Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6068AEUR

Overview

MAX6068AEUR from Maxim Integrated is a precision, low-dropout, micropower series voltage reference delivering 1.800V ±0.17% (max) initial accuracy with 20ppm/°C (max) temperature coefficient over –40°C to +85°C. It sources up to 5mA or sinks 2mA, draws only 90µA typical supply current, and operates down to 2.5V input-ideal for battery-powered ADC biasing and portable 1.8V system regulation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6068AEUR datasheet, MAX6068AEUR pinout, MAX6068AEUR application, or MAX6068AEUR equivalent, key selection criteria include its ultra-low quiescent current, dropout voltage ≤200mV at 1mA, absence of required output capacitor, stable operation with capacitive loads, and SOT23-3 footprint compatibility in space-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The MAX6068AEUR employs a proprietary curvature-correction circuit and laser-trimmed thin-film resistors to achieve high initial accuracy and low thermal drift. Its internal compensation eliminates need for external stabilization capacitors, reducing board area and component count.

As a three-terminal series-mode reference, it features supply-current independence (≤8µA/V variation), enabling consistent power efficiency across input voltages from 2.5V to 12.6V-unlike shunt-mode alternatives requiring external bias resistors and exhibiting voltage-dependent current draw.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6068AEUR is housed in a 3-pin SOT23-3 package (JEDEC MO-178AA), with 1.3mm × 0.8mm footprint and 0.95mm height - optimized for ultra-dense portable PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with REF3018AIDBZR and ADR3418ARJZ-R7, MAX6068AEUR uniquely balances sourcing/sinking capability, ultra-low IQ, tight tempco, and minimal 3-pin footprint-making it optimal for space- and power-constrained 1.8V reference applications where bidirectional load support is required.

Availability

MAX6068AEUR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable battery-powered systems, precision ADC reference biasing, and 1.8V system regulation requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for MAX6068AEUR 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

Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The MAX6061–MAX6068 family was designed specifically for micropower, low-dropout, high-accuracy voltage referencing in battery-critical and space-constrained applications-emphasizing zero-output-capacitor operation and supply-independent current draw.

FAQ

What is the maximum load current the MAX6068AEUR can source or sink?

The MAX6068AEUR can source up to 5mA and sink up to 2mA while maintaining specified accuracy and stability. This bidirectional capability eliminates the need for external buffers in applications like dual-supply ADC references or active termination networks. The MAX6068AEUR's ability to both source and sink current distinguishes it from many single-direction references and directly supports dynamic load conditions in precision analog circuits.

Does the MAX6068AEUR require an external output capacitor for stability?

No, the MAX6068AEUR is internally compensated and does not require an external output capacitor for stability-even with capacitive loads up to several microfarads. This design eliminates a common BOM item and saves PCB area. While optional output capacitance (≥0.1µF) improves transient response under step-load conditions, the MAX6068AEUR remains stable and functional with no capacitor installed, a key advantage in ultra-miniaturized designs.

What is the minimum input voltage required for the MAX6068AEUR to regulate at 1.800V?

The MAX6068AEUR requires a minimum input voltage of 2.5V to maintain regulation at its nominal 1.800V output. Its maximum dropout voltage is 200mV at 1mA load, meaning it can sustain regulation down to VIN = VOUT + 200mV = 2.0V under light loads-but the guaranteed operational range starts at 2.5V per the datasheet's absolute minimum specification. This makes the MAX6068AEUR compatible with single-cell Li-ion (2.7–4.2V) and two-cell NiMH (2.4–3.0V) supplies.

How does the MAX6068AEUR's temperature coefficient compare to other 1.8V references?

The MAX6068AEUR achieves a maximum temperature coefficient of 20ppm/°C over –40°C to +85°C, matching top-tier performance for SOT23-packaged references. This is half the drift of standard references like REF3018AIDBZR (50ppm/°C) and competitive with higher-cost 5-pin alternatives. The MAX6068AEUR's curvature-correction circuit and laser-trimmed resistors enable this low drift without sacrificing micropower operation or requiring external components.

Is the MAX6068AEUR pin-compatible with other devices in the MAX6061–MAX6068 family?

Yes, all MAX6061–MAX6068 variants-including MAX6068AEUR-share identical 3-pin SOT23-3 pinout (IN, OUT, GND) and mechanical footprint. This allows direct substitution between output voltage options (e.g., 1.25V, 1.8V, 2.5V) without PCB redesign. However, electrical behavior-including input voltage range, load regulation, and noise-varies by output voltage; always verify specifications for the exact variant in your design. The MAX6068AEUR's pin compatibility simplifies voltage-scaling across product families.