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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX981EPA

Part No.:
MAX981EPA
Manufacturer:
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Category:
Comparators
Package:
8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
Datasheet:
AetrixMAX981EPA.pdf
Description:
IC COMPARATOR 1 W/VOLT REF 8DIP
Quantity:
Payment:
Payment
Shipping:
Shipping

Inventory:3,109

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Product details

Overview

The MAX981EPA 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), draws ≤4µA quiescent current over –40°C to +85°C, and supports rail-to-rail input voltage range down to V– and up to V+ – 1.3V - ideal for battery-powered threshold detection in portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX981EPA datasheet, MAX981EPA pinout, MAX981EPA application, or MAX981EPA equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, validated pin functions, confirmed hysteresis implementation method, and real-world level-shifting and window-detection use cases - all grounded in the official MAX981–MAX984 family datasheet (Rev 3, Feb 2003).

Technical Context

The MAX981EPA implements a micropower comparator core with internal bandgap reference referenced to V–, not GND. Its HYST pin enables precise hysteresis control without external feedback - voltage between REF and HYST sets hysteresis band width (max 100mV), with HYST range limited to REF – 50mV to REF.

It features an open-drain output sinking to GND (separate GND pin), enabling wire-OR configurations and bipolar-to-single-ended level translation. Input common-mode range extends from V– to V+ – 1.3V, and propagation delay is 12µs (10mV overdrive) at 5V supply.

Key Specifications

ParameterValue and Actual Design Meaning
Supply Voltage Range2.5V to 11V single supply; enables operation in 3V/5V systems and wide-input industrial rails
Quiescent Current≤4µA over –40°C to +85°C; supports multi-year battery life in always-on sensing nodes
Reference Voltage1.182V ±2% (0°C to +70°C); stable internal threshold source eliminating external precision reference
Input Common-Mode RangeV– to V+ – 1.3V; allows direct sensing of signals near supply rails without attenuation
Propagation Delay12µs at 10mV overdrive; sufficient for low-speed monitoring (e.g., power-good, battery switchover)
Output TypeOpen-drain with GND-referenced sink; supports level translation across incompatible voltage domains
Hysteresis ControlHYST pin accepts REF – 50mV to REF; enables user-defined noise immunity without feedback resistors

Pinout & Package

MAX981EPA is housed in an 8-pin plastic DIP package (0.300" width), pin-compatible with SO and µMAX variants. Pin functions are validated per Maxim's official pin configuration diagram (page 14, Rev 3).

Pin/TerminalCircuit RoleDesign Meaning
1GNDGround reference for output stage; must connect to system GND in single-supply mode
2V–Negative supply; tied to GND for single-supply operation; defines reference point for REF and inputs
3IN+Noninverting comparator input; accepts signals from V– to V+ – 1.3V
4IN–Inverting comparator input; same common-mode range as IN+
5HYSTHysteresis control input; sets upper/lower thresholds by voltage offset from REF
6REF1.182V reference output referenced to V–; sources/sinks up to 25µA/15µA
7V+Positive supply; supports up to 11V; powers comparator core and output driver
8OUTOpen-drain output sinking to GND; requires external pull-up; enables wire-OR and level shift

Key Features

FeatureDesign Value
Ultra-low supply current≤4µA over full –40°C to +85°C range - minimizes battery drain in remote sensors
Integrated ±2% reference1.182V bandgap reference referenced to V– - eliminates need for external precision reference IC
HYST pin hysteresisProgrammable hysteresis without feedback network - reduces component count and layout sensitivity
Separate GND for outputGND pin dedicated to output transistor - enables robust level translation between bipolar and single-ended domains
Rail-to-rail input capabilityInputs operate from V– to V+ – 1.3V - supports direct interface with unbuffered sensor outputs

Applications

Power-Good MonitoringBattery Switchover Control

Use Scenario: Detecting valid DC supply voltage during power-up and brownout conditions in embedded systems.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single comparator compares regulated rail against internal 1.182V reference scaled by resistor divider to generate clean power-good flag.

Use Value: Eliminates external reference and reduces BOM count; hysteresis prevents chatter near threshold during slow-rising supplies.

Use Scenario: Seamless transition from wall adapter to backup battery when main supply drops below safe level.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MAX981EPA drives gate of P-channel MOSFET via open-drain output; HYST pin adds hysteresis to prevent oscillation during crossover.

Use Value: Replaces lossy diode-OR with efficient active switchover; <4µA quiescent current preserves battery runtime during standby.

Level Translation (±5V → 3.3V)Window Detector (Undervoltage/Overvoltage)

Use Scenario: Converting bipolar analog signals (e.g., op-amp outputs) to logic-compatible single-ended levels for MCU ADC or GPIO.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Comparator compares ±5V input against 1.182V reference; open-drain output pulled to 3.3V generates clean digital output.

Use Value: GND-referenced output enables safe interfacing between isolated voltage domains; no level-shifter IC required.

Use Scenario: Monitoring microcontroller supply rail for out-of-spec conditions in automotive or industrial controllers.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Used in MAX983-based window detector (dual variant), but MAX981EPA implements one half with HYST-programmed thresholds.

Use Value: Programmable hysteresis via HYST pin ensures stable trip points despite noise on noisy supply rails.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative PartTechnical DifferenceApplication DifferenceSelection Advice
MAX971EPASame pinout and package; ±1% reference (vs. ±2%); no functional difference in hysteresis or supply currentHigher reference accuracy required for precision thresholding; otherwise identical use casesSelect MAX971EPA when reference tolerance <1% is mandatory; MAX981EPA preferred for cost-sensitive designs where ±2% is acceptable
TLV3701CPSingle comparator with rail-to-rail input, 600nA IQ, no internal reference; requires external reference or resistor dividerUltra-low-power applications where reference is already available; not suitable for reference-free designsChoose TLV3701CP only if system-level reference exists and sub-1µA supply current is critical; MAX981EPA provides integrated reference and proven hysteresis simplicity

Compared with MAX971EPA, MAX981EPA trades ±1% reference accuracy for lower cost while retaining identical hysteresis architecture and ultra-low 4µA supply current; versus TLV3701CP, it delivers self-contained functionality at higher IQ but eliminates external reference design complexity.

Availability

MAX981EPA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered systems, threshold detectors, level translators, and window comparators requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for MAX981EPA 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 signal conditioning in demanding environments.

The MAX981EPA belongs to the MAX981–MAX984 micropower comparator family, engineered for ultra-low-power, single/dual-supply sensing applications where integrated reference and programmable hysteresis reduce system-level component count and design risk.

FAQ

What is the reference voltage tolerance of the MAX981EPA over its operating temperature range?

The MAX981EPA features a 1.182V internal bandgap reference with ±2% initial accuracy over 0°C to +70°C. Over the full –40°C to +85°C extended temperature range, total error (including drift) is specified as ±3%, per Electrical Characteristics table on page 3 of the MAX981–MAX984 datasheet (Rev 3). This tolerance is confirmed in both 3V and 5V operation test conditions.

Can the MAX981EPA operate from a 2.0V single supply?

No - the MAX981EPA is not guaranteed to operate below 2.5V. While the comparators may function down to ~1V in some cases (per Low-Voltage Operation section, page 10), the internal reference ceases regulation below ~2.2V, and performance degrades significantly. The datasheet specifies 2.5V as the absolute minimum guaranteed supply voltage for reliable operation of both comparator and reference functions in the MAX981EPA.

How is hysteresis implemented on the MAX981EPA, and what is the maximum hysteresis bandwidth?

Hysteresis on the MAX981EPA is implemented using the HYST pin: connect R1 between REF and HYST, and R2 between HYST and V–. The hysteresis band (VHB) equals approximately twice the voltage difference between REF and HYST. Since HYST accepts voltages from REF – 50mV to REF, the maximum hysteresis bandwidth is 100mV - confirmed in Figure 2 (Threshold Hysteresis Band) and Applications Information section (page 11).

Does the MAX981EPA require an external bypass capacitor on the REF pin?

No - the datasheet explicitly states "Do not bypass the REF output" (page 10, Voltage Reference section). Bypassing REF can destabilize the internal reference and increase noise. The MAX981EPA's reference is designed for direct connection to the HYST pin or external resistor dividers without decoupling; adding capacitance violates the recommended layout and may degrade accuracy or cause oscillation.

What is the output sink capability of the MAX981EPA at 3.3V supply?

At 3.3V supply, the MAX981EPA output sinks to GND with a typical VOL of ≤0.4V at 0.8mA load (per ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS-3V OPERATION table, page 4). The output remains functional up to 11V above V–, and short-circuit sink current exceeds 20mA at 5V supply (page 6, TOC15). For 3.3V systems, ensure external pull-up resistor value allows sufficient current to meet logic-high threshold of driven device.

MAX981EPA Specifications

Product attributes
Attribute value
Manufacturer:
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Package/Case:
8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
Series:
-
Packaging:
Tube
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:
-40°C ~ 85°C
Operating Temperature:
-
Grade:
-
Qualification:
Through Hole
:
8-PDIP

MAX981EPA FAQ

1.How can I place an order for MAX981EPA through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX981EPA 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 MAX981EPA reliable?

The price and inventory of MAX981EPA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX981EPA is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX981EPA?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX981EPA transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for MAX981EPA?

MAX981EPA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your MAX981EPA 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 MAX981EPA?

For technical support, including MAX981EPA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX981EPA requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX981EPA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All MAX981EPA 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 MAX981EPA meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX981EPA?

All MAX981EPA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX981EPA, 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 MAX981EPA part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for MAX981EPA:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

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

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