Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6167AESA+

Overview

MAX6167AESA+ from Maxim Integrated is a precision, low-dropout, micropower series voltage reference delivering a stable 4.500V 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 V_OUT + 0.2V (4.7V) to 12.6V, and draws only 100µA typical supply current-ideal for high-accuracy ADC biasing in portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6167AESA+ datasheet, MAX6167AESA+ pinout, MAX6167AESA+ application, or MAX6167AESA+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its 200mV max dropout at 1mA, 0.6mV/mA load regulation, 70dB ripple rejection at 120Hz, 55µV_p-p (0.1–10Hz) noise, and SO-8 package compatibility with space-constrained, battery-powered designs requiring long-term stability (80ppm/1000hr).

Technical Context

The MAX6167AESA+ employs a proprietary curvature-correction circuit and laser-trimmed thin-film resistors to achieve ultra-low 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 delivers supply-current independence (≤8µA/V variation), unlike shunt-mode alternatives. Input voltage range starts just 200mV above output, enabling operation in low-headroom systems where conventional references fail.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6167AESA+ 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.), internally unconnected. Functional terminals occupy pins 2 (IN), 4 (GND), and 6 (OUT).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with REF5045IDR and ADR4545BRZ, MAX6167AESA+ uniquely combines capacitor-free stability, 100µA quiescent current, and 5ppm/°C tempco in SO-8-making it optimal for compact, long-life, medium-precision portable instrumentation where board area and battery runtime are primary constraints.

Availability

MAX6167AESA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable digital multimeters, battery-powered gas analyzers, and high-resolution data acquisition systems requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX6167AESA+ 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 space-constrained, battery-operated systems needing high-accuracy voltage references without external compensation components-targeting portable test equipment and precision sensor interfaces.

FAQ

What is the maximum dropout voltage specification for MAX6167AESA+ at 1mA load?

The MAX6167AESA+ has a maximum dropout voltage of 200mV at 1mA load current, defined as the minimum input-to-output differential required to maintain output regulation within 0.2% of nominal 4.500V. This allows operation from as low as 4.7V supply-critical for single-cell Li-ion or low-headroom LDO-fed systems. The actual dropout is typically lower (50mV) under same conditions, per Electrical Characteristics table on page 7.

Does MAX6167AESA+ require an external output capacitor for stability?

No, MAX6167AESA+ does not require an external output capacitor for stability due to its internally compensated architecture. It remains stable with 0–1µF capacitive loads, eliminating a common source of drift, aging, and board-area consumption. An optional 0.1µF ceramic capacitor may be added at the output to improve transient response during large load steps, but it is never mandatory for loop stability.

What is the long-term stability performance of MAX6167AESA+?

MAX6167AESA+ exhibits 80ppm maximum drift over 1000 hours at +25°C, measured under constant bias conditions. This long-term stability metric reflects parametric shift due to silicon aging and package stress relaxation, and is significantly better than earlier generations. For systems requiring multi-year calibration validity-such as portable DMMs or environmental monitors-this spec ensures minimal drift between scheduled recalibrations.

How does the supply current of MAX6167AESA+ vary with input voltage?

MAX6167AESA+ features supply-current independence: its quiescent current varies by only 3.1–8.0µA/V across the valid input range (4.7V to 12.6V), with a typical value of 100µA at +25°C. This behavior-unlike shunt references whose current scales linearly with input voltage-enables predictable power budgeting in systems with variable input rails, such as automotive or adapter-powered instrumentation.

Can MAX6167AESA+ sink current, and what is its specified sinking capability?

Yes, MAX6167AESA+ can sink up to 2mA of load current, with a specified sink regulation of 2.3–8.0mV/mA across the -2mA to 0mA range. This capability enables active pull-down configurations-for example, driving the reference input of a comparator that sources current into the reference node-or interfacing with certain DAC architectures requiring bidirectional reference loading. Sinking operation is fully characterized and guaranteed over the full -40°C to +85°C temperature range.