Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6165BESA+T

Overview

The MAX6165BESA+T from Maxim Integrated is a precision, low-dropout, micropower series voltage reference delivering a stable 5.000V output with ±5mV initial accuracy and 4–10ppm/°C temperature coefficient over -40°C to +85°C. It sources up to 5mA, sinks 2mA, operates down to V_OUT + 200mV input, and draws only 100–120µA quiescent current - ideal for high-accuracy ADC biasing in portable 5V systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6165BESA+T datasheet, MAX6165BESA+T pinout, MAX6165BESA+T application, or MAX6165BESA+T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 5V output tolerance, ultra-low supply-current variation (≤8µA/V), dropout voltage ≤200mV at 1mA, stability with 1µF loads, and SO-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

This series-mode voltage reference uses curvature-corrected bandgap architecture with laser-trimmed thin-film resistors to achieve 5ppm/°C max TCV_OUT (B-grade) and ±5mV initial error. Its internal compensation eliminates need for external capacitors, and BiCMOS process enables stable operation across 5.2V to 12.6V input range while maintaining <0.9mV/mA load regulation during sourcing.

Unlike shunt references, MAX6165BESA+T draws supply current independent of VIN (ΔI_IN/ΔV_IN ≤ 8µA/V), supports continuous short-circuit to GND, and delivers 60µV_RMS noise (10Hz–10kHz) - enabling direct use in precision SAR and delta-sigma ADC reference paths without additional filtering.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6165BESA+T is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with exposed pad (RoHS-compliant, lead-free). Pin 1, 3, 5, 7, and 8 are No Connect (N.C.); Pin 2 is IN; Pin 4 is GND; Pin 6 is OUT.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ADR4550BRZ and REF5050AIDR, MAX6165BESA+T trades 2–4ppm/°C higher temperature coefficient and ±2mV relaxed initial accuracy for 9–10× lower quiescent current and zero external capacitor requirement - making it optimal for size- and energy-constrained portable instrumentation.

Availability

MAX6165BESA+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable data acquisition, precision industrial sensors, and notebook system monitoring requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX6165BESA+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 industrial, automotive, and communications markets, with emphasis on low-power, high-accuracy performance.

MAX6165BESA+T belongs to the MAX6161–MAX6168 family of micropower series voltage references engineered specifically for battery-operated, space-constrained systems demanding high output current and minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum load current the MAX6165BESA+T can source while maintaining specified accuracy?

The MAX6165BESA+T can source up to 5mA while maintaining ≤0.9mV/mA load regulation - meaning output voltage shifts by no more than ±4.5mV across the full 0–5mA range. This is verified per Electrical Characteristics table (Sourcing: 0 ≤ I_OUT ≤ 5mA, ΔV_OUT/ΔI_OUT = 0.6–0.9mV/mA). At 5mA, total error remains within ±5mV initial tolerance plus drift, preserving accuracy for multi-channel ADC biasing. The MAX6165BESA+T datasheet confirms this behavior across -40°C to +85°C.

Does the MAX6165BESA+T require an external output capacitor for stability?

No, the MAX6165BESA+T does not require an external output capacitor for stability - it is internally compensated and remains stable with 0–1µF capacitive loads. This eliminates board space and cost associated with external ceramics. While optional 0.1–1µF capacitors improve transient response to step-load changes, the MAX6165BESA+T's architecture guarantees unconditional stability without them, as confirmed in Applications Information and Typical Operating Circuit sections of the datasheet.

What is the minimum input voltage required for the MAX6165BESA+T to regulate at 5.000V?

The minimum input voltage for the MAX6165BESA+T is V_OUT + 200mV = 5.2V, per Absolute Maximum Ratings and Electrical Characteristics (Dropout Voltage: 50–200mV at 1mA). At 5.2V input and 1mA load, output remains within ±0.2% of 5.000V. Below 5.2V, regulation degrades - e.g., at 5.1V input, output drops below 4.990V. The MAX6165BESA+T datasheet specifies this limit under Note 4 and Dropout Voltage test conditions.

How does the MAX6165BESA+T compare to shunt voltage references in terms of supply current efficiency?

Unlike shunt references that waste current through a series resistor, the MAX6165BESA+T draws only 100–120µA quiescent current independent of input voltage (ΔI_IN/ΔV_IN ≤ 8µA/V). Shunt references require biasing at worst-case load, drawing excess current even at light loads. The MAX6165BESA+T's series architecture draws current only when needed - improving battery life by >5× in intermittent-sampling applications and eliminating resistor heat dissipation. This efficiency is documented in Applications Information and Input Characteristics tables.

Can the MAX6165BESA+T be used in applications requiring long-term stability?

Yes, the MAX6165BESA+T exhibits 80ppm/1000hr long-term stability at +25°C, as measured per JEDEC JESD22-A117. This drift corresponds to ~0.4mV over 1000 hours - acceptable for industrial sensors and portable instruments with annual calibration cycles. The MAX6165BESA+T's laser-trimmed thin-film resistors and curvature-correction circuit minimize aging effects, and its 125ppm thermal hysteresis ensures repeatable performance after temperature cycling. These values are guaranteed in the Electrical Characteristics table.