Analog Devices Inc. REF02H

Overview

REF02H from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a precision 5V bandgap voltage reference with temperature-sensing output, designed for high-stability analog signal chains in industrial and test equipment. It delivers ±0.3% initial accuracy, 5ppm/°C typical temperature coefficient over –55°C to +125°C, 10μV_P-P (0.1Hz–10Hz) output noise, and operates from 7V to 40V input. It is used in bridge excitation, precision DAC/ADC biasing, and trimmed regulator feedback.

For engineers reviewing the REF02H datasheet, REF02H pinout, REF02H application, or REF02H equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed full-temperature-range drift performance, integrated temperature voltage output (620mV at 25°C), low quiescent current (1.4mA max), and compatibility with TO-5 metal-can mounting for thermal stability and EMI immunity.

Technical Context

The REF02H implements a curvature-compensated bandgap core with internal trimming to achieve tight initial accuracy and low TC across its full –55°C to +125°C operating range. Its temperature output pin (Pin 3) provides a linear 2.1mV/°C slope referenced to absolute zero, enabling direct Kelvin-scale sensing without external amplification.

It features active load regulation compensation and line regulation circuitry that maintains output stability despite input voltage variations from 7V to 40V and load currents up to ±10mA. The device uses a metal-can H-package with case-grounded GND (Pin 4), supporting low-noise PCB layout via direct thermal and electrical grounding to chassis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

REF02H is housed in an 8-lead TO-5 metal can (H package), with hermetic sealing, low thermal resistance (θ_JA = 150°C/W), and case-connected GND (Pin 4) for EMI suppression and thermal sinking. The metal body serves as both shield and heatsink.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with REF02H, LT1019CS8 offers tighter initial accuracy but sacrifices temperature sensing and rugged metal-can packaging; REF02EN8 retains identical functionality but trades full-temperature-range stability for lower cost and plastic packaging.

Availability

REF02H is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision instrumentation, aerospace avionics, and high-reliability industrial control systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for REF02H 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) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets.

The REF02H belongs to Linear Technology's legacy precision voltage reference family, engineered for applications demanding low drift, low noise, and dual-function capability (reference + temperature sensing) in harsh thermal environments.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for REF02H?

The REF02H is specified for continuous operation from –55°C to +125°C, with all key parameters-including output voltage temperature coefficient (5ppm/°C typical) and line/load regulation-guaranteed across this full range. This makes REF02H suitable for under-hood automotive, downhole oil & gas, and military platform applications where ambient extremes are expected. The H-grade qualification ensures reliability beyond commercial-grade alternatives like REF02EN8.

Does REF02H provide a temperature output, and how is it used?

Yes, REF02H provides a dedicated temperature voltage output on Pin 3 (TEMP), delivering 620mV at 25°C with a precise 2.1mV/°C slope referenced to absolute zero. This output must be loaded with ≤50nA and capacitively decoupled with ≤30pF to maintain accuracy. It enables direct Kelvin-scale temperature measurement without external components-ideal for thermal compensation of analog front-ends or system-level thermal diagnostics in REF02H-based designs.

Can REF02H drive a 10kΩ load directly, and what is its load regulation?

Yes, REF02H can drive a 10kΩ load (0.5mA) directly while maintaining full specification compliance. Its load regulation is 0.001%/mA typical (0.01%/mA max) from 0mA to 10mA, meaning output voltage changes by only ±5μV per mA of load current. This performance allows direct interfacing with op-amp inputs, ADC reference inputs, and trimming networks without buffer amplifiers-reducing board space and error sources in REF02H-based precision circuits.

What is the purpose of the TRIM pin on REF02H, and how much adjustment does it allow?

The TRIM pin (Pin 7) on REF02H allows fine adjustment of the 5V output voltage over a ±3% range (4.85V to 5.15V) using an external 10kΩ potentiometer. This feature enables factory calibration to compensate for system-level errors or to support multiple output voltage variants from a single BOM. Critically, output adjustment introduces minimal TC degradation-only 0.5ppm/%-so calibrated REF02H units retain excellent thermal stability after trimming.

How does the TO-5 metal-can package of REF02H improve performance versus plastic DIP versions?

The TO-5 metal-can (H) package of REF02H provides hermetic sealing, superior thermal conductivity (θ_JC = 45°C/W), and inherent EMI shielding-key advantages over plastic DIP (N8) or CERDIP (J8) variants. Its case-connected GND (Pin 4) enables low-inductance grounding to chassis, reducing noise pickup in sensitive analog systems. These attributes make REF02H ideal for high-reliability applications where long-term drift, moisture ingress, or radiated interference could degrade REF02H's precision reference performance.