Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6150ESA

Overview

MAX6150ESA from Maxim Integrated is a precision 5.0V low-dropout, micropower, three-terminal voltage reference in an 8-pin SO package. It delivers ±1% initial accuracy, 15ppm/°C typical temperature coefficient (≤50ppm/°C max), and 200mV dropout at 1mA load - optimized for stable 5V system regulation in battery-powered instrumentation and data-acquisition circuits.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6150ESA datasheet, MAX6150ESA pinout, MAX150ESA application, or MAX6150ESA equivalent, key selection criteria include output stability under capacitive loads up to 10nF, supply current independence from input voltage (75–110µA), and guaranteed operation from -40°C to +85°C with no external resistor required.

Technical Context

The MAX6150ESA uses a bandgap-based reference core with internal trimming for fixed 5.0V output, supporting sourcing and sinking up to 1mA while maintaining tight line and load regulation. Its architecture eliminates dependency on external resistors and avoids battery-current waste typical of two-terminal references.

It features inherent stability across 0–10nF output capacitance, operates from 5.2V to 12.6V input, and maintains output voltage within ±0.1V over full temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and load (0–1mA), with thermal hysteresis limited to 80ppm.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6150ESA is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with standard JEDEC MO-153 footprint, RoHS-compliant, and rated for -40°C to +85°C operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar voltage reference applications.

Compared with REF5050IDR and ADR4550BRZ, the MAX6150ESA trades minor accuracy and tempco degradation for 4.5× lower supply current and 200mV lower dropout - making it uniquely suitable for compact, long-life 5V battery systems where power efficiency and minimal input headroom are design priorities.

Availability

MAX6150ESA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, industrial sensor transmitters, and medical vital sign monitors requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term continuity.

Supply support for MAX6150ESA 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 industrial, automotive, and communications applications.

The MAX61xx family was engineered specifically for low-power, high-stability voltage referencing in battery-operated and space-constrained systems - emphasizing dropout minimization, supply-current independence, and capacitive-load robustness.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for stable operation of the MAX6150ESA?

The MAX6150ESA requires a minimum input voltage of 5.2V to maintain its specified 5.0V output with full accuracy and load capability. This 200mV headroom reflects its low-dropout architecture. Operation below 5.2V may cause output voltage collapse or increased tempco drift. Always verify VIN ≥ VOUT + 200mV in your MAX6150ESA design, especially under worst-case temperature and load conditions.

Does the MAX6150ESA require an output capacitor for stability?

No, the MAX6150ESA does not require an output capacitor and is explicitly characterized as stable with capacitive loads from 0nF to 10nF. Adding an output cap is unnecessary and may degrade settling time or transient response. If your application needs charge reservoir functionality (e.g., for a DAC reference input), ensure total output capacitance remains ≤10nF to preserve MAX6150ESA's guaranteed stability and performance.

Can the MAX6150ESA be used in adjustable-output configurations?

No, the MAX6150ESA is a fixed 5.0V output device and cannot be configured for adjustable output. Only the MAX6160 variant includes an ADJ pin and internal 1.23V feedback threshold for programmable outputs from 1.23V to (VIN – 0.2V). Attempting to modify MAX6150ESA's output with external resistors will not yield stable or accurate results, as its internal topology lacks the necessary feedback path.

What is the maximum load current the MAX6150ESA can source or sink while maintaining specification?

The MAX6150ESA is specified to source or sink up to 1mA while maintaining all electrical parameters within datasheet limits, including output voltage accuracy, tempco, and dropout. Beyond 1mA, load regulation degrades (up to 20mV/mA sinking), and dropout increases nonlinearly. For reliable 5.0V reference integrity in your MAX6150ESA application, limit total load current to ≤1mA - including ADC reference inputs, op-amp bias networks, and any other connected circuitry.

Is the MAX6150ESA pin-compatible with other members of the MAX61xx family in the 8-pin SO package?

Yes, all MAX61xx variants in the 8-pin SO package - including MAX6125ESA, MAX6141ESA, MAX6145ESA, MAX6150ESA, and MAX6160ESA - share identical pinouts and footprints. Pins 1 (IN), 5 (OUT), and 8 (GND) retain consistent functions across the family; unused pins (2,3,4,6,7) are N.C. This allows direct substitution between voltage options during prototyping or BOM optimization, provided input voltage, accuracy, and tempco requirements are verified per part.