Texas Instruments REF6141IDGKR

Overview

REF6141IDGKR from Texas Instruments is a high-precision, 4.096 V voltage reference with integrated ADC drive buffer, designed to directly drive the REF pin of SAR and delta-sigma ADCs such as the ADS8881 and ADS127L01. It delivers ±0.05% initial accuracy, 8 ppm/°C max temperature drift (–40°C to +125°C), and <50 mΩ output impedance up to 200 kHz - enabling first-sample 18-bit precision in burst-mode data acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the REF6141IDGKR datasheet, REF6141IDGKR pinout, REF6141IDGKR application, or REF6141IDGKR equivalent, this page provides verified specifications, functional pin definitions, real-world droop performance with ADS8881, noise and distortion metrics (SNR = 99 dB, THD = –124.4 dB), and validated alternatives for precision analog signal chains.

Technical Context

The REF6141IDGKR integrates a low-drift bandgap core with a high-speed, low-output-impedance buffer optimized for dynamic capacitive loads typical of SAR ADC reference inputs. Its architecture includes dedicated force/sense outputs (OUT_F/OUT_S) and ground separation (GND_F/GND_S) to maintain stability under fast switching transients.

It supports programmable short-circuit current via the SS pin, uses a 1 µF FILT capacitor for loop compensation, and achieves <1 LSB droop at 1 MSPS with ADS8881 - a capability enabled by its 5 µV_RMS total noise (with 47 µF CL) and 3 µV_PP/V low-frequency (0.1–10 Hz) noise.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VSSOP-8 (DGK) package, 3.00 mm × 3.00 mm body size, with exposed thermal pad (not electrically connected). Pin layout optimized for low-noise analog routing and ground separation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with REF6241IDGKR and ADR4540BRZ, REF6141IDGKR uniquely combines industrial temperature range (–40°C to +125°C), integrated buffer, and 8 ppm/°C drift - making it optimal for ruggedized, space-constrained DAQ systems needing first-sample precision without external components.

Availability

REF6141IDGKR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision data acquisition systems, automated test equipment, and industrial PLC analog input modules requiring stable component supply, long-term calibration integrity, and guaranteed manufacturability.

Supply support for REF6141IDGKR 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 decades of expertise in precision voltage references and data converter ecosystems.

The REF61xx product line was engineered specifically to solve dynamic reference droop in high-speed precision ADC systems - delivering integrated buffering, ultra-low noise, and guaranteed 18-bit first-sample accuracy for demanding test, measurement, and medical applications.

FAQ

What is the output voltage tolerance and temperature coefficient of REF6141IDGKR?

The REF6141IDGKR has a nominal output voltage of 4.096 V with ±0.05% initial accuracy at 25°C. Its maximum temperature coefficient is 8 ppm/°C across the full industrial range of –40°C to +125°C, measured using the box method per JEDEC standards. This ensures output deviation remains within ±0.004% over temperature - critical for uncalibrated high-accuracy systems.

How does REF6141IDGKR achieve first-sample 18-bit precision with ADS8881?

The REF6141IDGKR achieves <1 LSB droop on the first sample at 1 MSPS with ADS8881 by combining an ultra-low-output-impedance buffer (<50 mΩ up to 200 kHz), dedicated force/sense outputs (OUT_F/OUT_S), and optimized internal compensation. This architecture sustains stable 4.096 V during rapid binary-weighted capacitor switching on the ADC's REF pin - eliminating the droop that plagues conventional references.

Can REF6141IDGKR drive other ADC families besides ADS88xx and ADS127xx?

Yes - REF6141IDGKR is verified to drive the REF pins of ADS88xx SAR ADCs and ADS127xx delta-sigma ADCs, but its low output impedance and low noise also make it suitable for other precision converters including ADS129x, ADS131x, and LTC23xx families. System validation is recommended for non-TI ADCs due to differences in REF pin capacitance and switching behavior.

What is the purpose of the FILT pin on REF6141IDGKR?

The FILT pin on REF6141IDGKR connects to an external ≥1 µF capacitor (to GND_F) that stabilizes the internal feedback loop of the integrated buffer. This capacitor improves PSRR, reduces high-frequency noise, and ensures robust operation under dynamic load conditions - especially during ADC reference switching events. Omitting or undersizing CFILT risks instability and increased droop.

Does REF6141IDGKR require separate ground planes for GND_F and GND_S?

Yes - REF6141IDGKR mandates physical separation of GND_F (force ground) and GND_S (sense ground) traces. GND_F returns current from the buffer output (OUT_F), while GND_S serves as the quiet reference for the sense input (OUT_S) and internal circuitry. Routing them together introduces ground bounce that degrades accuracy; best practice is star-point connection to system AGND near the ADC.