Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX984EPE+

Overview

MAX984EPE+ from Maxim Integrated is a quad ultra-low-power open-drain comparator with internal 1.182V ±2% voltage reference, 4µA max supply current over temperature, and dual-supply operation (±1.25V to ±5.5V). It features separate GND pin for output transistors, rail-to-rail input range down to V−, and 12µs propagation delay at 10mV overdrive - ideal for battery-powered threshold detection and level translation in industrial sensor interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the MAX984EPE+ datasheet, MAX984EPE+ pinout, MAX984EPE+ application, or MAX984EPE+ equivalent, key selection considerations include its 16-pin PDIP package, ±2% reference accuracy over −40°C to +85°C, open-drain outputs rated to 11V above V−, and absence of internal hysteresis - requiring external feedback for noise-immune switching.

Technical Context

The MAX984EPE+ integrates four independent comparators sharing a single precision bandgap reference. Each comparator input operates from V− to (V+ − 1.3V), enabling robust sensing near supply rails. Its open-drain outputs sink current to GND (not V−), supporting bipolar-to-single-ended conversion and wire-OR logic.

Unlike MAX981–MAX983 variants, MAX984EPE+ lacks a HYST pin and internal hysteresis circuitry - hysteresis must be implemented externally via positive feedback. The device supports low-voltage operation down to 2.5V single supply (or ±1.25V dual supply), with reference functionality ceasing below ~2.2V while comparators remain operational down to 1V total supply.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX984EPE+ is housed in a 16-pin plastic DIP (PDIP) package with 0.300" width, lead finish Sn/Pb, and operating temperature range −40°C to +85°C.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX984CPE, MAX984EPE+ adds extended temperature support without performance trade-offs; versus LM339N, it delivers 375× lower supply current and eliminates three external components (reference IC + two resistors) per threshold channel.

Availability

MAX984EPE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor interfaces, battery management systems, and power sequencing circuits requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX984EPE+ 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 accuracy, and integration density.

The MAX984EPE+ belongs to Maxim's ultra-low-power comparator family targeting battery-operated and energy-constrained systems where micropower operation and integrated reference reduce system-level complexity and cost.

FAQ

What is the maximum output voltage swing supported by MAX984EPE+?

The MAX984EPE+ open-drain outputs support up to 11V above V−, regardless of V+ or V− supply levels. This allows the output to be pulled up to voltages exceeding the comparator's own supply rails - for example, pulling OUTA to +12V while V+ = +5V and V− = GND. This feature is essential for level translation between disparate voltage domains in mixed-signal systems.

Does MAX984EPE+ include internal hysteresis?

No, MAX984EPE+ does not include internal hysteresis or a HYST pin. Unlike MAX981–MAX983 variants, it requires external positive feedback (e.g., resistor from output to noninverting input) to implement hysteresis. This design choice preserves flexibility in hysteresis magnitude and avoids fixed internal offsets that could compromise precision in calibrated systems.

Can MAX984EPE+ operate from a single 3.3V supply?

Yes, MAX984EPE+ operates from a single 3.3V supply (V+ = 3.3V, V− = GND). Input common-mode range extends from GND to 2.0V (3.3V − 1.3V), and the internal 1.182V reference remains functional. Supply current is typically 2.4µA at 3.3V, making it suitable for always-on 3.3V IoT sensor nodes with multi-year battery life.

What is the purpose of the separate GND pin (Pin 15) on MAX984EPE+?

The separate GND pin (Pin 15) serves exclusively as the return path for the output-stage N-channel MOSFETs. It is electrically isolated from V− (Pin 9), enabling outputs to sink current to a ground reference independent of the comparator's negative supply. This allows level translation - for example, using V+ = +5V, V− = −5V, and GND = 0V to convert ±5V analog signals to 0–5V logic levels.

How accurate is the internal reference voltage of MAX984EPE+ over temperature?

The MAX984EPE+ internal reference is specified at 1.182V ±2% over the full −40°C to +85°C operating range. At +25°C, typical deviation is ±1%, with worst-case drift adding ±1% across temperature extremes. This accuracy supports reliable threshold generation in industrial environments without external trimming or calibration.