Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6138BEXR41+
- Part No.:
- MAX6138BEXR41+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
MAX6138BEXR41+.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT 4.096V SC70
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,831
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Product details
Overview
MAX6138BEXR41+ from Maxim Integrated is a precision two-terminal shunt-mode bandgap voltage reference with a fixed reverse breakdown voltage of 4.096V, ±0.2% initial accuracy (Grade B), 25ppm/°C max temperature coefficient over –40°C to +85°C, 73µA minimum operating current, and 64µVRMS wideband noise (10Hz–10kHz). It serves as a stable voltage reference in high-accuracy ADC/DAC biasing, portable instrumentation, and battery-powered sensor signal chains.
For engineers reviewing the MAX6138BEXR41+ datasheet, MAX6138BEXR41+ pinout, MAX6138BEXR41+ application, or MAX6138BEXR41+ equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, SC70-3 package layout, real-world use cases, and validated alternative options for space-constrained, low-drift analog designs.
Technical Context
The MAX6138BEXR41+ implements a laser-trimmed bandgap core with BiCMOS process technology to achieve tight initial tolerance and low thermal drift. Its two-terminal architecture eliminates need for external capacitors while maintaining stability under capacitive loads up to 1µF.
It operates across a 60µA–15mA shunt current range with dynamic impedance as low as 0.5Ω at 1mA, enabling precise regulation despite supply and load variations. The device's guaranteed 25ppm/°C TC and long-term stability of 120ppm/1000h support metrology-grade performance in industrial and medical systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 4.096V nominal; ±0.2% initial tolerance ensures ≤±8.2mV absolute error at +25°C for calibration-critical circuits. |
| Temperature Coefficient | Max 25ppm/°C over –40°C to +85°C; guarantees ≤±1.04mV drift across full industrial temperature range. |
| Shunt Current Range | 73µA min to 15mA max; supports ultra-low-power sensing and high-current reference buffering without external components. |
| Dynamic Impedance | 0.5Ω typical at 1mA/120Hz; maintains output voltage stability during fast load transients in precision data acquisition. |
| Wideband Noise | 64µVRMS (10Hz–10kHz); enables <16-bit effective resolution in 16-bit SAR ADC reference paths. |
| Long-Term Stability | 120ppm after 1000 hours; predicts <±0.5mV drift over 1 year in sealed industrial modules. |
| Package | SC70-3 (1.8mm × 1.8mm); 50% smaller than SOT23, ideal for wearables and miniaturized IoT nodes. |
Pinout & Package
MAX6138BEXR41+ uses the 3-pin SC70 surface-mount package (1.8mm × 1.8mm, 0.95mm height) with RoHS-compliant lead finish. Pin 3 is no-connect 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-impedance return path; carries full shunt current into reference node. |
| Pin 2 (–) | Cathode / Negative Terminal | Reference output node; voltage measured between Pin 2 and Pin 1 defines VR = 4.096V. |
| Pin 3 (N.C.) | No Connection | Must remain unconnected or shorted to Pin 2; not internally bonded-floating connection avoids parasitic coupling. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-small SC70-3 footprint | 1.8mm × 1.8mm area saves >50% PCB space vs. SOT23 alternatives-critical for handheld medical sensors. |
| No external capacitor required | Internally compensated for stability with any capacitive load (0–1µF); eliminates layout sensitivity and BOM cost. |
| Low 64µVRMS noise | Enables direct interface to 16-bit ADCs without filtering; reduces SNR degradation in precision data loggers. |
| Guaranteed 25ppm/°C TC | Ensures predictable, bounded drift across –40°C to +85°C-no derating needed for outdoor or automotive cabin applications. |
| 60µA–15mA operating range | Supports both microamp-level battery monitoring and milliamp-level DAC reference buffering in single design. |
Applications
| Portable Instrumentation | Industrial Data Acquisition |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld multimeter front-end requiring stable 4.096V reference for 16-bit ADC scaling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two-terminal shunt reference providing ratiometric excitation and conversion reference. Use Value: ±0.2% initial accuracy and 25ppm/°C TC ensure <±0.01% full-scale error across field temperature swings. |
Use Scenario: Modular PLC analog input module measuring 4–20mA loop signals with 12–16-bit resolution. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision voltage reference for current-to-voltage conversion and ADC biasing. Use Value: 64µVRMS noise and 0.5Ω dynamic impedance prevent gain error drift during transient load events. |
| Battery-Powered Sensors | Medical Wearables |
Use Scenario: Low-power environmental sensor node (temperature/humidity) powered by coin cell. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reference source for ADC and internal LDO feedback, operating down to 73µA. Use Value: Ultra-low minimum current enables >5-year battery life while maintaining 4.096V accuracy within ±0.5%. |
Use Scenario: ECG patch with integrated 16-bit sigma-delta ADC and Bluetooth LE transmission. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stable reference for analog front-end amplifiers and ADC reference rail. Use Value: SC70-3 size allows placement adjacent to ASIC die; 120ppm/1000h stability meets IEC 60601-1 reliability requirements. |
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 external resistor network for 4.096V setup. | Needs external divider for 4.096V output; higher noise (120µVRMS) limits 14-bit+ use. | Select when cost-sensitive and 4.096V is not mandatory-requires recalibration if used as 4.096V surrogate. |
| ADR3440ARJZ-R7 | 4.096V series reference; ±0.1% initial accuracy; 10ppm/°C TC; 3-pin SOT23 package; requires 100nF bypass capacitor. | Three-terminal architecture demands additional decoupling; larger footprint (2.9mm × 1.6mm) consumes 2.3× PCB area. | Choose for lowest drift where board space permits and capacitor placement is controllable. |
Compared with TLVH431ACDBVR and ADR3440ARJZ-R7, the MAX6138BEXR41+ delivers tighter TC and lower noise in half the footprint without external components-making it optimal for miniaturized, high-accuracy shunt reference roles where layout simplicity and thermal stability are critical.
Availability
MAX6138BEXR41+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, industrial data acquisition, and battery-powered sensors requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MAX6138BEXR41+ 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 ultra-compact SC70 packages-engineered specifically for space-constrained, battery-operated, and metrology-grade systems needing stable voltage references without external compensation.
FAQ
What is the exact output voltage tolerance of MAX6138BEXR41+ at +25°C?
The MAX6138BEXR41+ has a nominal output voltage of 4.096V with ±0.2% initial accuracy at +25°C, corresponding to a guaranteed range of 4.0878V to 4.1042V per the datasheet's Grade B specification. This tolerance is laser-trimmed and does not require user calibration. The MAX6138BEXR41+ achieves this precision using on-chip bandgap circuitry and BiCMOS trimming.
Can MAX6138BEXR41+ operate stably with a 1µF output capacitor?
Yes, the MAX6138BEXR41+ is explicitly designed to remain stable with any output capacitance, including 1µF, without requiring external compensation. Its internal architecture eliminates the need for an output capacitor-unlike many series references-and maintains phase margin across capacitive loads. This behavior is confirmed in the "Output Impedance vs. Frequency" plots and "Stable with Capacitive Loads" feature list in the MAX6138BEXR41+ datasheet.
What is the minimum shunt current required for MAX6138BEXR41+ to regulate properly?
The MAX6138BEXR41+ requires a minimum shunt current of 73µA to maintain regulation across its full temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table for the 4.096V variant. Below this current, output voltage may deviate beyond guaranteed limits. The MAX6138BEXR41+ datasheet confirms this value under "Minimum Operating Current (IRMIN)" with test conditions IR = 100µA and TA = –40°C to +85°C.
How does the temperature coefficient of MAX6138BEXR41+ compare to LM4040?
The MAX6138BEXR41+ guarantees a maximum temperature coefficient of 25ppm/°C over –40°C to +85°C, significantly tighter than the LM4040's typical 100ppm/°C (max 150ppm/°C). This 4× improvement enables the MAX6138BEXR41+ to deliver <±1mV drift across industrial temperatures versus >±4mV for LM4040. The MAX6138BEXR41+ also uses a smaller SC70-3 package and offers lower noise-making it a higher-precision upgrade path.
Is Pin 3 of MAX6138BEXR41+ required to be connected?
No-Pin 3 of the MAX6138BEXR41+ is designated N.C. (No Connect) and must be left floating or tied directly to Pin 2 (cathode) per the official datasheet. It is not internally bonded; connecting it elsewhere risks parasitic coupling or mechanical stress. The MAX6138BEXR41+ top-marking "AFN" and SC70-3 pinout diagram confirm Pin 3 as non-functional, and the "Typical Operating Circuit" shows it unconnected.
MAX6138BEXR41+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- -
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Reference Type:
- Shunt
- Output Type:
- -
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- -
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- -
- Tolerance:
- -
- Temperature Coefficient:
- -
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- -
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- -
- Voltage - Input:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Current - Cathode:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- -
MAX6138BEXR41+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX6138BEXR41+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX6138BEXR41+ on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
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5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX6138BEXR41+?
For technical support, including MAX6138BEXR41+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX6138BEXR41+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX6138BEXR41+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX6138BEXR41+ 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 MAX6138BEXR41+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX6138BEXR41+?
All MAX6138BEXR41+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX6138BEXR41+, 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 MAX6138BEXR41+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX6138BEXR41+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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