Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6198CESA

Overview

MAX6198CESA from Maxim Integrated is a precision, micropower, low-dropout series voltage reference delivering 4.096V output with ±2mV initial accuracy, 5ppm/°C max temperature coefficient, and 35µA max quiescent current - designed for high-accuracy ADC/DAC biasing in battery-powered instrumentation and industrial process control systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6198CESA datasheet, MAX6198CESA pinout, MAX6198CESA application, or MAX6198CESA equivalent, this device offers verified low-noise (200µV_RMS), stable capacitive-load operation up to 2.2nF, and guaranteed load regulation (0.15µV/µA) across -40°C to +85°C - critical for precision analog signal chains requiring long-term stability and minimal power overhead.

Technical Context

The MAX6198CESA employs a curvature-corrected bandgap core with laser-trimmed thin-film resistors to achieve <5ppm/°C temperature coefficient and ±2mV initial accuracy over its full operating range. Its series-mode architecture enables bidirectional 500µA sourcing/sinking capability while maintaining dropout voltage ≤200mV at full load.

Internally compensated for stability with capacitive loads up to 2.2nF, it achieves 160µs turn-on settling time to 0.1% and delivers 77dB ripple rejection at 120Hz - making it suitable for noise-sensitive measurement front-ends where supply rejection and fast transient response are essential.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6198CESA 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.) terminals; Pin 4 is GND; Pin 2 is IN (supply input); Pin 6 is OUT (precision reference output).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with REF5040AIDR and ADR4540BRZ, MAX6198CESA provides the lowest quiescent current (35µA vs. >900µA) and smallest footprint (8-SO vs. SOIC-8 with larger thermal pad), making it uniquely suited for compact, long-life portable instruments - though with slightly relaxed initial accuracy (±2mV vs. ±0.8mV) and tempco (5ppm/°C vs. 3ppm/°C).

Availability

MAX6198CESA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hand-held instruments, analog-to-digital converters, industrial process control, precision 3V/5V systems, and hard-disk drives requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX6198CESA 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 systems.

The MAX6190–MAX6195/MAX6198 family was engineered specifically for micropower, high-accuracy voltage referencing in portable and battery-operated measurement equipment - emphasizing ultra-low supply current, low dropout, and exceptional thermal stability.

FAQ

What is the maximum load current supported by MAX6198CESA?

MAX6198CESA supports bidirectional load currents up to ±500µA - meaning it can source up to 500µA to a load or sink up to 500µA from a load while maintaining specified accuracy and regulation. Dropout voltage remains ≤200mV under these conditions, and load regulation is guaranteed at 0.15µV/µA. This capability enables direct driving of ADC reference inputs, op-amp bias networks, and precision DACs without external buffers.

Does MAX6198CESA require an output capacitor for stability?

No, MAX6198CESA does not require an output capacitor for stability - it is internally compensated and remains stable with capacitive loads from 0 to 2.2nF. An external capacitor is optional and recommended only in applications subject to fast load or supply transients (e.g., multiplexed sensor arrays), where it reduces overshoot/undershoot and improves transient response. Omitting the capacitor saves board space and cost in compact, low-power designs like handheld meters.

What is the supply voltage range for MAX6198CESA?

MAX6198CESA operates with a supply voltage (IN) from (V_OUT + 0.2V) = 4.296V minimum up to 12.6V maximum. At 4.296V input, dropout is minimized; at higher inputs, quiescent current increases only marginally (≤2µA/V). The device maintains full specification compliance across this range, including line regulation of 25µV/V and ripple rejection of 77dB at 120Hz - enabling robust operation in noisy industrial 5V or 12V rails.

How does MAX6198CESA compare to MAX6198BESA and MAX6198AESA?

MAX6198CESA, MAX6198BESA, and MAX6198AESA share identical 4.096V nominal output and 8-SO package but differ in initial accuracy and temperature coefficient: MAX6198CESA is ±2mV / ≤5ppm/°C; MAX6198BESA is ±5mV / ≤10ppm/°C; MAX6198AESA is ±10mV / ≤25ppm/°C. All three maintain identical quiescent current (≤35µA), dropout (≤200mV), and noise performance - allowing design reuse across accuracy tiers without layout changes.

Is MAX6198CESA suitable for automotive applications?

MAX6198CESA is rated for -40°C to +85°C operation and carries RoHS-compliant packaging (+ suffix), but it is not qualified to AEC-Q100 automotive standards. For automotive use, Maxim offers the automotive-grade variant MAX6198CESA/V+, which undergoes additional stress testing and screening per AEC-Q100 Grade 3 requirements. Designers targeting automotive ECUs or ADAS sensors must specify the /V+ version to ensure qualification compliance.