Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX981CUA-T
- Part No.:
- MAX981CUA-T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Comparators
- Package:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX981CUA-T.pdf
- Description:
- IC COMPARATOR 1 W/VOLT REF 8UMAX
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
The MAX981CUA-T from Maxim Integrated is a single, ultra-low-power, open-drain comparator with integrated 1.182V ±2% voltage reference and programmable hysteresis via HYST pin. It operates from 2.5V to 11V single supply (or ±1.25V to ±5.5V dual supply), features 4µA max quiescent current over temperature, rail-to-rail input range down to V−, and separate GND pin for output stage-enabling bipolar-to-single-ended level translation in battery-powered threshold detection systems.
For engineers reviewing the MAX981CUA-T datasheet, MAX981CUA-T pinout, MAX981CUA-T application, or MAX981CUA-T equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact pin functions, real-world use cases in low-voltage monitoring, and validated alternative options for supply-constrained embedded designs.
Technical Context
The MAX981CUA-T integrates a precision bandgap reference (1.182V ±2% over 0°C to +70°C) referenced to V−, not GND, and a single comparator with open-drain output sinking to GND. Its HYST pin enables user-programmable hysteresis using two external resistors-eliminating need for feedback networks or complex calculations.
Input common-mode range extends from V− to (V+ − 1.3V); output supports up to 11V swing above V− and remains functional even with no supply applied. Propagation delay is 12µs (10mV overdrive), and output low voltage is ≤0.4V at 1.8mA sink current under 5V operation.
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 interface with Li-ion, 3.3V, and 5V systems without level shifters. |
| Quiescent Current | ≤4µA over temperature - enables multi-year operation on coin-cell batteries in always-on sensing nodes. |
| Reference Accuracy | 1.182V ±2% (0°C to +70°C) - provides stable threshold generation without external precision references. |
| Input Common-Mode Range | V− to (V+ − 1.3V) - allows direct sensing of signals near ground or rail in single-supply configurations. |
| Propagation Delay | 12µs at 10mV overdrive - sufficient for slow-varying DC monitoring (e.g., battery voltage, temperature thresholds). |
| Output Sink Capability | 50mA max, VOL ≤ 0.4V at 1.8mA - drives standard pull-up resistors and logic inputs directly. |
| Hysteresis Control | HYST pin accepts REF − 0.05V to REF - enables precise 0–100mV hysteresis band tuning via resistor divider. |
Pinout & Package
MAX981CUA-T uses an 8-pin µMAX package (3mm × 3mm, 0.8mm height), pin-compatible with SO and DIP variants. The package includes exposed pad for thermal enhancement and is RoHS-compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GND | Ground reference for output stage; connect to system GND in single-supply mode. |
| 2 | V− | Negative supply rail; tie to GND for single-supply operation (enables true rail-to-rail input). |
| 3 | IN+ | Noninverting comparator input; accepts voltages from V− to (V+ − 1.3V). |
| 4 | IN− | Inverting comparator input; same voltage range as IN+. |
| 5 | HYST | Hysteresis control input; sets upper/lower thresholds by voltage offset from REF (REF − 0.05V to REF). |
| 6 | REF | 1.182V ±2% reference output referenced to V−; sources/sinks up to 25µA/15µA. |
| 7 | V+ | Positive supply rail; supports up to 11V total supply or ±5.5V dual supply. |
| 8 | OUT | Open-drain N-channel output sinking to GND; requires external pull-up for logic-high assertion. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low supply current | ≤4µA max over full temperature range - minimizes battery drain in portable medical and IoT sensors. |
| Integrated reference | 1.182V ±2% bandgap reference tied to V− - eliminates external reference IC and reduces BOM count. |
| Programmable hysteresis | HYST pin enables precise hysteresis tuning with two resistors - avoids instability in noisy environments without op-amp feedback. |
| Separate output GND | Dedicated GND pin for output transistor - enables level translation between bipolar and single-ended domains (e.g., ±5V to 3.3V logic). |
| Wide supply range | Operates from 2.5V to 11V single supply - supports direct connection to unregulated battery stacks or industrial rails. |
Applications
| Battery Voltage Monitor | Power-Good Detector |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Monitoring Li-ion cell voltage during charge/discharge cycles in wearables and handheld devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single comparator compares battery voltage against 1.182V reference scaled by resistor divider to detect undervoltage (e.g., <3.0V) or overvoltage (e.g., >4.3V) conditions. Use Value: Enables accurate, low-power shutdown before cell damage occurs; hysteresis prevents chatter near threshold transitions. |
Use Scenario: Validating stable 3.3V or 5V rail presence before enabling microcontroller peripherals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Comparator asserts open-drain output low when supply falls below programmed threshold derived from REF and resistor network. Use Value: Provides clean, glitch-free power-good signal with <12µs response - critical for reliable system boot sequencing. |
| Window Comparator | Level Translator |
|
Use Scenario: Detecting if analog sensor output stays within safe operating bounds (e.g., temperature, pressure). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two MAX981CUA-T units (or one MAX983) compare signal against upper/lower thresholds set by REF and HYST pins. Use Value: Delivers rail-to-rail input compatibility and programmable hysteresis - eliminating need for dual op-amps or discrete comparators. |
Use Scenario: Converting ±5V industrial sensor outputs to 3.3V logic levels for MCU ADC input. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Comparator acts as active-level shifter: negative input swings trigger open-drain output pulled to 3.3V, while positive inputs leave output high-impedance. Use Value: Leverages separate GND pin and 11V output swing - supports bidirectional translation without isolation components. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar comparator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX971CUA-T | 1.182V ±1% reference; otherwise identical pinout, supply, and hysteresis architecture. | Higher reference accuracy required for precision thresholding (e.g., medical diagnostics). | Select MAX971CUA-T when ±1% reference tolerance is mandatory; MAX981CUA-T suffices for general-purpose battery monitoring. |
| TLV3701IDBVR | Single comparator, 1.8V–16V supply, 1.2µA quiescent current, no internal reference, push-pull output. | Requires external reference and lacks HYST pin; better suited for ultra-low-IQ designs where hysteresis is implemented externally. | Choose TLV3701IDBVR only when lowest possible supply current (<2µA) is critical and reference/hysteresis are added externally. |
Compared with MAX971CUA-T, the MAX981CUA-T trades ±1% reference accuracy for cost-sensitive applications while retaining identical hysteresis implementation and output architecture; versus TLV3701IDBVR, it offers integrated reference and simpler hysteresis design at higher IQ.
Availability
MAX981CUA-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered systems, threshold detectors, and level translators requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long-lifecycle production programs.
Supply support for MAX981CUA-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 power, sensing, and interface applications in industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The MAX981CUA-T belongs to Maxim's ultra-low-power comparator family targeting energy-constrained systems such as portable instrumentation, battery management, and sensor interface circuits where micropower operation and integrated reference reduce design complexity.
FAQ
What is the reference voltage tolerance of the MAX981CUA-T over temperature?
The MAX981CUA-T features a 1.182V internal bandgap reference with ±2% accuracy over the commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C). This tolerance applies specifically to the MAX981CUA-T variant; the MAX971 series offers ±1%. The reference is referenced to V−, not GND, and its output can source up to 25µA or sink up to 15µA.
Can the MAX981CUA-T operate from a 1.8V supply?
No-the MAX981CUA-T has a guaranteed minimum single-supply voltage of 2.5V. While some comparators in the MAX971–MAX984 family (e.g., MAX974) may function down to 1V, the MAX981CUA-T is not characterized or specified for operation below 2.5V. Attempting 1.8V operation risks failure to meet propagation delay, reference regulation, or input common-mode specifications.
How is hysteresis implemented on the MAX981CUA-T?
Hysteresis on the MAX981CUA-T is implemented via the HYST pin: connect R1 between REF and HYST, and R2 between HYST and V−. The hysteresis band (VHB) ≈ 2 × (VREF − VHYST), with VHYST adjustable from (REF − 50mV) to REF. This method avoids external feedback and ensures fast, low-current hysteresis action-unlike conventional positive-feedback schemes.
Does the MAX981CUA-T require a bypass capacitor on the REF pin?
No-bypassing the REF pin is explicitly discouraged per the datasheet. The internal reference is designed for direct connection to external resistor dividers or HYST networks. Adding capacitance to REF can destabilize the reference output and increase noise. Power supply bypassing (e.g., 100nF at V+) is recommended only for high-impedance or long-trace supplies.
What is the maximum output voltage swing of the MAX981CUA-T?
The MAX981CUA-T open-drain output supports a maximum voltage swing of 11V above V−, independent of the V+ supply. This allows the output to be pulled up to voltages higher than V+ (e.g., 12V rail) or used in level-shifting applications-even when V+ is unpowered-as long as the output transistor's breakdown rating is not exceeded.
MAX981CUA-T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Type:
- with Voltage Reference
- Number of Elements:
- 1
- Output Type:
- -
- Voltage - Supply, Single/Dual (±):
- 2.5V ~ 11V, ±1.25V ~ 5.5V
- :
- 10mV @ 5V
- Voltage - Input Offset (Max):
- -
- Current - Input Bias (Max):
- -
- Current - Output (Typ):
- 4µA
- Current - Quiescent (Max):
- 80dB CMRR, 80dB PSRR
- CMRR, PSRR (Typ):
- -
- Propagation Delay (Max):
- 50mV
- Hysteresis:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- Surface Mount
- :
- 8-uMAX/uSOP
MAX981CUA-T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX981CUA-T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX981CUA-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 MAX981CUA-T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX981CUA-T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX981CUA-T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX981CUA-T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX981CUA-T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX981CUA-T?
MAX981CUA-T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX981CUA-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 MAX981CUA-T?
For technical support, including MAX981CUA-T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX981CUA-T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX981CUA-T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX981CUA-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 MAX981CUA-T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX981CUA-T?
All MAX981CUA-T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX981CUA-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 MAX981CUA-T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX981CUA-T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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