Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6162AESA+T

Overview

MAX6162AESA+T from Maxim Integrated is a precision, low-dropout, micropower series voltage reference delivering a stable 2.048V output with ±2mV initial accuracy and 5ppm/°C max temperature coefficient over -40°C to +85°C. It sources up to 5mA, sinks 2mA, operates from (VOUT + 200mV) to 12.6V, and requires no external compensation capacitor-ideal for high-accuracy ADC biasing in portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6162AESA+T datasheet, MAX6162AESA+T pinout, MAX6162AESA+T application, or MAX6162AESA+T equivalent, key selection criteria include output stability under load transients, ultra-low supply current variation (≤8μA/V), dropout voltage ≤200mV at 1mA, noise performance (22µV_p-p, 0.1–10Hz), and SO-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The MAX6162AESA+T uses a proprietary curvature-correction circuit and laser-trimmed thin-film resistors to achieve its 5ppm/°C max TCV_OUT and ±2mV initial accuracy. Its internal compensation eliminates need for external capacitors, while BiCMOS process enables stable operation with ≥1μF capacitive loads.

It functions as a three-terminal series reference: IN accepts input from V_OUT + 0.2V to 12.6V; OUT delivers regulated 2.048V referenced to GND; GND provides return path. Load regulation is 0.5–0.9mV/mA sourcing and 1.5–4mV/mA sinking, with line regulation ≤250µV/V across full input range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6162AESA+T is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with exposed pad (RoHS-compliant, lead-free). Pins 1, 3, 5, 7, and 8 are No Connect (N.C.), internally unconnected. Pin 2 is IN, Pin 4 is GND, and Pin 6 is OUT.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with REF5020IDR and ADR3420ARJZ-R7, MAX6162AESA+T offers the best balance of ultra-low quiescent current (100µA), no-capacitor operation, and 5ppm/°C tempco in SO-8-making it optimal for portable, battery-sensitive systems requiring moderate precision without layout overhead.

Availability

MAX6162AESA+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, industrial transmitters, battery-operated data loggers, and medical analog front-ends requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.

Supply support for MAX6162AESA+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 and mixed-signal ICs for demanding industrial, medical, and communications applications.

The MAX6161–MAX6168 family was engineered specifically for high-accuracy, low-power voltage referencing in space- and energy-constrained systems-emphasizing micropower operation, low dropout, and elimination of external passive components.

FAQ

What is the maximum load current the MAX6162AESA+T can source while maintaining regulation?

The MAX6162AESA+T can source up to 5mA while maintaining specified output voltage accuracy and stability. At 5mA load, sourcing regulation is 0.9mV/mA max, resulting in ≤4.5mV total deviation from nominal 2.048V. This capability supports direct driving of ADC reference inputs and precision op-amp bias networks without external buffering. The MAX6162AESA+T remains stable with capacitive loads up to 1µF, further enhancing its utility in sampling circuits.

Does the MAX6162AESA+T require an external output capacitor for stability?

No, the MAX6162AESA+T does not require an external output capacitor for frequency stability due to its internally compensated architecture. It remains stable with 0–1µF capacitive loads, eliminating a common BOM item and saving PCB area. An optional 0.1µF ceramic capacitor may be added at the output to improve transient response during large load steps, but it is not necessary for basic regulation integrity. This feature is explicitly confirmed in the Applications Information section of the MAX6162AESA+T datasheet.

What is the supply voltage range for the MAX6162AESA+T, and how does dropout affect minimum input?

The MAX6162AESA+T operates with input voltages from (V_OUT + 200mV) to 12.6V, meaning its absolute minimum supply is 2.248V. Dropout voltage is defined as the minimum VIN − VOUT yielding ≤0.2% output change; for MAX6162AESA+T, this is 200mV max at 1mA load. At higher loads, dropout increases slightly-e.g., ~150mV at 500µA-but remains well below 200mV across the full operating range. This allows reliable operation from 2.5V rails or partially discharged batteries.

How does the MAX6162AESA+T compare to shunt references in terms of supply current efficiency?

Unlike shunt-mode references that waste supply current through a series resistor and draw fixed bias current regardless of load, the MAX6162AESA+T draws only 100µA quiescent current-virtually independent of input voltage (≤8µA/V variation). Its supply current scales only with actual load demand, maximizing battery life. For example, at zero load, it consumes ~100µA; at 5mA load, total current is ~100µA + 5mA = 5.1mA. This contrasts sharply with shunt references, which may draw >1mA even with no load, making MAX6162AESA+T superior for ultra-low-power applications.

Is the MAX6162AESA+T compatible with standard SO-8 footprints, and what are the thermal considerations?

Yes, MAX6162AESA+T uses a standard 8-pin SO package (outline 21-0041, land pattern 90-0096) compatible with industry-standard SO-8 footprints. Its maximum continuous power dissipation is 471mW at +70°C, derating by 5.88mW/°C above that temperature. With typical 100µA supply current and 2.048V output, power dissipation remains <1mW under no-load conditions-well within safe margins. Thermal hysteresis is specified at 125ppm, ensuring minimal output shift after temperature cycling between -40°C and +85°C.