Fault-Protected, High-Voltage
Signal-Line Protectors
Protectors as Circuit Elements
Each of the protectors in a MAX4506/MAX4507 may be
used as a switched resistor, independent of the func-
tions of other elements in the same package. For exam-
ple, Figure 4 shows a MAX4506 with two of the
protectors used to protect the input of an op amp, and
the third element used to sequence a power supply.
Combining the circuits of Figures 3 and 4 produces a
delayed action on the switched +15V, as well as
smooth application of signals to the amplifier input.
Figure 5 shows MAX4506 used in front of a MAX338
unprotected 1-to-8 multiplexer. With supplies at ±15V,
VOUT of the MAX4506 clamps to ±15V; VOUT of the
MAX338 goes to ±14V. With supplies off, VOUT goes to
0V while the inputs remain at ±25V.
SWITCHED +15V
MAX4506
V+ 8
1 IN1
OUT1 7
2 IN2
OUT2 6
3 IN3
4 V-
OUT3 5
P
+15V
100kΩ
OP AMP
-15V
Figure 4. Power-Supply Sequencing
Use the MAX4506 with a MAX338 to enhance voltage
handling capability (Figure 6). The MAX4506 and
MAX338 share almost equal voltage drops in this con-
figuration. For example, applying ±40V on pins 1 and 2
of the MAX4506 causes a voltage drop of about 26V
across pin 1 of the MAX4506 to pin 4 of the MAX338,
and a voltage drop of about 28V across pin 4 of the
MAX4506 to pin 8 of the MAX338. Similarly, there is a
26V drop from pin 2 of the MAX4506 to pin 5 of the
MAX338. The system’s performance exceeds each
individual part’s specification because of shared volt-
age drops.
Multiplexer and Demultiplexer
As shown in Figure 7, the MAX4506 can be used in
series with the output of a MAX4508 (1-to-8 multiplexer)
to act as multiplexer or demultiplexer. The MAX4508 is a
fault-protected multiplexer whose inputs are designed to
interface with harsh environments; however, its common
output is not fault protected if connected to outside sig-
nals (i.e., demultiplexer use). If the common output can
see fault signals, then it needs to be protected, and the
MAX4506 can be added to provide complete protection.
+40V
1
7
-40V
2
6
MAX4506
VOUT = -14V
4
8
10kΩ
5
MAX338
Figure 6. SPDT Switch Application
+25V 1
-25V 2
3
-15V 4
+3V
OV
1 AO
A1 16
+5V 2 EN
-5V 3 V-
A2 15
GND 14
8 +15V
4 NO1 MAX338 V+ 13 +15V
MAX4506
7
6
5
RL
5 NO2
6 NO3
7 NO4
8 VOUT
NO5 12
NO6 11
NO7 10
NO9 9
NEW COM
1
2
3
-15V 4
O
MAX4506
+3V
1 AO
A1 16
+5V 2 EN
-15V 3 V-
A2 15
GND 14
8 +15V 4 NO1 MAX4508 V+ 13 +15V
7
5 NO2
NO5 12
6
6 NO3
NO6 11
7 NO4
NO7 10
5
8 COM
NO9 9
Figure 5. Protecting a MAX338 with a MAX4506
Figure 7. Multiplexer and Demultiplexer Application Using
MAX4506 (or MAX4507) with MAX4508
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