Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6168AESA
- Part No.:
- MAX6168AESA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX6168AESA.pdf
- Description:
- VOLTAGE REFERENCE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,846
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Product details
Overview
The MAX6168AESA from Maxim Integrated is a precision, micropower, low-dropout, three-terminal series voltage reference delivering a stable 1.800V output with ±2mV initial accuracy and 5ppm/°C max temperature coefficient over -40°C to +85°C. It sources up to 5mA or sinks 2mA, operates from (VOUT + 200mV) to 12.6V input, and draws only 100µA typical quiescent current - ideal for high-accuracy ADC biasing in portable battery-powered systems.
For engineers reviewing the MAX6168AESA datasheet, MAX6168AESA pinout, MAX6168AESA application, or MAX6168AESA equivalent, key selection criteria include its 200mV max dropout at 1mA, no external capacitor requirement, 78dB ripple rejection at 120Hz, 100µs turn-on settling time to 0.1%, and SO-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.
Technical Context
This series-mode voltage reference uses a proprietary curvature-correction circuit and laser-trimmed thin-film resistors to achieve ultra-low drift. Its internal compensation eliminates need for external stability capacitors, and supply current varies by only 3.4–8.0µA/V across input voltage range.
Designed for operation with input voltages as low as VOUT + 200mV, it maintains specified performance across full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C), with long-term stability of 80ppm/1000hr and thermal hysteresis of 125ppm - critical for metrology-grade signal chains.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 1.800V ±2mV (max) at +25°C - enables precise 1.8V rail referencing for low-voltage ADCs and DACs |
| Temp Coefficient | 5ppm/°C (max) - ensures ≤0.45mV drift over full -40°C to +85°C range |
| Dropout Voltage | 200mV (max) at 1mA load - supports operation from 2.0V input in 1.8V systems |
| Quiescent Current | 100µA (typ), ≤120µA (max) - extends battery life in always-on sensor nodes |
| Ripple Rejection | 78dB at 120Hz - suppresses AC line noise in mixed-signal power supplies |
| Turn-On Time | 100µs to 0.1% final value (COUT = 50pF) - meets fast wake-up timing in portable devices |
| Noise (0.1–10Hz) | 22µVp-p - minimizes quantization error in 16-bit+ data acquisition |
Pinout & Package
MAX6168AESA is housed in an 8-pin SO (SOIC-N) package per JEDEC MS-012, 150-mil body width, with exposed pad not present. Pin 1 is top-left corner (notch/dot indicator), pins numbered counterclockwise.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 | N.C. | No internal connection - must remain unconnected; floating or grounded per layout best practice |
| 2 | IN | Input voltage terminal - accepts 2.0V to 12.6V; requires 0.1µF ceramic bypass if high line-transient immunity needed |
| 4 | GND | Analog ground reference - star-point connection recommended to minimize noise coupling |
| 6 | OUT | Precision 1.800V output - capable of sourcing 5mA or sinking 2mA; stable with ≥1µF capacitive loads |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| ±2mV initial accuracy | Reduces calibration overhead in factory programming of portable instrumentation |
| No external compensation capacitor required | Eliminates 1–2 passive components and associated board area in space-critical wearables |
| Supply-current independence (≤8µA/V variation) | Enables consistent power budgeting across varying battery voltage (e.g., Li-ion 4.2V → 3.0V) |
| Stable with 1µF capacitive loads | Supports direct driving of SAR ADC sample-and-hold inputs without isolation resistor |
| Low 200mV dropout at 1mA | Permits use in single-cell LiFePO4 (2.8–3.6V) powered systems with 1.8V reference rail |
Applications
| High-Accuracy Data Acquisition | Portable Medical Sensors |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: 16-bit SAR ADC in handheld blood glucose meter requiring stable 1.8V reference for ratiometric measurement against electrochemical sensor output. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision voltage reference providing excitation and scaling reference for ADC conversion. Use Value: 5ppm/°C tempco and 80ppm/1000hr long-term stability ensure <0.01% measurement drift over device lifetime without recalibration. | Use Scenario: Low-power pulse oximeter using 1.8V logic and analog front-end, operating from coin-cell battery for >1 year. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary voltage reference for ADC, DAC, and sensor biasing circuits. Use Value: 100µA quiescent current and 200mV dropout enable operation down to 2.0V supply, maximizing usable battery capacity. |
| Industrial Process Monitoring | Test & Measurement Equipment |
Use Scenario: Loop-powered 4–20mA transmitter with HART interface, where reference stability directly impacts current-loop accuracy. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reference source for DAC generating 4–20mA control current and for internal diagnostics ADC. Use Value: ±2mV initial accuracy and 78dB ripple rejection prevent supply noise from modulating output current under noisy plant conditions. | Use Scenario: Benchtop digital multimeter requiring traceable 1.8V reference for autoranging and auto-zero functions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary reference for internal calibration and measurement scaling. Use Value: 125ppm thermal hysteresis and 22µVp-p low-frequency noise support sub-0.005% DC voltage measurement repeatability. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| REF198AIDR | 1.8V output, ±2mV initial accuracy, 8ppm/°C max tempco, 125µA IQ, SO-8 | Higher tempco and quiescent current; requires 1µF output cap for stability | Acceptable where 8ppm/°C drift is within system budget and board space allows extra capacitor |
| ADR3418ARJZ-R7 | 1.8V output, ±2mV initial accuracy, 10ppm/°C max tempco, 120µA IQ, SOT-23-5 | Smaller SOT-23 package, higher tempco, lower output drive (10mA sink, 5mA source) | Preferred for ultra-compact designs where 10ppm/°C is acceptable and 5mA sourcing suffices |
Compared with REF198AIDR and ADR3418ARJZ-R7, MAX6168AESA offers the lowest temperature coefficient (5ppm/°C vs. 8–10ppm/°C) and lowest quiescent current (100µA vs. 120–125µA), making it optimal for battery-powered precision instruments demanding minimal drift and longest runtime.
Availability
MAX6168AESA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, industrial process transmitters, high-accuracy data acquisition systems, and test & measurement equipment requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.
Supply support for MAX6168AESA 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 industrial, automotive, communications, and consumer applications.
The MAX6161–MAX6168 family was engineered specifically for high-accuracy, low-power, low-dropout voltage referencing in battery-operated and space-constrained systems - emphasizing micropower operation, no external capacitor requirement, and robust thermal stability.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for MAX6168AESA?
The absolute maximum input voltage for MAX6168AESA is +13.5V referenced to GND. Operating above this level risks permanent damage. The device is fully specified from VOUT + 0.2V (i.e., 2.0V) up to 12.6V, with line regulation tested across that range. For reliable long-term operation, keep VIN ≤12.6V under all conditions, including transients.
Does MAX6168AESA require an external output capacitor for stability?
No, MAX6168AESA is internally compensated and does not require an external output capacitor for frequency stability. It remains stable with capacitive loads up to at least 1µF. An output capacitor may be added to improve transient response in dynamic load applications, but it is optional - a key advantage for space-constrained PCBs where MAX6168AESA is deployed.
What is the load current capability of MAX6168AESA?
MAX6168AESA can source up to 5mA into a load while maintaining output regulation and sink up to 2mA from a load. These values are specified across the full -40°C to +85°C temperature range. Load regulation is characterized at 0.5–0.9mV/mA for sourcing and 1.5–4mV/mA for sinking, ensuring predictable performance in both directions.
How does the temperature coefficient of MAX6168AESA compare to other variants in the MAX6161–MAX6168 family?
MAX6168AESA (1.8V version) has a maximum temperature coefficient of 5ppm/°C for grade 'A' - matching MAX6162A (2.048V), MAX6166A (2.5V), MAX6163A (3.0V), MAX6164A (4.096V), MAX6167A (4.5V), and MAX6165A (5.0V). All 'A' grade variants share identical 5ppm/°C spec; 'B' grades are 10ppm/°C. This uniformity simplifies design reuse across multiple voltage rails using MAX6168AESA and siblings.
Can MAX6168AESA be used in a shunt-reference configuration?
No, MAX6168AESA is a three-terminal series-mode voltage reference and cannot operate as a shunt reference. It requires connection between IN and GND (with load referenced to OUT and GND), unlike two-terminal shunt references. Attempting shunt configuration will result in improper biasing and failure to regulate. The pinout - IN, GND, OUT - mandates series topology use per the Typical Operating Circuit in the MAX6168AESA datasheet.
MAX6168AESA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Reference Type:
- Series
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.8V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 5 mA
- Tolerance:
- ±0.11%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- 5ppm/°C
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- 22µVp-p
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- 25µVrms
- Voltage - Input:
- 2.5V ~ 12.6V
- Current - Supply:
- 120µA
- Current - Cathode:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
MAX6168AESA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX6168AESA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX6168AESA on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX6168AESA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX6168AESA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX6168AESA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX6168AESA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX6168AESA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX6168AESA?
MAX6168AESA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX6168AESA order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX6168AESA?
For technical support, including MAX6168AESA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX6168AESA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX6168AESA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX6168AESA products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX6168AESA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX6168AESA?
All MAX6168AESA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX6168AESA, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX6168AESA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX6168AESA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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