Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX6350EPA+

Overview

MAX6350EPA+ from Maxim Integrated is a precision 5V voltage reference IC using buried-zener technology, delivering ±0.02% initial accuracy, 0.75ppm/°C typical temperature coefficient (1.5ppm/°C max), 3.0µV_p-p (0.1Hz–10Hz) output noise, and ±15mA source/sink capability. It operates from 8V to 36V input and serves as the primary reference in 16-bit high-resolution ADC/DAC systems requiring laboratory-grade stability.

For engineers reviewing the MAX6350EPA+ datasheet, MAX6350EPA+ pinout, MAX6350EPA+ application, or MAX6350EPA+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its 5V output with external trim support, low-noise performance under capacitive loads up to 100µF, -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature range, and compatibility with high-accuracy current sources and ATE equipment.

Technical Context

The MAX6350EPA+ employs a buried-zener core with proprietary low-power temperature compensation, achieving near-zero curvature over -40°C to +85°C - confirmed by ±20ppm hysteresis and 30ppm/1000hr long-term stability. Its output stage supports bidirectional 15mA current flow without oscillation across 0–100µF load capacitance.

Trim functionality allows ±30mV (±0.6%) adjustment via external potentiometer at the TRIM pin, independent of temperature drift. Noise reduction is enabled by a 1µF capacitor on the NR pin, lowering wideband noise while maintaining fast 10µs turn-on settling to ±0.01%.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX6350EPA+ is housed in an 8-pin plastic DIP package (0.300" width), RoHS-compliant and rated for -40°C to +85°C operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with REF5050IDR and ADR4550BRZ, the MAX6350EPA+ uniquely combines 1.5ppm/°C max tempco, on-chip trim and noise-reduction capability, and DIP packaging - making it optimal for industrial calibration fixtures and legacy-compatible designs requiring field-adjustable references.

Availability

MAX6350EPA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-resolution analog-to-digital conversion, precision current source design, and ATE equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for MAX6350EPA+ 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 and mixed-signal ICs for industrial, medical, and test equipment applications.

The MAX63xx family targets high-accuracy instrumentation systems demanding laboratory-grade voltage references with low noise, tight tempco, and robust load regulation - specifically engineered for metrology, data acquisition, and calibration infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature range for the MAX6350EPA+?

The MAX6350EPA+ is rated for continuous operation from -40°C to +85°C. This industrial temperature grade is confirmed in the Ordering Information table and Absolute Maximum Ratings section of the datasheet. The device maintains all specified electrical characteristics - including ±0.02% initial accuracy and 1.5ppm/°C max tempco - across this full range. Thermal hysteresis is characterized at ±20ppm, ensuring repeatability after thermal cycling. The MAX6350EPA+ achieves this performance using a buried-zener core with low-power compensation, avoiding heater-based architectures.

Does the MAX6350EPA+ require an external capacitor on the NR pin?

No, the NR pin on the MAX6350EPA+ is optional: it may be left open if wideband noise reduction is not required. When used, a 1µF capacitor between NR and GND reduces output noise - larger values provide negligible improvement, as verified in Typical Operating Characteristics (Figure MAX6325-13). The MAX6350EPA+ remains fully functional and stable without the NR capacitor, retaining its 3.0µV_p-p (0.1Hz–10Hz) baseline noise. This flexibility allows designers to optimize for noise vs. board area based on system-level SNR requirements.

Can the MAX6350EPA+ drive a 100µF output capacitor?

Yes, the MAX6350EPA+ is explicitly characterized and guaranteed stable with output capacitance from 0µF to 100µF across all load currents (0–15mA), per the "Bypassing" section and Electrical Characteristics table. This eliminates the need for series isolation resistors or ferrite beads commonly required with other references. The stability margin is maintained due to internal compensation optimized for capacitive loading - a key differentiator versus references requiring strict ESR constraints. This capability simplifies power-supply decoupling in high-precision systems where large bulk capacitance suppresses low-frequency ripple.

What is the purpose of the TRIM pin on the MAX6350EPA+?

The TRIM pin on the MAX6350EPA+ enables external adjustment of the output voltage by ±30mV (±0.6% of 5V), implemented using a 10kΩ potentiometer connected between OUT and GND with its wiper to TRIM. Crucially, this adjustment does not degrade temperature coefficient or long-term stability - confirmed in the Detailed Description section. The TRIM function is fully compatible with the device's buried-zener architecture and supports field calibration or system-level offset correction without requiring replacement of the MAX6350EPA+ or redesign of the reference network.

Is the MAX6350EPA+ pin-compatible with earlier MAX6350 variants?

Yes, the MAX6350EPA+ shares identical pinout and footprint with all MAX6350 variants (e.g., MAX6350CPA, MAX6350CSA, MAX6350ESA), as confirmed in the Pin Configuration diagram and Ordering Information tables. All use the same 8-pin DIP or SO package mapping, with pins 1/7/8 internally connected and unused. Electrical differences are limited to temperature range (-40°C to +85°C for E-grade), tempco (1.5ppm/°C max), and initial accuracy (±0.02%), not connectivity. No PCB layout changes are needed when upgrading from C-grade to E-grade MAX6350 devices.