Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6138CEXR50
- Part No.:
- MAX6138CEXR50
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
MAX6138CEXR50.pdf
- Description:
- VOLTAGE REFERENCE
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Product details
Overview
MAX6138CEXR50 from Maxim Integrated is a precision two-terminal shunt-mode bandgap voltage reference with a fixed 5.000V reverse breakdown voltage, ±0.5% initial accuracy, 25ppm/°C max temperature coefficient, and 60µA to 15mA operating current range. It serves as a stable voltage reference in space-constrained analog signal chains, ADC/DAC biasing, and portable power monitoring circuits.
For engineers reviewing the MAX6138CEXR50 datasheet, MAX6138CEXR50 pinout, MAX6138CEXR50 application, or MAX6138CEXR50 equivalent, key selection considerations include its SC70-3 package footprint, no-output-capacitor requirement, 80µVRMS wideband noise (10Hz–10kHz), and guaranteed performance over –40°C to +85°C.
Technical Context
The MAX6138CEXR50 implements a laser-trimmed BiCMOS bandgap core to deliver stable 5.000V output across 60µA–15mA shunt current and –40°C to +85°C ambient. Its two-terminal architecture eliminates need for external series pass elements or output capacitors while maintaining stability with any capacitive load.
It features low dynamic impedance (0.5–1.1Ω at 1mA/120Hz), minimal voltage drift versus current (3.5–12.0mV over 1–15mA), and long-term stability of 120ppm after 1000 hours - enabling high-accuracy calibration in battery-powered instrumentation and industrial sensor front-ends.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 5.000V nominal; ±0.5% initial tolerance ensures ≤±25mV absolute error at +25°C for precision scaling. |
| Temp Coefficient | Max 25ppm/°C over –40°C to +85°C; contributes ≤±1.25mV drift across full range for stable reference in varying environments. |
| Operating Current | 60µA to 15mA shunt range; supports ultra-low-power sensing (e.g., 60µA quiescent) and high-current regulation (e.g., 15mA load drive). |
| Noise (10Hz–10kHz) | 80µVRMS; enables high-resolution 16-bit+ ADC references without added filtering overhead. |
| Dynamic Impedance | 0.5–1.1Ω at 1mA/120Hz; minimizes output voltage perturbation during fast load transients. |
| Long-Term Stability | 120ppm after 1000h; reduces recalibration frequency in field-deployed measurement systems. |
| Package | SC70-3 (1.8mm × 1.8mm); occupies 50% less PCB area than SOT23 equivalents, critical for wearables and compact modules. |
Pinout & Package
MAX6138CEXR50 uses a 3-pin SC70 surface-mount package (1.8mm × 1.8mm). Pin 3 is No Connect (N.C.) and must be left floating or tied to Pin 2 per datasheet guidance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 (+) | Positive terminal (anode) | Connects to regulated node; sinks shunt current when reverse-biased above 5.000V. |
| Pin 2 (–) | Negative terminal (cathode) | Reference ground return; forms voltage node with Pin 1 for precise 5.000V drop. |
| Pin 3 (N.C.) | No connection | Must remain unconnected or shorted to Pin 2; no internal circuitry attached. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-small SC70-3 package | 1.8mm × 1.8mm footprint enables placement in <3mm² board space - ideal for hearing aids and IoT sensors. |
| No output capacitor required | Internally compensated for stability with any capacitive load; eliminates BOM cost and layout risk of external C. |
| Wide shunt current range | 60µA–15mA operation allows single-part support from micropower sensor nodes to industrial DAC buffers. |
| Low wideband noise | 80µVRMS (10Hz–10kHz) directly supports 16-bit SAR ADCs without post-filtering. |
| Laser-trimmed accuracy | ±0.5% initial tolerance achieved via on-die resistor trimming - avoids manual calibration in production test. |
Applications
| Portable Medical Sensors | Industrial 4–20mA Transmitters |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered ECG front-end requiring stable 5V reference for 16-bit ADC sampling and analog gain stages. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two-terminal shunt reference providing precise 5.000V bias independent of supply variation or load current shifts. Use Value: 80µVRMS noise and 25ppm/°C TC ensure ≤0.01% total error across body-temperature range and multi-year battery life. |
Use Scenario: Loop-powered 4–20mA transmitter where reference voltage sets current-scaling ratio in harsh factory environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary voltage reference defining full-scale current output; operates from 12–36V loop supply with minimal headroom. Use Value: 60µA minimum operating current enables reliable start-up even at lowest loop voltage (12V) and highest sensor burden. |
| Handheld Test Equipment | Smart Energy Meters |
|
Use Scenario: Portable multimeter with dual-range voltage measurement (±200mV and ±20V) requiring calibrated 5V reference for internal ADC and DAC. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Master reference source for both acquisition and stimulus generation paths in a single-chip metrology subsystem. Use Value: 120ppm long-term stability reduces annual recalibration need; SC70-3 package fits within tight mechanical housing constraints. |
Use Scenario: Revenue-grade electricity meter needing traceable 5V reference for polyphase voltage/current sampling and energy computation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-stability shunt reference feeding metrology ADCs and isolated communication interfaces under wide temperature swings. Use Value: Guaranteed –40°C to +85°C operation and 25ppm/°C TC meet IEC 62053 accuracy requirements for Class 0.5S meters. |
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 | 3-terminal adjustable shunt reference (2.5V base); requires external resistors for 5V setting; 100ppm/°C TC; 100µA min current. | Less accurate and higher drift; suitable only where 5V tolerance >±1% and board space allows resistor network. | Select TLVH431ACDBVR only if adjustable output or lower cost outweighs need for precision and compactness. |
| LM4040C50IDBZR | Two-terminal shunt reference; same 5.0V output but ±0.5% grade; 100ppm/°C TC; SOT23-3 package (2.9mm × 1.6mm). | Larger footprint (60% bigger than SC70); higher thermal drift limits use in wide-temperature industrial settings. | Choose LM4040C50IDBZR only if SC70 assembly capability is unavailable and 100ppm/°C TC is acceptable. |
Compared with TLVH431ACDBVR and LM4040C50IDBZR, MAX6138CEXR50 delivers superior thermal stability (25ppm/°C vs. 100ppm/°C), smaller size (SC70 vs. SOT23), and lower noise - making it optimal for high-accuracy, space-constrained, battery-operated systems where long-term calibration integrity is critical.
Availability
MAX6138CEXR50 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, industrial 4–20mA transmitters, and handheld test equipment requiring stable component supply with consistent parametric performance across production lots.
Supply support for MAX6138CEXR50 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 and mixed-signal ICs for demanding industrial, medical, and communications applications.
The MAX6138 family targets high-accuracy, space-constrained voltage referencing needs - delivering laser-trimmed bandgap performance in subminiature SC70 packages for next-generation portable and sensor-based systems.
FAQ
What is the exact output voltage tolerance and temperature coefficient of MAX6138CEXR50?
MAX6138CEXR50 has a nominal output voltage of 5.000V with ±0.5% initial accuracy at +25°C and a maximum temperature coefficient of 25ppm/°C over –40°C to +85°C. These values are guaranteed per the C-grade specification in the official Maxim datasheet, ensuring predictable performance in production environments without additional calibration.
Can MAX6138CEXR50 operate without an external output capacitor?
Yes, MAX6138CEXR50 does not require an external output capacitor for stability and remains stable with any capacitive load. This is confirmed in the "Features" and "Applications Information" sections of the datasheet, eliminating design risk and BOM cost associated with capacitor selection and placement.
What are the absolute maximum ratings for reverse current and junction temperature in MAX6138CEXR50?
MAX6138CEXR50 has an absolute maximum reverse current (cathode-to-anode) of 20mA and a maximum junction temperature of +150°C. Continuous operation above these limits may cause permanent damage; the device is rated for continuous operation up to 15mA shunt current and +125°C ambient, with derating applied above +70°C ambient per the SC70 power dissipation spec.
How does the noise performance of MAX6138CEXR50 compare to other 5V shunt references?
MAX6138CEXR50 specifies 80µVRMS wideband noise (10Hz–10kHz), which is lower than LM4040C50IDBZR (120µVRMS) and significantly better than TLVH431ACDBVR (200µVRMS). This enables direct interfacing with 16-bit ADCs in precision measurement systems without added filtering, preserving signal integrity and simplifying layout.
Is Pin 3 of MAX6138CEXR50 required to be connected, and what happens if it's left floating?
Pin 3 of MAX6138CEXR50 is designated N.C. (No Connection) and must either be left floating or connected to Pin 2 (–) as explicitly stated in the "Pin Description" section. Leaving it floating is electrically safe and functionally identical to tying it to Pin 2; no internal circuitry connects to this pin, and incorrect connection to other nets may compromise reliability.
MAX6138CEXR50 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- -
- Series:
- *
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Reference Type:
- -
- Output Type:
- -
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- -
- Voltage - Output (Max):
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- Current - Output:
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- Tolerance:
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- Temperature Coefficient:
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- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- -
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- -
- Voltage - Input:
- -
- Current - Supply:
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- Current - Cathode:
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- Operating Temperature:
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- Grade:
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- Qualification:
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- Mounting Type:
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- Supplier Device Package:
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MAX6138CEXR50 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX6138CEXR50 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX6138CEXR50 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 MAX6138CEXR50 reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX6138CEXR50 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX6138CEXR50 is usually 5 days.
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MAX6138CEXR50 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX6138CEXR50 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 MAX6138CEXR50?
For technical support, including MAX6138CEXR50 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX6138CEXR50 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX6138CEXR50 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX6138CEXR50 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 MAX6138CEXR50 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX6138CEXR50?
All MAX6138CEXR50 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX6138CEXR50, 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 MAX6138CEXR50 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX6138CEXR50:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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