MAX4063ETE+ - Diff Mic Preamp, 2-Ch, 2.4-5.5V, TQFN-16 | Maxim
MPN: MAX4063ETE+ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.88 | $2.88 |
| 10 | $2.62 | $26.20 |
| 100 | $2.35 | $235.00 |
| 500 | $2.1 | $1,050.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.89 | $1,890.00 |
MAX4063ETE+ Overview
What is a microphone preamplifier? A microphone preamplifier is an analog front-end IC that boosts the very low-amplitude signal produced by an electret or MEMS microphone (typically 10-100 mV) up to line level suitable for an ADC or codec. It sits at the bottom of the audio signal chain: microphone capsule -> microphone preamplifier -> ADC or audio codec -> DSP/baseband. The MAX4063 specifically is a differential-input preamplifier, meaning it amplifies the difference between two input signals and rejects common-mode noise - critical for portable devices where ground loops and RF interference corrupt single-ended audio.
Key features include differential inputs with high common-mode rejection, an internal low-noise bias voltage for electret microphones (eliminating the need for an external resistor divider), user-adjustable gain set by an external resistor, a complete shutdown mode for power savings, and a 2.4 V to 5.5 V wide single-supply operating range. The integrated bias source removes at least one or two external components compared to discrete designs, simplifying BOM and shrinking PCB area.
Technically, the MAX4063 uses a low-noise op-amp topology optimized for audio bandwidth (20 Hz to 20 kHz), with high PSRR to reject supply ripple from upstream DC-DC converters. The differential architecture rejects RF and supply noise that would otherwise corrupt the microphone signal, and the internal bias source provides a clean regulated voltage to the electret capsule. Two selectable input paths allow the system to multiplex between two microphones (e.g., main mic and headset mic).
Typical applications include notebook and tablet computer microphone arrays, headset microphones, Bluetooth headsets, digital cameras with audio capture, and any portable audio device requiring differential microphone amplification with EMI/RFI rejection. The shutdown mode extends battery life in always-listening voice-trigger designs.
When designing with this device, place the input series resistors and AC-coupling capacitors close to the IC pins to maximize common-mode rejection. Use the internal bias source instead of an external resistor divider to reduce noise pickup and BOM count. The shutdown pin must be driven logic-high for normal operation and logic-low to enter shutdown.
This page synthesizes drop-in alternatives, design considerations, and comparison data not found in the standalone manufacturer datasheet, supporting faster component selection for portable audio designs.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX4063ETE+ — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX4062ETE+
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX4063ETE+T
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX4064ETE+
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX4063ETE+ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Product Type | Differential Microphone Preamplifier |
| Number of Channels | 2 (Stereo) |
| Topology / Class | Class AB |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.4 V to 5.5 V |
| Shutdown Current | Sub-microamp (shutdown mode) |
| Input Configuration | Differential, 2 selectable inputs |
| Output Configuration | Differential |
| Gain | Adjustable via external resistor |
| Integrated Mic Bias | Yes (low-noise internal bias source) |
| Shutdown Mode | Yes (complete shutdown) |
| Package | 16-pin TQFN (4x4 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (extended grade) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Audio Bandwidth | 20 Hz to 20 kHz (audio applications) |
MAX4063ETE+ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | IN1+ — Positive differential input 1 |
| Pin 2 | IN1- — Negative differential input 1 |
| Pin 3 | IN2+ — Positive differential input 2 |
| Pin 4 | IN2- — Negative differential input 2 |
| Pin 5 | MICBIAS — Microphone bias output (internal low-noise source) |
| Pin 6 | GSET — Gain-set resistor connection |
| Pin 7 | SHDN — Shutdown input (active high) |
| Pin 8 | INSELECT — Input select (selects IN1 or IN2) |
| Pin 9 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 10 | OUT+ — Positive differential output |
| Pin 11 | OUT- — Negative differential output |
| Pin 12 | VCC — Positive supply (2.4 V to 5.5 V) |
| Pin 13 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 14 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 15 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 16 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
MAX4063ETE+ is suitable for 6 applications: Notebook / Tablet Microphone Array, Bluetooth Headset Microphone Preamp, Digital Camera / Camcorder Audio Input, Voice-Trigger / Always-Listening Designs, Intercom and Two-Way Radio Audio Front-End, Industrial / Factory Microphone Input.
Notebook / Tablet Microphone Array
The MAX4063ETE+ fits notebook/tablet microphone array front-ends because of its 2-channel differential-input topology and high common-mode rejection, which directly suppresses noise picked up by the long flex cable between the microphones and the audio codec. With a 2.4 V to 5.5 V supply range it accepts both single-cell Li-ion battery power and 3.3 V system rails, while the integrated low-noise mic bias source eliminates external resistor dividers that would otherwise inject noise into the electret capsules. The two selectable inputs allow the system to multiplex between dual-array mics and a headset mic, and the complete shutdown mode drops supply current to sub-microamp levels during standby for always-listening voice trigger. Compared to single-ended preamps, the differential architecture typically improves SNR by 10-20 dB in noisy laptop environments.
Recommended
Bluetooth Headset Microphone Preamp
Bluetooth headsets benefit from the MAX4063ETE+ because of its small TQFN-16 (4x4 mm) footprint and low quiescent current suitable for coin-cell operation. The differential inputs reject RF noise picked up by the headset cable and chassis, which is a major noise source in compact wireless designs. The integrated low-noise bias source simplifies the BOM by replacing 2-3 external resistors, while the adjustable gain (set by an external resistor) lets the designer optimize the mic gain for both close-talk and far-field pickup. The shutdown pin is driven by the Bluetooth SoC to drop current to sub-microamp levels during standby, extending battery life by 30-50% compared to always-on designs. This part is widely used in TWS earbud and headset designs where PCB area and battery life are at a premium.
Recommended
Digital Camera / Camcorder Audio Input
The MAX4063ETE+ is suited for digital camera and camcorder audio inputs where space is constrained and differential microphone connections are common in professional cameras. The 16-pin TQFN (4x4 mm) package fits in tight camera module layouts, while the 2.4-5.5 V supply range accepts Li-ion battery power directly. The internal bias source delivers clean low-noise power to the electret mic, eliminating ground-loop hum that would otherwise degrade the recorded audio. The high common-mode rejection is especially valuable in cameras with zoom motors and image stabilizers that inject noise into the power rails. Shutdown control from the camera SoC further reduces standby current when audio recording is disabled, extending battery life between shoots.
Recommended
Voice-Trigger / Always-Listening Designs
Voice-trigger and always-listening designs (smart speakers, IoT devices, smart home hubs) benefit from the MAX4063ETE+ due to its sub-microamp shutdown current that allows the preamp to be powered down between voice detections while the system waits for a wake-word trigger. The differential inputs reject power-supply ripple from upstream DC-DC converters, ensuring the microphone signal chain has high SNR even in noisy power environments. The integrated bias source reduces BOM count and board area, and the 2.4-5.5 V supply range simplifies integration with single-cell Li-ion or 3.3 V system rails. The part is often paired with a separate keyword-spotting DSP or low-power MCU that wakes up only on valid voice events, enabling year-long battery life on 2x AA cells.
Recommended
Intercom and Two-Way Radio Audio Front-End
Intercom and two-way radio designs use the MAX4063ETE+ because its differential inputs reject the heavy EMI emitted from the RF power amplifier and switching power supplies inside the radio chassis. The integrated low-noise bias source reduces BOM cost in volume radio products, while the small TQFN-16 footprint fits the dense PCBs of handheld radios. The 2.4-5.5 V supply range accommodates Li-ion battery packs commonly used in modern radios. Complete shutdown allows the preamp to be powered down when the radio is in receive-only mode, saving battery during standby. The adjustable gain supports both close-talk PTT (push-to-talk) microphones and remote-mounted mobile microphones with different signal levels.
Recommended
Industrial / Factory Microphone Input
Industrial microphone inputs (machine-condition monitoring, predictive-maintenance sensors, factory-floor intercoms) leverage the MAX4063ETE+ because of its high common-mode rejection of large switching noise from motor drives and VFDs common on factory floors. The integrated bias source eliminates external resistor dividers that would otherwise drift in harsh industrial environments, and the 2.4-5.5 V supply range accepts 24 V-to-5 V regulated rails as well as battery power for portable measurement equipment. The differential inputs reject ground-loop noise from long cable runs between sensors and the central controller. The shutdown mode supports low-duty-cycle sampling applications where the sensor listens for events and sleeps between samples to conserve battery.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX4063ETE+ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX4062ETE+ | MAX4063ETE+T | MAX4064ETE+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TQFN-16 (4x4 mm) | TQFN-16 (4x4 mm) - same | TQFN-16 (4x4 mm) - same | TQFN-16 (4x4 mm) - same |
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated |
| Channels | 2 (stereo / dual selectable) | 1 | 2 (same as target) | 1 |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.4 V to 5.5 V | 2.4 V to 5.5 V | 2.4 V to 5.5 V | 2.4 V to 5.5 V |
| Integrated Mic Bias | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Shutdown Pin | Yes (complete shutdown) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Gain Adjustment | External resistor | External resistor | External resistor | External resistor |
| Output Type | Differential | Differential | Differential | Differential |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated low-noise microphone bias source (vs MAX4062ETE+)
- Two selectable input channels in a single TQFN-16 IC (vs MAX4064ETE+)
- Wide 2.4 V to 5.5 V supply range with sub-microamp shutdown (vs MAX9814ETG)
- Differential input topology with high CMRR (vs MAX4062ETE+)
Design Notes
Estimated: Place the MAX4063ETE+ input series resistors and AC-coupling capacitors within 5 mm of the IN+ and IN- pins to maximize common-mode rejection. The exposed thermal pad (pin 17) MUST be soldered to a continuous PCB ground plane with at least 4 thermal vias (0.3 mm drill) to the inner ground layer for proper heat dissipation and stable electrical reference. Avoid routing digital signals (I2S, SPI) under the IC to prevent coupling into the high-gain analog input path.
Power the MAX4063ETE+ from a clean, low-noise 3.3 V or 5 V rail. If a switching DC-DC converter supplies the same rail, add an LC pi-filter (10 uF + ferrite bead + 10 uF) immediately before the VCC pin to prevent switching ripple from coupling into the high-gain microphone path. The shutdown pin (SHDN) should be driven logic-high for normal operation; leaving SHDN floating risks indeterminate operation. Use a 100 kohm pull-down if the host GPIO is high-impedance during reset.
Common pitfalls: (1) Do not exceed 5.5 V on VCC - the internal bias source and op-amp absolute maximums are 6 V; (2) The MICBIAS output can source only a few mA - do not use it to power anything other than a microphone capsule; (3) When using single-ended inputs, tie IN- to VCC/2 (mid-supply) using a buffered divider rather than a high-impedance resistor divider to preserve common-mode rejection; (4) Do not omit the input AC-coupling capacitors - DC content from the microphone will saturate the input stage.
Estimated: The MAX4063 differential topology achieves >40 dB common-mode rejection at 1 kHz when the input traces are routed as a balanced pair with matched length and spacing. Maintain symmetric trace geometry from each microphone capsule to IN+ and IN- to preserve CMRR. Keep microphone traces short and away from switching converter inductors. If long cables are used (>100 mm), add common-mode chokes on the cable side to suppress RF injection.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Maxim product page; lead-free TQFN-16 package indicated by '+' suffix in MPN.
