Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated LM4050CEX3-5.0+T

Overview

LM4050CEX3-5.0+T from Analog Devices is a precision 5.000 V, ±0.5% initial accuracy, 50 ppm/°C max temperature coefficient shunt voltage reference in a 3-pin SC70 package. It operates over -40°C to +125°C with 60 µA to 15 mA shunt current capability and requires no external capacitor for stability. It serves as a stable reference in battery-powered instrumentation and high-reliability automotive sensor signal conditioning.

For engineers reviewing the LM4050CEX3-5.0+T datasheet, LM4050CEX3-5.0+T pinout, LM4050CEX3-5.0+T application, or LM4050CEX3-5.0+T equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 5.000 V reverse breakdown voltage at ±0.5% tolerance, ultra-small SC70 footprint, micropower operation down to 60 µA, low 80 µV_RMS wideband noise (10 Hz–10 kHz), and AEC-Q100 qualification for automotive use.

Technical Context

The LM4050CEX3-5.0+T implements a laser-trimmed bandgap shunt reference architecture, delivering fixed 5.000 V reverse breakdown voltage with guaranteed ±0.5% initial accuracy and ≤50 ppm/°C temperature coefficient across –40°C to +125°C. Its two-terminal configuration simplifies biasing in high-side sensing and isolated feedback loops.

It maintains regulation without output capacitance and tolerates arbitrary capacitive loads due to inherent low dynamic impedance (≤1.1 Ω at 1 mA) and stable frequency response up to 1 MHz. The device clamps to ~0.7 V below ground under forward conduction (≤10 mA), enabling bidirectional protection in mixed-polarity circuits.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM4050CEX3-5.0+T is housed in a 3-pin SC70 surface-mount package (1.8 mm × 1.8 mm), 50% smaller than SOT23. Pin 3 is unconnected (N.C.) and must be left floating or tied to Pin 2.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TL4050C50IDBZR, LM4050CEX3-5.0+T saves 50% board area and adds AEC-Q100 compliance; compared with ADR3450ARJZ-R7, it eliminates supply current dependency and supports true two-terminal operation but trades off absolute tempco performance for shunt flexibility and lower quiescent current.

Availability

LM4050CEX3-5.0+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, automotive cabin pressure sensors, industrial data acquisition modules, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply with automotive-grade reliability and ultra-compact packaging.

Supply support for LM4050CEX3-5.0+T 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, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, headquartered in Wilmington, MA.

The LM4050/LM4051 family was designed specifically for space-constrained, high-reliability applications demanding precision shunt references with zero external components - targeting portable instrumentation, automotive sensing, and industrial process control.

FAQ

What is the guaranteed reverse breakdown voltage tolerance for LM4050CEX3-5.0+T over its full operating temperature range?

The LM4050CEX3-5.0+T guarantees ±1.0% total tolerance over –40°C to +125°C, combining ±0.5% initial accuracy and ±50 ppm/°C temperature coefficient. At 5.000 V output, this equates to ±50 mV maximum deviation across temperature, confirmed in Electrical Characteristics Table on page 7 of the Analog Devices datasheet.

Can LM4050CEX3-5.0+T operate stably without an external output capacitor?

Yes - LM4050CEX3-5.0+T is explicitly designed to be stable with no external capacitor and tolerates arbitrary capacitive loads. This is verified in the "Output Capacitance" section (page 10) and confirmed by stability testing across 0–1 µF output capacitance in typical operating characteristics (Figures 14–15).

Is LM4050CEX3-5.0+T qualified for automotive applications?

Yes - LM4050CEX3-5.0+T is AEC-Q100 qualified, as stated in the Features section (page 1) and Ordering Information table (page 13). It meets stress testing requirements for Grade 1 (–40°C to +125°C) operation and is approved for use in automotive cabin and powertrain subsystems.

What is the minimum shunt current required for regulation in LM4050CEX3-5.0+T?

The LM4050CEX3-5.0+T requires a minimum shunt current of 60 µA to maintain regulation, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table (page 7) under "Minimum Operating Current". This value is guaranteed across –40°C to +125°C and enables ultra-low-power operation in battery-backed systems.

How does the SC70 package of LM4050CEX3-5.0+T compare in size to the SOT23 variant?

The LM4050CEX3-5.0+T uses a 3-pin SC70 package measuring 1.8 mm × 1.8 mm, which is 50% smaller than the standard 3-pin SOT23 package (2.9 mm × 1.6 mm) used by variants like LM4050CEM3-5.0+T - a key differentiator for high-density portable and wearable electronics designs.