Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6138BEXR12+T
- Part No.:
- MAX6138BEXR12+T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- SC-70, SOT-323
- Datasheet:
-
MAX6138BEXR12+T.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT 0.2% SC70-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,715
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Product details
Overview
MAX6138BEXR12+T from Maxim Integrated is a precision two-terminal shunt-mode bandgap voltage reference with a fixed reverse breakdown voltage of 1.2205 V, ±0.2% initial accuracy, 25 ppm/°C max temperature coefficient, and 60 μA to 15 mA operating current range. It serves as a stable voltage reference in low-power analog signal chains for portable instrumentation and battery-powered sensor interfaces.
For engineers reviewing the MAX6138BEXR12+T datasheet, MAX6138BEXR12+T pinout, MAX6138BEXR12+T application, or MAX6138BEXR12+T equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 25 ppm/°C TC over –40°C to +85°C, no-output-capacitor stability, ultra-low 28 μVRMS noise (10 Hz–10 kHz), and SC70-3 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The MAX6138BEXR12+T implements a laser-trimmed bandgap core to achieve precise 1.2205 V reverse breakdown voltage with minimal thermal drift. Its two-terminal architecture eliminates need for external biasing components, and internal dynamic impedance remains ≤0.8 Ω at 1 mA, enabling stable regulation across wide load and supply variations.
It operates as a passive shunt element - sinking current through its anode-to-cathode path to maintain constant voltage across external loads. Pin 3 is unconnected (N.C.) or tied to cathode (Pin 2), enforcing strict two-terminal functional behavior without parasitic leakage paths.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 1.2205 V nominal; ±0.2% initial tolerance ensures reference accuracy within ±2.44 mV at +25°C for ADC/DAC calibration. |
| Temp Coefficient | Max 25 ppm/°C over –40°C to +85°C; guarantees voltage drift ≤±2.05 mV across full industrial temperature range. |
| Operating Current | 60 μA to 15 mA shunt current range supports ultra-low-power standby modes and high-current precision sensing. |
| Dynamic Impedance | ≤0.8 Ω at 1 mA; maintains tight regulation under fast load transients without external compensation. |
| Output Noise | 28 μVRMS (10 Hz–10 kHz); enables high-resolution data acquisition without added filtering overhead. |
| Long-Term Stability | 120 ppm after 1000 hours; ensures reference integrity in mission-critical embedded systems with >10-year service life. |
Pinout & Package
MAX6138BEXR12+T is housed in a 3-pin SC70-3 surface-mount package (1.8 mm × 1.8 mm), 50% smaller than SOT23 equivalents. Pin 3 is No Connect (N.C.) and must be left floating or tied to Pin 2 per datasheet requirement.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 (+) | Anode | Positive terminal; connects to system ground or low-side return path in shunt configuration. |
| Pin 2 (–) | Cathode | Negative terminal; connects to regulated output node and source resistor (RS) for current-sinking operation. |
| Pin 3 (N.C.) | No Connection | Must remain unconnected or be shorted to Pin 2; not electrically active and does not support third-terminal functionality. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-small SC70-3 footprint | Enables placement in <1.5 mm² board area - critical for wearable sensors and compact IoT nodes. |
| No output capacitor required | Eliminates BOM cost and layout risk associated with stability-compensation capacitors in shunt references. |
| Stable with capacitive loads | Supports direct connection to ADC input capacitors or op-amp feedback networks without oscillation. |
| Laser-trimmed accuracy | Guarantees ±0.2% initial voltage error without post-assembly calibration, reducing test time and yield loss. |
| Low 28 μVRMS noise | Preserves ENOB in 16-bit+ SAR ADCs without requiring additional low-noise LDO or filter stages. |
Applications
| Portable Medical Sensors | Battery-Powered Data Loggers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Continuous glucose monitor (CGM) front-end conditioning circuit powered by coin-cell battery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt voltage reference providing stable 1.2205 V for ratiometric sensor excitation and ADC reference. Use Value: Enables sub-1% measurement accuracy over –20°C to +50°C ambient while consuming <100 μA quiescent current. | Use Scenario: Environmental monitoring node logging temperature/humidity every 5 minutes using Li-SOCl₂ primary cell. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision reference for low-power sigma-delta ADC during brief active measurement windows. Use Value: Delivers consistent 1.2205 V reference across 10-year shelf life and 5000+ measurement cycles with <120 ppm long-term drift. |
| Industrial Handheld Testers | Smart Energy Meters |
Use Scenario: Portable multimeter with auto-ranging analog front end and 24-bit delta-sigma ADC. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary voltage reference for dual-slope integrator and reference buffer stage. Use Value: Maintains ±0.2% accuracy and 25 ppm/°C stability across –10°C to +60°C handheld operating range without ovenization. | Use Scenario: Revenue-grade electricity meter requiring metrology-grade voltage scaling for current-sense amplifiers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt reference supplying stable 1.2205 V to isolation amplifier input stage and ADC reference input. Use Value: Meets IEC 62053-21 Class 0.2 accuracy requirements with guaranteed 120 ppm long-term stability over 20-year field deployment. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar shunt voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM4040C12IDCKR | 0.5% initial accuracy, 100 ppm/°C TC, SOT23-3 package (2.9 mm × 1.6 mm), requires ≥65 μA min current. | Higher drift and larger footprint limit use in high-accuracy portable designs; suitable for cost-sensitive industrial controls. | Select when budget constraints outweigh precision and size requirements; verify layout clearance for larger SOT23 footprint. |
| ADR3412ARJZ-R7 | 0.1% initial accuracy, 10 ppm/°C TC, SC70-4 package (2.0 mm × 2.1 mm), 3-terminal architecture with enable pin. | Lower drift and tighter accuracy support metrology-grade systems, but 4-pin layout and enable control add complexity vs. true 2-terminal simplicity. | Choose for highest stability needs where 10 ppm/°C TC justifies added pin count and design overhead. |
Compared with LM4040C12IDCKR and ADR3412ARJZ-R7, the MAX6138BEXR12+T delivers optimal balance of 0.2% accuracy, 25 ppm/°C TC, and smallest SC70-3 footprint - making it ideal for space- and power-constrained applications where 2-terminal simplicity and proven long-term stability are mandatory.
Availability
MAX6138BEXR12+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, battery-powered data loggers, and industrial handheld testers requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MAX6138BEXR12+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) designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for demanding industrial, automotive, and communications applications.
The MAX6138 family delivers high-accuracy, low-drift shunt voltage references in ultra-compact SC70 packages - engineered specifically for space-constrained, battery-operated systems needing metrology-grade stability without external compensation.
FAQ
What is the guaranteed initial accuracy of the MAX6138BEXR12+T?
The MAX6138BEXR12+T is specified with ±0.2% initial accuracy at +25°C, meaning its reverse breakdown voltage falls between 1.2181 V and 1.2229 V under nominal conditions. This grade (B) is laser-trimmed and 100% production tested per Maxim's datasheet, ensuring compliance without requiring post-installation calibration. The MAX6138BEXR12+T achieves this tolerance while maintaining guaranteed 25 ppm/°C temperature coefficient across –40°C to +85°C.
Does the MAX6138BEXR12+T require an external output capacitor for stability?
No, the MAX6138BEXR12+T does not require an external output capacitor and is inherently stable with any capacitive load - including direct connection to ADC input capacitors or op-amp feedback networks. Its low dynamic impedance (≤0.8 Ω) and internal compensation eliminate oscillation risks. This feature simplifies design, reduces BOM count, and avoids capacitor-related aging or ESR-induced errors that affect other shunt references. The MAX6138BEXR12+T maintains regulation integrity even with 1 µF ceramic output capacitance.
What is the correct connection for Pin 3 on the MAX6138BEXR12+T?
Pin 3 of the MAX6138BEXR12+T is designated N.C. (No Connection) and must either be left floating or connected directly to Pin 2 (cathode). It is not electrically active and must never be driven or used as a signal path. This requirement ensures proper two-terminal shunt operation and prevents unintended current paths that could degrade voltage accuracy or thermal performance. The MAX6138BEXR12+T functions identically whether Pin 3 is open or shorted to Pin 2 - both configurations comply with Maxim's validated operating conditions.
How does the MAX6138BEXR12+T perform in terms of output noise?
The MAX6138BEXR12+T delivers 28 μVRMS wideband noise over 10 Hz to 10 kHz, measured at 10 µA shunt current. This low-noise performance preserves signal integrity in high-resolution data acquisition systems - supporting effective number of bits (ENOB) >16 in 16-bit SAR ADCs without additional filtering. The noise spectral density is flat below 1 kHz and rolls off above, with typical 1/f corner near 10 Hz. This specification is guaranteed across –40°C to +85°C and applies directly to the MAX6138BEXR12+T variant per its dedicated electrical characteristics table.
What is the maximum shunt current rating for the MAX6138BEXR12+T?
The MAX6138BEXR12+T supports a continuous shunt current range of 60 μA to 15 mA, with absolute maximum reverse current rated at 20 mA. Operation beyond 15 mA risks exceeding safe power dissipation limits - especially at elevated ambient temperatures - and may cause permanent parametric shift. For reliable long-term operation, design the source resistor (RS) to ensure ISHUNT stays within 60 μA–15 mA across all supply voltage and load current extremes. The MAX6138BEXR12+T's guaranteed performance metrics, including accuracy and TC, apply strictly within this 60 μA–15 mA operating window.
MAX6138BEXR12+T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- SC-70, SOT-323
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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+T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX6138BEXR12+T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX6138BEXR12+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 MAX6138BEXR12+T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX6138BEXR12+T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX6138BEXR12+T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX6138BEXR12+T?
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4.How is shipping managed for MAX6138BEXR12+T?
MAX6138BEXR12+T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX6138BEXR12+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 MAX6138BEXR12+T?
For technical support, including MAX6138BEXR12+T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX6138BEXR12+T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX6138BEXR12+T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX6138BEXR12+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 MAX6138BEXR12+T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX6138BEXR12+T?
All MAX6138BEXR12+T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX6138BEXR12+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 MAX6138BEXR12+T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX6138BEXR12+T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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