19-0115; Rev 6; 4/09

Ultra Low-Power,
Single/Dual-Supply Comparators
The MAX921MAX924 single, dual, and quad micropower, low-voltage comparators feature the lowest
power consumption available. These comparators draw
less than 4A supply current over temperature
(MAX921/MAX922), and include an internal 1.182V
1% voltage reference, programmable hysteresis, and
TTL/CMOS outputs that sink and source current.
Ideal for 3V or 5V single-supply applications, the
MAX921MAX924 operate from a single +2.5V to +11V
supply (or a 1.25V to 5V dual supply), and each
comparators input voltage range swings from the
negative supply rail to within 1.3V of the positive
supply.

INTERNAL 1%
PRECISION
REFERENCE

COMPARATORS
PER
PACKAGE

INTERNAL
HYSTERESIS

MAX921

Yes

Yes

8-Pin
DIP/SO/MAX

MAX922

No

No

8-Pin
DIP/SO/MAX

MAX923

Yes

Yes

8-Pin
DIP/SO/MAX

MAX924

Yes

No

16-Pin
DIP/SO/MAX

PACKAGE

PART

The MAX921MAX924s unique output stage continuously sources as much as 40mA. And by eliminating
power-supply glitches that commonly occur when comparators change logic states, the MAX921MAX924
minimize parasitic feedback, which makes them easier to
use.
The single MAX921 and dual MAX923 provide a unique
and simple method for adding hysteresis without
feedback and complicated equations, simply by using
the HYST pin and two resistors.

____________________________Features
MAX PackageSmallest 8-Pin SO
(MAX921/MAX922/MAX923)
Ultra-Low 4A Max Quiescent Current
Over Extended Temp. Range (MAX921)
Power Supplies:
Single +2.5V to +11V
Dual 1.25V to 5.5V
Input Voltage Range Includes Negative Supply
Internal 1.182V 1% Bandgap Reference
Adjustable Hysteresis
TTL/CMOS-Compatible Outputs
12s Propagation Delay (10mV Overdrive)
No Switching Crowbar Current
40mA Continuous Source Current

Ordering Information
PART

TEMP RANGE

PIN-PACKAGE

MAX921CPA

0C to +70C

8 Plastic DIP

MAX921CSA

0C to +70C

8 SO

MAX921CUA
0C to +70C
8 MAX
MAX921C/D
0C to +70C
Dice*
MAX921EPA
-40C to +85C
8 Plastic DIP
MAX921ESA
-40C to +85C
8 SO
MAX921MJA
-55C to +125C
8 CERDIP
Ordering Information continued at end of data sheet.
*Dice are tested at TA = +25C, DC parameters only.
**Contact factory for availability.

__________Typical Operating Circuit

VIN
7
V+
3 IN+
OUT 8
4 IN-

________________________Applications
Battery-Powered Systems
Threshold Detectors
Window Comparators
Oscillator Circuits
MAX is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

5 HYST

MAX921

6 REF
V2

GND
1

THRESHOLD DETECTOR

________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products

For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642,
or visit Maxim's website at www.maxim-ic.com.

MAX921MAX924

_______________General Description

MAX921MAX924

Ultra Low-Power,
Single/Dual-Supply Comparators
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
V+ to V-, V+ to GND, GND to V-................................-0.3V, +12V
Inputs
Current, IN_+, IN_-, HYST...............................................20mA
Voltage, IN_+, IN_-, HYST................(V+ + 0.3V) to (V- 0.3V)
Outputs
Current, REF....................................................................20mA
Current, OUT_ .................................................................50mA
Voltage, REF ....................................(V+ + 0.3V) to (V- 0.3V)
Voltage, OUT_ (MAX921/924) .....(V+ + 0.3V) to (GND 0.3V)
Voltage OUT_ (MAX922/923)...........(V+ + 0.3V) to (V- 0.3V)
OUT_ Short-Circuit Duration (V+ 5.5V) ...............Continuous

Continuous Power Dissipation (TA = +70C)

8-Pin Plastic DIP (derate 9.09mW/C above +70C) ...727mW
8-Pin SO (derate 5.88mW/C above +70C)................471mW
8-Pin MAX (derate 4.1mW/C above +70C) .............330mW
8-Pin CERDIP (derate 8.00mW/C above +70C)........640mW
16-Pin Plastic DIP (derate 10.53mW/C above +70C)..842mW
16-Pin SO (derate 8.70mW/C above +70C) ................696mW
16-Pin CERDIP (derate 10.00mW/C above +70C) ......800mW
Operating Temperature Ranges:
MAX92_C_ _ .......................................................0C to +70C
MAX92_E_ _.....................................................-40C to +85C
MAX92_MJ_ ..................................................-55C to +125C
Storage Temperature Range .............................-65C to +150C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+300C

Stresses beyond those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional
operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to
absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS: 5V OPERATION

(V+ = 5V, V- = GND = 0V, TA = TMIN to TMAX, unless otherwise noted.)
PARAMETER

CONDITIONS

MIN

TYP

MAX

UNITS

11

2.5

3.2

POWER REQUIREMENTS
Supply Voltage Range

(Note 1)

2.5
TA = +25C

MAX921,
C/E temp. ranges
HYST = REF
M temp. range

4
5

TA = +25C
MAX922
Supply Current

2.5

C/E temp. ranges

M temp. range

IN+ = IN- + 100mV

TA = +25C

3.1

4.5

5.5

6
7.5
6.5
8.5
11

0.01

10
5
40

MAX923,
C/E temp. ranges
HYST = REF
M temp. range
TA = +25C
C/E temp. ranges
MAX924
M temp. range
COMPARATOR
Input Offset Voltage

VCM = 2.5V

Input Leakage Current (IN-, IN+)

IN+ = IN- = 2.5V

Input Leakage Current (HYST)

Input Common-Mode Voltage Range
Common-Mode Rejection Ratio
Power-Supply Rejection Ratio
Voltage Noise
Hysteresis Input Voltage Range

MAX921, MAX923

Response Time

C/E temp. ranges

M temp. range

0.02
V-

V- to (V+ 1.3V)
V+ = 2.5V to 11V
100Hz to 100kHz
MAX921, MAX923
TA = +25C, 100pF load

3.2

0.1
0.1
20
REF- 0.05V
Overdrive = 10mV
Overdrive = 100mV

V+ 1.3
1.0
1.0
REF

12
4

_______________________________________________________________________________________

mV
nA
nA
V
mV/V
mV/V
VRMS
V
s

Ultra Low-Power,
Single/Dual-Supply Comparators
MAX921MAX924

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS: 5V OPERATION (continued)

(V+ = 5V, V- = GND = 0V, TA = TMIN to TMAX, unless otherwise noted.)
PARAMETER
Output High Voltage

Output Low Voltage

CONDITIONS

MIN

TYP

MAX

MAX92_

C/E temp. ranges: IOUT = 17mA;

M temp. range: IOUT = 10mA

MAX922/
MAX923

C/E temp. ranges: IOUT = 1.8mA;

M temp. range: IOUT = 1.2mA

V- + 0.4

MAX921/
MAX924

C/E temp. ranges: IOUT = 1.8mA;

M temp. range: IOUT = 1.2mA

GND + 0.4

V+ 0.4

UNITS
V

REFERENCE (MAX921/MAX923/MAX924 ONLY)

X
C temp. range
E temp. range
M temp. range
TA = +25C
C/E temp. ranges
M temp. range
TA = +25C
C/E temp. ranges
M temp. range

Reference Voltage

Source Current

Sink Current
Voltage Noise

1.170
1.158
1.147
15
6
4
8
4
2

100Hz to 100kHz

1.182

1.194
1.206
1.217

25
A
15
A
100

VRMS

Note 1: MAX924 comparators work below 2.5V, see Low-Voltage Operation section for more details.

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS: 3V OPERATION

(V+ = 3V, V- = GND = 0V, TA = TMIN to TMAX, unless otherwise noted.)
PARAMETER

CONDITIONS

MIN

TYP

MAX

UNITS

POWER REQUIREMENTS
TA = +25C
MAX921

2.4

C/E temp. ranges

M temp. range
TA = +25C

MAX922
Supply Current

C/E temp. ranges

TA = +25C

MAX923

MAX924
COMPARATOR
Input Offset Voltage

4.8
2.4

C/E temp. ranges

M temp. range
TA = +25C
C/E temp. ranges
M temp. range

4.8
3.4

4.3

5.2

5.8
7.2
6.2
8.0
10.5

0.01

10
5
40

VCM = 1.5V

Input Leakage Current (IN-, IN+)

IN+ = IN- = 1.5V

Input Leakage Current (HYST)

MAX921, MAX923

C/E temp. ranges

M temp. range

3.0
3.8

M temp. range

HYST = REF,
IN+ = (IN- + 100mV)

3.0
3.8

0.02

mV
nA
nA

_______________________________________________________________________________________

ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS: 3V OPERATION (continued)

(V+ = 3V, V- = GND = 0V, TA = TMIN to TMAX, unless otherwise noted.)
PARAMETER

CONDITIONS

Input Common-Mode Voltage Range

Common-Mode Rejection Ratio
Power-Supply Rejection Ratio
Voltage Noise
Hysteresis Input Voltage Range

MIN

TYP

VV- to (V+ 1.3V)

V+ = 2.5V to 11V
100Hz to 100kHz
MAX921, MAX923

0.2
0.1
20

MAX

UNITS

V+ 1.3
1
1

V
mV/V
mV/V
VRMS
V

REF- 0.05V
Overdrive = 10mV
Overdrive = 100mV

REF
14
5

Response Time

TA = +25C, 100pF load

Output High Voltage

MAX92_

C/E temp. ranges: IOUT = 10mA;

M temp. range: IOUT = 6mA

MAX922/
MAX923

C/E temp. ranges: IOUT = 0.8mA;

M temp. range: IOUT = 0.6mA

V- + 0.4

MAX921/
MAX924

C/E temp. ranges: IOUT = 0.8mA;

M temp. range: IOUT = 0.6mA

GND + 0.4

Output Low Voltage

V+ 0.4

REFERENCE
C temp. range
E temp. range
M temp. range
TA = +25C
C/E temp. ranges
M temp. range
TA = +25C
C/E temp. ranges
M temp. range

Reference Voltage

Source Current

Sink Current
Voltage Noise

1.170
1.158
1.147
15
6
4
8
4
2

1.182

1.194
1.206
1.217

25
A
15
A

100Hz to 100kHz

100

VRMS

Typical Operating Characteristics

(V+ = 5V, V- = GND, TA = +25C, unless otherwise noted).

2.0

MAX921/924-TOC2

V+ = 5V

V+ = 5V

4.5
4.0

V+ = 3V
VOH (V)

1.5

1.0

3.5
3.0
2.5
V+ = 3V

0.5
2.0
0.0
4

12

LOAD CURRENT (mA)

16

20

SINK
1.185
1.180
SOURCE
1.175
1.170
1.165
V+ = 5V
OR
V+ = 3V

1.160
1.155

1.5
0

1.190
REFERENCE OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)

5.0

MAX921/4-TOC1

2.5

REFERENCE OUTPUT VOLTAGE vs.

OUTPUT LOAD CURRENT

OUTPUT VOLTAGE HIGH vs.

LOAD CURRENT

MAX921/924-TOC3

OUTPUT VOLTAGE LOW

vs. LOAD CURRENT

VOL (V)

MAX921MAX924

Ultra Low-Power,
Single/Dual-Supply Comparators

10

20

30

LOAD CURRENT (mA)

40

50

10

15

20

25

OUTPUT LOAD CURRENT (A)

_______________________________________________________________________________________

30

Ultra Low-Power,
Single/Dual-Supply Comparators

MAX921
SUPPLY CURRENT vs.
TEMPERATURE

COMMERCIAL
TEMP. RANGE

1.19
1.18
1.17
1.16

4.0
V+ = 5V, V- = - 5V

3.5

3.0
V+ = 3V, V- = 0V

IN+ = (IN- + 100mV)

4.0
3.5
V+ = 10V, V- = 0V
3.0
2.5
V+ = 5V, V- = 0V

2.5

2.0

1.15

V+ = 3V, V- = 0V

V+ = 5V, V- = 0V
2.0

1.14
-60 -40 -20 0

-20

20

60

100

140

-60

-20

20

100

60

TEMPERATURE (C)

TEMPERATURE (C)

TEMPERATURE (C)

MAX923
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE

MAX924
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE

MAX924
SUPPLY CURRENT vs.
LOW SUPPLY VOLTAGES

4.0
V+ = 5V, V- = 0V
3.5
3.0
2.5

8
V+ = 5V, V- = -5V

6
V+ = 5V, V- = 0V

5
4

140

MAX921/924-TOC9

10

MAX921/924-TOC8

IN+ = (IN- + 100mV)

SUPPLY CURRENT (A)

4.5

10

SUPPLY CURRENT (A)

MAX921/924-TOC7

5.0

SUPPLY CURRENT (A)

1.5
-60

20 40 60 80 100 120 140

MAX921/924-TOC6

IN+ = (IN- + 100mV)

SUPPLY CURRENT (A)

REFERENCE VOLTAGE (V)

EXTENDED TEMP. RANGE

1.20

4.5

MAX921/924-TOC5

MILITARY TEMP. RANGE

1.21

4.5

MAX921/924-TOC4

1.22

MAX922
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE

SUPPLY CURRENT (A)

REFERENCE VOLTAGE
vs. TEMPERATURE

0.1

V+ = 3V, V- = 0V

V+ = 3V, V- = 0V
3

2.0
-20

20

60

100

20

60

100

140

2.0

1.5

2.5

SINGLE-SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)

HYSTERESIS CONTROL

TRANSFER FUNCTION

RESPONSE TIME vs.

LOAD CAPACITANCE

NO CHANGE

-20
-40

4.0

V0

10F

3.5
3.0
2.5
2.0
1.5
1.0

OUTPUT LOW

0
10

20

30

VREF -VHYST (mV)

40

50

V- = 0V

16
14

VOHL

12
10
8
VOLH

6
4

0.5

-80

18

MAX921/924 TOC12

100k

MAX921/924-TOC11

4.5
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)

20
0

5.0

MAX921/924 TOC10

OUTPUT HIGH
40

1.0

TEMPERATURE (C)

60

IN+ IN- (mV)

-20

TEMPERATURE (C)

80

-60

0.01
-60

140

RESPONSE TIME (s)

-60

2
-0.3

0.2
0.1
-0.2 -0.1
0
IN+ INPUT VOLTAGE (mV)

0.3

20

40

60

80

100

LOAD CAPACITANCE (nF)

_______________________________________________________________________________________

MAX921-MAX924

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(V+ = 5V, V- = GND, TA = +25C, unless otherwise noted).

Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)

(V+ = 5V, V- = GND, TA = +25C, unless otherwise noted).

50mV

10mV

-2

10

10mV
100mV

20mV

1
50mV

14

18

RESPONSE TIME (s)

100

0.01
-2

10

14

18

1.0

2.0

1.5

RESPONSE TIME (s)

SINGLE-SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)

SHORT-CIRCUIT SOURCE CURRENT

vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE

SHORT-CIRCUIT SINK CURRENT

vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE

200
OUT CONNECTED TO V-

160
140
120
100
80
60

2.5

OUT CONNECTED TO V+
GND CONNECTED TO VSINK CURRENT (mA)

MAX921/924-TOC16

10

20mV OVERDRIVE

0.1
100mV
OVERDRIVE

180
SOURCE CURRENT (mA)

SOURCE CURRENT INTO 0.75V LOAD

MAX924 RESPONSE TIME

AT LOW SUPPLY VOLTAGES
100

MAX921/924-TOC15

MAX921/924-TOC14

4
3

100

10

MAX121/124-TOC18

RESPONSE TIME (ms)

20mV

MAX924 RESPONSE TIME

AT LOW SUPPLY VOLTAGES

MAX121/124-TOC17

100mV

INPUT VOLTAGE (mV)

4
3

OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)

0
INPUT VOLTAGE (mV)

RESPONSE TIME FOR VARIOUS

INPUT OVERDRIVES
MAX921/924-TOC13

OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)

RESPONSE TIME FOR VARIOUS

INPUT OVERDRIVES

CURRENT (mA)

MAX921MAX924

Ultra Low-Power,
Single/Dual-Supply Comparators

20

10

40
20

SINK CURRENT AT VOUT = 0.4V

0.1
1.0

2.0

1.5

2.5

0
0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

TOTAL SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)

SINGLE-SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)

10

TOTAL SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)

____________________________________________________________Pin Descriptions
PIN
NAME

FUNCTION

GND

Ground. Connect to V- for single-supply operation. Output swings from V+ to GND.

OUTA

Comparator A output. Sinks and sources current. Swings from V+ to V-.

V-

IN+

INA+

IN-

INA-

MAX921

MAX922

MAX923

Negative supply. Connect to ground for single-supply operation (MAX921).

Noninverting comparator input
Noninverting input of comparator A
Inverting comparator input
Inverting input of comparator A

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Ultra Low-Power,
Single/Dual-Supply Comparators
PIN

NAME

FUNCTION

MAX921

MAX922

MAX923

INB-

Inverting input of comparator B

HYST

Hysteresis input. Connect to REF if not used. Input voltage range is from
VREF to VREF - 50mV.

REF

Reference output. 1.182V with respect to V-.

INB+

Noninverting input of comparator B

V+

OUT

Comparator output. Sinks and sources current. Swings from V+ to GND.

OUTB

Comparator B output. Sinks and sources current. Swings from V+ to V-.

Positive supply

PIN
MAX924

NAME

OUTB

Comparator B output. Sinks and sources current. Swings from V+ to GND.

OUTA

Comparator A output. Sinks and sources current. Swings from V+ to GND.

V+

INA-

Inverting input of comparator A

INA+

Noninverting input of comparator A

INB-

Inverting input of comparator B

INB+

Noninverting input of comparator B

REF

Reference output. 1.182V with respect to V-.

V-

10

INC-

Inverting input of comparator C

11

INC+

Noninverting input of comparator C

12

IND-

Inverting input of comparator D

13

IND+

Noninverting input of comparator D

14

GND

Ground. Connect to V- for single-supply operation.

15

OUTD

Comparator D output. Sinks and sources current. Swings from V+ to GND.

16

OUTC

Comparator C output. Sinks and sources current. Swings from V+ to GND.

FUNCTION

Positive supply

Negative supply. Connect to ground for single-supply operation.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

MAX921MAX924

_______________________________________________Pin Descriptions (continued)

MAX921MAX924

Ultra Low-Power,
Single/Dual-Supply Comparators
_______________Detailed Description
The MAX921MAX924 comprise various combinations
of a micropower 1.182V reference and a micropower
comparator. The Typical Operating Circuit shows the
MAX921 configuration, and Figures 1a-1c show the
MAX922MAX924 configurations.
Each comparator continuously sources up to 40mA,
and the unique output stage eliminates crowbar
glitches during output transitions. This makes them
immune to parasitic feedback (which can cause
instability) and provides excellent performance, even
when circuit-board layout is not optimal.
Internal hysteresis in the MAX921 and MAX923 provides
the easiest method for implementing hysteresis. It also
produces faster hysteresis action and consumes much
less current than circuits using external positive feedback.

Power-Supply and Input Signal Ranges

This family of devices operates from a single +2.5V to
+11V power supply. The MAX921 and MAX924 have a

MAX922

1 OUTA

separate ground for the output driver, allowing

operation with dual supplies ranging from 1.25V to
5.5V. Connect V- to GND when operating the
MAX921 and the MAX924 from a single supply. The
maximum supply voltage in this case is still 11V.
For proper comparator operation, the input signal can
swing from the negative supply (V-) to within one volt of
the positive supply (V+ 1V). The guaranteed
common-mode input voltage range extends from V- to
(V+ - 1.3V). The inputs can be taken above and below
the supply rails by up to 300mV without damage.
Operating the MAX921 and MAX924 at 5V provides
TTL/CMOS compatibility when monitoring bipolar input
signals. TTL compatibility for the MAX922 and MAX923
is achieved by operation from a single +5V supply.
Low-Voltage Operation: V+ = 1V (MAX924 Only)
The guaranteed minimum operating voltage is 2.5V (or
1.25V). As the total supply voltage is reduced below
2.5V, the performance degrades and the supply
current falls. The reference will not function below

OUTB 8
V+ 7

2 V-

1 OUTB
3 INA+

INB+ 6

4 INA-

INB- 5

MAX924

2 OUTA

Figure 1a. MAX922 Functional Diagram

MAX923

1 OUTA

OUTD 15

3 V+

GND 14

4 INA-

IND+ 13

5 INA+

IND- 12

6 INB-

INC+ 11

7 INB+

INC- 10

8 REF

V- 9

OUTB 8
V+ 7

2 V3 INA+

REF 6

4 INB-

HYST 5
V-

Figure 1b. MAX923 Functional Diagram

8

OUTC 16

Figure 1c. MAX924 Functional Diagram

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Ultra Low-Power,
Single/Dual-Supply Comparators

INVREF - VHYST

HYSTERESIS
VHB

BAND

Voltage Reference
The internal bandgap voltage reference has an output
of 1.182V above V-. Note that the REF voltage is
referenced to V-, not to GND. Its accuracy is 1% in
the range 0C to +70C. The REF output is typically
capable of sourcing 15A and sinking 8A. Do not
bypass the REF output.

OUT

Figure 2. Threshold Hysteresis Band

about 2.2V, although the comparators will continue to

operate with a total supply voltage as low as 1V. While
the MAX924 has comparators that may be used at
supply voltages below 2V, the MAX921, MAX922, and
MAX923 may not be used with supply voltages significantly below 2.5V.
At low supply voltages, the comparators output drive is
reduced and the propagation delay increases (see
Typical Operating Characteristics). The useful input
voltage range extends from the negative supply to a
little under 1V below the positive supply, which is
slightly closer to the positive rail than the device
operating from higher supply voltages. Test your
prototype over the full temperature and supply-voltage
range if operation below 2.5V is anticipated.

Comparator Output
With 100mV of overdrive, propagation delay is typically
3s. The Typical Operating Characteristics show the
propagation delay for various overdrive levels.
The MAX921 and MAX924 output swings from V+ to
GND, so TTL compatibility is assured by using a +5V
10% supply. The negative supply does not affect the
output swing, and can range from 0V to -5V 10%.
The MAX922 and MAX923 have no GND pin, and their
outputs swing from V+ to V-. Connect V- to ground and
V+ to a +5V supply to achieve TTL compatibility.

Noise Considerations
Although the comparators have a very high gain, useful
gain is limited by noise. This is shown in the Transfer
Function graph (see Typical Operating Characteristics).
As the input voltage approaches the comparator's
offset, the output begins to bounce back and forth; this
peaks when VIN = VOS. (The lowpass filter shown on
the graph averages out the bouncing, making the
transfer function easy to observe.) Consequently, the
comparator has an effective wideband peak-to-peak
noise of around 0.3mV. The voltage reference has
peak-to peak noise approaching 1mV. Thus, when a

IREF

6
REF

2.5V TO 11V
7
V+

R1
5
R2

MAX921
MAX923
HYST
V2

Figure 3. Programming the HYST Pin

_______________________________________________________________________________________

MAX921MAX924

THRESHOLDS

IN+

The MAX921MAX924s unique design achieves an

output source current of more than 40mA and a sink
current of over 5mA, while keeping quiescent currents in
the microampere range. The output can source 100mA
(at V+ = 5V) for short pulses, as long as the package's
maximum power dissipation is not exceeded. The
output stage does not generate crowbar switching
currents during transitions, which minimizes feedback
through the supplies and helps ensure stability without
bypassing.

MAX921MAX924

Ultra Low-Power,
Single/Dual-Supply Comparators
comparator is used with the reference, the combined
peak-to-peak noise is about 1mV. This, of course, is
much higher than the RMS noise of the individual
components. Care should be taken in the layout to
avoid capacitive coupling from any output to the
reference pin. Crosstalk can significantly increase the
actual noise of the reference.

__________Applications Information
Hysteresis
Hysteresis increases the comparators noise margin by
increasing the upper threshold and decreasing the
lower threshold (see Figure 2).
Hysteresis (MAX921/MAX923)
To add hysteresis to the MAX921 or MAX923, connect
resistor R1 between REF and HYST, and connect
resistor R2 between HYST and V- (Figure 3). If no
hysteresis is required, connect HYST to REF. When
hysteresis is added, the upper threshold increases by
the same amount that the lower threshold decreases.
The hysteresis band (the difference between the upper
and lower thresholds, VHB) is approximately equal to
twice the voltage between REF and HYST. The HYST
input can be adjusted to a maximum voltage of REF
and to a minimum voltage of (REF 50mV). The
maximum difference between REF and HYST (50mV)
will therefore produce a 100mV max hysteresis band.
Use the following equations to determine R1 and R2:
VHB
R1 =
(2 IREF )
VHB

1.182

2
R2 =
IREF
Where I REF (the current sourced by the reference)
should not exceed the REF source capability, and
should be significantly larger than the HYST input
current. I REF values between 0.1A and 4A are
usually appropriate. If 2.4M is chosen for R2 (IREF =
0.5A), the equation for R1 and V HB can be
approximated as:
R1 (k) = VHB (mV)
When hysteresis is obtained in this manner for the
MAX923, the same hysteresis applies to both comparators.
Hysteresis (MAX922/MAX924)
Hysteresis can be set with two resistors using positive
feedback, as shown in Figure 4. This circuit generally
draws more current than the circuits using the HYST
pin on the MAX921 and MAX923, and the high
10

feedback impedance slows hysteresis. The design

procedure is as follows:
1. Choose R3. The leakage current of IN+ is under
1nA (up to +85C), so the current through R3 can be
around 100nA and still maintain good accuracy.
The current through R3 at the trip point is VREF/R3,
or 100nA for R3 = 11.8M. 10M is a good
practical value.
2. Choose the hysteresis voltage (V HB), the voltage
between the upper and lower thresholds. In this
example, choose VHB = 50mV.
3. Calculate R1.
V
R1 = R3 HB
V+
0.05
= 10M
5
= 100k
4. Choose the threshold voltage for VIN rising (VTHR).
In this example, choose VTHR = 3V.
5. Calculate R2.
1
R2 =

1
VTHR
1

(VREF R1) R1 R3

1
=

3
1
1

(1.182 100k) 100k 10M

= 65.44k
A 1% preferred value is 64.9k.

V+
R3

R1
VIN
V+

R2

MAX924 VGND

VREF

Figure 4. External Hysteresis

______________________________________________________________________________________

OUT

Ultra Low-Power,
Single/Dual-Supply Comparators
Auto-Off Power Source

MOMENTARY
SWITCH

4.5V TO 6.0V
7
V+

MAX921

IN+ 3

REF

47k

C
5

HYST

1.1M

OUT 8
VBATT -0.15V
10mA

4 IN100k

V2

GND
1

Figure 5. Auto-off power switch operates on 2.5A quiescent

current.

6. Verify the threshold voltages with these formulas:

VIN rising :
1
1
1
VTHR = VREF R1
+
+

R1
R2
R3
VIN falling :
VTHF = VTHR

(R1

V +)
R3

Board Layout and Bypassing

Power-supply bypass capacitors are not needed if the
supply impedance is low, but 100nF bypass capacitors
should be used when the supply impedance is high or
when the supply leads are long. Minimize signal lead
lengths to reduce stray capacitance between the input
and output that might cause instability. Do not bypass
the reference output.

Figure 5 shows the schematic for a 40mA power supply

that has a timed auto power-off function. The
comparator output is the switched power-supply
output. With a 10mA load, it typically provides a
voltage of (V BATT 0.12V), but draws only 3.5A
quiescent current. This circuit takes advantage of the
four key features of the MAX921: 2.5A supply current,
an internal reference, hysteresis, and high current
output. Using the component values shown, the threeresistor voltage divider programs the maximum 50mV
of hysteresis and sets the IN- voltage at 100mV. This
gives an IN+ trip threshold of approximately 50mV for
IN+ falling.
The RC time constant determines the maximum poweron time of the OUT pin before power-down occurs.
This period can be approximated by:
R x C x 4.6sec
For example: 2M x 10F x 4.6 = 92sec. The actual
time will vary with both the leakage current of the
capacitor and the voltage applied to the circuit.

Window Detector
The MAX923 is ideal for making window detectors
(undervoltage/overvoltage detectors). The schematic
is shown in Figure 6, with component values selected
for an 4.5V undervoltage threshold, and a 5.5V
overvoltage threshold. Choose different thresholds by
changing the values of R1, R2, and R3. To prevent
chatter at the output when the supply voltage is close
to a threshold, hysteresis has been added using R4
and R5. OUTA provides an active-low undervoltage
indication, and OUTB gives an active-low overvoltage
indication. ANDing the two outputs provides an activehigh, power-good signal.
The design procedure is as follows:
1. Choose the required hysteresis level and calculate
values for R4 and R5 according to the formulas in
the Hysteresis (MAX921/MAX923) section. In this
example, 5mV of hysteresis has been added at the
comparator input (VH = VHB/2). This means that the
hysteresis apparent at VIN will be larger because of
the input resistor divider.

______________________________________________________________________________________

11

MAX921MAX924

_______________Typical Applications

MAX921MAX924

Ultra Low-Power,
Single/Dual-Supply Comparators
2. Select R1. The leakage current into INB- is normally
under 1nA, so the current through R1 should
exceed 100nA for the thresholds to be accurate. R1
values up to about 10M can be used, but values in
the 100k to 1M range are usually easier to deal
with. In this example, choose R1 = 294k.
3. Calculate R2 + R3. The overvoltage threshold
should be 5.5V when V IN is rising. The design
equation is as follows:

VOTH
R2 + R3 = R1
1
V
+
V
REF

VIN

VOTH = 5.5V
VUTH = 4.5V

+5V

R3
V+

INA+

OUTA

UNDERVOLTAGE

HYST
10k
R5

R2

5.5
= 294k
1
(1.182 + 0.005)

POWER GOOD
REF

R4
2.4M

= 1.068M

OUTB

OVERVOLTAGE

INB-

4. Calculate R2. The undervoltage threshold should

be 4.5V when VIN is falling. The design equation is
as follows:

VR1

MAX923

(VREF VH )
R1
VUTH

R2 = (R1 + R2 + R3)
= (294k + 1.068M)

(1.182 0.005)
294k
4.5

Figure 6. Window Detector

= 62.2k
Choose R2 = 61.9k (1% standard value).

Bar-Graph Level Gauge

5. Calculate R3.
R3 = (R2 + R3) R2
= 1.068M 61.9k
= 1.006M
Choose R3 = 1M (1% standard value)
6. Verify the resistor values. The equations are as
follows, evaluated for the above example.
(R1 + R2 + R3)
R1

= 5.474V.
Undervoltage threshold :
VUTH = (VREF VH )

Level Shifter
Figure 8 shows a circuit to shift from bipolar 5V inputs
to TTL signals. The 10k resistors protect the
comparator inputs, and do not materially affect the
operation of the circuit.

Overvoltage threshold :
VOTH = (VREF + VH )

The high output source capability of the MAX921 series

is useful for driving LEDs. An example of this is the
simple four-stage level detector shown in Figure 7.
The full-scale threshold (all LEDs on) is given by VIN =
(R1 + R2)/R1 volts. The other thresholds are at 3/4 full
scale, 1/2 full scale, and 1/4 full scale. The output
resistors limit the current into the LEDs.

(R1 + R2 + R3)
(R1 + R2)

= 4.484V,
where the hysteresis voltage VH = VREF

12

R5
.
R4

______________________________________________________________________________________

Ultra Low-Power,
Single/Dual-Supply Comparators
MAX921MAX924

R2

R1

VIN

1.182V 8

+5V

+5V

3
V+

V+

REF

MAX924

10k

MAX924

INA+

VINA

OUTA
V- 9
INA-

5 INA+

182k

0 FOR VINA < 0V

1 FOR VINB > 0V

OUTA 2
10k
1V

330

4 INA-

INB+

VINB

OUTB
250k

INB-

7 INB+
OUTB 1
750mV 6

330

INB-

10k
VINC

INC+
OUTC

250k

INC-

11 INC+
OUTC 16
330

500mV 10 INC-

10k
VIND

IND+
OUTD

250k

IND-

13 IND+

REF

OUTD 15
330

250mV 12 IND-

250k

N.C.

GND
GND
14

Figure 7. Bar-Graph Level Gauge

V-

-5V

Figure 8. Level Shifter: 5V Input to CMOS Output

______________________________________________________________________________________

13

MAX921MAX924

Ultra Low-Power,
Single/Dual-Supply Comparators
_________________Pin Configurations

_Ordering Information (continued)

PART

TOP VIEW

TEMP RANGE
-55C to +125C

8 SO**

-55C to +125C

8 SO**

GND

OUT

MAX921MSA/PR-T

V-

V+

MAX922CPA

0C to +70C

8 Plastic DIP

REF

MAX922CSA

0C to +70C

8 SO

HYST

IN+ 3

MAX921

IN- 4

DIP/SO/MAX

MAX922CUA

0C to +70C

8 MAX

MAX922C/D

0C to +70C

Dice*

MAX922EPA

-40C to +85C

8 Plastic DIP

MAX922ESA

-40C to +85C

8 SO

MAX922MJA

-55C to +125C

8 CERDIP**

OUTA

OUTB

MAX922MSA/PR

-55C to +125C

8 SO**

V-

V+

MAX922MSA/PR-T

-55C to +125C

8 SO**

INB+

MAX923CPA

0C to +70C

8 Plastic DIP

INB-

MAX923CSA

0C to +70C

8 SO

INA+ 3

MAX922

INA- 4

DIP/SO/MAX

OUTA

V-

INA+ 3

MAX923

INB- 4

OUTB

V+

REF

HYST

DIP/SO/MAX

MAX923CUA

0C to +70C

8 MAX

MAX923C/D

0C to +70C

Dice*

MAX923EPA

-40C to +85C

8 Plastic DIP

MAX923ESA

-40C to +85C

8 SO

MAX923MJA

-55C to +125C

8 CERDIP**

MAX923MSA/PR

-55C to +125C

8 SO**

MAX923MSA/PR-T

-55C to +125C

8 SO**

MAX924CPE

0C to +70C

16 Plastic DIP

MAX924CSE

0C to +70C

16 Narrow SO

MAX924C/D

0C to +70C

MAX924EPE

-40C to +85C

16 Plastic DIP

Dice*

OUTB 1

16 OUTC

MAX924ESE

-40C to +85C

16 Narrow SO

OUTA 2

15 OUTD

MAX924MJE

-55C to +125C

16 CERDIP**

14 GND

MAX924MSE/PR

-55C to +125C

16 Narrow SO**

MAX924MSE/PR-T

-55C to +125C

16 Narrow SO**

V+ 3
INA- 4

MAX924

13 IND+

INA+ 5

12 IND-

INB- 6

11 INC+

INB+ 7

10 INC-

REF 8

*Dice are tested at TA = +25C, DC parameters only.

**Contact factory for availability.

V-

DIP/Narrow SO

14

PIN-PACKAGE

MAX921MSA/PR

______________________________________________________________________________________

Ultra Low-Power,
Single/Dual-Supply Comparators
MAX921/MAX922/MAX923

MAX924
OUTB

OUTA

10

OUTC

OUTD

V+

9
2
8
3

GND

0.075"
(1.91mm)

0.108"
(2.74mm)

IND+

INA-

IND-

INA+
0.059"
(1.50mm)

DIE PAD
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

MAX921
GND
VVIN+
INHYST
REF
V+
V+
OUT

INC+

INB-

MAX922
OUTA
VVINA+
INAINBINB+
V+
V+
OUTB

MAX923
OUTA
VVINA+
INBHYST
REF
V+
V+
OUTB

INB+

REF

V-

INC-

0.069"
(1.75mm)

TRANSISTOR COUNT: 267

SUBSTRATE CONNECTED TO V+

TRANSISTOR COUNT: 164

SUBSTRATE CONNECTED TO V+

______________________________________________________________________________________

15

MAX921MAX924

__________________________________________________________Chip Topographies

MAX921MAX924

Ultra Low-Power,
Single/Dual-Supply Comparators
Package Information
For the latest package outline information and land patterns, go to www.maxim-ic.com/packages.

16

PACKAGE TYPE

PACKAGE CODE

DOCUMENT NO.

8 Plastic DIP

P8-1

21-0043

16 Plastic DIP

P16-1

21-0043

8 SO

S8-2

21-0041

16 SO

S16-3

21-0041

8 MAX

U8-1

21-0036

8 CERDIP

J8-1

21-0045

16 CERDIP

J16-3

21-0045

______________________________________________________________________________________

Ultra Low-Power,
Single/Dual-Supply Comparators
REVISION
NUMBER

REVISION
DATE

8/08

8/08

Adding information for rugged plastic product

4/09

Updated Ordering Information

DESCRIPTION
Updated TOCs 5 and 10

PAGES
CHANGED
5
1, 14
1, 14, 16

Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are
implied. Maxim reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time.

Maxim Integrated Products, 120 San Gabriel Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 408-737-7600 ____________________ 17
2009 Maxim Integrated Products

Maxim is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

MAX921/MAX924

Revision History