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MAX9979
Dual 1.1Gbps Pin Electronics with Integrated
PMU and Level-Setting DACs
General Description
Features
The MAX9979 fully integrated, high-performance, dual-
channel pin electronics integrates multiple automatic test
equipment (ATE) functions into a single IC, including driv-
er/comparator/load (DCL), parametric measurement unit
(PMU), and built-in (16-bit) level-setting digital-to-analog
converters (DACs). The device is ideal for memory and
SOC tester applications. Each channel includes a four-
level pin driver, window comparator, differential compara-
tor, dynamic clamps, a versatile PMU, an active load, a
high-voltage (VHH) programmable level, and 14 indepen-
dent level-setting DACs. The MAX9979 features program-
mable cable-droop compensation for the driver output and
for the comparator input, adjustable driver output resis-
tance that allows optimal performance over typical data-
path transmission-line variations, slew-rate adjustment,
and a programmable high-voltage driver output.
● High Speed: 1.1Gbps at 1V
P-P
● Extremely Low Power Dissipation: 1.2W/Channel
(Active Load Disabled)
● Wide Voltage Range: -1.5V to +6.5V and Up to 13V
VHH
● Wide Voltage Swing Range: 50mV
● Low-Leak Mode: 10nA max
to 13V
P-P
P-P
● Integrated Termination-on-the-Fly (3rd-Level Drive)
● Integrated VHH High Voltage (4th-Level Drive)
● Integrated Voltage Clamps
● Integrated 20mA Active Load
● Integrated Per-Pin PMU
● Integrated Level-Setting CALDACs
The MAX9979 driver features a wide 8V (-1.5V to +6.5V)
high-speed operating voltage range and a VHH program-
mable range of up to +13V. Operation modes include
high-impedance, active-termination (3rd-level drive) and
VHH (4th-level drive) modes. The device is highly linear
even at low voltage swings. The driver provides high-
speed differential control inputs compatible with most
high-speed logic families. The window comparators pro-
vide extremely low timing variation over changes in slew
rate, pulse width, and overdrive voltage. In high-imped-
ance mode, the MAX9979 features dynamic clamps that
dampen high-speed device-under-test (DUT) waveforms.
The 20mA active load facilitates fast contact testing when
used in conjunction with the comparators, and functions
as a pullup/pulldown for open-drain/collector DUT outputs.
The PMU offers five current ranges from ±2μA to ±50mA
and can force and measure current or voltage. An SPI™-
compatible serial interface configures the MAX9979.
● Programmable Cable-Droop Compensation for Both
Driver Output and Comparator Input
● Programmable Driver Output Impedance
● Four Slew-Rate Settings for Driver Output
● Analog Measure Bus
● Very Low Timing Dispersion
● Minimal External Component Count
● SPI-Compatible Serial Control Interface
● 68-Pin Thermally Enhanced TQFN Package with
Top-Side Heat Removal
Ordering Information
PART
TEMP RANGE PIN-PACKAGE
0°C TO +70°C 68 TQFN-EP-IDP*
MAX9979KCTK+
+Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
*EP-IDP = Exposed pad, inverted die pad.
The MAX9979 is available in a small footprint, 68-pin
(10mm x 10mm x 1mm) TQFN-EP-IDP package with
exposed pad on the top for easy heat removal. Power dis-
sipation is 1.2W per channel (typ) over the full operating
voltage range with the active load disabled. The MAX9979
operates over an internal die temperature range of +40°C
to +100°C and provides a temperature monitor output.
Pin Configuration and Typical Operating Circuit appear at
end of data sheet
Applications
● Memory ATE Testers
● SOC ATE Testers
SPI is a trademark of Motorola, Inc.
19-4134; Rev 7; 5/19