Maxim's Beyond-the-Rails Mux and Switch Family Simplifies Power-Supply Requirements for Switching High-Voltage Signals

Maxim Integrated Products announces the MAX14778 (analog mux) and MAX14759-MAX14764 (analog switches), ±25V above- and below-the-rails devices that let you switch/mux a wide signal range from standard 3V to 5.5V supplies. Designers no longer need multiple switches/mux to switch both high- and low-voltage signals. Maxim's beyond-the-rail technology helps simplify power-supply requirements and system design. Flexible and robust, the mux and switches are ideal for general-purpose system signal routing and industrial analog front-ends. Specific applications include POS connector sharing, industrial analog inputs, handheld instrumentation, ATE, and audio/data switching. In the past multiple devices were needed to mux/switch interface signals greater than 5V for CAN, RS-485, and RS-232 interfaces, or to switch low-voltage signals less than 5V for USB and audio signals. The ±25V MAX14778 mux can multiplex up to 8 channels, making it an excellent choice for applications requiring connector sharing (multiplexing RS-232, USB, RS-485, CAN, or audio). The ±25V signal capability of all the devices enables switching of true RS-232 signals for connector sharing applications. For analog input applications, the wide voltage range provides a robust signal range to accommodate harsh industrial environments. With a 75MHz (min) bandwidth, they also switch Full Speed USB (12Mbps). The low 1.5? (Max) RON and 3 m? (typ) RON flatness of the MAX14778 ensure precise voltage measurements over temperature ideal for precision analog input applications and connector sharing applications. The MAX14778 mux is packaged in a 20-pin TQFN. The MAX14759/MAX14760/MAX14763/MAX14764 switches are available in an 8-pin TDFN, and the MAX14761/MAX14762 in a 10-pin TDFN. All devices are specified over the -40°C to +85°C temperature range. Pricing starts at $1.88. www.maxim-ic.com