Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6167BESA

Overview

MAX6167BESA from Maxim Integrated is a precision, low-dropout, micropower series voltage reference delivering a stable 4.500V output with ±5mV initial accuracy and 4ppm/°C to 10ppm/°C max temperature coefficient over -40°C to +85°C. It sources up to 5mA, sinks 2mA, operates from V_OUT + 0.2V to 12.6V, and is optimized for high-accuracy ADC biasing in portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6167BESA datasheet, MAX6167BESA pinout, MAX6167BESA application, or MAX6167BESA equivalent, key selection criteria include its 200mV max dropout at 1mA, 100µA typical quiescent current, 55µV_p-p (0.1Hz–10Hz) noise, no external capacitor requirement, and SO-8 package compatibility with space-constrained battery-powered designs.

Technical Context

The MAX6167BESA employs a proprietary curvature-correction circuit and laser-trimmed thin-film resistors to achieve low thermal drift and high initial accuracy. Its BiCMOS process enables stable operation without external compensation, supporting capacitive loads up to 1µF while maintaining stability.

As a three-terminal series-mode reference, it draws supply current virtually independent of input voltage (≤8µA/V variation), eliminating wasted current common in shunt-mode alternatives. Input voltage range starts at V_OUT + 0.2V, enabling ultra-low-voltage operation in systems powered by single Li-ion cells or regulated 4.7V rails.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6167BESA is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with exposed pad option not specified; pin 1 is OUT, pin 2 is IN, pin 4 is GND, and pins 1,3,5,7,8 are No Connection (N.C.). The layout supports compact PCB routing with minimal decoupling requirements.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with REF5045IDR and ADR4545BRZ, MAX6167BESA offers the lowest quiescent current (100µA) and smallest dropout (50mV min), making it optimal for ultra-low-power, single-supply portable systems-while trading off some absolute accuracy and noise performance.

Availability

MAX6167BESA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable DMMs, industrial data acquisition modules, notebook system monitoring circuits, and battery-powered IoT sensors requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.

Supply support for MAX6167BESA 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, communications, and computing markets.

The MAX6161–MAX6168 family was engineered specifically for high-accuracy, low-power voltage referencing in space- and energy-constrained portable instrumentation and embedded control systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum load current that MAX6167BESA can source while maintaining specification?

MAX6167BESA can source up to 5mA while staying within its specified load regulation of 0.6mV/mA and maintaining output voltage accuracy. At 5mA load, the worst-case deviation is 3mV - well within the ±5mV initial accuracy band. This capability supports driving multiple ADC reference inputs or op-amp buffers in compact analog signal chains without external gain stages.

Does MAX6167BESA require an external output capacitor for stability?

No, MAX6167BESA does not require an external output capacitor for stability due to internal compensation. It remains stable with capacitive loads from 0 to 1µF, enabling direct connection to ADC inputs or filter networks. Adding a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor improves transient response during load steps but is optional - a key advantage for minimizing board area in handheld test equipment where MAX6167BESA is commonly deployed.

What is the minimum input voltage required for MAX6167BESA to regulate properly?

The minimum input voltage for MAX6167BESA is V_OUT + 0.2V = 4.7V under typical conditions, with a maximum dropout of 200mV at 1mA load. This allows reliable operation from standard 4.7V LDO outputs or single-cell Li-ion batteries near end-of-discharge (≥4.7V). Below this threshold, regulation degrades - confirmed by the dropout voltage specification in the MAX6167 electrical characteristics table.

How does the temperature coefficient of MAX6167BESA compare to the 'A' grade variant?

MAX6167BESA has a temperature coefficient of 4ppm/°C to 10ppm/°C max, whereas the MAX6167AESA variant is rated at 2ppm/°C to 5ppm/°C max. The 'B' grade trades tighter drift performance for cost efficiency, resulting in ≤0.86mV total drift over -40°C to +85°C versus ≤0.43mV for the 'A' grade - a meaningful difference in metrology applications but acceptable for most portable instrumentation using MAX6167BESA.

Can MAX6167BESA sink current, and what is its rated sinking capability?

Yes, MAX6167BESA can sink up to 2mA of load current, with a specified sink regulation of 2.3mV/mA to 8.0mV/mA. This capability enables active pull-down configurations - such as biasing current-output DACs or driving low-side reference switches - without requiring external transistors. The 2mA sink rating is validated across the full -40°C to +85°C temperature range and supports bidirectional reference buffering in precision analog front-ends using MAX6167BESA.