REF5050AID

A voltage reference, also known as a reference voltage source or precision voltage source, is an electronic device that generates a fixed voltage output regardless of changes in input voltage, load current, temperature, time or other environmental conditions. In order to ensure accuracy, stability and other desired characteristics, the output voltage will typically deviate from its nominal value only by a few parts per million of its setting even after prolonged periods under specified operating conditions. One of the most widely used references is the REF5050AID, which provides improved coefficient temperature accuracy and low load regulation for use in the stringent performance of automotive systems.

The REF5050AID reference is a high accuracy, low-power shunt regulator designed for automotive applications. It is a two-terminal, ultra-high precision voltage reference device that offers greater than 0.2 percent initial accuracy and is capable of outperforming automotive requirements. It employs a high stability, bandgap reference technology that offers a guaranteed initial accuracy over the automotive temperature range and provides improved coefficient temperature accuracy performance characteristic. The exceptional thermal stability capability of the REF5050AID ensures that the voltage reference is highly reliable, accurate and cost effective.

The REF5050AID reference is designed to maintain a stable voltage output regardless of load current or temperature, featuring a low load regulation of 0.01mV for 1mA application load current. Moreover, the REF5050AID makes use of CMOS process technology to reduce power consumption and improve power supply rejection characteristics. The REF5050AID is available in a variety of temperature ranges, including an automobile-rated operating temperature range of –40°C to +105°C. It also offers a wide range of output voltage options, ranging from 0.5 to 6.5V in 0.1V increments.

The REF5050AID works by producing a small current flow in a precision resistor, thus creating a ‘reference’ current. This reference current is then amplified by an amplifier and the resulting ‘output’ voltage is regulated by another amplifier. The two amplifiers are in series and maintain a fixed ratio between the reference current and the output voltage. This helps maintain a stable voltage output regardless of external conditions such as load current, temperature and time.

The REF5050AID is becoming a popular choice of voltage references due to its high accuracy, low power consumption and improved thermal stability. It is a cost effective option for industrial and automotive applications that need to operate in challenging environmental conditions or require a high accuracy voltage reference. As automotive systems become increasingly sophisticated, the REF5050AID will no doubt continue to be an important fueling choice for reliable and accurate voltage reference for automotive applications.