Analog Devices Inc. AD581SH

Overview

AD581SH from Analog Devices is a hermetically sealed, 3-pin TO-5 metal-can, temperature-compensated band gap voltage reference delivering a precise +10.000 V ±5 mV output over −55°C to +125°C, with 10 ppm/°C max temperature coefficient, 25 ppm/1000 hrs long-term stability, and 10 mA source capability - used as primary reference for high-resolution ADCs and DACs in aerospace and industrial control systems.

For engineers reviewing the AD581SH datasheet, AD581SH pinout, AD581SH application, or AD581SH equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, thermal performance boundaries, negative-reference configuration details, load regulation behavior, and MIL-qualified packaging context - all confirmed from Analog Devices Rev. C datasheet and ordering guide.

Technical Context

The AD581SH employs laser-wafer-trimmed band gap architecture to simultaneously calibrate initial accuracy and temperature coefficient, eliminating need for external trim components while achieving monolithic stability previously limited to hybrid or oven-controlled modules. Its internal buffer amplifier enables 10 mA sourcing at <1 mA quiescent current.

It operates from 13 V to 30 V unregulated input, supports 2-pin Zener-mode −10 V reference generation with one external resistor, and maintains guaranteed error bands (±10 mV initial + ±10 mV temp drift = ±20 mV total) across full military temperature range without recalibration.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AD581SH is housed in a hermetically sealed 3-pin TO-5 metal can (package option H-03B), with case grounded. The package provides robust EMI shielding, moisture resistance, and thermal stability required for extended-life military and space applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar precision voltage reference applications.

Compared with REF5010QPWRQ1 and MAX6126AASA10+, the AD581SH uniquely combines hermetic TO-5 packaging, MIL-STD-883 qualification, −10 V Zener-mode capability, and guaranteed 10 ppm/°C performance across −55°C to +125°C - making it irreplaceable in legacy aerospace designs and new programs requiring proven radiation-tolerant construction.

Availability

AD581SH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace telemetry, industrial PLC analog I/O, military radar signal processing, and medical imaging front-end applications requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for AD581SH includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving precision instrumentation, communications, and industrial markets since 1965.

The AD581SH belongs to Analog Devices' precision voltage reference product line, engineered specifically for high-stability, low-drift applications in harsh-environment systems where long-term calibration integrity and MIL-grade reliability are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the guaranteed total output voltage error of AD581SH over its full operating temperature range?

The AD581SH guarantees ±5 mV initial error at +25°C and ±10 mV maximum deviation over −55°C to +125°C, resulting in a total error band of ±15 mV. This is confirmed in Table 2 of the Rev. C datasheet under "OUTPUT VOLTAGE CHANGE" for the AD581U grade, which shares identical specifications with AD581SH except for screening level. The AD581SH inherits the same 10 ppm/°C tempco and long-term stability metrics.

Can AD581SH be used to generate a −10 V reference, and what external component is required?

Yes, AD581SH can operate in 2-pin Zener mode to produce a precision −10 V reference. As shown in Figure 13 of the datasheet, +VS and VOUT pins are shorted together and connected to system ground, while GND is connected through a series resistor (e.g., 1.2 kΩ) to a negative supply rail such as −15 V. The −10 V output is taken from the GND pin. This configuration maintains the same temperature coefficient and long-term stability as the standard 3-pin mode.

Is AD581SH compatible with 12-bit DACs like the AD565A, and how does it affect full-scale temperature coefficient?

Yes, AD581SH is explicitly recommended for use with the AD565A 12-bit DAC. Per Page 10 of the datasheet, pairing AD581SH (10 ppm/°C) with AD565A's internal resistors (3 ppm/°C TC) yields a guaranteed maximum full-scale temperature coefficient of 13 ppm/°C - well within acceptable limits for precision industrial control loops. The AD581SH's low noise and tight initial tolerance further minimize differential nonlinearity errors.

What is the minimum input voltage required for AD581SH to maintain regulation, and how is it achieved?

AD581SH maintains regulation down to 11.4 V when used with an external current-sink resistor, as detailed in Product Highlight #4 and Figure 11. With the standard 3-pin configuration, regulation is specified from 13 V to 30 V. The 11.4 V capability arises from the device's ability to sink up to 5 mA - enabling operation from a reduced primary supply by diverting excess current away from the reference core while preserving output accuracy.

Does AD581SH require any external capacitors or trimming components for basic operation?

No, AD581SH requires no external components for basic 3-pin operation. As stated in the General Description and Figure 2, only +VS, GND, and VOUT connections are needed. The laser-trimmed band gap design achieves full accuracy without external capacitors, resistors, or trims. Optional fine-trim circuits (e.g., Figure 3) exist for sub-millivolt calibration but are not necessary for standard ±5 mV performance.