Analog Devices Inc. AD581TH

Overview

AD581TH 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, 1.0 mA max quiescent current, and 5 mA source capability - used as a primary reference for high-resolution ADCs and DACs in aerospace and industrial control systems.

For engineers reviewing the AD581TH datasheet, AD581TH pinout, AD581TH application, or AD581TH equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, real-world use cases, pin-level design meaning, and validated alternative options - all grounded in Analog Devices' Rev. C datasheet and MIL-qualified product documentation.

Technical Context

The AD581TH employs laser wafer trimming (LWT) to simultaneously calibrate initial accuracy and temperature coefficient, enabling monolithic performance previously limited to hybrid or oven-controlled references. Its band gap core eliminates need for external compensation components while maintaining <0.2 Ω typical output impedance in 3-pin mode.

It operates from 13 V to 30 V unregulated input, supports both sourcing (5 mA over full temp range) and sinking (200 μA min, up to 5 mA at −55°C to +85°C), and features 25 ppm/1000 hrs long-term stability - with guaranteed total error of ±15 mV across −55°C to +125°C including initial tolerance and thermal drift.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AD581TH is housed in a hermetically sealed 3-pin TO-5 metal can (package option H-03B), with case grounded per MIL-STD-883 requirements. The package provides superior moisture resistance, thermal stability, and EMI shielding for harsh-environment applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD581TH, REF5010QML-SP offers lower noise and space qualification but sacrifices hermetic TO-5 robustness and −10 V configuration; ADR4510B improves initial accuracy and reduces cost but omits military temperature range and screening - making AD581TH uniquely suited for legacy aerospace and high-reliability embedded systems requiring proven metal-can reliability.

Availability

AD581TH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace data acquisition, industrial PLC analog I/O, and military radio systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long lifecycle commitments.

Supply support for AD581TH 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, industrial automation, and defense markets since 1965.

The AD581TH belongs to Analog Devices' precision voltage reference product line, engineered specifically for mission-critical applications demanding hermetic packaging, extended temperature operation, and MIL-STD-883 qualification.

FAQ

What is the guaranteed total output voltage error of AD581TH over its full operating temperature range?

The AD581TH guarantees ±5 mV initial tolerance at +25°C and ±10 mV maximum deviation over −55°C to +125°C, resulting in a total error band of ±15 mV. This includes both initial offset and thermal drift, confirmed in Table 2 of the Rev. C datasheet and validated per MIL-STD-883 test conditions.

Can AD581TH be used to generate a −10 V reference, and what are the key design constraints?

Yes, AD581TH supports 2-pin Zener-mode operation to produce −10 V: tie +VS and VOUT together to system ground, connect GND through a resistor to negative supply, and take output from GND. Net current must stay between 1 mA and 5 mA (2–5 mA above +85°C), and output impedance rises to ~2 Ω - details are in Figure 13 and "Negative 10 V Reference" section of the datasheet.

Is AD581TH pin-compatible with other AD581 variants such as AD581LH or AD581UH?

Yes, all AD581 variants - including AD581TH - share identical 3-pin TO-5 (H-03B) package, pinout (+VS/VOUT/GND), and mechanical footprint. Differences are limited to temperature range, initial tolerance, and tempco grading; no PCB layout change is required when substituting within the same package option.

What is the minimum input voltage required for AD581TH to maintain regulation, and how does load affect this?

AD581TH maintains regulation down to 13 V at full 5 mA load, per specification. With lighter loads (<1 mA), it can operate as low as 11.4 V using an external resistor - detailed in Product Highlights #4 and Figure 11. Line regulation degrades slightly below 13 V, but output remains within ±1.0 mV from 13 V to 15 V.

Does AD581TH require external capacitors for stability, and what is the recommended bypassing practice?

No external capacitor is required for basic 3-pin operation. However, a 0.1 μF ceramic capacitor from VOUT to GND is recommended when driving capacitive loads or in noisy environments - as shown in Figures 10, 13, and 15. The TO-5 metal can provides inherent EMI shielding, reducing sensitivity to board-level noise.