Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX874CSA

Overview

MAX874CSA from Maxim Integrated is a precision 4.096V 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 (±8mV), 40ppm/°C max temperature drift, and operates with only 10µA quiescent current from 4.3V to 20V supply - enabling use with standard 5V rails while maintaining 200mV dropout. It is commonly deployed in portable instrumentation and precision power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the MAX874CSA datasheet, MAX874CSA pinout, MAX874CSA application, or MAX874CSA equivalent, key selection criteria include its 4.096V output tolerance, ultra-low IQ, load regulation of 1.0mV/mA, TEMP pin functionality for ambient sensing, and SO-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The MAX874CSA implements a bandgap-based reference core with internal trimming for 4.096V nominal output, supported by a dedicated TEMP pin that outputs a voltage linearly proportional to junction temperature (≈2.0V at +25°C, ±2.3mV/°C). Its low 10µA supply current and 200mV dropout are achieved via a proprietary low-power pass element architecture optimized for micro-power operation across -40°C to +85°C.

It features dual-mode load capability: sourcing and sinking up to ±500µA while maintaining regulation, with load regulation specified at 1.0mV/mA (max) over temperature. The TRIM pin enables ±150mV output adjustment, though doing so degrades tempco by ~7ppm/°C per 100mV deviation from factory-trimmed value.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX874CSA is housed in an 8-pin SO (Small Outline) package with standard 1.27mm pitch, JEDEC MS-012AC compliant, and RoHS-compliant lead finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX874CSA, REF5040IDR offers significantly lower drift but consumes 100µA - making it impractical for multi-year battery use - while ADR3440ARJZ-R7 saves board area but removes two key differentiators: the calibrated TEMP output and factory-trimmable reference voltage.

Availability

MAX874CSA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hand-held instruments, battery-powered data loggers, and industrial PLC analog inputs requiring stable component supply despite its Not Recommended for New Designs status.

Supply support for MAX874CSA 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, communications, and consumer applications.

The MAX872/MAX874 family was designed specifically for ultra-low-power, high-accuracy voltage referencing in portable and energy-sensitive systems - prioritizing micro-power operation, tight initial tolerance, and integrated diagnostics like the TEMP output.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for the MAX874CSA?

The MAX874CSA is rated for operation from -40°C to +85°C (industrial grade, denoted by the 'E' suffix in MAX874ESA). However, the MAX874CSA variant is specified for 0°C to +70°C (commercial grade), as confirmed in the Ordering Information table. Its TEMP pin output remains functional across this range, providing a linear voltage proportional to die temperature with ±0.5°C tracking accuracy relative to ambient.

Does the MAX874CSA support both sourcing and sinking current?

Yes, the MAX874CSA can source and sink up to ±500µA while maintaining output regulation within specifications. This bidirectional capability allows it to drive resistive loads, bias op-amp inputs, or interface directly with analog switches and multiplexers without external buffers - a key advantage over unidirectional references. Performance is guaranteed with ≤200mV dropout and ≤1.0mV/mA load regulation.

Can the output voltage of the MAX874CSA be adjusted, and how does trimming affect accuracy?

Yes, the MAX874CSA's TRIM pin supports ±150mV output adjustment via an external voltage divider. However, each 100mV deviation from the factory-trimmed 4.096V increases temperature coefficient by ~7ppm/°C. For example, adjusting to 4.246V adds ~10.5ppm/°C to the base 40ppm/°C spec, resulting in up to ±50.5ppm/°C drift - requiring recharacterization if high-temperature stability is critical.

What is the purpose of the TEMP pin on the MAX874CSA, and how is it used?

The TEMP pin on the MAX874CSA outputs a voltage linearly proportional to junction temperature (≈2.0V at +25°C, ±2.3mV/°C), enabling ambient temperature sensing without external components. It must be connected to a high-impedance input (≥1MΩ) to avoid loading error. Typical uses include LCD contrast control, ADC gain compensation, or thermal out-of-range detection - as demonstrated in the datasheet's window comparator circuit (Figure 3).

Why is the MAX874CSA marked 'Not Recommended for New Designs', and what should designers consider?

The MAX874CSA is marked 'Not Recommended for New Designs' because its fabrication process at an external wafer foundry has been discontinued. While fully functional and supported for legacy systems, Maxim advises new projects to evaluate replacements like REF5040 or ADR3440. Aetrix Electronics maintains inventory and provides lifecycle coordination, but long-term design-in requires validation of second-source alternatives and careful obsolescence planning.