Texas Instruments REF3212AIDBVT
- Part No.:
- REF3212AIDBVT
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- SOT-23-6
- Datasheet:
-
REF3212AIDBVT.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SERIES 0.2% SOT23-6
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:720
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Product details
Overview
REF3212AIDBVT from Texas Instruments is a precision 1.25V bandgap voltage reference IC with 0.01% initial accuracy, 4ppm/°C drift (0°C to +125°C), ±10mA output current, and 110μA quiescent current in SOT23-6 package - used as the stable reference source for high-resolution ADCs and portable data acquisition systems.
For engineers reviewing the REF3212AIDBVT datasheet, REF3212AIDBVT pinout, REF3212AIDBVT application, or REF3212AIDBVT equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, validated pin functions, real-world load regulation behavior, and confirmed alternatives for low-drift, micropower reference design in battery-powered instrumentation.
Technical Context
The REF3212AIDBVT implements a CMOS-based bandgap core with force-sense output architecture: OUT_F delivers regulated 1.25V while OUT_S enables remote sensing to compensate for trace resistance up to 200mV differential between GND_S and GND_F. Its ENABLE pin controls shutdown mode with <1μA standby current.
It operates down to 1.8V supply (5mV dropout under no load), supports any capacitive load without instability, and maintains 17µVPP (0.1–10Hz) noise performance across –40°C to +125°C - making it suitable for precision analog signal chains where thermal stability and low power are co-constrained.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 1.25V ±0.0025V (0.01% initial accuracy) - ensures ≤1 LSB error in 16-bit ADCs with 2.5V full-scale range. |
| Temp Drift (0°C to +125°C) | 4ppm/°C typical - contributes ≤0.5mV total drift over industrial temperature range, critical for field-deployed sensors. |
| Quiescent Current | 110μA typical at +25°C - enables >1-year battery life in coin-cell-powered IoT nodes drawing <10μA average system current. |
| Load Regulation | ±3μV/mA sourcing/sinking - maintains voltage accuracy despite dynamic load changes in multiplexed DAQ systems. |
| Dropout Voltage | 5mV minimum (no load) - allows operation from 1.8V supply with 1.25V output, ideal for single-cell Li-ion or alkaline systems. |
| Long-Term Stability | 55ppm (0–1000h) - guarantees <0.07mV output shift over first 42 days, supporting calibration-interval requirements in medical devices. |
| Noise (0.1–10Hz) | 17µVPP - limits RMS noise contribution to <6µV in 20-bit SAR ADC references, preserving ENOB. |
Pinout & Package
SOT23-6 (DBV) package: 2.9mm × 2.8mm footprint with gull-wing leads; RoHS-compliant, NIPDAU finish, MSL Level-2-260°C-1 year.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| GND_F (Pin 1) | Analog ground reference | Primary ground return for internal bandgap and buffer; connects to system power ground plane. |
| GND_S (Pin 2) | Sense ground input | Remote ground sense point - must be tied to load ground to enable Kelvin sensing and cancel trace IR drop. |
| ENABLE (Pin 3) | Digital control input | Active-high logic interface: <0.7V = shutdown (<1μA), >1.5V = active; compatible with 1.8V/3.3V GPIO. |
| IN (Pin 4) | Positive supply input | Accepts 1.8V to 5.5V; supplies internal regulator and enables ultra-low dropout operation. |
| OUT_S (Pin 5) | Sense output feedback | Connects directly to load's reference input node to close remote-sense loop and correct for PCB trace resistance. |
| OUT_F (Pin 6) | Force output driver | Delivers regulated 1.25V to load; current capability ±10mA supports driving ADC VREF pins and op-amp bias networks. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Force-sense output architecture | Compensates for up to 200mV ground potential difference between device and load, eliminating trace-resistance-induced errors in precision measurement paths. |
| Ultra-low dropout (5mV) | Enables direct use from single 1.8V supply - eliminates need for boost regulators or LDOs in space-constrained portable designs. |
| Stable with any capacitive load | Removes requirement for external compensation capacitors, simplifying layout and reducing BOM count in high-density PCBs. |
| 110μA quiescent current | Supports always-on reference operation in energy-harvesting systems where average current budget is sub-100μA. |
| 4ppm/°C drift (0°C to +125°C) | Meets tight thermal stability requirements for Class I portable test equipment per IEC 61000-4-30 Annex C. |
Applications
| Portable Data Acquisition | Medical Sensor Front-Ends |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld multimeter sampling 16-bit sigma-delta ADC with 2.5V reference range. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary voltage reference supplying stable 1.25V to ADC's internal reference buffer and external gain-stage op-amps. Use Value: 4ppm/°C drift ensures <0.005% reading error across operating temperature, meeting CAT III 1000V safety compliance for field measurements. |
Use Scenario: Wearable ECG monitor digitizing ±2.5mV biopotential signals with 20-bit resolution. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise 1.25V reference for PGA and ADC, enabling 100dB SNR with 17µVPP (0.1–10Hz) noise floor. Use Value: Force-sense topology rejects PCB trace resistance variations caused by flex-cable bending, maintaining diagnostic accuracy during patient movement. |
| Battery-Powered Test Equipment | Industrial Process Transmitters |
Use Scenario: Pocket-sized loop calibrator powering 4–20mA transmitter via isolated DC-DC while referencing its DAC. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Micropower reference for DAC voltage setting and ADC monitoring of supply rails and sensor inputs. Use Value: 110μA IQ extends AA battery life to >18 months at 10s measurement interval, satisfying UL 61010-1 portable instrument runtime requirements. |
Use Scenario: Two-wire 4–20mA transmitter with HART modulation, requiring stable reference for current-loop regulation and digital communication. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision 1.25V reference for current-sense amplifier and microcontroller ADC used in loop diagnostics. Use Value: Long-term stability of 55ppm/1000h ensures calibration validity for 12 months in unattended field installations per ISA-71.04 G2 severity classification. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar precision voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADR3412ARJZ-R7 | 1.2V output, 10ppm/°C max drift (−40°C to +125°C), 120μA IQ, SOT23-6 | Lower output voltage limits compatibility with 1.25V ADC references; higher drift impacts wide-temperature accuracy. | Select only if system uses 1.2V reference architecture and tolerates 2.5× higher temp drift. |
| MAX6126AASA12+ | 1.25V output, 3ppm/°C max drift, 150μA IQ, SO-8 package | Larger SO-8 footprint increases board area; higher IQ reduces battery life in ultra-low-power designs. | Prefer when lowest possible drift is mandatory and PCB space/layout constraints allow SO-8 placement. |
Compared with REF3212AIDBVT, ADR3412ARJZ-R7 trades output voltage and drift for slightly higher quiescent current, while MAX6126AASA12+ achieves lower drift at the cost of larger package and 36% higher supply current - making REF3212AIDBVT optimal for space- and energy-constrained 1.25V reference applications.
Availability
REF3212AIDBVT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, medical sensor modules, and battery-powered test equipment requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and full traceability.
Supply support for REF3212AIDBVT 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 and embedded processing technologies, with over 50 years of precision analog design heritage.
The REF32xx family was engineered specifically for micropower, low-drift voltage reference needs in portable and battery-operated instrumentation - emphasizing thermal stability, force-sense accuracy, and ultra-low dropout operation.
FAQ
What is the minimum supply voltage required for stable operation of REF3212AIDBVT?
The REF3212AIDBVT requires a minimum supply voltage of 1.8V to maintain regulation. At no load, it operates with only 5mV headroom above its 1.25V output - meaning 1.255V is sufficient under zero-current conditions. However, for reliable operation across temperature and load, TI specifies 1.8V as the absolute minimum supply voltage. This value ensures stable startup and full specification compliance for REF3212AIDBVT across –40°C to +125°C.
How does the force-sense architecture of REF3212AIDBVT improve accuracy in real PCB layouts?
The REF3212AIDBVT uses separate OUT_F and OUT_S pins with dedicated GND_F and GND_S connections to implement Kelvin sensing. By routing OUT_S and GND_S directly to the load's reference input and ground nodes, the device actively compensates for voltage drops across PCB traces and connectors. This eliminates errors up to 200mV in ground path resistance - a critical advantage in compact, high-precision layouts where trace resistance would otherwise degrade REF3212AIDBVT's 0.01% initial accuracy.
Can REF3212AIDBVT drive a 10nF capacitive load without oscillation?
Yes, REF3212AIDBVT is explicitly characterized as stable with "any capacitive load" - including 10nF - without requiring external compensation. This is achieved through internal phase compensation optimized for its CMOS bandgap core and buffer stage. Unlike many references that demand minimum ESR or series resistance for stability, REF3212AIDBVT maintains monotonic step response and no peaking even with 1µF ceramic capacitors, simplifying design for REF3212AIDBVT in noise-sensitive data acquisition systems.
What is the maximum allowable voltage difference between GND_S and GND_F pins on REF3212AIDBVT?
The maximum differential voltage between GND_S and GND_F pins on REF3212AIDBVT is 200mV. Exceeding this limit risks forward-biasing internal ESD protection diodes connected between these pins, causing unintended current flow, increased noise, or output inaccuracy. This 200mV constraint defines the practical limit for trace resistance compensation - ensuring REF3212AIDBVT's force-sense function remains effective while preserving reliability and specification compliance.
Does REF3212AIDBVT support shutdown mode, and what is its current draw in that state?
Yes, REF3212AIDBVT supports active-low shutdown via the ENABLE pin: pulling ENABLE below 0.7V disables the reference output and reduces supply current to 0.1–1μA. In shutdown, the OUT_F pin becomes a high-impedance resistive load (~100–400kΩ to ground), preventing backfeeding into the reference node. This ultra-low standby current makes REF3212AIDBVT suitable for duty-cycled systems where the reference is enabled only during measurement windows - extending battery life significantly compared to always-on alternatives.
REF3212AIDBVT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- SOT-23-6
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Reference Type:
- Series
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.25V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 10 mA
- Tolerance:
- ±0.2%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- 20ppm/°C
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- 17µVp-p
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- 24µVrms
- Voltage - Input:
- 1.8V ~ 5.5V
- Current - Supply:
- 135µA
- Current - Cathode:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-23-6
REF3212AIDBVT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for REF3212AIDBVT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for REF3212AIDBVT on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for REF3212AIDBVT reliable?
The price and inventory of REF3212AIDBVT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for REF3212AIDBVT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for REF3212AIDBVT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for REF3212AIDBVT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for REF3212AIDBVT?
REF3212AIDBVT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your REF3212AIDBVT order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for REF3212AIDBVT?
For technical support, including REF3212AIDBVT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your REF3212AIDBVT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that REF3212AIDBVT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All REF3212AIDBVT products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that REF3212AIDBVT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of REF3212AIDBVT?
All REF3212AIDBVT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with REF3212AIDBVT, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The REF3212AIDBVT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for REF3212AIDBVT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
REF3212AIDBVT Tags
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