Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6164BESA

Overview

MAX6164BESA from Maxim Integrated is a precision, low-dropout, micropower series voltage reference delivering a stable 4.096V output referenced to ground. It features ±5mV initial accuracy, 4–10ppm/°C temperature coefficient (max), 200mV max dropout at 1mA, and operates from V_OUT + 0.2V to 12.6V input across –40°C to +85°C. It is used in high-resolution ADC biasing and portable instrumentation requiring stable, low-power reference voltage.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6164BESA datasheet, MAX6164BESA pinout, MAX6164BESA application, or MAX6164BESA equivalent, key selection criteria include initial output tolerance, temperature drift over industrial range, load regulation (0.6–0.9mV/mA sourcing), supply current stability (100–120µA typ), and dropout behavior under varying load and temperature conditions.

Technical Context

The MAX6164BESA employs a proprietary curvature-correction circuit and laser-trimmed thin-film resistors to achieve low thermal drift. Its BiCMOS process enables internal compensation, eliminating need for external capacitors while maintaining stability with ≥1µF capacitive loads.

As a three-terminal series-mode reference, it draws supply current virtually independent of input voltage (ΔI_IN/ΔV_IN ≤ 8.0µA/V), sources up to 5mA, sinks up to 2mA, and exhibits 72dB ripple rejection at 120Hz - enabling robust performance in noisy, battery-constrained systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6164BESA is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with exposed pad option not specified; pin 1–3,5–8 are no-connect (N.C.), pin 2 is IN (input voltage), pin 4 is GND (ground reference), and pin 6 is OUT (precision reference output).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with REF5040IDR and ADR444BRZ, MAX6164BESA offers the lowest quiescent current (100µA) and smallest dropout (50mV), making it optimal for energy-constrained, low-input-voltage designs - though with wider initial tolerance and higher tempco than either alternative.

Availability

MAX6164BESA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-resolution data acquisition, portable instrumentation, industrial process monitoring, and medical diagnostic equipment requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.

Supply support for MAX6164BESA 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 reference needs in battery-operated and space-constrained systems - prioritizing supply independence, capacitor-free operation, and wide output voltage options including 4.096V for ADC scaling.

FAQ

What is the output voltage tolerance and temperature coefficient of the MAX6164BESA?

The MAX6164BESA has a nominal output voltage of 4.096V with a minimum of 4.091V and maximum of 4.101V at +25°C, corresponding to ±5mV initial accuracy. Its temperature coefficient is specified as 4–10ppm/°C maximum over –40°C to +85°C, meaning total drift remains within ±85ppm across the full operating range. This performance is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table for MAX6164 on page 6 of the official datasheet.

Does the MAX6164BESA require an external output capacitor for stability?

No, the MAX6164BESA does not require an external output capacitor for frequency stability due to its internally compensated architecture. It remains stable with capacitive loads up to at least 1µF, as verified in Applications Information and Typical Operating Characteristics. An optional 0.1µF ceramic capacitor may be added to improve transient response when load or supply steps occur, but it is not mandatory for basic operation.

What is the minimum input voltage required for the MAX6164BESA to maintain regulation?

The MAX6164BESA requires a minimum input voltage of V_OUT + 0.2V = 4.296V to maintain regulation at 1mA load, per the Dropout Voltage specification (50–200mV max). At lighter loads, dropout decreases - e.g., ~50mV at 1mA - allowing reliable operation down to 4.146V. Input voltage must not fall below this threshold during brownout or startup, or output accuracy degrades nonlinearly.

How much supply current does the MAX6164BESA draw, and how does it vary with input voltage?

The MAX6164BESA draws 100–120µA typical quiescent supply current at +25°C, with variation limited to ≤8.0µA/V across its input range (V_OUT + 0.2V to 12.6V). This near-constant current draw - unlike shunt references - simplifies power budgeting and extends battery life. During turn-on below minimum input voltage, peak current may reach 400µA briefly, requiring adequate source capability.

Can the MAX6164BESA sink current, and what is its maximum sink capability?

Yes, the MAX6164BESA can sink up to 2mA of load current, as stated in the General Description and confirmed in Load Regulation test conditions. Sink capability is characterized at –2mA ≤ I_OUT ≤ 0 with 1.5–4mV/mA load regulation. This allows use in active bias networks or current-steering configurations, though sinking reduces output voltage by up to 8mV at full 2mA sink - a design factor requiring verification in closed-loop circuits.