Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX872CPA
- Part No.:
- MAX872CPA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX872CPA.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SERIES 0.38% 8DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,393
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Product details
Overview
MAX872CPA from Maxim Integrated is a precision 2.5V low-dropout voltage reference IC designed for high-accuracy analog signal conditioning and ADC/DAC biasing in battery-powered systems. It delivers ±0.2% initial accuracy (±5mV), 40ppm/°C max temperature drift, and operates with only 10µA quiescent current from a 2.7V–20V supply - enabling use with 3V batteries while maintaining 200mV dropout. It sources/sinks ±500µA and features a dedicated TEMP output for ambient temperature monitoring.
For engineers reviewing the MAX872CPA datasheet, MAX872CPA pinout, MAX872CPA application, or MAX872CPA equivalent, key selection criteria include ultra-low IQ for multi-year battery life, tight initial tolerance for calibration-critical instrumentation, low-load-regulation drift under varying sensor currents, and integrated temperature-proportional output for thermal compensation without external sensors.
Technical Context
The MAX872CPA implements a bandgap-based reference core with internal trimming for 2.500V ±0.2% output at +25°C, supported by a dedicated TEMP pin delivering ~10mV/°C proportional voltage. Its low 200mV dropout enables operation from 3V supplies with margin, while the TRIM pin allows fine adjustment of VOUT with predictable tempco degradation (±7ppm/°C per 100mV shift).
It uses a two-stage internal regulation architecture to achieve 0.6mV/mA max load regulation and 20µV/V line regulation over 2.7V–20V input range. The COMP pin supports capacitive load compensation up to 100nF via CCOMP = CLOAD/100, ensuring stability with >300µA loads when paired with ≥1000pF output capacitance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 2.500V ±0.2% (±5mV) at +25°C - enables direct 12-bit ADC full-scale reference without calibration |
| Quiescent Current | ≤10µA - supports >10-year battery life in always-on handheld meters |
| Max Dropout Voltage | 200mV at ±500µA load - allows stable 2.5V reference from 3V coin-cell or Li-ion single-cell supply |
| Tempco | ≤40ppm/°C over 0°C to +70°C - limits reference error to <±1mV across industrial room-temperature range |
| Load Regulation | ≤0.6mV/mA - maintains <±0.3mV shift when driving 500µA sensor bias or DAC reference current |
| Line Regulation | 20µV/V - contributes <±40µV error over 2.7V–5.5V input swing typical in regulated 3V rails |
| TEMP Output | ~10mV/°C proportional to junction temperature - provides ±0.5°C ambient sensing resolution without external components |
Pinout & Package
MAX872CPA is housed in an 8-pin plastic DIP package (0.300" wide), with through-hole mounting and standard lead spacing compatible with legacy PCB layouts.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VIN (Pin 2) | Input Supply | Accepts 2.7V–20V; must exceed VOUT by ≥200mV for regulation; source impedance must be low to avoid start-up current limiting |
| GND (Pin 4) | Ground Reference | Substrate and thermal reference node; connects internally to die substrate; requires low-impedance return path for TEMP accuracy |
| VOUT (Pin 6) | Precision Reference Output | 2.5V ±0.2% source/sink node; drives ≤500µA; requires ≥1000pF capacitor to GND if load >300µA |
| TRIM (Pin 5) | Output Adjustment Input | Allows ±35mV trimming of VOUT via external potentiometer; each 100mV shift adds ~7ppm/°C to tempco |
| COMP (Pin 8) | Capacitive Load Compensation | Connects to VOUT via CCOMP = CLOAD/100 to stabilize output when CLOAD >1000pF |
| TEMP (Pin 3) | Temperature-Proportional Output | Delivers ~10mV/°C; buffered high-Z output; usable for LCD contrast control or ADC gain compensation |
| I.C. (Pins 1,7) | Internal Connection | No external connection required; internally tied to substrate/GND; floating pins must remain unconnected |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Micro-power Operation | 10µA max supply current enables decade-long operation from CR2032 coin cells in portable test equipment |
| Low-Dropout Architecture | 200mV dropout at full ±500µA load allows direct use with 3V supply rails without LDO pre-regulation |
| Factory-Trimmed Accuracy | ±5mV (0.2%) at +25°C eliminates need for system-level calibration in mid-precision data acquisition |
| Integrated Temperature Sensing | TEMP pin provides calibrated 10mV/°C output - replaces discrete thermistor networks in thermal compensation circuits |
| Adjustable Output | TRIM pin supports ±35mV fine-tuning of VOUT for system-specific offset correction without redesigning feedback networks |
Applications
| Hand-Held Multimeters | Battery-Powered Data Loggers |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Portable 4½-digit multimeter requiring stable reference for autoranging ADC and ohms measurement. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 2.5V reference for SAR ADC and precision op-amp biasing; TEMP pin monitors internal temperature for auto-zero drift correction. Use Value: 0.2% initial accuracy and 40ppm/°C drift ensure <±0.02% full-scale error over 0°C–50°C operating range without recalibration. |
Use Scenario: Low-power environmental sensor node logging temperature/humidity every 10 minutes using coin-cell battery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reference for 12-bit ADC measuring thermistor and humidity sensor outputs; powers itself from same 3V supply as microcontroller. Use Value: 10µA quiescent current extends CR2032 battery life beyond 5 years while maintaining ±1LSB ADC accuracy across operating temperature. |
| Industrial Sensor Transmitters | Portable Medical Devices |
Use Scenario: 4–20mA loop-powered pressure transmitter with local display and diagnostics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision reference for bridge amplifier gain setting and ADC conversion; TRIM pin adjusts for sensor offset during factory calibration. Use Value: 200mV dropout allows operation directly from loop-derived 3.3V rail; load regulation <0.6mV/mA ensures stable reading despite varying display backlight current. |
Use Scenario: Battery-operated pulse oximeter requiring accurate analog front-end for photodiode signal conditioning. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reference for transimpedance amplifier and ADC; TEMP pin compensates LED drive current vs. skin temperature. Use Value: Integrated TEMP output eliminates separate temperature sensor, reducing BOM count and PCB area while enabling real-time gain correction. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar precision voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| REF02CP | 2.5V ±0.5% initial accuracy, 50ppm/°C drift, 1.2mA IQ, TO-99 metal can package | Higher power consumption and lower accuracy limit use in ultra-low-power or high-precision portable instruments | Choose REF02CP only if metal-can EMI immunity is required and battery life is not critical |
| ADR3425ARJZ | 2.5V ±0.1% initial accuracy, 10ppm/°C drift, 12µA IQ, SOT-23-5 package | Superior accuracy and tempco but lacks TEMP output and TRIM pin; surface-mount only | Choose ADR3425ARJZ for new designs needing higher precision and smaller footprint, accepting loss of temperature monitoring |
Compared with REF02CP and ADR3425ARJZ, the MAX872CPA uniquely combines ultra-low 10µA IQ, factory-trimmed 0.2% accuracy, integrated TEMP sensing, and adjustable output in a through-hole DIP package - making it irreplaceable for legacy-reliant, battery-constrained, thermally compensated instrumentation where board space and power budget are tightly coupled.
Availability
MAX872CPA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hand-held instruments, battery-operated equipment, and precision power supplies requiring stable component supply despite its Not Recommended for New Designs status.
Supply support for MAX872CPA 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, medical, and communications applications.
The MAX872/MAX874 family was designed specifically for ultra-low-power, high-accuracy voltage referencing in portable and battery-critical systems - prioritizing microamp-level IQ, low dropout, and integrated diagnostics like TEMP output over raw speed or digital interface.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the MAX872CPA?
The MAX872CPA is specified for 0°C to +70°C ambient operation. Its electrical characteristics - including ±0.2% output accuracy, 40ppm/°C tempco, and 0.6mV/mA load regulation - are guaranteed across this commercial temperature range. Junction temperature remains within 0.5°C of ambient due to sub-100µW dissipation, making the TEMP pin a reliable ambient sensor.
Can the MAX872CPA be used with a 3V supply?
Yes, the MAX872CPA operates from 2.7V to 20V and is explicitly optimized for 3V battery use. With only 200mV dropout at ±500µA load, it delivers stable 2.5V output from a nominal 3V supply - even under cold-start conditions down to 2.7V. Its 10µA quiescent current further preserves battery capacity during sleep modes.
Does the MAX872CPA provide temperature monitoring capability?
Yes, the MAX872CPA includes a dedicated TEMP pin (Pin 3) that outputs a voltage proportional to junction temperature at ~10mV/°C. Because its power dissipation is <100µW, junction temperature tracks ambient within ±0.5°C - enabling accurate ambient sensing for LCD contrast control, ADC gain compensation, or thermal out-of-range detection without external components.
How does the TRIM pin on the MAX872CPA function?
The TRIM pin (Pin 5) allows fine adjustment of the 2.5V output voltage by connecting an external potentiometer. It supports ±35mV trimming range; however, each 100mV deviation from factory-trimmed voltage increases temperature coefficient by ~7ppm/°C. This feature enables post-assembly calibration of system-level offsets without modifying hardware design.
Is the MAX872CPA still recommended for new designs?
No - Maxim explicitly states "Not Recommended for New Designs" due to discontinuation of the wafer process used to manufacture the MAX872CPA. While fully functional and supported for existing designs, new projects should consider alternatives like the ADR3425ARJZ for improved specs or REF02CP for ruggedized packaging - unless legacy compatibility, through-hole assembly, or integrated TEMP output are mandatory requirements.
MAX872CPA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Package/Case:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Reference Type:
- Series
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 2.5V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 400 µA
- Tolerance:
- ±0.38%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- 40ppm/°C
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- 60µVp-p
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- -
- Voltage - Input:
- 2.7V ~ 20V
- Current - Supply:
- 15µA
- Current - Cathode:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
MAX872CPA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX872CPA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX872CPA 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 MAX872CPA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX872CPA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX872CPA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX872CPA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX872CPA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX872CPA?
MAX872CPA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX872CPA 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 MAX872CPA?
For technical support, including MAX872CPA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX872CPA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX872CPA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX872CPA 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 MAX872CPA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX872CPA?
All MAX872CPA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX872CPA, 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 MAX872CPA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX872CPA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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