Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6161AESA+
- Part No.:
- MAX6161AESA+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX6161AESA+.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SERIES 0.16% 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:788
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Product details
Overview
The MAX6161AESA+ from Maxim Integrated is a precision 1.25V low-dropout series voltage reference in an 8-pin SO package, featuring ±2mV initial accuracy, 10ppm/°C max temperature coefficient, and 100μA typical quiescent current. It delivers up to 4mA source current with only 200mV dropout at 1mA load and operates across –40°C to +85°C for high-stability analog signal conditioning in portable instrumentation.
For engineers reviewing the MAX6161AESA+ datasheet, MAX6161AESA+ pinout, MAX6161AESA+ application, or MAX6161AESA+ equivalent, key selection criteria include output voltage tolerance, thermal drift performance, supply-current stability over input voltage, and compatibility with space-constrained, battery-powered systems requiring precise ADC biasing.
Technical Context
This three-terminal series-mode voltage reference uses curvature-correction circuitry and laser-trimmed thin-film resistors to achieve low thermal drift and high initial accuracy. Its internal compensation eliminates need for external capacitors, and its supply current varies by only 8μA/V across input voltage range.
Designed for operation from (VOUT + 200mV) to 12.6V, it supports sourcing up to 4mA or sinking 2mA while maintaining regulation. Output voltage hysteresis is specified at 125ppm, and long-term stability is 115ppm/1000hr at +25°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 1.250V ±2mV at +25°C - ensures tight DC bias point for 12-bit+ ADCs without calibration |
| Temp Coefficient | ≤10ppm/°C - limits full-range drift to ≤1.25mV over –40°C to +85°C |
| Quiescent Current | 100μA typ - enables >1-year battery life in 10μA sleep-mode systems |
| Dropout Voltage | 200mV max at 1mA - allows operation from 1.45V supply in ultra-low-voltage designs |
| Load Regulation | 0.9mV/mA sourcing - maintains <0.5% error under 4mA dynamic load steps |
| Noise (0.1–10Hz) | 20μVp-p - contributes <0.0016% of full-scale error in 1.25V-referenced 16-bit SAR ADCs |
| Ripple Rejection | 80dB at 120Hz - suppresses AC line noise on single-supply battery-charger rails |
Pinout & Package
MAX6161AESA+ is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with exposed pad not electrically connected. Pin 1, 3, 5, 7, and 8 are no-connect (N.C.) terminals; pins 2 (IN), 4 (GND), and 6 (OUT) form the functional interface.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| IN (Pin 2) | Input voltage supply | Accepts 1.45V to 12.6V; supplies internal bandgap core and output stage |
| GND (Pin 4) | Analog ground reference | Return path for reference output and internal bias currents; must be low-impedance |
| OUT (Pin 6) | Precision voltage output | Delivers stable 1.25V reference; capable of sourcing 4mA or sinking 2mA |
| N.C. (Pins 1,3,5,7,8) | No internal connection | May be left unconnected or tied to GND for mechanical stability; no electrical function |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Proprietary curvature correction | Reduces second-order thermal error, enabling 10ppm/°C max TCVOUT without external trimming |
| Laser-trimmed thin-film resistors | Guarantees ±2mV initial accuracy at +25°C without post-package calibration |
| No external capacitor required | Internally compensated design saves PCB area and eliminates capacitor-related aging or ESR instability |
| Supply-current independence | ΔIIN/ΔVIN ≤ 8μA/V ensures consistent power budget across varying battery voltages |
| Stable with 1μF capacitive loads | Supports direct driving of ADC sample-and-hold inputs without oscillation risk |
Applications
| Portable DMM Front-End | Low-Power Data Acquisition Node |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld digital multimeter measuring mV-level signals with auto-ranging and 16-bit resolution. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides stable 1.25V reference for dual-slope or sigma-delta ADC, rejecting battery voltage sag during measurement cycles. Use Value: Enables ±0.02% basic accuracy over full temperature range without recalibration, meeting IEC 61010-1 portable instrument requirements. | Use Scenario: Wireless sensor node logging temperature and pressure using a 12-bit microcontroller ADC powered by coin-cell battery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Supplies precision reference for ADC conversion while drawing only 100μA, extending operational life beyond 2 years. Use Value: Eliminates need for external decoupling capacitor, reducing BOM count and PCB footprint by 25% versus shunt references. |
| Medical Pulse Oximeter Analog Path | Industrial 4–20mA Transmitter Calibration |
Use Scenario: Battery-operated pulse oximeter requiring stable LED drive current and photodiode signal amplification. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: References both transimpedance amplifier gain-setting resistors and ADC input, ensuring ratiometric consistency between optical channels. Use Value: 125ppm hysteresis and 115ppm/1000hr long-term stability prevent false SpO₂ readings due to thermal cycling or aging. | Use Scenario: Loop-powered 4–20mA transmitter with HART modulation, where reference stability directly impacts current-loop accuracy. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Sets DAC full-scale voltage for current-output stage; referenced against isolated 3.3V rail derived from loop power. Use Value: 200mV dropout allows operation from 1.45V headroom-critical when powering from low-voltage auxiliary windings in isolation transformers. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| REF191GSZ-REEL | 1.25V output, ±1.5mV initial accuracy, 8ppm/°C max TCVOUT, 115μA IQ, SO-8 | Higher accuracy but higher quiescent current; requires 1μF output cap for stability | Select when tighter initial tolerance is prioritized over battery life and board area |
| ADR3412ARJZ-R7 | 1.2V output, ±0.1% initial accuracy, 10ppm/°C max TCVOUT, 120μA IQ, SOT-23-5 | Different output voltage; smaller package but lower output current (5mA) and no sink capability | Choose for compact layouts where 1.2V reference suffices and sink current is unnecessary |
Compared with REF191GSZ-REEL and ADR3412ARJZ-R7, the MAX6161AESA+ offers superior supply-current efficiency (100μA vs. ≥115μA), built-in sink capability (2mA), and zero-output-capacitor operation-making it optimal for ultra-low-power, space-constrained, and bidirectionally loaded reference applications.
Availability
MAX6161AESA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, battery-powered data loggers, and medical monitoring devices requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term parametric consistency.
Supply support for MAX6161AESA+ 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 MAX6161–MAX6168 family was engineered specifically for micropower, low-dropout voltage referencing in space- and energy-constrained systems where traditional shunt references waste supply current and require external components.
FAQ
What is the maximum load current the MAX6161AESA+ can source?
The MAX6161AESA+ can source up to 4mA while maintaining regulation within specifications. This is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table for MAX6161, where sourcing capability is explicitly rated for 0 ≤ IOUT ≤ 4mA. Exceeding this limit may cause output voltage deviation beyond the guaranteed 0.9mV/mA load regulation slope.
Does the MAX6161AESA+ require an external output capacitor?
No, the MAX6161AESA+ does not require an external output capacitor for stability. Its internally compensated architecture is verified to remain stable with capacitive loads up to 1μF, and operation with no output capacitor is fully supported per the Applications Information section. Adding a capacitor improves transient response but is optional.
What is the absolute maximum input voltage rating for the MAX6161AESA+?
The absolute maximum input voltage for the MAX6161AESA+ is +13.5V, as stated in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. However, the guaranteed operating range is VOUT + 0.2V to 12.6V (i.e., 1.45V to 12.6V for the 1.25V version). Operation above 12.6V voids parametric guarantees even if below the absolute maximum.
How does the MAX6161AESA+ compare to shunt-mode voltage references in terms of supply efficiency?
The MAX6161AESA+ draws only ~100μA quiescent current independent of input voltage, whereas shunt-mode references require a series resistor sized for worst-case load, wasting current continuously. For example, a 1.25V shunt reference biased for 4mA load at 5V consumes ≥3.75mA minimum-37× more than the MAX6161AESA+, significantly extending battery life.
Is the MAX6161AESA+ RoHS-compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the MAX6161AESA+ is RoHS-compliant and lead-free, as indicated by the "+" suffix in the part number per Maxim's package nomenclature. The "+" denotes a lead(Pb)-free package, and the device meets EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU requirements with no exemptions applied.
MAX6161AESA+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Reference Type:
- Series
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.25V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 5 mA
- Tolerance:
- ±0.16%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- 10ppm/°C
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- 20µVp-p
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- 15µVrms
- Voltage - Input:
- 2.5V ~ 12.6V
- Current - Supply:
- 150µA
- Current - Cathode:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
MAX6161AESA+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX6161AESA+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX6161AESA+ 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 MAX6161AESA+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX6161AESA+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX6161AESA+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX6161AESA+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX6161AESA+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX6161AESA+?
MAX6161AESA+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX6161AESA+ 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 MAX6161AESA+?
For technical support, including MAX6161AESA+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX6161AESA+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX6161AESA+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX6161AESA+ 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 MAX6161AESA+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX6161AESA+?
All MAX6161AESA+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX6161AESA+, 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 MAX6161AESA+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX6161AESA+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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