Texas Instruments REF6245IDGKT

Overview

REF6245IDGKT from Texas Instruments is a high-precision, 4.5-V voltage reference IC 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, 3 ppm/°C max temperature drift (0°C to +70°C), <50 mΩ output impedance (DC–200 kHz), and supports first-sample precision to 18 bits in burst-mode data acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the REF6245IDGKT datasheet, REF6245IDGKT pinout, REF6245IDGKT application, or REF6245IDGKT equivalent, this page provides verified specifications, functional pin roles, real-world droop performance with ADS8881, noise and distortion metrics (SNR = 100.5 dB, THD = –125 dB), and validated alternatives for precision analog signal chains in test equipment and industrial DAQ.

Technical Context

The REF6245IDGKT integrates a low-drift bandgap core with a high-bandwidth, low-output-impedance buffer optimized for dynamic ADC reference loading. Its dual-ground architecture (GND_F/GND_S) separates force and sense paths to minimize PCB layout-induced errors, while the SS pin enables programmable short-circuit current limiting via external resistor.

It operates with 3.5 mA sourcing/sinking capability and maintains stability with 10–47 µF capacitive loads. The FILT pin requires ≥1 µF capacitor for loop stability, and its turn-on settling time is 100 ms (0.1% with 47 µF load), making it suitable for event-triggered, variable-rate sampling systems where first-conversion fidelity is critical.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

REF6245IDGKT is housed in an 8-pin VSSOP package (3.00 mm × 3.00 mm body size) with exposed thermal pad (DGK suffix). The package supports standard reflow profiles and provides thermal resistance R_θJA = 158.5°C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with REF6245IDGKT, REF6241IDGKT offers lower full-scale voltage for binary-scaled systems, while REF6250IDGKT provides 5-V compatibility at the cost of slightly higher dropout - both retain identical noise, drift, and buffer fidelity for seamless integration into REF62xx-based designs.

Availability

REF6245IDGKT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for precision data acquisition systems, automated test equipment, and medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply, long-term calibration integrity, and guaranteed 18-bit first-sample accuracy.

Supply support for REF6245IDGKT 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 company specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in precision analog signal chain solutions.

The REF62xx family was developed to solve dynamic reference droop in high-speed precision ADCs - specifically enabling burst-mode, event-triggered, and multiplexed DAQ systems where first-conversion fidelity is non-negotiable.

FAQ

What is the maximum load current supported by REF6245IDGKT?

REF6245IDGKT supports ±3.5 mA continuous output current. This is confirmed in Section 7.3 (Recommended Operating Conditions) of the SBOS748 datasheet, where IL is specified as –3.5 mA to +3.5 mA. Exceeding this may degrade accuracy or trigger short-circuit limiting via the SS pin configuration. REF6245IDGKT maintains <1 LSB droop under this load when driving ADS8881 at 1 MSPS.

Does REF6245IDGKT require an external filter capacitor on the FILT pin?

Yes - REF6245IDGKT requires a minimum 1 µF capacitor between FILT and GND for loop stability, as stated in the Pin Functions table (Section 6) and Figure 45 of the SBOS748 datasheet. Omitting this capacitor risks oscillation or degraded transient response. Ceramic X7R or C0G types are recommended for low ESR and stable capacitance over temperature.

How does REF6245IDGKT achieve first-sample 18-bit precision with ADS8881?

REF6245IDGKT achieves sub-1-LSB droop (<19.07 µV) during the first ADC conversion by combining ultra-low output impedance (<50 mΩ) with a dedicated high-bandwidth buffer stage. This is validated in Figure 31–33 and Section 8.3 of SBOS748, where REF6245IDGKT drives ADS8881 REF pin at 1 MSPS with measured droop below 1 LSB even at full-scale input transitions.

What is the thermal hysteresis performance of REF6245IDGKT?

REF6245IDGKT exhibits ≤33 ppm thermal hysteresis after one 0°C→70°C→25°C cycle and ≤8 ppm after a second cycle, per Section 7.5 and Figure 41–42 of SBOS748. This low hysteresis ensures repeatable accuracy after thermal cycling in field-deployed instruments - critical for calibration-critical applications like portable calibrators and lab-grade DMMs.

Can REF6245IDGKT be used with ADCs other than ADS88xx and ADS127xx families?

Yes - REF6245IDGKT 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 ADS126x, ADS868x, and LTC2500 families. System validation is required for non-TI ADCs, particularly regarding charge kickback magnitude and REF pin capacitance.