Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6162BESA+

Overview

MAX6162BESA+ from Maxim Integrated is a precision, low-dropout, micropower series voltage reference IC delivering a stable 2.048V output with ±5mV initial accuracy and 4–10ppm/°C temperature coefficient over –40°C to +85°C. It sources up to 5mA while drawing only 100µA quiescent current, enabling high-accuracy ADC biasing in space-constrained, battery-powered instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6162BESA+ datasheet, MAX6162BESA+ pinout, MAX6162BESA+ application, or MAX6162BESA+ equivalent, key selection factors include its 2.048V output optimized for 12-bit DAC/ADC full-scale matching, ultra-low supply-current variation (≤8µA/V), dropout as low as 200mV at 1mA, stability with 1µF capacitive loads, and SO-8 package compatibility with precision analog signal chains.

Technical Context

The MAX6162BESA+ employs a proprietary curvature-correction circuit and laser-trimmed thin-film resistors to achieve low thermal drift and high initial accuracy. Its internal compensation eliminates need for external capacitors, simplifying layout in compact systems.

As a three-terminal series-mode reference, it operates from (V_OUT + 200mV) to 12.6V input, supports bidirectional load current (±2mA sink/source), and maintains output regulation across line (≤250µV/V), load (≤0.9mV/mA sourcing), and temperature variations - critical for metrology-grade data acquisition.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6162BESA+ 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. GND (Pin 4) serves as the reference ground return; IN (Pin 2) accepts input supply; OUT (Pin 6) delivers the regulated 2.048V reference.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with REF5020IDR and ADR3420ARJZ-R7, MAX6162BESA+ offers the best balance of industrial-grade accuracy (±5mV), ultra-low supply-current variation (≤8µA/V), and bidirectional load support - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, battery-operated industrial sensors where SO-8 fit is acceptable.

Availability

MAX6162BESA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, industrial sensor transmitters, medical vital sign monitors, and automotive battery management units requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.

Supply support for MAX6162BESA+ 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 demanding industrial, medical, and communications applications.

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

FAQ

What is the maximum load current that MAX6162BESA+ can source while maintaining specified accuracy?

MAX6162BESA+ can source up to 5mA while maintaining its specified load regulation of ≤0.9mV/mA. At full 5mA load, output deviation remains within ±4.5mV of nominal 2.048V - well within the ±5mV initial accuracy band. This capability enables direct driving of ADC reference inputs, op-amp bias networks, and low-power sensor excitation circuits without external buffers. The device also sinks up to 2mA, supporting active pull-down configurations.

Does MAX6162BESA+ require an external output capacitor for stability?

No, MAX6162BESA+ does not require an external output capacitor for frequency stability due to its internally compensated architecture. It remains stable with capacitive loads from 0 to ≥1µF. While optional, a 1µF ceramic capacitor at the OUT pin reduces transient overshoot during load steps and improves response in dynamic applications like multiplexed sensor systems. The absence of mandatory external capacitance saves PCB area and eliminates layout-dependent instability risks common in uncompensated references.

How does the supply current of MAX6162BESA+ vary with input voltage?

MAX6162BESA+ exhibits exceptional supply-current stability: quiescent current varies by only ≤8µA per volt across its 2.248V to 12.6V input range. At +25°C, typical supply current is 100µA and remains virtually flat - e.g., 102µA at 3V and 108µA at 12V. This near-constant draw simplifies power budgeting in battery-powered systems and avoids efficiency loss seen in shunt references whose current scales linearly with supply voltage.

What is the dropout voltage specification for MAX6162BESA+ and how is it defined?

The dropout voltage for MAX6162BESA+ is specified as 200mV maximum at 1mA load current. It is defined as the minimum difference between input and output voltage (V_IN – V_OUT) at which the output remains within 0.2% of its nominal 2.048V value. This low dropout enables reliable operation from supplies as low as 2.25V - critical for single-cell Li-ion or coin-cell powered devices where every millivolt of headroom matters for runtime extension.

Can MAX6162BESA+ be used in applications requiring long-term stability, such as calibration equipment?

Yes, MAX6162BESA+ provides 80ppm/1000hr long-term stability at +25°C, verified through accelerated life testing. Its laser-trimmed thin-film resistors and curvature-correction circuit minimize aging effects and thermal hysteresis (125ppm). For calibration-grade instruments, this performance supports annual recalibration intervals in controlled environments. When combined with its 4–10ppm/°C tempco and ±5mV initial accuracy, MAX6162BESA+ delivers predictable, repeatable reference behavior essential for traceable metrology applications.