Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX984CPE+

Overview

MAX984CPE+ from Maxim Integrated is a quad ultra-low-power open-drain comparator with internal 1.182V ±2% voltage reference, 4µA max supply current at +25°C, 12µs propagation delay (10mV overdrive), and dual-supply operation from ±1.25V to ±5.5V or single-supply from 2.5V to 11V. It is used in battery-powered window detectors and level translators where rail-to-rail input range (V− to V+ − 1.3V) and separate output GND pin enable bipolar-to-single-ended conversion.

For engineers reviewing the MAX984CPE+ datasheet, MAX984CPE+ pinout, MAX984CPE+ application, or MAX984CPE+ equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 4µA quiescent current over temperature, ±2% reference accuracy across 0°C to +70°C, 16-pin PDIP package compatibility, open-drain output sink capability up to 50mA, and absence of internal hysteresis requiring external configuration.

Technical Context

The MAX984CPE+ integrates four independent comparators sharing a single internal bandgap reference referenced to V−, not GND. Each comparator features rail-to-rail input operation down to the negative supply and supports both single- and dual-supply configurations without reconfiguration.

Its open-drain outputs are tied to a dedicated GND pin (Pin 14), enabling true level-shifting between disparate voltage domains - e.g., translating ±5V inputs to 3.3V logic - while maintaining low leakage (<100nA at 11V output) and stable performance across 2.5V–11V supply ranges.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX984CPE+ is housed in a 16-pin plastic DIP (dual in-line package) with 0.300" body width and through-hole mounting. Pin 14 serves as dedicated GND for output transistors, decoupling output sink path from signal ground.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX974CPE and LM339N, MAX984CPE+ delivers optimal balance of ultra-low power (4µA vs. 2mA), integrated ±2% reference, and quad-channel density in PDIP - making it ideal for new battery-constrained designs where BOM reduction and long service life are critical.

Availability

MAX984CPE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered systems, industrial threshold monitors, power-good window detectors, and level-translating interfaces requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for MAX984CPE+ 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 company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The MAX971–MAX984 family was designed specifically for ultra-low-power sensing and decision-making in energy-constrained systems, emphasizing micropower operation, integrated references, and flexible supply configurations.

FAQ

What is the reference voltage accuracy of the MAX984CPE+ over its operating temperature range?

The MAX984CPE+ features an internal 1.182V bandgap reference with ±2% accuracy over the commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C). This specification is guaranteed per the datasheet's Electrical Characteristics table for the C-temp grade, and applies to all four comparators sharing the same reference node. The reference is referenced to V−, not GND, so proper grounding of V− is essential for accuracy.

Does the MAX984CPE+ include internal hysteresis, and how is hysteresis implemented?

No, the MAX984CPE+ does not include internal hysteresis - unlike the MAX981–MAX983 variants. Hysteresis must be added externally using resistor networks tied to the REF pin and comparator inputs. This design choice gives full control over hysteresis magnitude and avoids fixed trade-offs, supporting precise window detection in applications like power-good monitoring.

Can the MAX984CPE+ operate from a single 3.3V supply, and what are the input voltage limits?

Yes, the MAX984CPE+ operates from a single 3.3V supply (within its 2.5V–11V range). Its input common-mode voltage range extends from V− (0V in single-supply mode) to V+ − 1.3V - i.e., 0V to 2.0V - allowing direct interface with 3.3V logic outputs and battery voltage dividers without level shifting.

What is the purpose of Pin 14 (GND) on the MAX984CPE+, and how does it differ from V−?

Pin 14 is a dedicated output-stage ground, electrically separate from V− (Pin 12). It provides the return path for all four open-drain outputs (Pins 1, 2, 15, 16), enabling clean level translation between isolated voltage domains. V− sets the reference and input offset baseline; Pin 14 isolates output sink current to prevent ground bounce in sensitive digital sections.

How many comparators does the MAX984CPE+ contain, and are their inputs and outputs fully independent?

The MAX984CPE+ contains four fully independent comparators (A–D), each with dedicated noninverting/inverting inputs (Pins 3–4, 5–6, 7–8, 9–10) and open-drain outputs (Pins 1–2, 15–16). All share the same internal 1.182V reference (Pin 13) and supply pins (V+, V−), but input thresholds, output loads, and hysteresis networks can be configured individually without crosstalk.