LT1021DMH-5

Voltage Reference Overview

The LT1021DMH-5 is a buried zener precision voltage reference in an 8-lead TO-5 metal can package. It provides a fixed 5V output with a maximum temperature coefficient of 5ppm/°C and line regulation of 12ppm/V. The device operates within an input voltage range of 4V to 40V, requiring a minimum input-output differential of 1V. Supply current is typically 1.2mA. It features ultralow noise (3µVp-p from 0.1Hz to 10Hz) and excellent long-term stability (15ppm per 1000 hours). The output can source or sink up to 10mA.

Voltage Reference Feature Summary

• Utilizes a buried zener diode structure for superior low-frequency noise performance and time stability compared to surface breakdown devices.
• Offers extremely good long-term stability and almost total immunity to input voltage variations.
• Capable of both sourcing and sinking up to 10mA of load current.
• Designed to achieve ultralow drift without the use of high-power on-chip heaters.

Voltage Reference Applications

• A/D and D/A Converters
• Precision Regulators
• Digital Voltmeters
• Inertial Navigation Systems
• Portable Reference Standards

Voltage Reference Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'MH' corresponds to the 8-lead TO-5 metal can package configuration. Confirm the '-5' designation indicates the 5V output version. Ensure the component meets the required industrial operating temperature range specifications if deployed in harsh environments. Cross-reference the datasheet revision to confirm electrical characteristics match the design requirements.

Voltage Reference Selection Notes

Select this component when system accuracy requires minimal reference voltage drift over wide temperature spans. The buried zener architecture is optimal for applications sensitive to low-frequency noise. Consider the 1V minimum input-output differential constraint when designing power supply rails. Evaluate thermal regulation effects if significant self-heating occurs due to high load currents or elevated ambient temperatures.

Voltage Reference Part Context

The LT1021 series represents a family of ultra-precision references based on subsurface zener technology. This approach eliminates common noise and stability issues associated with surface breakdown devices. The family includes 5V, 7V, and 10V variants, with the 7V version offering the best long-term stability as it lacks resistive dividers. The DMH variant specifically denotes the metal can packaging option.

Voltage Reference Replacement Considerations

LT1021BMH-5

Voltage Reference FAQ

Can the LT1021-5 be used as a shunt regulator?

No, only the 7V and 10V units are designed to function as shunt regulators (two-terminal zeners). The 5V unit requires a positive input voltage to operate correctly.

How does the LT1021 achieve low drift without heaters?

It uses a unique circuit design combined with a buried zener diode structure, which inherently exhibits better temperature drift and time stability than bandgap references, eliminating the need for high-power on-chip heaters.