Maxim level translators withstand ±15kV ESD

The MAX3372E-MAX3379E/MAX3390E-MAX3393E level translator ICs from Maxim allow low-voltage ASICs with a supply voltage down to 1.2V to communicate with peripherals having a supply voltage of up to 5.5V, and vice-versa. The chips feature ±15kV ESD protection (based on the human body model) on the I/O pins, allowing them to be used in harsh environments.

The devices also feature ESD protection of up to ±10kV using the IEC 1000-4-2 air-gap discharge model, and ±8kV when using IEC 1-000-4-1 contact discharge. Common applications for the ICs are for internal communication between an ASIC to an ADC, or external communication between a cellphone ASIC to a cradle RS-232 transceiver.

The MAX3372E, MAX3373E, MAX3377E, and MAX3378E are suitable for bidirectional level translation such as I? and SPI data lines. The MAX3374E, MAX3375E, MAX3376E, MAX3379E, and MAX3390E-MAX3393E are applied in unidirectional level translation, configured in multiple configurations.

The level translators consume <100?A of quiescent current, and feature a 0.3?A three-state mode in which the I/O pins enter a high-impedance state. These devices operate from a 2.5V to 5.5V power supply and a 1.2V to Vcc logic supply, at -40°C to 85°C.

The MAX3373E-MAX3376E, MAX3378E, MAX3379E, and MAX3390E-MAX3393E operate up to 16Mbps when used with an active driver, and up to 500kbps when used with an open-drain driver. The MAX3372E and MAX3377E are slew-rate limited and operate up to 250kbps.

The MAX3372E-MAX3376E are offered in a 3-by-3mm UCSP or 8-pin SOT-23 packages, while the MAX3377E, MAX3378E, MAX3379E, and MAX3390E-MAX3393E are available in 4-by-3mm UCSP and 14-pin TSSOP housings.

Prices start at 90 cents for quantities of 1,000 and up.