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 space-constrained battery-powered systems, it drives up to 8mA load with rail-to-rail swing.

For engineers reviewing the MAX987ESA datasheet, MAX987ESA pinout, MAX987ESA application, or MAX987ESA equivalent, key selection considerations include its push-pull output architecture (vs. open-drain alternatives), guaranteed operation over –40°C to +85°C, SC70-5 and SO-8 package options, and internal 2.5mV hysteresis enabling clean switching on slow-moving signals without external components.

Technical Context

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

Unlike many comparators, it exhibits no phase reversal when inputs are overdriven beyond rails, and maintains stable 120ns propagation delay across 2.5V–5.5V supply range and –40°C to +85°C temperature range. Output rise/fall times are 15ns (CL = 15pF, VCC = 5V), supporting reliable high-speed digital interfacing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX987ESA is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package (PKG code S8-2), with exposed pad not present and RoHS-compliant finish. Pin mapping is identical to standard SO-8 footprint, compatible with industry-standard PCB layouts and reflow profiles.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLV3501CDR and LMV7215M5X, the MAX987ESA uniquely balances micropower operation (48μA), rail-to-rail I/O, push-pull output, and industrial temperature range-making it optimal for battery-powered precision thresholding where layout area and supply integrity are constrained.

Availability

MAX987ESA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable power monitoring, zero-crossing detection, industrial sensor interface, and logic-level translation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

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 and mixed-signal ICs for industrial, medical, and communications applications, emphasizing low-power, high-reliability performance.

The MAX987ESA belongs to Maxim's high-speed micropower comparator family, engineered specifically for battery-operated instrumentation and sensor signal conditioning where supply noise, board space, and thermal constraints demand integrated rail-to-rail functionality and minimal quiescent current.

FAQ

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

The MAX987ESA maintains ≤120ns propagation delay for input overdrive ≥100mV with capacitive loads up to 50pF (VCC = 5V). At 200pF, delay increases to 40ns. For loads >50pF, consider adding a series resistor near the output to dampen ringing-verified in Figure TOC8 of the MAX987ESA datasheet. The MAX987ESA's push-pull stage ensures stable drive without external buffering up to 8mA DC, but AC performance degrades linearly with capacitance.

Can the MAX987ESA operate from a single 2.7V supply and still achieve rail-to-rail output swing?

Yes-the MAX987ESA is fully specified from +2.5V to +5.5V single supply. At VCC = 2.7V, it delivers rail-to-rail output swing: VOL ≤ 0.3V (sinking 3.5mA) and VOH ≥ 2.4V (sourcing 3.5mA) across –40°C to +85°C. This enables direct interfacing with 2.7V–3.3V logic families without level shifters, confirmed in Electrical Characteristics Table (page 2 of datasheet).

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

No-MAX987ESA includes ±2.5mV internal hysteresis, sufficient for most low-frequency sensor signals (e.g., thermistors, strain gauges). External hysteresis is only needed when noise amplitude exceeds 5mV peak-to-peak or when precise, user-defined thresholds are required. The datasheet provides resistor calculation methods (Figure 1) if additional hysteresis is added to the MAX987ESA.

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

Yes-MAX987ESA (SO-8) shares identical pinout with MAX988ESA, MAX991ESA, and MAX992ESA in SO-8 packages (per Pin Configurations, page 11). All use pins 1=OUT, 2=VCC, 3=IN+, 4=IN−, 5=VEE, and 6–8=N.C. This allows drop-in substitution between push-pull (MAX987ESA/MAX991ESA) and open-drain (MAX988ESA/MAX992ESA) variants when board layout permits output-stage redesign.

What is the absolute maximum voltage allowed at the MAX987ESA inputs relative to VEE?

The MAX987ESA inputs tolerate –0.3V to (VCC + 0.3V) relative to VEE (Absolute Maximum Ratings, page 2). For example, with VEE = 0V and VCC = 5.5V, inputs may range from –0.3V to +5.8V. Exceeding these limits risks latch-up or permanent damage. Input bias current rises exponentially beyond rails due to internal protection diodes-designs must limit fault current to <20mA per pin.