My Inquiry
My Account
Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6138AEXR41-T
- Part No.:
- MAX6138AEXR41-T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- SC-70, SOT-323
- Datasheet:
-
MAX6138AEXR41-T.pdf
- Description:
- VOLTAGE REFERENCE
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:25,246
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
MAX6138AEXR41-T from Maxim Integrated is a precision two-terminal shunt-mode bandgap voltage reference with a fixed reverse breakdown voltage of 4.096V, ±0.1% initial accuracy, and 25ppm/°C max temperature coefficient over –40°C to +85°C. It delivers stable regulation across 73µA to 15mA shunt current, features 64µVRMS wideband noise (10Hz–10kHz), and operates without external output capacitance in space-constrained analog signal chains and data acquisition systems.
For engineers reviewing the MAX6138AEXR41-T datasheet, MAX6138AEXR41-T pinout, MAX6138AEXR41-T application, or MAX6138AEXR41-T equivalent, this page provides verified specifications, SC70-3 package details, real-world use cases in battery-powered instrumentation and precision ADC biasing, and validated alternative options for voltage reference selection.
Technical Context
The MAX6138AEXR41-T implements a laser-trimmed BiCMOS bandgap core to achieve 4.096V nominal reverse breakdown voltage with guaranteed 0.1% initial tolerance and ≤25ppm/°C drift over –40°C to +85°C. Its two-terminal architecture functions as a programmable current sink, maintaining regulation by dynamically adjusting shunt current (ISHUNT) between 73µA and 15mA.
It exhibits low dynamic impedance (0.5Ω typical at 1mA), stable performance with capacitive loads up to ≥1µF, and no requirement for output stabilization capacitors. The device's 64µVRMS noise floor and long-term stability of 120ppm after 1000 hours support high-resolution (≥12-bit) converter references and low-drift sensor excitation circuits.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 4.096V nominal; enables precise 12-bit DAC/ADC full-scale referencing (e.g., 4.096V = 1 LSB = 1mV for 12-bit) |
| Initial Accuracy | ±0.1% (MAX6138A grade); eliminates need for system-level calibration in portable medical sensors |
| Temp Coefficient | ≤25ppm/°C; ensures <±0.35mV drift over –40°C to +85°C, critical for industrial process controllers |
| Shunt Current Range | 73µA to 15mA; supports operation from ultra-low-power IoT nodes to high-current sensor front-ends |
| Output Noise | 64µVRMS (10Hz–10kHz); maintains SNR >95dB for 16-bit SAR ADC reference applications |
| Dynamic Impedance | 0.5Ω typical at 1mA; minimizes load-induced voltage error during fast transient current steps |
| Long-Term Stability | 120ppm after 1000h; guarantees <±0.5mV output shift over 1-year deployment in field instruments |
Pinout & Package
MAX6138AEXR41-T is housed in a 3-pin SC70-3 surface-mount package (1.8mm × 1.8mm × 0.9mm), 50% smaller than SOT23 equivalents. Pin 3 is NC (no connection) and must be left floating or tied to Pin 2 per datasheet directive.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 (+) | Positive terminal (anode) | Connects to regulated voltage node; sinks shunt current when reverse-biased |
| Pin 2 (–) | Negative terminal (cathode) | Reference ground return path; forms voltage drop across external source resistor RS |
| Pin 3 (N.C.) | No connection | Must remain unconnected or shorted to Pin 2; not internally bonded |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-small SC70-3 footprint | 1.8mm × 1.8mm area saves >50% PCB space vs. SOT23, enabling dense portable PCB layouts |
| No output capacitor required | Stable with 0–1µF capacitive loads; removes BOM cost and layout risk of external COUT |
| Low 64µVRMS noise | Enables direct coupling to 16-bit ADCs without additional filtering, reducing component count |
| Wide 73µA–15mA operating range | Supports both microamp-level battery monitoring and milliamp-level sensor excitation from one part |
| Laser-trimmed 0.1% accuracy | Eliminates factory trimming step in end-equipment production, lowering assembly cost |
Applications
| Portable Medical Sensors | Precision Data Acquisition |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered handheld blood glucose meters requiring stable 4.096V reference for 12-bit ADC conversion. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two-terminal shunt reference providing regulated voltage node for ADC VREF input. Use Value: 0.1% initial accuracy and 25ppm/°C TC ensure <±0.5mV total error over temperature, meeting ISO 15197 clinical accuracy requirements. |
Use Scenario: Industrial 4–20mA loop-powered transmitters digitizing RTD/thermocouple signals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt reference establishing precise excitation voltage for ratiometric sensor bridges. Use Value: 64µVRMS noise and 0.5Ω dynamic impedance prevent gain errors during rapid sensor sampling cycles. |
| Battery Voltage Monitoring | Programmable Logic Controller I/O Modules |
|
Use Scenario: Low-power IoT node measuring Li-ion cell voltage with 1% SOC resolution. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reference for microcontroller's internal ADC, powered directly from battery rail via series resistor. Use Value: 73µA minimum operating current allows operation down to 2.7V supply while maintaining regulation. |
Use Scenario: PLC analog input module converting 0–10V field signals to digital with 14-bit resolution. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stable reference for precision op-amp gain-setting and ADC reference in noisy industrial environments. Use Value: Stability with capacitive loads prevents oscillation when driving long PCB traces to isolation amplifiers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar shunt voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TLVH431ACDBVR | 2.5V fixed reference; 0.5% initial accuracy; 100ppm/°C TC; requires ≥100µA min current | Lower precision; suitable only where 4.096V is not required and 2.5V suffices for ADC scaling | Select only if system design permits 2.5V reference and tolerates higher drift and wider tolerance |
| ADR3440ARJZ-R7 | 4.096V series reference; 0.1% accuracy; 10ppm/°C TC; 3.6–18V supply; 4.2mA quiescent current | Three-terminal series topology; requires dedicated supply rail; higher power consumption | Choose when low-noise series architecture is preferred and board space allows SOIC-8 footprint |
Compared with TLVH431ACDBVR and ADR3440ARJZ-R7, the MAX6138AEXR41-T offers superior 4.096V matching for 12-bit systems, lower noise, and minimal PCB area-making it optimal for space- and precision-critical shunt-reference designs where supply headroom is limited.
Availability
MAX6138AEXR41-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, precision data acquisition systems, and battery voltage monitoring applications requiring stable component supply, tight initial tolerance, and minimal thermal drift.
Supply support for MAX6138AEXR41-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
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 MAX6138 family was designed as ultra-compact, high-accuracy shunt voltage references targeting space-constrained, battery-operated instrumentation and precision measurement systems demanding 4.096V compatibility.
FAQ
What is the minimum operating current for MAX6138AEXR41-T?
The MAX6138AEXR41-T requires a minimum shunt current of 73µA to maintain regulation at 4.096V across its full temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). This value is specified in the Electrical Characteristics table for the MAX6138_41 variant under IRMIN, ensuring stable operation even in ultra-low-power battery monitoring circuits where the MAX6138AEXR41-T serves as the primary voltage reference.
Does MAX6138AEXR41-T require an external output capacitor?
No, the MAX6138AEXR41-T does not require an external output capacitor for stability. It is explicitly characterized as stable with capacitive loads ranging from 0 to ≥1µF, eliminating the need for added components in compact PCB layouts. This feature is confirmed in both the General Description and Applications Information sections of the MAX6138AEXR41-T datasheet, making it ideal for space-sensitive designs where the MAX6138AEXR41-T replaces larger references needing external COUT.
What is the temperature coefficient specification for MAX6138AEXR41-T?
The MAX6138AEXR41-T has a maximum temperature coefficient of 25ppm/°C over the –40°C to +85°C operating range, as guaranteed for the MAX6138A grade. Typical performance is tighter (±4ppm/°C), but design margins must use the 25ppm/°C worst-case value. This TC ensures the MAX6138AEXR41-T's output remains within ±0.35mV of 4.096V across its full temperature span-critical for precision applications like calibrated test equipment where the MAX6138AEXR41-T provides the master reference.
Can MAX6138AEXR41-T be used in place of LM4040 or LM4050?
Yes, the MAX6138AEXR41-T is positioned as a higher-precision, smaller-footprint replacement for LM4040/LM4050 shunt references. It offers 0.1% initial accuracy versus LM4040's typical 0.5–1%, 25ppm/°C TC versus LM4040's 100ppm/°C, and fits in SC70-3 instead of SOT23. However, pinout differs: MAX6138AEXR41-T uses Pin 1 (+), Pin 2 (–), Pin 3 (NC), whereas LM4040 uses cathode/anode/NC in different order-so PCB redesign is required when substituting MAX6138AEXR41-T for LM4040.
What is the maximum shunt current rating for MAX6138AEXR41-T?
The absolute maximum shunt current for MAX6138AEXR41-T is 20mA, per Absolute Maximum Ratings. For reliable continuous operation, the recommended maximum is 15mA, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics tables. Exceeding 15mA risks exceeding the 174mW power dissipation limit in SC70-3 at elevated ambient temperatures, potentially causing thermal instability or long-term drift. Designers must size the source resistor RS to keep ISHUNT ≤15mA under worst-case supply and load conditions when using MAX6138AEXR41-T.
MAX6138AEXR41-T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- SC-70, SOT-323
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Reference Type:
- Shunt
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 4.096V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 15 mA
- Tolerance:
- ±0.1%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- 25ppm/°C
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- -
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- 64µVrms
- Voltage - Input:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Current - Cathode:
- 73 µA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SC-70-3
MAX6138AEXR41-T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX6138AEXR41-T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX6138AEXR41-T 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 MAX6138AEXR41-T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX6138AEXR41-T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX6138AEXR41-T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX6138AEXR41-T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX6138AEXR41-T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX6138AEXR41-T?
MAX6138AEXR41-T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX6138AEXR41-T 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 MAX6138AEXR41-T?
For technical support, including MAX6138AEXR41-T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX6138AEXR41-T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX6138AEXR41-T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX6138AEXR41-T 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 MAX6138AEXR41-T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX6138AEXR41-T?
All MAX6138AEXR41-T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX6138AEXR41-T, 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 MAX6138AEXR41-T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX6138AEXR41-T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX6138AEXR41-T Tags
-
TL431AIDBZR
Texas Instruments
-
TL431BQDBZR
Texas Instruments
-
AN431AN-ATRG1
Diodes Incorporated
-
LM4040CYM3-2.5-TR
Microchip Technology
-
LM4040CYM3-4.1-TR
Microchip Technology
-
LM4040EIM3-2.5/NOPB
Texas Instruments
-
AZ431LBNTR-G1
Diodes Incorporated
-
LM4040D20IDBZR
Texas Instruments
-
LM4041DIM3-ADJ/NOPB
Texas Instruments
-
LM4040DIM3X-2.5/NOPB
Texas Instruments
-
LM4040DIM3-2.5/NOPB
Texas Instruments
-
AZ431LANTR-G1
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
