MAX973CUA+

MAX973CUA+ Application Field and Working Principle

Linear - Comparators

The MAX973CUA+ is a low power, high speed dual voltage comparator. It operates from a single 2.7V to 5.5V supply operating over the extended (-40°C to 85°C) temperature range. This comparator features excellent input characteristics including rail-to-rail operation, common mode range extending to both supply rails, and TTL/CMOS levels for the inputs.The MAX973CUA+ employs an innovative differential architecture to provide significant power savings and improve input characteristics relative to traditional linear comparators. The architecture includes internal biasing, which eliminates the need for external RC filters to bias the input signal. This design also reduces the effects of thermal gradients, which adds stability and minimizes external references.The MAX973CUA+ has a wide power supply range, with a maximum current draw of less than 1µA. When the comparator is in either the power-down or power-up mode, the operating current draw is zero. This makes the MAX973CUA+ ideal for low power applications and makes it ideal for battery powered applications.An on-chip oscillator and multiplexer allows the MAX973CUA+ to be used as an interval timer or as an event counter. The MAX973CUA+ has an adjustable timer interval, which can be programed via the OSCIN pin. Outputs are internally clocked and synchronized, and can be used for frequency-based measurements.The MAX973CUA+ has two outputs. The Comparator Out pin provides an active-high output when either input voltage exceeds the reference voltage. This pin can be used to drive logic, LEDs, and other logic-level loads. The second output, the Hysteresis Out, is an active-high/low output that oscillates when the input signal is between the reference levels. This output can be used to drive a variety of analog loads.The MAX973CUA+ is offered in both 6-pin and 8-pin packages, making it highly versatile in a variety of applications. These include voltage and temperature sensing in battery, automotive and industrial control applications, and signal level detection, event counting, and time-based measurements.