REF196GSZ - 3.3V Precision Series Voltage Reference | Analog Devices
MPN: REF196GSZ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $3.29 | $3.29 |
| 10 | $2.98 | $29.80 |
| 100 | $2.82 | $282.00 |
| 500 | $2.64 | $1,320.00 |
| 1,000 | $2.5 | $2,500.00 |
REF196GSZ Overview
A series voltage reference is a three-terminal (or more) precision circuit that regulates a stable reference voltage from a higher, possibly noisy supply rail, unlike shunt references which require an external bias resistor and sink current continuously. In the system hierarchy, the voltage reference sits within power management and analog signal chain design, feeding precision ADCs, DACs, comparators, and sensor excitation circuits where absolute accuracy of the converter transfer function depends directly on reference stability.
Key features of the REF196 include very low quiescent power consumption typical of the micropower REF19x family, low dropout operation that allows the reference to maintain regulation with minimal headroom between the supply rail and the 3.3 V output, and load capability of up to 30 mA - enough to reference multiple converters or drive a resistive load directly. The G-grade suffix specifies the ±0.3% initial accuracy grade and the commercial temperature range package option in the SOIC-8 outline.
According to Analog Devices, the REF19x series uses a patented temperature drift curvature correction circuit combined with laser trimming of highly stable thin-film resistors to achieve very low temperature coefficient and high initial accuracy. Curvature correction cancels the second-order bandgap error term, while laser trimming removes resistor-ratio mismatch, giving the device accuracy that would otherwise require system-level calibration.
Typical applications include precision data-acquisition systems referencing successive-approximation and sigma-delta ADCs, battery-powered portable instruments where micropower supply current extends battery life, industrial transmitters and process-control modules, and digital multimeters or handheld test equipment requiring a stable 3.3 V full-scale reference.
When designing with the REF196, provide proper input and output decoupling close to the pins and verify dropout margin at the minimum expected supply voltage and full load current to maintain regulation.
This page adds value beyond the manufacturer datasheet by synthesizing distributor pricing, drop-in family alternatives, comparison tables, and practical design notes in one quotable reference. Pricing shown is as of 2026-10-21.
Drop-in alternatives for REF196GSZ — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with REF196GSZ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Initial Accuracy, Output Current, Output Voltage, Package, Reference Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
REF196ESZ
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
REF196GSZ-REEL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
REF192FSZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
REF195ES
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
REF198GS
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
REF196GSZ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Reference Type | Series Precision Voltage Reference |
| Output Voltage | 3.3 V fixed |
| Initial Accuracy | ±0.3% (G grade) |
| Output Current | 30 mA maximum |
| Topology | Series (low dropout, micropower) |
| Series | REF19x bandgap with curvature correction |
| Trim Technology | Laser-trimmed thin-film resistors |
| Package | 8-SOIC |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount (SMD/SMT) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Packaging Variant | REF196GSZ (tube), REF196GSZ-REEL (tape and reel) |
REF196GSZ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VOUT — 3.3 V reference output |
| Pin 2 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 3 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 4 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 5 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 6 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 7 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 8 | +Vs — Input supply voltage |
Typical Applications
REF196GSZ is suitable for 6 applications: Precision Data Acquisition, Battery-Powered Portable Instruments, Industrial Transmitters and Process Control, Handheld Test and Measurement Equipment, Sensor Excitation and Bridges, DAC Output Scaling and Analog References.
Precision Data Acquisition
The REF196GSZ serves as the voltage reference for successive-approximation and sigma-delta ADCs in data-acquisition modules. Its fixed 3.3 V output with ±0.3% initial accuracy directly sets the converter full-scale range, so initial accuracy translates into absolute measurement accuracy without system calibration. The REF19x bandgap architecture with curvature correction and laser-trimmed thin-film resistors keeps drift low over the operating temperature range, preserving readings in industrial environments. With up to 30 mA of output capability, one REF196GSZ can reference the ADC and supply auxiliary reference loads. Place decoupling at both the reference output and the ADC REF pin to keep noise out of the transfer function.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Instruments
Because the REF19x family is explicitly a micropower, low dropout reference, the REF196GSZ suits handheld meters, portable loggers, and battery-powered sensors. Micropower quiescent current minimizes standby drain, extending battery life in always-on equipment. Low dropout operation allows the device to remain in regulation as the battery discharges toward the 3.3 V output, maximizing usable capacity from a 3.6 V Li-SOCl2 or 3-cell alkaline stack. The stable 3.3 V output doubles as both a measurement reference and a precision rail for low-power analog front ends. Designers should verify dropout margin at the minimum expected battery voltage and full load current to guarantee regulation through the entire discharge curve.
Recommended
Industrial Transmitters and Process Control
In 4-20 mA loop transmitters and process-control modules, the REF196GSZ provides the stable 3.3 V reference that defines DAC output scaling and ADC measurement accuracy. Its series topology sources current from the rail rather than continuously shunting current like a Zener-type reference, which helps meet the tight power budgets of loop-powered instruments. The ±0.3% initial accuracy of the G grade reduces calibration time in production, while curvature-corrected bandgap stability keeps gain error small across ambient temperature swings in field-mounted enclosures. Decouple the reference input and output with local ceramics, and route the reference trace away from the loop-drive switching circuitry to protect noise performance.
Recommended
Handheld Test and Measurement Equipment
Digital multimeters, clamp meters, and portable calibrators need a reference whose accuracy survives transport, temperature cycling, and years of use. The REF196GSZ provides a fixed 3.3 V reference with ±0.3% initial accuracy and 30 mA drive, sufficient to feed the reference input of the meter's ADC plus divider buffering. The REF19x architecture's laser-trimmed thin-film resistors and curvature correction deliver the low temperature coefficient required for a handheld instrument specified over a wide ambient range. In these designs the reference often runs continuously, so micropower supply current directly extends battery operating hours between charges.
Recommended
Sensor Excitation and Bridges
Resistive bridges - load cells, RTD conditioning circuits, and pressure sensors - require a stable excitation voltage because ratiometric measurement accuracy depends on excitation stability. The REF196GSZ can supply bridge excitation directly thanks to its 30 mA output current, and its ±0.3% initial accuracy keeps span error within typical industrial tolerances. Using the same reference for both bridge excitation and the ADC reference creates a ratiometric architecture in which reference drift partially cancels, further improving effective accuracy. Verify the bridge impedance keeps the total reference load below 30 mA, and add local bypass capacitance at the bridge supply pin to reject supply-transient coupling.
Recommended
DAC Output Scaling and Analog References
Voltage-output DACs derive their full-scale output from the reference input, so the REF196GSZ's fixed 3.3 V, ±0.3% accuracy directly defines output span in industrial control outputs and waveform generators. The low dropout series design tolerates supply rails close to 3.3 V, simplifying single-supply boards, while micropower current suits always-on control modules. For multi-converter boards, the 30 mA capability lets one REF196GSZ reference a DAC and an ADC simultaneously, guaranteeing matched spans. Buffer the reference with a precision op-amp when driving heavy or dynamic DAC reference currents, and decouple close to each converter's reference pin for transient stability.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for REF196GSZ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | REF196ESZ | REF196GSZ-REEL | REF192FSZ | REF195ES | REF198GS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 8-SOIC | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same | 8-SOIC - same |
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Output Voltage | 3.3 V fixed | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 2.5 V | 5.0 V | 5.0 V |
| Reference Type | Series, low dropout, micropower | Series, low dropout, micropower | Series, low dropout, micropower | Series, micropower (REF19x) | Series, micropower (REF19x) | Series, micropower (REF19x) |
| Drop-in Compatibility with REF196GSZ | Base part | Yes - same output/pinout | Yes - identical | Pin-compatible, different VOUT | Pin-compatible, different VOUT | Pin-compatible, different VOUT |
Key Differentiators
- 3.3 V output matches modern single-supply ADC full-scale ranges (vs REF198GS)
- Higher output voltage than the 2.5 V family member (vs REF192FSZ)
- Same-architecture family with only packaging difference for reel buying (vs REF196GSZ-REEL)
Design Notes
Place the REF196GSZ input and output decoupling capacitors as close to pins 8 (+Vs) and 1 (VOUT) as the layout allows, with short, wide traces to a solid ground plane. For ADC/DAC reference applications, add a second local capacitor directly at the converter reference pin because transient reference currents during conversion steps can propagate along shared traces. Avoid routing the reference line near switching-regulator inductors, clock lines, or high-current return paths; even a few millivolts of coupled noise appears directly in the conversion result.
Verify dropout margin across the full operating corner: the input voltage at minimum supply tolerance must exceed the 3.3 V output by the dropout voltage at the worst-case load (up to 30 mA). If the upstream rail is a switching converter, check its ripple - the series reference regulates, but insufficient headroom at ripple troughs will degrade line regulation and inject ripple into the reference. Budget the load carefully: keep the sum of ADC reference current plus any bleeder or buffer loads below the 30 mA maximum with margin.
Do not substitute another REF19x family member (REF192, REF195, REF198) onto the REF196 footprint without redesign: they share the 8-SOIC package and micropower series architecture but output 2.5 V or 5.0 V, which changes converter full-scale and breaks calibration. Also distinguish part suffixes - the G grade defines ±0.3% initial accuracy - and note that REF196GSZ and REF196GSZ-REEL differ only in packaging (tube vs tape and reel). Always consult the current manufacturer data sheet (Rev. L) rather than third-party mirrors.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance indicated for the REF196GSZ per distributor (Xecor/DigiKey) comparison data. REACH, lead-free, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals statuses were not stated in the provided data and require confirmation from the ADI product page.
