Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6160ESA

Overview

MAX6160ESA from Maxim Integrated is an adjustable, low-dropout, micropower three-terminal voltage reference delivering 1.23V to (VIN − 0.2V) output with ±1% initial accuracy, 200mV dropout, and 75μA supply current independent of input voltage. It operates from 2.7V to 12.6V and targets precision analog circuits in battery-powered instrumentation and data-acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6160ESA datasheet, MAX6160ESA pinout, MAX6160ESA application, or MAX6160ESA equivalent, key selection criteria include its adjustable output range, ultra-low quiescent current, thermal stability up to 100ppm/°C max, and compatibility with capacitive loads up to 10nF without external compensation.

Technical Context

The MAX6160ESA uses a bandgap-based reference core with an internal 1.23V ADJ feedback threshold and programmable output via external resistor divider. Its supply current remains stable across input voltage (2.7V–12.6V) and temperature (−40°C to +85°C), enabling consistent performance in varying supply conditions.

It features guaranteed stability with capacitive loads ≤10nF, no output capacitor required, and supports both sourcing and sinking load currents up to 1mA while maintaining <1mV/mA load regulation. The ADJ pin draws only 70nA at 1.23V, minimizing divider error.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAX6160ESA is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with exposed pad option not specified; footprint matches industry-standard SOIC-8.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LT1019ACN8-5#PBF and REF5025IDR, the MAX6160ESA uniquely balances adjustability, micropower operation, and SO-8 compatibility-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, battery-operated systems requiring nonstandard reference voltages without sacrificing thermal stability or layout simplicity.

Availability

MAX6160ESA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered instrumentation, portable medical sensors, industrial process transmitters, and calibration equipment requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX6160ESA 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, medical, and communications applications.

The MAX61xx family delivers low-dropout, micropower voltage references optimized for battery longevity and compact 3-terminal implementation in portable and harsh-environment systems.

FAQ

What output voltage range does the MAX6160ESA support?

The MAX6160ESA supports an adjustable output voltage from 1.23V to (VIN − 0.2V), where VIN ranges from 2.7V to 12.6V. This means the maximum achievable output is 12.4V at VIN = 12.6V, and minimum is 1.23V regardless of input. The MAX6160ESA achieves this via its internal 1.23V ADJ threshold and external resistor divider-enabling custom reference voltages without discrete op-amp circuitry.

How does the MAX6160ESA maintain stable supply current across input voltage changes?

The MAX6160ESA maintains supply current within 75–130μA across its full 2.7V–12.6V input range due to internal current-regulating circuitry that isolates bias generation from VIN variations. Measured ∆IQ/∆VIN is only 1.7–6μA/V, meaning a 1V input shift alters IQ by less than 6μA. This stability directly improves reference accuracy in noisy or sagging supply environments and is a key differentiator versus two-terminal shunt references.

Can the MAX6160ESA drive a 10nF capacitive load without oscillation?

Yes-the MAX6160ESA is explicitly characterized and guaranteed stable with capacitive loads from 0nF to 10nF, including ceramic, film, and tantalum types. No external series resistance or isolation capacitor is required. This capability simplifies PCB layout for applications like DAC reference buffering or ESD-protected sensor interfaces where small bypass caps are unavoidable, and eliminates risk of reference instability during power-up or transient events.

What is the maximum allowable temperature coefficient for the MAX6160ESA?

The MAX6160ESA has a maximum guaranteed temperature coefficient of 100ppm/°C over the full −40°C to +85°C operating range, higher than the 50ppm/°C spec for other MAX61xx variants due to its adjustable architecture. This value represents worst-case drift relative to +25°C output; typical performance is 15ppm/°C. Designers should verify system-level drift budgets against this 100ppm/°C limit when selecting resistor tolerances and layout thermal gradients.

How is the ADJ pin used to set the output voltage on the MAX6160ESA?

The ADJ pin on the MAX6160ESA is the feedback input for an internal 1.23V reference amplifier. To set VOUT, connect a resistor divider between OUT (R1), ADJ (midpoint), and GND (R2). Use R1 = (1.06 × 10⁵) × (VOUT / 1.23) Ω and R2 = R1 / (VOUT / 1.23 − 1). For example, 2.5V output requires R1 ≈ 215kΩ and R2 ≈ 208kΩ-both standard 0.1% values. The MAX6160ESA's ADJ current of 70nA minimizes divider error.