Maxim's New Reset and Fail Comparator These new reset and fail comparator's provide an early warning for low voltage. Maxim Integrated Products introduces the MAX6342-MAX6345 microprocessor (µP) supervisory circuits. These devices reduce board space and cost in 2.5V/3V/3.3V/5V systems while increasing reliability and decreasing the number of external components and adjustments. They are designed to assert a reset output whenever the supply voltage has dropped below a preset value, and they include a power-fail comparator that can be used for a power-fail warning, for low-battery detection, or for monitoring another power supply. These devices save 50% of the power and 70% of the board space needed by traditional solutions. The MAX6342-MAX6345 feature ±2.5% reset threshold accuracy over temperature and offer six preset reset threshold voltages from 2.33V to 4.63V. Whenever the supply voltage declines below its threshold, a reset signal is asserted and maintained for at least 100ms after VCC returns above the reset threshold (or until the manual reset is deasserted). The MAX6342 (push-pull) and the MAX6343 (open-drain) feature an active-low RESET-bar output, while the MAX6344 (push-pull) features an active-high RESET output. The MAX6345 (push-pull) offers both an active-low RESET-bar and an active-high RESET output. The MAX6342/MAX6343/MAX6344 also include a debounced manual reset. These devices consume only 25µA supply current and the reset outputs are guaranteed valid to 1.0V. The company's Web site address is http://www.maxim.com/. [Reprinted with kind permission from Maxim]