Analog Devices Inc. REF01AH

Overview

REF01AH from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a precision 10V bandgap voltage reference in an 8-lead TO-5 metal can package, rated for –55°C to 125°C operation. It delivers ±0.3% initial accuracy, 5ppm/°C typical temperature coefficient, 20µV_P-P (0.1Hz–10Hz) output noise, and 1.4mA max quiescent current - enabling high-stability excitation in bridge sensor systems and calibration-grade data converters.

For engineers reviewing the REF01AH datasheet, REF01AH pinout, REF01AH application, or REF01AH equivalent, key selection criteria include full-temperature-range drift performance (8.5ppm/°C guaranteed), metal-can thermal stability, untrimmed 10V output with ±3% adjustability, and compatibility with low-noise op-amp buffers such as LT1001 in precision gain stages.

Technical Context

The REF01AH implements a thermally compensated bandgap core with internal trimming, delivering a stable 10V reference across its full –55°C to 125°C operating range. Its metal-can H-package provides superior thermal conductivity (θ_JA = 150°C/W) and hermetic sealing, critical for aerospace and downhole instrumentation where long-term drift and moisture ingress must be minimized.

Unlike plastic or cerdip variants, the REF01AH supports indefinite short-circuit-to-ground and to input voltages ≤16V, and features dedicated TRIM and INPUT pins for external adjustment and supply decoupling - enabling robust integration into high-reliability analog signal chains without additional protection circuitry.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

REF01AH uses the H-package: 8-lead TO-5 metal can (0.230" pin circle diameter), hermetically sealed, with case grounded via Pin 5 (GND). The metal body provides EMI shielding and low thermal resistance (θ_JC = 45°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with REF01AH, LT1019ACN8 offers tighter initial accuracy but sacrifices temperature range and package robustness, while REF01EH shares identical packaging and pinout but trades full military temperature capability for lower unit cost in commercial environments.

Availability

REF01AH is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision bridge excitation, high-reliability power monitoring, and calibration equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for REF01AH 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

Analog Devices (acquired Linear Technology in 2017) designs high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for demanding industrial, aerospace, and instrumentation applications.

The REF-01 family was developed specifically for applications needing stable, low-drift, hermetically packaged voltage references - particularly in sensor excitation, precision regulation, and metrology-grade equipment where long-term reliability outweighs cost sensitivity.

FAQ

What is the guaranteed temperature coefficient specification for REF01AH over its full operating range?

The REF01AH guarantees a maximum temperature coefficient of 8.5ppm/°C over its full –55°C to 125°C operating range, as confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings and Electrical Characteristics tables. This value is box-guaranteed - meaning every unit is tested to meet this spec across temperature extremes, unlike typical-only values. REF01AH achieves this via laser-trimmed bandgap compensation and metal-can thermal stabilization.

Can REF01AH be used as a direct replacement for REF01H#PBF?

Yes, REF01AH is functionally and pin-compatible with REF01H#PBF - both are 8-lead TO-5 metal can 10V references with identical pinout, electrical specs, and –55°C to 125°C rating. The "A" suffix denotes Analog Devices' post-acquisition part numbering convention; REF01AH supersedes REF01H#PBF with identical performance and form factor. No PCB or schematic changes are required.

Does REF01AH provide a temperature output voltage like REF-02 devices?

No, REF01AH does not provide a temperature output voltage. The TEMP pin (Pin 6) is reserved for REF-02 variants only and must remain unconnected on REF01AH. The datasheet explicitly states "DO NOT CONNECT ON REF-01" for this pin. REF01AH is strictly a 10V precision reference; temperature sensing functionality is exclusive to REF-02 family members.

What is the maximum continuous input voltage allowed for REF01AH?

The absolute maximum input voltage for REF01AH is 40V, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. However, safe continuous operation requires VIN ≤ 40V with adequate power dissipation management. At 40V input and 10mA load, power dissipation reaches ~300mW - within the 500mW package limit but requiring attention to ambient temperature and heatsinking due to θ_JA = 150°C/W.

How is the TRIM pin used to adjust the output voltage of REF01AH?

The TRIM pin (Pin 4) enables ±3% output adjustment using a 10kΩ potentiometer connected between OUTPUT (Pin 3) and GND (Pin 5), with the wiper tied to TRIM. Adjusting the potentiometer changes the internal feedback ratio, scaling the 10V output linearly. This allows system-level calibration to compensate for downstream gain errors or trace resistance - critical in high-accuracy sensor signal chains where REF01AH serves as the primary reference.