Voltage Reference ICs

What is a voltage reference IC? A voltage reference IC is an accurate, temperature-compensated voltage source that provides specific output voltage values, such as 1.225, 4.096, or 10.000 V. What are the two basic topologies for voltage referenc

Sam Davis 2

June 29, 2006

What is a voltage reference IC?
A voltage reference IC is an accurate, temperature-compensated voltage source that provides specific output voltage values, such as 1.225, 4.096, or 10.000 V.

What are the two basic topologies for voltage reference ICs?
Voltage reference ICs may be either shunt (twoterminal) or series (three-terminal) types.

How is a shunt reference IC configured?
The shunt reference IC employs an external series resSistor, R_S, that sets the maximum current supplied to the load. Choose R_S to accommodate the expected variations of the supply voltage, V_S, load current, I_L, and the reference's reverse voltage, V_R, while maintaining an acceptable reverse current, I_R, through the reference.

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About the Author

Sam Davis 2

Sam Davis was the editor-in-chief of Power Electronics Technology magazine and website that is now part of Electronic Design. He has 18 years experience in electronic engineering design and management, six years in public relations and 25 years as a trade press editor. He holds a BSEE from Case-Western Reserve University, and did graduate work at the same school and UCLA. Sam was the editor for PCIM, the predecessor to Power Electronics Technology, from 1984 to 2004. His engineering experience includes circuit and system design for Litton Systems, Bunker-Ramo, Rocketdyne, and Clevite Corporation. Design tasks included analog circuits, display systems, power supplies, underwater ordnance systems, and test systems. He also served as a program manager for a Litton Systems Navy program.

Sam is the author of Computer Data Displays, a book published by Prentice-Hall in the U.S. and Japan in 1969. He also authored the book Managing Electric Vehicle Power. He is also a recipient of the Jesse Neal Award for trade press editorial excellence, and has one patent for naval ship construction that simplifies electronic system integration.

You can also check out additional articles on his other author page.