Achieved 0.1 ppm/mA load regulation and 10 ppm/°C drift

Linear Technology Korea (CEO Hong Sa-kwak) announced that it is introducing a precision voltage reference (product name: LT6658) that integrates two high-current output buffers.

Based on a 2.5V bandgap voltage reference, each output can be individually configured to any voltage within the range of 2.5V to 6V. Both outputs offer an initial accuracy of 0.05%, a temperature drift of 10 ppm/°C, and 1.5 ppm low-frequency noise. The outputs can drive up to 50 mA and 150 mA, respectively, and can sink up to 20 mA. Typical load regulation is only 0.1 ppm/mA up to a load current of 150 mA. The buffer outputs can be used for higher current capacities when combined in parallel.

The LT6658 is ideal for driving a reference input for a high-resolution ADC or DAC using a single output, while simultaneously powering another device using a secondary output. Since the two outputs track each other within the specified temperature and load range, it can be utilized in applications requiring a ratioometric supply rail.

These outputs have excellent supply power noise rejection characteristics and can be stabilized up to 50μF within the entire operating range. With these output capabilities, the LT6658 can be used in a combined form as a reference and regulator. Alternatively, the LT6658 can be used to generate a reference with added virtual ground, or to generate a tracking reference in a combined form of the two.

"As customer demand for precision voltage references with built-in regulator-like drives increased, we designed these ultra-buffered references," said Brendan Whelan, Design Manager at Linear Technology. "The result is the introduction of the groundbreaking LT6658 Refulator."

The LT6658 is currently available in a 2.5V version, while 1.2V, 1.8V, 3V, 3.3V, and 5V versions will be available in the first quarter of 2017. Product pricing starts at $2.35 per unit for quantities of 1,000.