MAX9120ESA Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX9120ESA is a general-purpose comparator IC manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, housed in an 8-SOIC surface-mount package. This device features open-drain output architecture and operates across a 1.6V to 5.5V supply voltage range, making it suitable for low-power signal comparison applications. The MAX9120ESA is classified as obsolete, necessitating identification of active equivalent alternatives for new designs and ongoing production requirements. Substitute parts must maintain electrical compatibility across supply voltage, output configuration, and timing characteristics while meeting current manufacturing and compliance standards.

Substiute Parts

MAX9120ESA

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 870MAX9120ESA Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

MCP6546-E/SN

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 1382MCP6546-E/SN Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MCP6546-I/SN

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 2966MCP6546-I/SN Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MCP6546T-E/SN

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 847MCP6546T-E/SN Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MCP6546T-I/SN

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 3654MCP6546T-I/SN Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

MAX9120ESA+

Analog Devices Inc./Maxim IntegratedIn Stock: 1059MAX9120ESA+ Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the MAX9120ESA are qualified based on the following critical parameters that determine functional and mechanical compatibility:

Electrical Compatibility Criteria:

• Supply voltage range: 1.6V ~ 5.5V (must match or exceed)
• Output type: Open-Drain configuration
• Package / Case: 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
• Mounting type: Surface Mount
• Number of elements: 1 comparator

Performance Criteria:

• Input offset voltage, input bias current, output current, quiescent current, CMRR, PSRR, propagation delay, and hysteresis must fall within acceptable ranges for direct substitution

Compliance Criteria:

• RoHS3 compliance required
• MSL rating: 1 (Unlimited)

The MCP6546 series from Microchip Technology meets all electrical and mechanical requirements. All variants (MCP6546-E/SN, MCP6546-I/SN, MCP6546T-E/SN, MCP6546T-I/SN) share identical electrical specifications and package configuration, differing only in temperature rating and packaging format (Tube, Cut Tape, or Tape & Reel). The MAX9120ESA+ represents a parametric equivalent with active product status, offering identical electrical performance within the same package.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

MAX9120ESA+ (Parametric Equivalent): Select this part for direct replacement in existing designs where Analog Devices supply chain continuity is required. The MAX9120ESA+ maintains identical electrical specifications and package configuration as the obsolete MAX9120ESA while offering active product status and REACH compliance. This option provides the lowest design risk for legacy system support.

MCP6546 Series (Functional Substitute): The MCP6546 family from Microchip Technology provides functional equivalence with enhanced performance characteristics. All variants meet the core electrical requirements and package specifications. Selection among MCP6546-E/SN, MCP6546-I/SN, MCP6546T-E/SN, and MCP6546T-I/SN depends on temperature rating and packaging format requirements:

• MCP6546-E/SN and MCP6546T-E/SN: Extended temperature rating (-40°C ~ 125°C) for applications requiring broader thermal operation
• MCP6546-I/SN and MCP6546T-I/SN: Standard temperature rating (-40°C ~ 85°C) matching the original MAX9120ESA specification
• Packaging format: Tube (MCP6546-E/SN, MCP6546-I/SN), Tape & Reel (MCP6546T-E/SN), or Cut Tape (MCP6546T-I/SN) based on procurement and assembly requirements

All MCP6546 variants are ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 rating and REACH unaffected status, meeting current regulatory requirements. The MCP6546 series demonstrates superior propagation delay performance (8µs versus 45µs) and improved CMRR (70dB versus 66.02dB), offering performance advantages in timing-critical applications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MCP6546 variants be used as direct pin-for-pin replacements for MAX9120ESA?

A: Yes. All MCP6546 variants share identical 8-SOIC package pinout and electrical interface with the MAX9120ESA. No PCB modifications are required for substitution.

Q: What are the key electrical differences between MAX9120ESA and MCP6546 series?

A: The MCP6546 series exhibits lower propagation delay (8µs versus 45µs), higher CMRR (70dB versus 66.02dB), and slightly higher input offset voltage (7mV versus 5mV). Output current is reduced (30mA versus 50mA). These differences must be evaluated against specific application timing and drive requirements.

Q: Which MCP6546 variant should be selected for new designs?

A: For applications operating within -40°C to 85°C, MCP6546-I/SN or MCP6546T-I/SN provide cost-effective solutions. For extended temperature operation to 125°C, select MCP6546-E/SN or MCP6546T-E/SN. Packaging format selection (Tube, Tape & Reel, or Cut Tape) depends on procurement volume and assembly process requirements.

Q: Are all substitute parts RoHS3 compliant?

A: Yes. MAX9120ESA+, MCP6546-E/SN, MCP6546-I/SN, MCP6546T-E/SN, and MCP6546T-I/SN are all ROHS3 compliant with MSL 1 (Unlimited) moisture sensitivity rating.

Q: What is the inventory status of substitute parts?

A: MAX9120ESA+ has 954 units in stock. MCP6546-E/SN has 1,302 units, MCP6546-I/SN has 2,910 units, MCP6546T-E/SN has 810 units, and MCP6546T-I/SN has 3,606 units available as new original stock.

Q: Can the reduced output current of MCP6546 (30mA versus 50mA) affect circuit performance?

A: Application-specific evaluation is required. If the original design relies on the full 50mA output current capability, verify that MCP6546's 30mA typical output current meets load requirements. For most general-purpose comparator applications, 30mA output current is sufficient.