The MAX7490/MAX7491 consist of two identical low-power, low-voltage, wide dynamic range, Rail-to-Rail, 2nd-order switched-capacitor building blocks. Each of the two filter sections, together with two to four external resistors, can generate all standard 2nd-order functions: bandpass, lowpass, highpass, and notch (band reject). Three of these functions are simultaneously available. Fourth-order filters can be obtained by cascading the two 2nd-order filter sections. Similarly, higher order filters can easily be created by cascading multiple MAX7490/MAX7491s.

Two clocking options are available: self-clocking (through the use of an external capacitor) or external clocking for tighter cutoff frequency control. The clock-to-center frequency ratio is 100:1. Sampling is done at twice the clock frequency, further separating the cutoff frequency and Nyquist frequency.

The MAX7490/MAX7491 have an internal rail splitter that establishes a precise common voltage needed for single-supply operation. The MAX7490 operates from a single +5V supply and the MAX7491 operates from a single +3V supply. Both devices feature a low-power shutdown mode and come in a 16-pin QSOP package.