Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6120ESA+
- Part No.:
- MAX6120ESA+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX6120ESA+.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SERIES 1% 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:109
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Product details
Overview
MAX6120ESA+ from Maxim Integrated is a micropower, precision 3-terminal 1.2V voltage reference in SOT23-3 package, designed for ultra-low-power battery systems. It delivers ±1% initial accuracy, 30ppm/°C typical temperature coefficient, and 50µA typical supply current independent of input voltage - enabling stable reference operation across 2.4V–11V supply range in portable instrumentation.
For engineers reviewing the MAX6120ESA+ datasheet, MAX6120ESA+ pinout, MAX6120ESA+ application, or MAX6120ESA+ equivalent, key selection criteria include supply-current independence from VIN, guaranteed tempco <100ppm/°C over –40°C to +85°C, and compatibility with low-noise data-acquisition signal chains requiring sub-1.25V reference stability.
Technical Context
The MAX6120ESA+ employs a bandgap-based reference core optimized for minimal quiescent current and high line regulation (4.3µV/V). Its 3-terminal architecture separates input (VIN), ground (GND), and output (VOUT), eliminating external series resistors required by shunt references.
It operates down to 2.4V supply while maintaining 1.2V output with load regulation of 0.1–1µV/µA and PSRR >40dB up to 10kHz. Output noise is 50µVP-P (0.1Hz–10Hz), supporting high-resolution ADC/DAC biasing without external filtering.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 1.2V ±1.2% (±1% initial accuracy over –40°C to +85°C) |
| Supply Current | 50µA typical, 70µA max - constant across 2.4V–11V input, enabling predictable battery life |
| Tempco | 30ppm/°C typical, <100ppm/°C guaranteed - ensures ≤±0.9mV drift over full temperature range |
| Input Voltage Range | 2.4V to 11V - supports single-cell Li-ion, dual-cell alkaline, and regulated 3.3V/5V rails |
| Load Regulation | 0.1–1µV/µA - maintains output stability under dynamic DAC or sensor bias loads |
| Output Noise | 50µVP-P (0.1Hz–10Hz) - suitable for 16-bit ADC reference without added filtering |
Pinout & Package
SOT23-3 package: 3-pin surface-mount, 1.75mm × 2.0mm footprint, 1.3mm height, JEDEC MO-178 compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VIN | Positive supply input | Accepts 2.4V–11V; decoupling with 0.1µF ceramic capacitor recommended for line-transient immunity |
| GND | Ground reference | Return path for supply current and load current; must be low-impedance connection to system ground plane |
| VOUT | Precision reference output | Delivers stable 1.2V; capacitive load limited to ≤10nF to ensure stability |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Supply current independence from VIN | Enables consistent power budgeting across battery discharge curve - no recalibration needed as VIN drops from 3.3V to 2.4V |
| Low 50µA quiescent current | Extends shelf life and operational runtime in coin-cell-powered devices beyond 10 years at 10µA average system load |
| Guaranteed tempco <100ppm/°C | Meets industrial-grade drift requirements without calibration - eliminates need for on-board temperature compensation |
| 3-pin SOT23-3 footprint | Reduces PCB area vs. SO-8 alternatives by >85%, simplifies layout in space-constrained handheld instruments |
Applications
| Battery-Powered Data Loggers | Portable Medical Sensors |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Continuous 24/7 environmental monitoring using coin-cell battery and 16-bit sigma-delta ADC. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides stable 1.2V reference for ADC conversion reference and analog front-end biasing. Use Value: 50µA supply current extends 220mAh CR2032 battery life to >5 years; ±1% initial accuracy avoids factory calibration. | Use Scenario: Wearable ECG patch with ultra-low-power analog signal chain and Bluetooth LE transmission. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Supplies precision reference for op-amp gain-setting and ADC reference in single-supply 3V system. Use Value: 30ppm/°C tempco ensures <±0.5mV error across body-temperature range (25°C–40°C), preserving diagnostic accuracy. |
| Handheld Multimeters | Industrial Loop-Powered Transmitters |
Use Scenario: 4½-digit DMM powered by two AA cells with auto-ranging analog front end. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reference source for dual-slope integrator and autoranging reference switching network. Use Value: Input voltage range (2.4V–11V) accommodates fresh-to-dead battery (3.2V–2.4V); load regulation <1µV/µA prevents range-switching errors. | Use Scenario: 4–20mA transmitter with HART modulation, powered from 12–42V loop supply. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Generates isolated 1.2V reference for microcontroller ADC and sensor excitation circuitry. Use Value: PSRR >40dB up to 10kHz rejects loop-induced ripple; 100ppm/°C max tempco satisfies IEC 61298-2 Class 1.5 accuracy requirement. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar precision voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| REF3012AIDBZR | 2.5ppm/°C max tempco, 50µA supply current, SOT23-3, but requires ≥2.2V supply and has 1.2V output only in A-grade | Better tempco for lab-grade instrumentation; tighter initial tolerance (±0.2%) but higher cost | Select when <50ppm/°C drift is mandatory and budget allows premium grade |
| ADR3412ARJZ-R7 | 35ppm/°C max tempco, 120µA supply current, same SOT23-3, ±0.1% initial accuracy | Higher accuracy and better noise performance (12µVRMS), but doubles supply current - reduces battery life | Select when absolute output accuracy outweighs micropower priority |
Compared with REF3012AIDBZR and ADR3412ARJZ-R7, the MAX6120ESA+ uniquely balances ultra-low 50µA supply current, guaranteed <100ppm/°C tempco, and industrial temperature range in a cost-optimized SOT23-3 - making it optimal for long-life battery systems where moderate accuracy suffices.
Availability
MAX6120ESA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered data loggers, portable medical sensors, handheld multimeters, and industrial loop-powered transmitters requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for MAX6120ESA+ 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) designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications applications.
The MAX6120ESA+ belongs to Maxim's micropower voltage reference product line, engineered specifically for ultra-low-quiescent-current, high-stability reference needs in space- and energy-constrained portable systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for the MAX6120ESA+?
The MAX6120ESA+ has an absolute maximum supply voltage (VIN) rating of +12V. Operation above this level risks permanent damage. For reliable long-term use, the recommended operating range is 2.4V to 11V - which covers common battery chemistries and regulated supplies. The MAX6120ESA+ maintains stable 1.2V output across this full range with minimal line regulation error (4.3µV/V).
Does the MAX6120ESA+ require an output bypass capacitor?
The MAX6120ESA+ is designed to operate stably without an output capacitor. However, if your application uses the reference to drive a capacitive load - such as the input of a DAC or SAR ADC - total output capacitance must not exceed 10nF. Exceeding this limit may cause instability or overshoot during load transients. The MAX6120ESA+ datasheet confirms stable operation with no output capacitor under standard conditions.
What is the guaranteed temperature coefficient specification for the MAX6120ESA+?
The MAX6120ESA+ guarantees a temperature coefficient of less than 100ppm/°C over the full –40°C to +85°C operating range. Typical performance is 30ppm/°C. This specification applies specifically to the SOT23-3 package variant (MAX6120ESA+), as confirmed in the device's DC electrical characteristics table. No derating or additional calibration is required to meet this spec.
Can the MAX6120ESA+ be used in a 2.4V single-cell lithium battery system?
Yes - the MAX6120ESA+ is explicitly rated for operation down to 2.4V input, making it compatible with discharged-state single-cell Li-ion or Li-polymer batteries. At 2.4V, it delivers full 1.2V output with specified accuracy and tempco. Its 50µA supply current remains constant regardless of VIN, ensuring predictable battery drain even as voltage declines from 3.3V to 2.4V during discharge.
How does the MAX6120ESA+ differ from shunt voltage references like the TL431?
Unlike shunt references such as the TL431, the MAX6120ESA+ is a 3-terminal series reference that draws fixed supply current independent of input voltage - eliminating the need for an external series resistor and avoiding wasted battery current. The MAX6120ESA+ also offers lower quiescent current (50µA vs. ~100µA minimum for TL431), tighter tempco (30ppm/°C typical vs. 50–100ppm/°C), and guaranteed performance in SOT23-3 packaging.
MAX6120ESA+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Reference Type:
- Series
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.2V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- -
- Tolerance:
- ±1%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- 100ppm/°C
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- 10µVp-p
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- 400µVp-p
- Voltage - Input:
- 2.4V ~ 11V
- Current - Supply:
- 70µA
- Current - Cathode:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
MAX6120ESA+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX6120ESA+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX6120ESA+ on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX6120ESA+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX6120ESA+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX6120ESA+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX6120ESA+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX6120ESA+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX6120ESA+?
MAX6120ESA+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX6120ESA+ order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX6120ESA+?
For technical support, including MAX6120ESA+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX6120ESA+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX6120ESA+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX6120ESA+ products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX6120ESA+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX6120ESA+?
All MAX6120ESA+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX6120ESA+, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX6120ESA+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX6120ESA+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX6120ESA+ Tags
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