Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX981ESA+
- Part No.:
- MAX981ESA+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Comparators
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX981ESA+.pdf
- Description:
- IC COMPARATOR 1 W/VOLT REF 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:193
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Product details
Overview
The MAX981ESA+ 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 supply 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 MAX981ESA+ datasheet, MAX981ESA+ pinout, MAX981ESA+ application, or MAX981ESA+ equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact pin functions, real-world use cases in power monitoring and signal conditioning, and two validated alternative comparators with documented parameter and application differences.
Technical Context
The MAX981ESA+ integrates a micropower bandgap reference (1.182V ±2% at 0°C to +70°C) and a single comparator with open-drain N-channel MOSFET output sinking to GND-not V−-enabling true level-shifting across supply domains. Its HYST pin allows hysteresis programming using two external resistors without feedback loops or complex calculations.
Input common-mode range extends from V− to (V+ − 1.3V); propagation delay is 12µs (10mV overdrive, 100pF load, 1MΩ pullup); output voltage swing reaches up to 11V above V−, supporting operation even when V+ = V− = 0V. The device is specified for extended temperature range (−40°C to +85°C) and packaged in 8-pin SO.
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 batteries, 3.3V/5V logic, and legacy ±5V analog rails. |
| Quiescent Supply Current | ≤4µA over −40°C to +85°C - enables multi-year operation in coin-cell–powered IoT sensors and portable medical devices. |
| Reference Voltage Accuracy | 1.182V ±2% (0°C to +70°C), ±3% (−40°C to +85°C) - provides stable threshold generation without external precision references. |
| Propagation Delay | 12µs (10mV overdrive, 100pF load, 1MΩ pullup) - sufficient for slow-varying signals like battery voltage monitoring or thermal trip detection. |
| Input Common-Mode Range | V− to (V+ − 1.3V) - allows direct sensing of signals near ground or rail, critical for low-side current sensing and undervoltage lockout. |
| Output Sink Capability | 50mA max sink current, 0.4V low-level voltage at 1.8mA - drives LEDs, MOSFET gates, or logic inputs directly without buffer stages. |
| Reference Output Drive | Sources 25µA / sinks 15µA typical - sufficient to bias resistor dividers for hysteresis or feed multiple comparator reference inputs. |
Pinout & Package
MAX981ESA+ is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with gull-wing leads, JEDEC MS-012AC compliant, body size 4.9mm × 3.9mm × 1.75mm.
| Pin | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GND | Ground reference for output stage; must connect to system ground (not V−) to enable correct open-drain sink behavior and level translation. |
| 2 | V− | Negative supply rail; tied to GND for single-supply operation; defines reference offset for REF and input common-mode range. |
| 3 | IN+ | Noninverting comparator input; accepts voltages from V− to (V+ − 1.3V); high-impedance (±0.01nA leakage) for minimal loading. |
| 4 | IN− | Inverting comparator input; identical electrical specs to IN+; used with IN+ to form differential or single-ended threshold comparison. |
| 5 | HYST | Hysteresis control input; voltage range REF − 50mV to REF; sets hysteresis band width (up to 100mV) via external R1/R2 divider. |
| 6 | REF | 1.182V ±2% reference output referenced to V−; not bypassed; supplies bias for HYST and external threshold networks. |
| 7 | V+ | Positive supply rail; powers internal circuitry and defines upper limit of input/output voltage ranges. |
| 8 | OUT | Open-drain N-channel output sinking to GND; requires external pullup; supports wire-OR, level shifting, and interfacing to 1.8V–12V logic families. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low quiescent current | 4µA max over −40°C to +85°C - reduces standby power in always-on battery systems by >90% vs. standard comparators. |
| Integrated ±2% voltage reference | 1.182V output referenced to V− - eliminates need for external reference IC or precision resistor divider, saving board space and BOM cost. |
| Programmable hysteresis via HYST pin | Adjustable 0–100mV hysteresis band using only two resistors - prevents oscillation near thresholds without op-amp feedback or layout-sensitive traces. |
| Separate GND pin for output stage | Enables true level translation between bipolar (±5V) and single-ended (3.3V/5V) domains - OUT sinks to system GND regardless of V− potential. |
| Wide supply voltage range | 2.5V to 11V single supply - supports direct operation from 3-cell alkaline, Li-ion, or regulated DC rails without LDO pre-regulation. |
Applications
| Battery Voltage Monitor | Power-Good Detector |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Monitoring Li-ion cell voltage during charge/discharge cycles to trigger low-battery alerts or cutoff. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Single comparator compares sensed battery voltage against 1.182V reference scaled by resistor divider; HYST pin adds 20mV hysteresis to prevent chatter near 3.0V threshold. Use Value: Eliminates external reference and hysteresis components; 4µA supply current extends battery life by months in sleep-mode applications. |
Use Scenario: Validating stable 5V rail before enabling microcontroller reset release or FPGA configuration. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Comparator detects when 5V rail rises above 4.75V (using REF + R-divider); open-drain OUT pulls low until valid, then releases pullup for active-high PG signal. Use Value: GND-referenced output ensures compatibility with 3.3V logic inputs; wide input range accommodates brown-out detection down to 2.5V supply. |
| Level Translator (±5V → 3.3V) | Window Comparator (Undervoltage + Overvoltage) |
Use Scenario: Converting analog signals from legacy ±5V instrumentation amplifiers to 3.3V ADC inputs in mixed-signal data loggers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: MAX981ESA+ compares bipolar input against 0V (via IN− = GND), with REF used to set mid-scale reference; OUT drives 3.3V pullup. Use Value: Separate GND pin allows OUT to sink to 3.3V domain ground while inputs accept ±5V - no level-shifter IC or discrete transistor needed. |
Use Scenario: Detecting out-of-range AC adapter voltage (e.g., 4.5V–5.5V window) to disable downstream loads during fault conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two MAX981ESA+ units configured as high-threshold (OUTB) and low-threshold (OUTA) comparators; outputs wire-ORed to generate active-high "power OK" flag. Use Value: Identical reference and hysteresis architecture ensures matched thresholds; open-drain outputs simplify OR-ing without diodes or additional logic. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar comparator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX971ESA+ | 1.182V ±1% reference; otherwise identical pinout, supply, and hysteresis architecture. | Higher reference accuracy required for precision thresholding (e.g., ±0.5% voltage monitors). | Select MAX971ESA+ when reference tolerance < ±1.5% is mandatory; MAX981ESA+ suffices for general-purpose detection where ±2% is acceptable. |
| TLV3701IDBVR | Single 1.8V–16V supply; 850nA quiescent current; no integrated reference; push-pull output. | Lower power but requires external reference and cannot perform level translation due to V−-sinking output. | Choose TLV3701IDBVR for ultra-low-power (<1µA) designs with external reference availability and no level-shifting requirement. |
Compared with MAX971ESA+, the MAX981ESA+ trades 1% reference accuracy for broader commercial acceptance and lower unit cost, while retaining identical hysteresis implementation and GND-sinking output. Against TLV3701IDBVR, MAX981ESA+ offers integrated reference and true level translation at the cost of higher quiescent current - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, medium-accuracy, multi-rail systems.
Availability
MAX981ESA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered systems, threshold detectors, and level translators requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature grades and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX981ESA+ 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 design house specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.
The MAX981ESA+ belongs to Maxim's ultra-low-power comparator family designed specifically for energy-constrained applications such as portable instrumentation, wearables, and remote sensors where micropower operation and integrated reference functionality reduce system complexity.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the MAX981ESA+?
The MAX981ESA+ is rated for −40°C to +85°C (Extended temperature grade). This is confirmed in the Ordering Information table, where "ESA" suffix denotes the 8-pin SO package with extended temp range. All electrical specifications-including 4µA max supply current and ±3% reference accuracy-are guaranteed across this full range.
Does the MAX981ESA+ require an external reference, or is one built-in?
The MAX981ESA+ includes an internal 1.182V ±2% bandgap voltage reference accessible at the REF pin. No external reference is required for basic threshold detection. The reference is referenced to V−, not GND, and is capable of sourcing 25µA and sinking 15µA-sufficient to drive HYST and external resistor networks.
Can the MAX981ESA+ be used with a single 3.3V supply?
Yes. The MAX981ESA+ operates from a single 2.5V to 11V supply, so 3.3V is fully supported. Input common-mode range extends from V− (GND) to (V+ − 1.3V) = 2.0V, and the 1.182V reference remains stable. Propagation delay increases slightly at lower supplies (e.g., ~15µs at 3.3V), per Typical Operating Characteristics graphs.
How is hysteresis implemented on the MAX981ESA+?
Hysteresis is implemented using the HYST pin: connect R1 between REF and HYST, and R2 between HYST and V−. The hysteresis band (VHB) ≈ 2 × (VREF − VHYST), adjustable from 0 to 100mV. For example, setting VHYST = REF − 25mV yields ~50mV hysteresis. This method avoids external feedback and preserves low quiescent current.
What is the purpose of the separate GND pin on the MAX981ESA+?
The dedicated GND pin (Pin 1) provides a clean, low-impedance return path for the output N-channel MOSFET-distinct from V−. This allows the open-drain OUT to sink current to system ground while inputs remain referenced to V−, enabling robust level translation (e.g., ±5V input → 3.3V output) without floating grounds or isolation components.
MAX981ESA+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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:
- Surface Mount
- :
- 8-SOIC
MAX981ESA+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX981ESA+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX981ESA+ 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 MAX981ESA+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX981ESA+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX981ESA+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX981ESA+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX981ESA+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX981ESA+?
MAX981ESA+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX981ESA+ 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 MAX981ESA+?
For technical support, including MAX981ESA+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX981ESA+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX981ESA+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX981ESA+ 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 MAX981ESA+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX981ESA+?
All MAX981ESA+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX981ESA+, 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 MAX981ESA+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX981ESA+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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