Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6138BEXR12
- Part No.:
- MAX6138BEXR12
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- SC-70, SOT-323
- Datasheet:
-
MAX6138BEXR12.pdf
- Description:
- VOLTAGE REFERENCE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,380
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Product details
Overview
MAX6138BEXR12 from Maxim Integrated is a precision two-terminal shunt-mode bandgap voltage reference with 1.2205V reverse breakdown voltage, 0.2% initial accuracy, and 25ppm/°C max temperature coefficient in a 3-pin SC70 package. It delivers stable reference voltage for ADC/DAC biasing, sensor excitation, and portable power monitoring circuits operating from -40°C to +85°C.
For engineers reviewing the MAX6138BEXR12 datasheet, MAX6138BEXR12 pinout, MAX6138BEXR12 application, or MAX6138BEXR12 equivalent, key selection factors include its 60µA–15mA shunt-current range, no-output-capacitor requirement, low 28µVRMS noise (10Hz–10kHz), and compatibility with capacitive loads in space-constrained battery-powered systems.
Technical Context
The MAX6138BEXR12 uses laser-trimmed resistors and BiCMOS process technology to achieve precise bandgap-based voltage regulation without external compensation. Its two-terminal architecture simplifies layout by eliminating a dedicated supply rail, relying instead on reverse-biased operation between anode and cathode.
It maintains regulation across a wide shunt current range (60µA to 15mA) while exhibiting low dynamic impedance (≤0.8Ω at 1mA) and guaranteed long-term stability of ≤120ppm over 1000 hours. Temperature performance is specified over -40°C to +85°C with ±4ppm/°C typical TC.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 1.2205V fixed reverse breakdown voltage - sets precise reference level for 12-bit+ data converters and low-voltage analog sensing. |
| Initial Accuracy | ±0.2% at +25°C - enables single-point calibration in portable instrumentation without trimming. |
| Temp Coefficient | ≤25ppm/°C over -40°C to +85°C - ensures <±0.25mV drift across industrial temperature range. |
| Shunt Current Range | 60µA to 15mA - supports ultra-low-power sleep modes and high-accuracy active operation in same design. |
| Output Noise | 28µVRMS (10Hz–10kHz) - minimizes quantization error in precision 16-bit+ SAR and delta-sigma ADCs. |
| Dynamic Impedance | ≤0.8Ω at 1mA - provides fast load-transient response (<4µs settling) for dynamic biasing applications. |
| Long-Term Stability | ≤120ppm after 1000h - reduces recalibration frequency in field-deployed measurement equipment. |
Pinout & Package
Package: SC70-3 (1.8mm × 1.8mm, 0.95mm height), surface-mount, RoHS-compliant. Pin 3 is NC and must be left floating or tied to Pin 2.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 (+) | Anode / Positive Terminal | Connects to system ground or low-impedance return path; forms cathode-to-anode reverse bias for regulation. |
| Pin 2 (-) | Cathode / Negative Terminal | Connected to regulated voltage node; sinks shunt current to maintain 1.2205V across load. |
| Pin 3 (N.C.) | No Connection | Must remain unconnected or shorted to Pin 2; no internal connection - avoids parasitic coupling in high-PSRR designs. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-small SC70-3 package | 1.8mm × 1.8mm footprint - saves >50% board area vs. SOT23 alternatives in wearables and hearing aids. |
| No output capacitor required | Stable with 0–1µF capacitive loads - eliminates BOM cost and layout risk in compact DC-DC feedback networks. |
| Low wideband noise | 28µVRMS (10Hz–10kHz) - directly improves ENOB in battery-powered medical ECG front-ends. |
| Wide shunt current range | 60µA min / 15mA max - allows single reference to serve both µA-scale sleep states and mA-scale active conversion. |
| Laser-trimmed accuracy | 0.2% initial tolerance - reduces production test time and eliminates manual calibration in consumer IoT sensors. |
Applications
| Portable Medical Sensors | Industrial Data Acquisition |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered pulse oximeter with 16-bit ADC measuring photodiode current. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt voltage reference providing stable 1.2205V bias for transimpedance amplifier and ADC reference input. Use Value: 0.2% accuracy and 28µVRMS noise enable <90dB SNR and ±0.5% SpO₂ measurement repeatability over full temperature range. |
Use Scenario: 4–20mA loop-powered temperature transmitter with HART modulation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision shunt reference generating accurate 1.2205V for DAC output scaling and sensor bridge excitation. Use Value: 25ppm/°C TC and 120ppm long-term stability ensure <±0.1% full-scale error over 5-year field deployment. |
| Wearable Health Monitors | Smart Energy Meters |
|
Use Scenario: Coin-cell-powered heart rate monitor using optical PPG sensing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-current shunt reference supplying 1.2205V to LED driver and analog front-end under 60µA quiescent conditions. Use Value: 60µA minimum operating current extends battery life to >12 months while maintaining 12-bit linearity. |
Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted electricity meter with metrology-grade ADC and isolation barrier. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Isolated-side shunt reference delivering 1.2205V to sigma-delta modulator with minimal thermal drift. Use Value: SC70 package enables compact isolated PCB layout; 0.8Ω dynamic impedance rejects switching noise from DC-DC converters. |
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 output, ±0.5% initial accuracy, 100ppm/°C TC, SOT-23-3 package | Higher voltage and lower accuracy limit use in sub-2V precision systems; larger package increases layout area | Select when 2.5V reference suffices and cost sensitivity outweighs size/accuracy requirements |
| ADR3412ARJZ-R7 | 1.2V output, ±0.1% accuracy, 10ppm/°C TC, SOT-23-3, 3.5µA max quiescent current | Lower TC and tighter accuracy but requires 3-terminal configuration and external capacitor for stability | Prefer for ultra-stable metrology where layout complexity and board space allow 3-terminal implementation |
Compared with TLVH431ACDBVR and ADR3412ARJZ-R7, the MAX6138BEXR12 offers optimal balance of ultra-small SC70 footprint, 1.2205V output matching common low-voltage ADC references, and capacitor-free stability-making it ideal for miniaturized, battery-sensitive designs where 0.2% accuracy and 25ppm/°C TC meet system requirements.
Availability
MAX6138BEXR12 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, industrial data acquisition modules, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply with tight parametric consistency and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for MAX6138BEXR12 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 demanding industrial, medical, and communications applications.
The MAX6138 family delivers high-accuracy, low-drift shunt references in miniature SC70 packages for space- and power-constrained systems where traditional three-terminal references are impractical.
FAQ
What is the maximum shunt current the MAX6138BEXR12 can safely handle?
The MAX6138BEXR12 supports a continuous shunt current up to 15mA under normal operation, with absolute maximum rating of 20mA. Exceeding 20mA risks permanent damage. For reliable long-term operation, design ISHUNT between 60µA and 15mA, ensuring RS limits peak current during worst-case supply and load conditions per the datasheet equation.
Does the MAX6138BEXR12 require an external output capacitor for stability?
No, the MAX6138BEXR12 does not require an external output capacitor and remains stable with any capacitive load from 0 to 1µF. This eliminates capacitor-related BOM cost, placement uncertainty, and aging effects-critical for compact, high-reliability designs like implantable sensors and sealed industrial transmitters.
How does the temperature coefficient of the MAX6138BEXR12 impact system accuracy over -40°C to +85°C?
With a maximum temperature coefficient of 25ppm/°C, the MAX6138BEXR12 contributes ≤±0.61mV total drift (1.2205V × 25ppm/°C × 125°C span) across its full operating range. Typical units exhibit ≤±4ppm/°C, yielding <±0.1mV drift-enabling direct use in Class 0.1% industrial transmitters without software compensation.
Can Pin 3 of the MAX6138BEXR12 be left unconnected or must it be tied to Pin 2?
Pin 3 of the MAX6138BEXR12 is designated N.C. (No Connection) and may be left floating or connected to Pin 2 (cathode). Neither configuration affects electrical performance, but tying Pin 3 to Pin 2 reduces potential for floating-node noise pickup in high-EMI environments such as motor-drive adjacent PCB sections.
What is the long-term stability specification for the MAX6138BEXR12, and how is it measured?
The MAX6138BEXR12 guarantees ≤120ppm reverse breakdown voltage change after 1000 hours of operation at +85°C. This long-term stability is measured under accelerated life-test conditions and reflects parametric shift due to silicon aging-not solder fatigue or packaging effects-ensuring predictable performance in 10+ year field deployments.
MAX6138BEXR12 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):
- 1.2205V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 15 mA
- Tolerance:
- ±0.2%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- 25ppm/°C
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- -
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- 20µVrms
- Voltage - Input:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Current - Cathode:
- 60 µA
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SC-70-3
MAX6138BEXR12 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX6138BEXR12 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX6138BEXR12 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 MAX6138BEXR12 reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX6138BEXR12 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX6138BEXR12 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX6138BEXR12?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX6138BEXR12 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX6138BEXR12?
MAX6138BEXR12 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX6138BEXR12 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 MAX6138BEXR12?
For technical support, including MAX6138BEXR12 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX6138BEXR12 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX6138BEXR12 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX6138BEXR12 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 MAX6138BEXR12 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX6138BEXR12?
All MAX6138BEXR12 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX6138BEXR12, 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 MAX6138BEXR12 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX6138BEXR12:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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