Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6138CEXR41
- Part No.:
- MAX6138CEXR41
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- SC-70, SOT-323
- Datasheet:
-
MAX6138CEXR41.pdf
- Description:
- VOLTAGE REFERENCE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,369
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Product details
Overview
MAX6138CEXR41 from Maxim Integrated is a precision two-terminal shunt-mode bandgap voltage reference with a fixed reverse breakdown voltage of 4.096V, ±0.5% initial accuracy, 25ppm/°C max temperature coefficient, and operation over –40°C to +85°C. It delivers stable regulation across 73µA to 15mA shunt current and is used in high-accuracy ADC/DAC biasing and portable power monitoring circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MAX6138CEXR41 datasheet, MAX6138CEXR41 pinout, MAX6138CEXR41 application, or MAX6138CEXR41 equivalent, key selection criteria include its SC70-3 package footprint, 4.096V output tolerance, low 64µVRMS wideband noise (10Hz–10kHz), and capacitor-free stability with capacitive loads.
Technical Context
The MAX6138CEXR41 implements a laser-trimmed bandgap core in BiCMOS process to achieve precise 4.096V reverse breakdown voltage with guaranteed performance across industrial temperature range. Its two-terminal architecture eliminates need for external series pass elements, and internal dynamic impedance remains ≤1.0Ω at 1mA, enabling stable regulation under varying load and supply conditions.
Unlike three-terminal references, it operates as a programmable current sink: output voltage is maintained by adjusting shunt current (ISHUNT) through an external source resistor (RS), while remaining stable without output capacitance and tolerant of any capacitive load up to 1µF.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 4.096V ±0.5% (max initial error); enables direct interface with 12-bit SAR ADCs requiring VREF = VDD × 4096/4096. |
| Temp Coefficient | ≤25ppm/°C (–40°C to +85°C); ensures <±1.03mV drift over full range-critical for battery fuel gauging. |
| Shunt Current Range | 73µA to 15mA; supports low-power sensor nodes (e.g., 100µA ISHUNT) and higher-current data acquisition systems. |
| Dynamic Impedance | ≤1.0Ω at 1mA; minimizes output voltage perturbation during fast load transients (e.g., ADC sampling bursts). |
| Wideband Noise | 64µVRMS (10Hz–10kHz); limits added noise in precision 16-bit DAC reference paths. |
| Long-Term Stability | 120ppm (1000h); corresponds to ~0.5mV drift over 6 months-suitable for uncalibrated field-deployed instruments. |
Pinout & Package
MAX6138CEXR41 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 no-connect (N.C.) and must be left floating or tied to Pin 2.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (+) | Positive terminal (anode) | Connected to system ground or low-impedance return path; defines reference voltage node (VR) relative to Pin 2. |
| 2 (–) | Negative terminal (cathode) | Connected to regulated output node; sinks all shunt current (ISHUNT) and load current (ILOAD) combined. |
| 3 (N.C.) | No connection | Must remain unconnected or shorted to Pin 2; not internally bonded-floating connection avoids parasitic leakage paths. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-small SC70-3 package | 1.8mm × 1.8mm footprint saves >50% PCB area vs. SOT23-enables dense portable designs like wearables and IoT sensors. |
| No output capacitor required | Internally compensated for stability with 0–1µF capacitive loads; eliminates BOM cost, layout risk, and aging-related drift from external caps. |
| Stable with capacitive loads | Guaranteed phase margin >45° into 1µF; prevents oscillation in ADC reference buffers or LDO feedback networks. |
| Laser-trimmed accuracy | 0.5% initial tolerance achieved via post-package trimming-avoids calibration steps in production test for mid-tier instrumentation. |
Applications
| Portable Medical Sensors | Industrial Data Loggers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered ECG front-end measuring microvolt-level biopotentials with 16-bit sigma-delta ADC. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides stable 4.096V reference for ADC full-scale range, directly matching 12-bit resolution step size (1mV). Use Value: 64µVRMS noise and 25ppm/°C TC ensure <0.01% measurement error across operating temperature-meets IEC 60601-2-27 clinical accuracy requirements. | Use Scenario: Remote environmental monitor logging temperature/humidity using 12-bit ADC and LoRaWAN radio. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Supplies reference voltage to analog sensor signal chain and ADC, powered from 3.6V Li-SOCl₂ battery with wide discharge curve. Use Value: 73µA minimum operating current allows continuous reference operation during deep sleep (battery life >5 years), while 15mA headroom supports active RF transmission bursts. |
| Smart Energy Meters | Automotive Body Control Modules |
Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted electricity meter measuring RMS voltage/current with isolated shunt-based sensing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Generates precision 4.096V reference for metrology-grade ADCs performing harmonic analysis per IEC 62053-22 Class 0.2. Use Value: 120ppm long-term stability eliminates annual recalibration; ±0.5% initial accuracy meets class-compliant error budget without software correction. | Use Scenario: 12V automotive BCM powering interior lighting, window lift, and seat position sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Supplies reference to 10-bit ADC monitoring 12V rail voltage and cabin temperature thermistor network. Use Value: Stable operation from –40°C to +85°C and immunity to load dump transients (via external RS protection) ensures reliable diagnostics across vehicle lifetime. |
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 | Adjustable (2.5V–36V) vs. fixed 4.096V; 0.5% initial accuracy; 100ppm/°C TC; SC70-5 package. | Requires external resistive divider; higher TC increases drift in wide-temp environments. | Select when design requires programmable VREF or higher voltage (>5V); avoid if minimizing component count and drift-critical. |
| LM4040C41IDBZR | Fixed 4.096V; 0.5% accuracy; 100ppm/°C TC; SOT23-3 package (larger than SC70). | Higher temperature coefficient doubles drift vs. MAX6138CEXR41; larger footprint limits ultra-compact layouts. | Select for cost-sensitive, non-temperature-critical applications where PCB space is not constrained. |
Compared with TLVH431ACDBVR and LM4040C41IDBZR, the MAX6138CEXR41 offers superior thermal stability (25ppm/°C vs. ≥100ppm/°C) and smallest footprint (SC70-3), making it optimal for space- and precision-constrained portable and industrial systems where fixed 4.096V is acceptable.
Availability
MAX6138CEXR41 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, industrial data loggers, and smart energy meters requiring stable component supply, tight voltage tolerance, and long-term calibration integrity.
Supply support for MAX6138CEXR41 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, medical, and communications applications.
The MAX6138 family was developed to deliver high-accuracy, low-noise shunt references in subminiature packages for space-constrained, battery-operated systems demanding long-term stability without external compensation.
FAQ
What is the maximum shunt current rating for MAX6138CEXR41?
The MAX6138CEXR41 supports a maximum shunt current of 15mA under normal operation, with absolute maximum rating of 20mA. Exceeding 15mA risks exceeding power dissipation limits in the SC70-3 package (174mW at +70°C), potentially degrading long-term stability or causing thermal shutdown in sustained high-current conditions. Always verify ISHUNT using the RS calculation formula from the datasheet.
Does MAX6138CEXR41 require an external output capacitor?
No, the MAX6138CEXR41 does not require an external output capacitor and is stable with any capacitive load from 0 to 1µF. This is confirmed by internal compensation and validated in typical operating characteristics (Figure 20–22). Adding external capacitance provides no benefit and may introduce unnecessary board area, cost, or aging effects.
What is the minimum operating current for MAX6138CEXR41 at –40°C?
The minimum operating current for MAX6138CEXR41 is 73µA at –40°C, as specified in the ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS table for MAX6138_41 (4.096V version). Below this current, the device may not maintain regulation, resulting in increased output voltage error or instability-especially critical in cold-environment battery-powered devices.
How does the temperature coefficient of MAX6138CEXR41 compare to LM4040?
The MAX6138CEXR41 has a maximum temperature coefficient of 25ppm/°C, significantly lower than the LM4040's typical 100ppm/°C. This means MAX6138CEXR41 exhibits up to 4× less output voltage drift over temperature-e.g., ±1.03mV vs. ±4.1mV across –40°C to +85°C-making it preferable for high-precision applications like metrology and medical instrumentation.
Can Pin 3 of MAX6138CEXR41 be left unconnected?
Yes, Pin 3 of MAX6138CEXR41 is designated N.C. (no connection) and must be left floating or connected to Pin 2 (–). It is not internally bonded; leaving it unconnected introduces no functional risk, but connecting it to Pin 2 eliminates potential floating-node coupling in high-noise environments-both configurations are valid per the datasheet.
MAX6138CEXR41 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:
- ±0.5%
- 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
MAX6138CEXR41 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX6138CEXR41 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX6138CEXR41 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 MAX6138CEXR41 reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX6138CEXR41 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX6138CEXR41 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX6138CEXR41?
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MAX6138CEXR41 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX6138CEXR41 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 MAX6138CEXR41?
For technical support, including MAX6138CEXR41 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX6138CEXR41 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX6138CEXR41 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX6138CEXR41 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 MAX6138CEXR41 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX6138CEXR41?
All MAX6138CEXR41 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX6138CEXR41, 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 MAX6138CEXR41 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX6138CEXR41:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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