxim Integrated is a quad, high-speed, low-power comparator optimized for single-supply +3V/+5V systems. It delivers 20ns propagation delay, 225µA supply current per comparator, rail-to-rail output operation, and ground-sensing inputs (–0.2V to V_CC–1.2V common-mode range), enabling direct interface with CMOS/TTL logic in battery-powered threshold detection circuits.

For engineers reviewing the MAX978ESE+T datasheet, MAX978ESE+T pinout, MAX978ESE+T application, or MAX978ESE+T equivalent, key selection criteria include propagation delay matching (±1ns), shutdown capability (not supported on MAX978), input hysteresis (0.5–4.0mV), short-circuit fault tolerance, and QSOP-16 package compatibility for space-constrained industrial sensing designs.

Technical Context

The MAX978ESE+T implements four independent comparators in a single monolithic CMOS IC, each featuring internal hysteresis (0.5–4.0mV input-referred) to suppress noise-induced oscillation during slow input transitions. Its push-pull output stage eliminates need for external pull-up resistors and supports rail-to-rail swing under 2mA load.

Input stages operate over –0.2V to (V_CC–1.2V), allowing detection of signals below ground-critical for IR receiver front-ends and battery voltage monitoring. All pins tolerate continuous short-circuit faults to either rail, and propagation delay skew between channels is tightly controlled at ±2ns.

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Propagation Delay	20ns typical at 50mV overdrive - enables precise timing in digital line receivers and fast threshold detection.
Supply Current per Comparator	225µA at V_CC = 5.5V - supports ultra-low-power operation in always-on sensor nodes.
Common-Mode Input Range	–0.2V to V_CC–1.2V - allows ground-referenced signal monitoring without level-shifting circuitry.
Rail-to-Rail Output	VOH ≥ V_CC–0.4V, VOL ≤ 0.4V at 2mA - ensures full logic-level compatibility with 3.3V/5V CMOS and TTL interfaces.
Input Offset Voltage	±2mV max (±3mV over temp) - provides accurate trip-point stability in precision window detectors.
Input-Referred Hysteresis	0.5–4.0mV - suppresses chatter on noisy or slowly varying inputs such as photodiode outputs.
CMRR / PSRR	95dB / 100dB typical - maintains accuracy in noisy power environments like motor control feedback paths.

Pinout & Package

MAX978ESE+T is housed in a 16-pin narrow SO (Small Outline) package, RoHS-compliant, with exposed pad not electrically connected. Pin pitch is 0.050", body width 0.154", and footprint matches JEDEC MS-013AA.

Pin	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
1, 3, 5, 7	INA+, INB+, INC+, IND+	Noninverting inputs for comparators A–D - accept signals down to –0.2V for ground-sensing applications.
2, 4, 6, 8	INA−, INB−, INC−, IND−	Inverting inputs - support differential or single-ended configurations with internal hysteresis.
9, 13	GND	Power ground reference - must connect to low-impedance PCB ground plane for stable operation.
10, 11, 14, 15	OUTA, OUTB, OUTC, OUTD	Push-pull outputs - drive CMOS/TTL loads directly; tolerate continuous short-circuit to V_CC or GND.
12, 16	V_CC	Single supply input (2.7V–5.5V) - requires local 0.1µF ceramic decoupling capacitor placed adjacent to pin.

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Quad comparator integration	Four independent, matched comparators in one QSOP-16 package - reduces board area vs. discrete solutions in multi-threshold systems.
Ground-sensing input range	–0.2V to V_CC–1.2V - enables direct monitoring of battery voltage, thermistor dividers, or photodiode currents without biasing networks.
Internal hysteresis	0.5–4.0mV input-referred - eliminates need for external positive-feedback resistors in most noise-prone applications.
Rail-to-rail push-pull output	No external pull-up required - simplifies interface design and improves rise/fall time consistency across supply voltages.
Short-circuit fault tolerance	Continuous short to V_CC or GND on any pin - enhances system robustness in industrial I/O modules and automotive sensors.

Applications

Battery Voltage Monitoring	IR Receiver Front-End
Use Scenario: Detecting undervoltage and overvoltage conditions in Li-ion or alkaline battery packs for portable medical devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Quad comparator configured as window detector using external reference and resistor network to generate POWER_GOOD, UVLO, and OVLO flags. Use Value: Enables precise, low-quiescent-current protection without microcontroller intervention - critical for shelf-life extension in standby mode.	Use Scenario: Converting modulated infrared photocurrent into clean digital pulses for remote control decoding. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single comparator channel amplifying and thresholding photodiode signal; hysteresis rejects ambient light noise. Use Value: 20ns delay ensures accurate pulse-width recognition at >38kHz carrier frequencies - meets NEC and RC-5 protocol timing budgets.
Digital Line Receiver	Threshold Discriminator in Sensor Interface
Use Scenario: Receiving TTL/CMOS-compatible logic signals over long cables subject to EMI and reflections. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed comparator restoring degraded edges with rail-to-rail output driving FPGA or MCU GPIO. Use Value: 225µA per channel and 20ns delay allow real-time signal integrity recovery in industrial fieldbus nodes with tight power budgets.	Use Scenario: Converting analog outputs from temperature, pressure, or proximity sensors into binary status flags. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Comparator comparing sensor voltage against precision reference to trigger alarms or actuator control. Use Value: ±2mV offset and 95dB CMRR ensure stable switching despite supply ripple or shared ground noise in multi-sensor modules.

Battery Voltage Monitoring

IR Receiver Front-End

Use Scenario: Detecting undervoltage and overvoltage conditions in Li-ion or alkaline battery packs for portable medical devices.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Quad comparator configured as window detector using external reference and resistor network to generate POWER_GOOD, UVLO, and OVLO flags.

Use Value: Enables precise, low-quiescent-current protection without microcontroller intervention - critical for shelf-life extension in standby mode.

Use Scenario: Converting modulated infrared photocurrent into clean digital pulses for remote control decoding.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single comparator channel amplifying and thresholding photodiode signal; hysteresis rejects ambient light noise.

Use Value: 20ns delay ensures accurate pulse-width recognition at >38kHz carrier frequencies - meets NEC and RC-5 protocol timing budgets.

Digital Line Receiver

Threshold Discriminator in Sensor Interface

Use Scenario: Receiving TTL/CMOS-compatible logic signals over long cables subject to EMI and reflections.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed comparator restoring degraded edges with rail-to-rail output driving FPGA or MCU GPIO.

Use Value: 225µA per channel and 20ns delay allow real-time signal integrity recovery in industrial fieldbus nodes with tight power budgets.

Use Scenario: Converting analog outputs from temperature, pressure, or proximity sensors into binary status flags.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Comparator comparing sensor voltage against precision reference to trigger alarms or actuator control.

Use Value: ±2mV offset and 95dB CMRR ensure stable switching despite supply ripple or shared ground noise in multi-sensor modules.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
LM339DR	Slower (1.3µs propagation delay), higher supply current (500µA/comparator), open-collector outputs requiring pull-ups.	Lacks rail-to-rail output and ground-sensing inputs; unsuitable for low-voltage or fast-response applications.	Select only when cost is primary constraint and speed/power are non-critical - not drop-in compatible.
TLV3704IPW	Faster (12ns), lower supply current (85µA), rail-to-rail I/O, but no internal hysteresis and narrower common-mode range (0V to V_CC–0.1V).	Requires external hysteresis resistors for noise immunity; cannot sense below ground - limits use in battery monitoring.	Prefer for ultra-low-power, high-speed apps where external hysteresis is acceptable and ground-sensing is unnecessary.

Compared with LM339DR and TLV3704IPW, MAX978ESE+T uniquely combines 20ns speed, 225µA efficiency, ground-sensing inputs, internal hysteresis, and rail-to-rail push-pull outputs - making it optimal for compact, robust, single-supply threshold detection where layout area and fault resilience matter.

Availability

MAX978ESE+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered systems, IR receivers, and digital line receivers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX978ESE+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 industrial, medical, and communications applications, emphasizing low power, high reliability, and integration density.

The MAX976/MAX978/MAX998 family was engineered specifically for high-speed, low-power threshold detection in space-constrained, single-supply systems - targeting battery-operated instrumentation, optical receivers, and sensor interface modules.

FAQ

What is the operating supply voltage range for MAX978ESE+T?

The MAX978ESE+T operates from a single supply of +2.7V to +5.5V. This range supports both 3.3V and 5V systems while maintaining full specification compliance across temperature (–40°C to +85°C). Operation outside this range risks permanent damage, as absolute maximum supply voltage is +6V.

Does MAX978ESE+T support shutdown mode?

No, MAX978ESE+T does not include a shutdown function. Shutdown capability is exclusive to the MAX998 variant (via SHDN pin). The MAX978ESE+T remains fully active whenever powered within its supply range - power reduction must be achieved externally via supply gating.

What is the input common-mode voltage range of MAX978ESE+T?

The input common-mode voltage range of MAX978ESE+T is –0.2V to (V_CC – 1.2V). This allows the device to correctly compare signals referenced below ground - essential for battery voltage monitoring and photodiode amplifier outputs - without requiring level-shifting circuitry.

Can MAX978ESE+T drive TTL or CMOS logic directly?

Yes, MAX978ESE+T can drive TTL and CMOS logic directly due to its rail-to-rail push-pull outputs. At 2mA sink/source load, VOH ≥ V_CC–0.4V and VOL ≤ 0.4V, satisfying standard 3.3V and 5V logic thresholds without external pull-up resistors.

Is MAX978ESE+T pin-compatible with other devices in the MAX976/MAX978/MAX998 family?

MAX978ESE+T uses a 16-pin QSOP package and is not pin-compatible with the 8-pin µMAX (MAX976EUA+) or 6-pin SOT23 (MAX998EUT+T) variants. Pin assignments differ significantly across packages; only the functional architecture and electrical specs are shared across the family.

MAX978ESE+T Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated

Package/Case:: 16-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)

Series:: -

Packaging:: Tape & Reel (TR)

Product Status:: Active

Type:: General Purpose

Number of Elements:: 4

Output Type:: Push-Pull, Rail-to-Rail

Voltage - Supply, Single/Dual (±):: 2.7V ~ 5.5V

:: 2mV @ 5V

Voltage - Input Offset (Max):: 0.075µA @ 5.5V

Current - Input Bias (Max):: -

Current - Output (Typ):: 650µA

Current - Quiescent (Max):: 95dB CMRR, 100dB PSRR

CMRR, PSRR (Typ):: 28ns

Propagation Delay (Max):: 4mV

Hysteresis:: -40°C ~ 85°C

Operating Temperature:: -

Grade:: -

Qualification:: Surface Mount

:: 16-SOIC

MAX978ESE+T FAQ

1.How can I place an order for MAX978ESE+T through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX978ESE+T 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 MAX978ESE+T reliable?

The price and inventory of MAX978ESE+T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX978ESE+T is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX978ESE+T?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX978ESE+T transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for MAX978ESE+T?

MAX978ESE+T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your MAX978ESE+T 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 MAX978ESE+T?

For technical support, including MAX978ESE+T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX978ESE+T requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX978ESE+T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All MAX978ESE+T 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 MAX978ESE+T meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX978ESE+T?

All MAX978ESE+T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX978ESE+T, 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 MAX978ESE+T part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for MAX978ESE+T:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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