Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6194CESA+

Overview

MAX6194CESA+ from Maxim Integrated is a precision, micropower, low-dropout series voltage reference delivering a stable 4.500V output with ±2mV initial accuracy, 5ppm/°C max temperature coefficient, and only 35µA quiescent supply current. It operates from (VOUT + 0.2V) to 12.6V input, supports ±500µA load current, and is used in high-accuracy ADC/DAC biasing, industrial process control sensors, and battery-powered instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6194CESA+ datasheet, MAX6194CESA+ pinout, MAX6194CESA+ application, or MAX6194CESA+ equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, validated pin functions, application-specific implementation guidance, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional and application-level differences.

Technical Context

The MAX6194CESA+ is a series-mode bandgap voltage reference employing proprietary curvature-correction circuitry and laser-trimmed thin-film resistors to achieve <5ppm/°C temperature coefficient and ±2mV initial accuracy over -40°C to +85°C. Its internal compensation ensures stability with capacitive loads up to 2.2nF and fast 180µs turn-on settling time to 0.1%.

It sources and sinks up to 500µA while maintaining ≤100mV dropout at full load and exhibits 0.16µV/µA load regulation and 25µV/V line regulation - enabling high-precision operation in low-voltage, low-power systems where supply headroom and load transients are critical constraints.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6194CESA+ is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with RoHS-compliant lead-free finish. Pin 1, 3, 5, 7, and 8 are No Connect (N.C.) and must remain unconnected. Ground (Pin 4) and supply input (Pin 2) provide reference biasing, while Pin 6 delivers the regulated 4.500V output.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX6194CESA+, REF5045IDR offers tighter temperature coefficient at the cost of 3× higher supply current, while ADR4545BRZ trades significant power efficiency for improved long-term stability - making MAX6194CESA+ optimal for space- and energy-constrained field instruments needing industrial-grade accuracy without calibration.

Availability

MAX6194CESA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hand-held instruments, analog-to-digital converters, and industrial process control systems requiring stable component supply, guaranteed long-term availability, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX6194CESA+ 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 high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for precision, power, and interface applications in industrial, medical, and communications markets.

The MAX6190–MAX6195/MAX6198 family was engineered specifically for micropower, low-dropout voltage reference applications demanding high initial accuracy and ultra-low temperature drift in space-constrained, battery-operated systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum load current supported by the MAX6194CESA+ while maintaining specified accuracy?

The MAX6194CESA+ guarantees performance for sourcing and sinking currents up to ±500µA. Within this range, load regulation is specified at 0.16µV/µA, and dropout remains ≤100mV. Exceeding ±500µA may cause output deviation beyond the ±2mV initial accuracy band and increased thermal drift. For continuous operation, keep load within this limit and verify thermal derating in enclosed environments.

Does the MAX6194CESA+ require an external output capacitor for stability?

No, the MAX6194CESA+ is internally compensated and stable with capacitive loads from 0 to 2.2nF - including no output capacitor. An external capacitor is optional and recommended only in applications with fast load or supply transients to reduce overshoot. Adding >2.2nF may degrade phase margin and cause instability, so avoid oversized bypass caps unless validated per layout guidelines.

What is the minimum input voltage required for the MAX6194CESA+ to regulate at 4.500V?

The minimum input voltage for the MAX6194CESA+ is VOUT + 0.2V = 4.7V under all conditions, per the datasheet's guaranteed dropout specification. At 500µA load, dropout is ≤100mV, so 4.6V input would still maintain regulation - but 4.7V is the absolute minimum specified for guaranteed performance across temperature and process variation. Below 4.7V, output voltage drops linearly with input.

How does the MAX6194CESA+ compare to the MAX6194BESA+ and MAX6194AESA+?

The MAX6194CESA+, MAX6194BESA+, and MAX6194AESA+ share identical 4.500V nominal output and SO-8 package but differ in initial accuracy and temperature coefficient: MAX6194CESA+ is ±2mV / ≤5ppm/°C, MAX6194BESA+ is ±5mV / ≤10ppm/°C, and MAX6194AESA+ is ±10mV / ≤25ppm/°C. All three have identical quiescent current, dropout, and noise specs - selection depends solely on required accuracy grade.

Can the MAX6194CESA+ be used in automotive applications?

The MAX6194CESA+ is rated for -40°C to +85°C operation and is RoHS-compliant, but it is not AEC-Q200 qualified. For automotive applications requiring qualification, Maxim offers the automotive-grade variant MAX6194CESA/V+, which shares identical electrical specs but includes extended reliability testing and enhanced traceability. Use MAX6194CESA/V+ for under-hood or infotainment modules subject to automotive qualification requirements.