Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX987ESA+

Overview

The MAX987ESA+ from Maxim Integrated is a single-channel, micropower, rail-to-rail input/output comparator with push-pull output stage, operating from +2.5V to +5.5V single supply or ±1.25V to ±2.75V dual supply. It delivers 120ns propagation delay, 48μA quiescent current per comparator, and ±0.5mV typical input offset voltage. Designed for low-noise, high-speed threshold detection in battery-powered instrumentation and portable systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX987ESA+ datasheet, MAX987ESA+ pinout, MAX987ESA+ application, or MAX987ESA+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its rail-to-rail I/O capability, internal hysteresis (±2.5mV), 8mA output drive strength, absence of phase reversal under overdrive, and SO-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The MAX987ESA+ employs a proprietary output stage that minimizes supply-current surges during switching-reducing power-supply glitches and eliminating need for large decoupling capacitors. Its input stage supports common-mode voltage range extending 250mV beyond both rails (VEE −0.25V to VCC +0.25V) and features 1.0pA typical input bias current.

As a push-pull comparator, it actively sources and sinks up to 8mA while maintaining rail-to-rail output swing. Propagation delay remains stable across temperature (−40°C to +85°C) and load capacitance (up to 200pF), with no phase reversal even when inputs exceed supply rails by 300mV.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAX987ESA+ is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package (PKG code S8-2), with exposed pad not electrically connected. This RoHS-compliant surface-mount package measures 4.9mm × 6.0mm × 1.75mm and supports reflow soldering per JEDEC J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLV3501CDR and LMV7235M5X, the MAX987ESA+ uniquely balances sub-200ns speed with micropower consumption - making it the optimal choice for portable instruments requiring both responsiveness and multi-month battery runtime.

Availability

The MAX987ESA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable power monitoring, audio clipping detection, industrial zero-crossing detection, and optical encoder edge sensing requiring stable component supply and guaranteed long-term sourcing.

Supply support for MAX987ESA+ 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, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, medical, and communications applications.

The MAX987ESA+ belongs to Maxim's high-speed micropower comparator family, engineered specifically for battery-operated test equipment, portable instrumentation, and energy-efficient sensor interfaces demanding rail-to-rail accuracy and glitch-free operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum capacitive load the MAX987ESA+ can drive while maintaining 120ns propagation delay?

The MAX987ESA+ maintains ≤120ns propagation delay for input overdrives ≥100mV with capacitive loads up to 50pF. At 200pF, propagation delay increases to 40ns (typical). For designs requiring full-speed operation into heavy loads, add a series resistor (10–50Ω) near the output to isolate capacitance and preserve timing integrity in the MAX987ESA+ circuit.

Does the MAX987ESA+ require external hysteresis for reliable operation with noisy sensor inputs?

No - the MAX987ESA+ integrates ±2.5mV internal hysteresis, sufficient to suppress chatter from typical EMI-coupled or thermally drifting sensor signals. External hysteresis is only needed when wider bands (>5mV) are required; the MAX987ESA+ datasheet provides resistor calculation methods for such cases.

Can the MAX987ESA+ operate from a single 2.5V supply while driving a 5V logic input?

No - the MAX987ESA+ has a push-pull output limited to VCC and VEE rails. To interface with 5V logic, use the open-drain MAX988ESA+ with external 5V pull-up, or add a level-shifting buffer. The MAX987ESA+ output high voltage is typically 4.6V at VCC = 5V and 2.4V at VCC = 2.7V - insufficient for 5V TTL thresholds.

What is the absolute maximum voltage allowed at the IN+ and IN− pins of the MAX987ESA+?

The MAX987ESA+ allows input voltages from (VEE −0.3V) to (VCC + 0.3V) - e.g., −0.3V to +5.8V when VCC = 5.5V and VEE = 0V. Exceeding these limits risks latch-up or permanent damage. Internal ESD diodes clamp inputs beyond rails, but sustained conduction increases bias current exponentially - verify signal conditioning networks limit current to <20mA per pin.

Is the SO-8 package of the MAX987ESA+ pin-compatible with other comparators in the MAX987/MAX988 family?

Yes - the MAX987ESA+, MAX988ESA+, MAX991ESA+, and MAX992ESA+ all use identical 8-pin SO (S8-2) footprints and share pin 1 (OUT), pin 2 (VCC), pin 3 (IN+), pin 4 (IN−), and pin 5 (VEE) assignments. However, MAX991/MAX992 are dual comparators with additional pins for second channel - unused pins must be left floating or grounded per layout rules for the MAX987ESA+ design.