Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6241ACSA

Overview

MAX6241ACSA from Maxim Integrated is a precision 4.096V buried-zener voltage reference IC with 1.0ppm/°C max temperature coefficient, ±0.02% initial accuracy, and 2.4µV_P-P (0.1Hz–10Hz) output noise-designed for high-resolution ADC/DAC biasing in metrology-grade instrumentation and ATE systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6241ACSA datasheet, MAX6241ACSA pinout, MAX6241ACSA application, or MAX6241ACSA equivalent, this device delivers laboratory-grade stability in an industry-standard 8-pin SO package with trim and noise-reduction terminals for system-level calibration and low-noise signal chain design.

Technical Context

The MAX6241ACSA employs buried-zener core technology with on-chip temperature compensation to achieve near-zero curvature over 0°C to +70°C, enabling sub-ppm/°C drift without oven control. Its output stage supports ±15mA sourcing/sinking while maintaining <6ppm/mA load regulation and <5ppm/V line regulation across 8V–36V input range.

It features dual external interface paths: TRIM pin enables ±24mV (±0.59%) output adjustment via 10kΩ potentiometer without degrading tempco; NR pin accepts optional 1µF capacitor to reduce wideband noise by >10dB above 10Hz-both functions validated per Figure 1 and Figure 2 of the official datasheet.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6241ACSA is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with standard 1.27mm pitch, RoHS-compliant lead finish, and JEDEC MS-012 outline (S8+5). Pin 1 is marked by notch or dot; pins 1, 7, and 8 are internally connected and must remain unconnected in PCB layout.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ADR444BRZ and REF5040AID, MAX6241ACSA offers the lowest tempco (1.0ppm/°C), lowest noise (2.4µV_P-P), and full ±15mA bidirectional drive-making it the optimal choice for metrology-grade, high-dynamic-range, and ATE-critical reference designs where long-term stability and transient immunity are non-negotiable.

Availability

MAX6241ACSA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-resolution analog-to-digital conversion, automated test equipment, and precision current source applications requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX6241ACSA 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 is a semiconductor company specializing in analog and mixed-signal ICs for industrial, communications, and consumer applications, acquired by Analog Devices in 2021.

The MAX62xx family was engineered specifically for metrology-grade voltage references-prioritizing ultra-low drift, low noise, and robust load regulation to replace bulkier ovenized or hybrid references in portable and space-constrained instruments.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for MAX6241ACSA?

The MAX6241ACSA supports an absolute maximum input voltage of +40V on the IN pin, but its specified operating range is 8V to 36V. Operation above 36V risks exceeding safe power dissipation limits in the 8-pin SO package, especially at elevated ambient temperatures. For reliable long-term use, keep VIN ≤ 36V and ensure junction temperature remains below 150°C using derating curves from the datasheet.

Can MAX6241ACSA drive a 10kΩ load directly without external buffering?

Yes, MAX6241ACSA can directly drive a 10kΩ load with minimal error: at 4.096V output and 0.41mA load current, its worst-case load regulation of 6ppm/mA introduces only ±2.5µV error-well within the ±0.82mV initial accuracy band. No buffer is needed unless the application demands <1µV output impedance or fast transient response beyond the device's native 8µs settling time.

Does the TRIM pin affect temperature coefficient when adjusted?

No, the TRIM pin does not degrade the temperature coefficient of MAX6241ACSA. Per the datasheet's Detailed Description section, external trimming "does not affect temperature stability." The ±24mV adjustment range is implemented through a dedicated resistive divider network that preserves the underlying buried-zener core's curvature-compensated behavior across the full 0°C to +70°C range.

Is MAX6241ACSA compatible with ceramic output capacitors up to 100µF?

Yes, MAX6241ACSA is explicitly characterized and guaranteed stable with output capacitance from 0µF to 100µF across all load conditions (0–15mA), as stated in the Applications Information section. This includes X7R and C0G ceramics-no series resistance or ferrite bead is required, simplifying layout for EMI-sensitive medical and industrial applications.

What is the purpose of the NR pin, and how should it be used?

The NR (Noise Reduction) pin on MAX6241ACSA accepts an optional 1µF capacitor to ground to suppress wideband output noise above 10Hz. As shown in Figure 2 of the datasheet, this reduces RMS noise by >10dB in the 10Hz–1kHz band without impacting DC accuracy or stability. Leaving NR open retains full 2.4µV_P-P (0.1Hz–10Hz) low-frequency performance-ideal for DC-coupled precision systems.