Texas Instruments REF02APG4

Overview

REF02APG4 from Texas Instruments is a precision +5V voltage reference IC with ±0.2% initial accuracy, 10ppm/°C max temperature drift over –40°C to +85°C, 10µVPP low-noise output (0.1Hz–10Hz), and wide 8V–40V supply range. It delivers stable 5V for high-accuracy A/D and D/A converters, digital voltmeters, and calibration standards.

For engineers reviewing the REF02APG4 datasheet, REF02APG4 pinout, REF02APG4 application, or REF02APG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include output trim capability (±6%), load regulation (0.008%/mA), line regulation (0.01%/V), quiescent current (1.4mA max), and DIP-8 package compatibility with legacy through-hole designs.

Technical Context

The REF02APG4 uses laser-trimmed thin-film resistors and an improved bandgap core to achieve 10ppm/°C max drift across –40°C to +85°C. Its Trim pin enables ±6% output adjustment via external 10kΩ potentiometer without degrading temperature stability beyond 0.7ppm/% change in TCVO.

It operates as a two-terminal shunt-like series reference with VIN, VOUT, GND, and Trim pins - supporting both fixed and adjustable configurations. Internal short-circuit protection and thermal shutdown ensure robustness under fault conditions, while its 1.4mA quiescent current enables low-power portable instrumentation use.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

REF02APG4 is supplied in an 8-pin plastic DIP (dual in-line package) with 0.3-inch body width and through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is marked by a notch or dot; leads are tin-lead (Pb-free option available per ordering code).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with REF02APG4, REF02AU offers identical electrical performance in SO-8 format for modern SMT lines, while ADR445BRZ trades adjustability and supply range for ultra-low drift - making REF02APG4 optimal for cost-sensitive, field-calibratable industrial DVMs and data acquisition modules.

Availability

REF02APG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision calibration standards, digital voltmeters, and A/D converter reference applications requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for REF02APG4 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management technologies with over 90 years of innovation history.

The REF02 product line delivers precision voltage references optimized for industrial test equipment, portable instrumentation, and high-accuracy data converters - emphasizing stability, adjustability, and rugged single-supply operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum load current supported by the REF02APG4?

The REF02APG4 supports up to 21mA of source current and –0.5mA of sink current. At 10mA load, its load regulation is specified at 0.008%/mA max over –40°C to +85°C. This enables direct driving of op-amp reference inputs and moderate-current DAC buffers without external amplification. The REF02APG4 maintains regulation integrity even under transient load steps typical in multiplexed data acquisition systems.

Can the REF02APG4 output voltage be adjusted, and how does it affect temperature stability?

Yes, the REF02APG4 output can be adjusted ±6% using a 10kΩ potentiometer connected between VOUT and GND, with the wiper to the Trim pin. Output adjustment changes the temperature coefficient by approximately 0.7ppm/°C per 100mV of adjustment - meaning a ±300mV shift adds ≤2.1ppm/°C to the base 10ppm/°C drift. This preserves usability in systems requiring binary-aligned 5.12V references while maintaining industrial-grade stability.

What is the purpose of the Temp pin on the REF02APG4?

The Temp pin on the REF02APG4 provides a buffered temperature-proportional voltage output of 630mV at 25°C with a slope of 2.1mV/°C across –55°C to +125°C. It is insensitive to capacitive loading and can be used for on-chip thermal monitoring or ambient temperature compensation in transducer signal chains. Loading the Temp pin with >1µA introduces a 7mV offset per µA, so high-impedance ADC inputs are recommended for accurate readings.

Does the REF02APG4 require external capacitors, and what values are recommended?

Yes, the REF02APG4 requires two external capacitors: a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor from VOUT to GND placed within 5mm of the device to suppress high-frequency noise, and a ≥1µF bulk capacitor (tantalum or aluminum electrolytic) from VIN to GND near the input connector to stabilize the supply against line impedance. These values are validated in TI's SBVS003B datasheet and prevent oscillation or settling-time degradation during power-up or load transients.

How does the REF02APG4 handle short-circuit conditions on its output?

The REF02APG4 features internal short-circuit protection that limits output current to approximately 30mA when VOUT is shorted to GND or VIN. This protection operates indefinitely without damage and automatically recovers when the fault is removed. During short-circuit events, the device draws only quiescent current plus short-circuit current - enabling safe use in test fixtures and bench equipment where accidental probe shorts may occur.