Power monitoring becomes extremely reliable

From Maxim Integrated Products comes the MAX6394, a low-power, ±1 percent accurate ?P supervisor. This device provides reliability by integrating a highly precise bandgap reference, allowing Maxim to trim reset thresholds to as much as ±0.6 percent accuracy at room temperature. This higher supervisor accuracy results in a smaller, tighter reset guard band that is closer to the desired reset threshold. According to Maxim, the MAX6394, is ideal for critical microprocessor and microcontroller power-monitoring applications, portable equipment, and any other applications that require precision monitoring.

The MAX6394 is factory programmed to any of 36 different options. Nine fixed voltage thresholds are available, each with four preset timeout periods (0.7, 14, 105, and 826ms). According to Maxim, these options allow designers to tailor the MAX6394 to specific applications without additional external components or design time. This device also provides an open-drain output that can be pulled up to 6V, even when VCC is less than the pullup voltage. This allows designers to use a separate pullup voltage to ensure that the correct logic levels are reached. The ability to pull the reset voltage above VCC eliminates the need for additional level translators, further reducing component cost.

Fully specified over the -40 ° C to +125 °C automotive temperature range, the MAX6394 is available in a small, 4-pin SOT143 package. Prices start at $1.57 (1,000 and up quantities).