Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6160EUS-T

Overview

The MAX6160EUS-T from Maxim Integrated is an adjustable, low-dropout, micropower three-terminal voltage reference with 1.23V to (VIN − 0.2V) output range, 200mV dropout, 75μA supply current independent of input voltage, and ±1% initial accuracy - used for precision biasing and feedback in analog signal chains and data-acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6160EUS-T datasheet, MAX6160EUS-T pinout, MAX160EUS-T application, or MAX6160EUS-T equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, SOT143-4 terminal mapping, thermal coefficient behavior, load regulation performance, and real-world selection guidance for battery-powered instrumentation and portable ADC/DAC reference design.

Technical Context

The MAX6160EUS-T implements a bandgap-based adjustable reference architecture with internal ADJ node sensing at 1.23V threshold and ultra-low input bias current (70nA typical). Its output is set externally via resistor divider between OUT, ADJ, and GND, enabling programmable voltages across 1.23V–12.4V range while maintaining stability up to 10nF capacitive loads.

It operates over −40°C to +85°C with guaranteed 100ppm/°C max temperature coefficient (worse than other MAX61xx variants), and features supply current virtually invariant over VIN (2.7V–12.6V), making it suitable for wide-input-voltage, low-power systems where input rail variation must not affect reference accuracy.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAX6160EUS-T is housed in a 4-pin SOT143-4 package (JEDEC TO-236AB), with 1.3mm × 2.9mm footprint and gull-wing leads. Pin 1 is OUT, Pin 2 is IN, Pin 3 is GND, Pin 4 is ADJ - no internal connections to unused pads.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LT1019CS8-2.5#PBF and REF5025IDR, the MAX6160EUS-T trades lower tempco and fixed-voltage simplicity for programmability, ultra-low IQ, and SOT143-4 compactness - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, battery-constrained, multi-voltage designs where moderate drift is acceptable.

Availability

MAX6160EUS-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, battery-powered data loggers, and industrial sensor transmitters requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MAX6160EUS-T 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 MAX61xx family was engineered specifically for low-power, low-dropout voltage referencing in space- and energy-constrained systems - emphasizing micropower operation, wide input range, and robust capacitive-load stability.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for stable operation of the MAX6160EUS-T?

The MAX6160EUS-T requires a minimum input voltage of 2.7V across the full −40°C to +85°C temperature range. At 1mA load, the 200mV dropout means the output remains regulated as long as VIN ≥ (VOUT + 0.2V). For example, to generate 2.5V, VIN must be ≥ 2.7V; for 5V output, VIN must be ≥ 5.2V. This is explicitly specified in the Electrical Characteristics table under "Supply Voltage".

Can the MAX6160EUS-T be used without an output capacitor?

Yes, the MAX6160EUS-T is stable with 0nF to 10nF capacitive loads and does not require an output capacitor for stability. This eliminates risk of oscillation due to capacitor ESR or ESL and reduces bill-of-materials count. However, if the application demands charge reservoir capability (e.g., driving a switched-capacitor DAC input), total output capacitance must remain ≤10nF to preserve settling time performance - as confirmed in the Applications Information section.

What is the function of the ADJ pin on the MAX6160EUS-T, and what voltage does it expect?

On the MAX6160EUS-T, the ADJ pin serves as the feedback input for the internal error amplifier and is biased to a precise 1.23V threshold. It connects to the center node of an external resistor divider between OUT and GND. The ADJ input current is only 70nA typical, enabling high-impedance divider networks. This 1.23V reference point is used in the equations R1 = (1.06×10⁵)(VOUT/VADJ) and R2 = R1/(VOUT/VADJ − 1) to set the output voltage accurately.

How does the temperature coefficient of the MAX6160EUS-T compare to other members of the MAX61xx family?

The MAX6160EUS-T has a maximum guaranteed temperature coefficient of 100ppm/°C, which is higher than the 50ppm/°C limit for the fixed-output MAX6125/MAX6141/MAX6145/MAX6150 variants. This difference is explicitly noted in the Electrical Characteristics table for MAX6160 and reflects its adjustable architecture. Designers requiring tighter drift control should consider fixed-output alternatives or implement external calibration - the datasheet confirms this spec applies only to MAX6160.

Is the MAX6160EUS-T pin-compatible with other MAX61xx devices in SOT143-4 package?

No - only the MAX6160 is offered in the 4-pin SOT143-4 package. Other MAX61xx parts (e.g., MAX6125, MAX6141) use 3-pin SOT23-3 or 8-pin SO packages. The MAX6160EUS-T pinout (OUT, IN, GND, ADJ) is unique to its adjustable function and incompatible with fixed-output variants. The datasheet's Pin Description table and Pin Configurations diagram confirm no shared pin mapping exists across families in SOT143.