Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6168BESA
- Part No.:
- MAX6168BESA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX6168BESA.pdf
- Description:
- VOLTAGE REFERENCE
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:8,521
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Product details
Overview
MAX6168BESA from Maxim Integrated is a precision, micropower, low-dropout series voltage reference IC delivering a stable 1.800V output with ±5mV initial accuracy and 4–10ppm/°C temperature coefficient over –40°C to +85°C. It sources up to 5mA or sinks 2mA, draws only 100µA typical supply current, and operates down to 2.5V input (VOUT + 0.2V dropout), making it ideal for battery-powered ADC biasing and portable instrumentation.
For engineers reviewing the MAX6168BESA datasheet, MAX6168BESA pinout, MAX6168BESA application, or MAX6168BESA equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.8V output compatibility with low-voltage SAR ADCs, ultra-low quiescent current for multi-year coin-cell operation, SO-8 package footprint, and absence of required external compensation capacitors.
Technical Context
The MAX6168BESA employs a proprietary curvature-correction circuit and laser-trimmed thin-film resistors to achieve high initial accuracy and low thermal drift. Its internal BiCMOS architecture enables stable operation with 1µF capacitive loads while eliminating need for external compensation.
As a three-terminal series-mode reference, it features supply-current independence (≤8µA/V variation) and low dropout (200mV max at 1mA), distinguishing it from shunt-mode alternatives that waste current and require external biasing resistors.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 1.800V ±5mV at +25°C - ensures precise 1.8V rail for ADC reference and low-voltage logic interface |
| Temp Coefficient | 4–10ppm/°C - guarantees ≤±0.76mV drift across –40°C to +85°C operating range |
| Quiescent Current | 100µA typical - enables >10-year battery life in 10µA-average-power systems |
| Dropout Voltage | 200mV max at 1mA load - supports operation from 2.0V input, compatible with single Li-ion or dual alkaline cells |
| Load Drive | Sources 5mA / sinks 2mA - directly drives ADC reference inputs and small analog buffers without external op-amp |
| Noise (0.1–10Hz) | 22µVP-P - minimizes quantization error in 16-bit+ data acquisition systems |
| Line Regulation | 42–200µV/V - maintains output stability despite supply ripple in noisy DC-DC environments |
Pinout & Package
The MAX6168BESA is housed in an 8-pin SO (SOIC-N) package with 0.150" body width, 1.27mm pitch, and standard JEDEC MS012 outline. Pins 1, 3, 5, 7, and 8 are no-connect (N.C.) terminals; IN (Pin 2), GND (Pin 4), and OUT (Pin 6) form the functional three-terminal interface.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1, 3, 5, 7, 8 | No Connection (N.C.) | Not internally bonded - must remain unconnected on PCB to avoid parasitic coupling or latch-up risk |
| Pin 2 | Input Voltage (IN) | Power input terminal; requires ≥2.5V supply and may draw up to 400µA during turn-on transient |
| Pin 4 | Ground (GND) | Analog ground reference; must be tied to clean system AGND plane with low-inductance path |
| Pin 6 | Reference Output (OUT) | Stable 1.800V source/sink node; capable of driving 5mA loads and stable with 1µF capacitive loads |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| ±5mV initial accuracy | Reduces calibration overhead in factory-trimmed portable DMMs and sensor signal chains |
| 4–10ppm/°C tempco | Enables <±1 LSB error in 16-bit systems over full industrial temperature range |
| No external capacitor required | Eliminates 2–3 mm² board area per reference, critical in space-constrained wearables and IoT nodes |
| 100µA quiescent current | Supports always-on monitoring circuits powered by CR2032 batteries for >5 years |
| 200mV max dropout | Permits direct regulation from buck converter outputs as low as 2.0V, simplifying power tree design |
Applications
| Portable Battery-Powered Systems | Notebook Computers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering reference inputs of 12–16-bit SAR ADCs in handheld gas analyzers running on two AA cells. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision 1.8V voltage reference providing stable excitation for ratiometric sensor measurements. Use Value: Enables ±0.01% measurement repeatability across battery discharge (2.0–3.2V input) without recalibration. | Use Scenario: Biasing analog front-end circuits in notebook keyboard backlight controllers and EC (Embedded Controller) ADCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, low-quiescent reference for internal 10-bit ADCs monitoring battery voltage and thermal sensors. Use Value: Reduces system standby current by 85µA vs. discrete Zener-based solutions, extending sleep-mode battery life. |
| PDAs, GPS, DMMs | Cellular Phones |
Use Scenario: Reference for high-resolution multimeter front-ends requiring 10ppm-level stability over temperature. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary voltage reference for auto-ranging ohmmeter and AC/DC voltage measurement paths. Use Value: Eliminates need for external trimming potentiometers due to ±5mV factory accuracy and low hysteresis (125ppm). | Use Scenario: Providing stable 1.8V bias to RF transceiver ADC/DAC reference pins in LTE/5G handset designs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, fast-settling (100µs) reference supporting dynamic range requirements of wideband receivers. Use Value: Maintains ENOB >13.5 bits under RF-induced supply ripple thanks to 78dB PSRR at 120Hz. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| REF198GS | 1.8V output, ±2mV initial accuracy, 5ppm/°C tempco, 125µA IQ, SO-8 | Higher accuracy but 25% higher quiescent current; requires 1µF output cap for stability | Select when tighter initial tolerance is prioritized over battery life |
| ADR3418ARJZ-R7 | 1.8V output, ±2mV accuracy, 10ppm/°C tempco, 120µA IQ, SOT-23-5 | Smaller footprint but lower sink capability (1mA); no N.C. pins - different pinout and layout | Select when board area is constrained and 1mA sink suffices |
Compared with REF198GS and ADR3418ARJZ-R7, the MAX6168BESA offers the lowest quiescent current (100µA) and unique no-capacitor stability, making it optimal for ultra-low-power, space-tolerant designs where ±5mV accuracy is acceptable.
Availability
MAX6168BESA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable battery-powered systems, precision ADC biasing, and low-voltage instrumentation requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MAX6168BESA 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) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for industrial, communications, and consumer applications.
The MAX6161–MAX6168 family was designed specifically for precision, micropower, low-dropout voltage referencing in battery-critical and space-constrained systems - emphasizing zero external components, ultra-low IQ, and robust thermal performance.
FAQ
What is the maximum load current the MAX6168BESA can source while maintaining specification?
The MAX6168BESA can source up to 5mA while staying within its specified load regulation of 0.9mV/mA and output voltage accuracy limits. At 5mA, the output voltage change remains ≤4.5mV from nominal 1.800V, preserving integrity for 12-bit ADC references. Exceeding 5mA risks violating dropout and thermal limits, especially at high ambient temperatures.
Does the MAX6168BESA require an external output capacitor for stability?
No, the MAX6168BESA is internally compensated and does not require an external output capacitor for stability - a key differentiator from many competing references. It remains stable with capacitive loads up to 1µF, and adding a capacitor is optional only for improved transient response in step-load applications.
What is the minimum input voltage required for the MAX6168BESA to regulate properly?
The MAX6168BESA requires a minimum input voltage of VOUT + 0.2V = 2.0V to maintain regulation. Its maximum dropout is 200mV at 1mA load, and the device is fully specified from 2.5V to 12.6V input. Operation below 2.0V results in loss of regulation and uncontrolled output collapse.
How does the MAX6168BESA's temperature coefficient compare to the MAX6168A variant?
The MAX6168BESA has a temperature coefficient of 4–10ppm/°C, while the MAX6168A variant is tighter at 2–5ppm/°C. This means the B-grade part allows up to double the thermal drift over –40°C to +85°C - approximately ±0.76mV vs. ±0.38mV - making the A-grade preferable for metrology-grade applications where sub-ppm stability is critical.
Can the no-connect (N.C.) pins on the MAX6168BESA be left floating or should they be grounded?
The N.C. pins (1, 3, 5, 7, 8) on the MAX6168BESA are not internally bonded and must be left unconnected - neither grounded nor tied to any voltage. Grounding them introduces parasitic capacitance and potential noise coupling into the sensitive reference circuitry, degrading noise performance and long-term stability. PCB layout should isolate these pads from traces and planes.
MAX6168BESA 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:
- ±0.28%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- 10ppm/°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
MAX6168BESA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX6168BESA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX6168BESA 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 MAX6168BESA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX6168BESA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX6168BESA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX6168BESA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX6168BESA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX6168BESA?
MAX6168BESA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX6168BESA 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 MAX6168BESA?
For technical support, including MAX6168BESA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX6168BESA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX6168BESA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX6168BESA 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 MAX6168BESA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX6168BESA?
All MAX6168BESA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX6168BESA, 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 MAX6168BESA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX6168BESA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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