Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAXQ610J-0000+T

Overview

MAXQ610J-0000+T from Maxim Integrated is a 16-bit RISC microcontroller with integrated infrared (IR) carrier generation, 64KB flash, 2KB SRAM, and ultra-low-power stop mode (0.2µA typ). It serves as the main control and IR transmission engine in battery-powered universal remote controls, executing firmware with secure MMU-protected privilege levels and supporting flexible keypad I/O multiplexing.

For engineers reviewing the MAXQ610J-0000+T datasheet, MAXQ610J-0000+T pinout, MAXQ610J-0000+T application, or MAXQ610J-0000+T equivalent, key selection considerations include its 44-pin TQFN-EP package, 1.7V–3.6V operation, dual USART + SPI interface, IRTX/IRRX dedicated pins, and nanopower wake-up timer - all critical for low-energy consumer IR system design.

Technical Context

The MAXQ610J-0000+T implements a single-cycle 16-bit RISC core operating from DC to 12MHz, delivering ~12MIPS at 12MHz with 33 instructions and three independent data pointers. Its memory subsystem includes 64KB flash (512-byte sectors, 20,000 erase/write cycles) and 2KB SRAM, managed by a secure MMU enabling multi-level application privilege isolation.

Peripherals are optimized for IR control: an IR carrier generation module supports programmable frequency (fCK/2), burst-count mode, and independent external IRTXM/IRRX paths; two 16-bit timers with capture/compare; power-fail detection (VPFW = 1.8V); and an 8kHz nanopower ring oscillator for wake-up timing. Stop mode draws 0.2µA (typ) with wake-up via external interrupt, timer, or power-fail event.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAXQ610J-0000+T is housed in a 44-pin TQFN-EP package (7mm × 7mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed pad unconnected per datasheet specification. Pin functions are validated per official Maxim pin description table for the 44-pin variant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar microcontroller-with-IR applications.

Compared with MAXQ610B-0000+T and MAXQ610A-0000+T, the MAXQ610J-0000+T provides the highest GPIO count (32) and dedicated 44-pin layout with four GND pins for improved noise immunity - making it optimal for feature-rich, production-ready universal remotes demanding robust EMI performance and scalability.

Availability

MAXQ610J-0000+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for universal remote controls, battery-powered smart home hubs, white goods control panels, and portable medical device remotes requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for MAXQ610J-0000+T 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 precision analog, mixed-signal, and high-reliability ICs for industrial, medical, and consumer applications.

The MAXQ610 product line was designed specifically for ultra-low-power infrared control systems - integrating secure firmware execution, hardware IR modulation, and nanopower sleep modes to replace discrete microcontroller + IR ASIC solutions.

FAQ

What is the maximum system clock frequency supported by the MAXQ610J-0000+T?

The MAXQ610J-0000+T supports a maximum system clock frequency of 12MHz, achievable via external crystal (1–12MHz) on HFXIN/HFXOUT or external clock input. At 12MHz, the core delivers ~12MIPS with nearly all instructions executing in a single cycle (83.3ns), enabling responsive IR protocol handling and real-time keypad scanning in the MAXQ610J-0000+T.

Does the MAXQ610J-0000+T include hardware-based IR carrier generation?

Yes, the MAXQ610J-0000+T includes dedicated hardware for IR carrier generation, producing a carrier frequency equal to half the system clock (fCK/2) with programmable burst-count mode. This offloads timing-critical tasks from firmware, ensuring consistent NEC/RC-5 modulation and eliminating jitter - a core capability of the MAXQ610J-0000+T confirmed in its detailed description and IR section.

How many general-purpose I/O pins does the MAXQ610J-0000+T provide?

The MAXQ610J-0000+T provides up to 32 general-purpose I/O pins, distributed across Ports P0–P3, as specified in the pin description for the 44-pin TQFN variant. These include interrupt-capable inputs and configurable drive strength, supporting keypad matrix scanning, LED control, and peripheral interfacing - a defining feature of the MAXQ610J-0000+T versus lower-pin-count variants.

What is the typical current consumption of the MAXQ610J-0000+T in stop mode?

The MAXQ610J-0000+T consumes 0.2µA (typical) in stop mode at +25°C with power-fail monitor disabled, as specified in the Recommended DC Operating Conditions table. This ultra-low quiescent current enables multi-year battery operation in remote controls and is a verified, measured parameter for the MAXQ610J-0000+T under defined test conditions.

Is the flash memory in the MAXQ610J-0000+T protected against unauthorized access?

Yes, the MAXQ610J-0000+T incorporates a secure MMU that enforces multiple application privilege levels, preventing unauthorized copying or reverse engineering of flash-resident code. This hardware-based protection is explicitly documented in the General Description and Memory Protection sections as a core security feature of the MAXQ610J-0000+T.