Texas Instruments REF102CU

Overview

REF102CU from Texas Instruments is a precision 10V voltage reference IC with ±2.5mV initial error, 2.5ppm/°C max drift over –25°C to +85°C, and 5ppm/1000hr typical stability - designed for high-accuracy instrumentation, ADC/DAC referencing, and calibrated test equipment.

For engineers reviewing the REF102CU datasheet, REF102CU pinout, REF102CU application, or REF102CU equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, SO-8 package details, noise-reduction implementation guidance, and real-world selection alternatives for metrology-grade voltage reference design.

Technical Context

The REF102CU uses a laser-trimmed, compensated buried zener diode architecture with an internal op amp and precision resistor network (R1–R6) to generate a stable 10V output without thermal heating. Its drift is specified using the box method across –25°C to +85°C.

It features a dedicated Noise Reduction pin (Pin 5) that forms a low-pass filter with internal R6 (7kΩ), enabling configurable broadband noise reduction - achieving <200µVPP with a 1µF capacitor - while maintaining ±3% trim range with minimal impact on drift (≈0.008ppm/°C per mV trimmed).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

REF102CU is housed in an 8-pin SOIC (D) package, 3.9mm × 4.9mm body, 1.27mm pitch, 1.75mm max height, RoHS-compliant NIPDAU finish, MSL Level-2-260°C-1 year.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ADR1000ARMZ and LT1021DCN8-10, REF102CU delivers optimal balance of 2.5 ppm/°C drift, SO-8 compatibility, integrated noise reduction, and 1.4 mA quiescent current - making it ideal for new-design portable instrumentation and high-channel-count DAQ systems where performance, size, and power must coexist.

Availability

REF102CU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision data acquisition, automated test equipment, and portable calibration instruments requiring stable component supply and long-term parametric consistency.

Supply support for REF102CU 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 high-reliability components for industrial, automotive, and instrumentation markets.

The REF102 product line was engineered specifically for metrology-grade voltage referencing - delivering laser-trimmed zener stability without thermal heaters, targeting applications demanding <10 ppm total error over temperature and time.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable supply voltage for REF102CU?

The absolute maximum input voltage for REF102CU is +40V DC, but its specified operating range is +11.4V to +36V DC. Operation above +36V may degrade long-term stability or accelerate aging, and is not characterized. For reliable 10V output regulation and 2.5 ppm/°C drift performance, maintain V+ within 11.4V–36V per the SBVS022B datasheet. REF102CU includes continuous short-circuit protection to Common or V+, enhancing robustness in field-deployed systems.

Can REF102CU drive a 10 kΩ load directly?

Yes, REF102CU can drive a 10 kΩ load directly with negligible error: at 10V output and 1 mA load current, its load regulation is rated at 10 ppm/mA max, resulting in ≤0.01 mV shift - well within its ±2.5 mV initial tolerance. The device supports sourcing up to +10 mA and sinking up to –5 mA. For loads drawing >5 mA continuously, ensure adequate PCB copper area for thermal dissipation, as power dissipation reaches ~36 mW at 36V input and 1 mA load. REF102CU's SO-8 package has sufficient thermal performance for such conditions.

How does the Noise Reduction pin (Pin 5) function in REF102CU?

The Noise Reduction pin (Pin 5) in REF102CU connects internally to a 7 kΩ resistor (R6) that forms a low-pass filter with an external capacitor to ground. When a 1 µF capacitor is added, the filter cutoff is ~22 Hz, reducing broadband noise from ~800 µVPP to <200 µVPP (0.1 Hz–1 MHz). This pin does not affect DC accuracy or drift. It must not be left floating in noise-sensitive applications; tie to ground via capacitor or bypass with 100 nF if unused. REF102CU's 5 µVPP (0.1–10 Hz) low-frequency noise remains unaffected by this pin - it originates from the buried zener diode itself.

Is REF102CU pin-compatible with REF102AU or REF102BU?

Yes, REF102CU is fully pin-compatible with REF102AU and REF102BU - all share identical SO-8 (D) package, pinout, and electrical interface. Differences lie solely in grade: REF102AU (±10 mV / 10 ppm/°C), REF102BU (±5 mV / 5 ppm/°C), and REF102CU (±2.5 mV / 2.5 ppm/°C). No PCB layout change is needed when upgrading from AU or BU to REF102CU; however, system-level calibration may be simplified due to tighter initial tolerance and lower drift. All variants use the same marking "REF 102U" followed by grade letter (A/B/C) on top-side silkscreen.

What is the warm-up time specification for REF102CU?

REF102CU achieves 0.1% output stability in 15 µs after power turn-on, as measured with the Noise Reduction pin floating (per SBVS022B, Section "Electrical Characteristics"). This fast settling supports high-speed automated test equipment and burst-mode data acquisition. Adding a 1 µF capacitor to the NR pin increases thermal time constants slightly but does not significantly degrade warm-up - typical settling to 0.01% remains under 100 ms. Warm-up performance is independent of supply voltage within 11.4V–36V and is characterized at TA = +25°C; no derating is required across the –25°C to +85°C operating range.