REF200AU - Dual 100µA Current Source/Sink | Texas Instruments
MPN: REF200AU ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.91 | $1.91 |
| 10 | $1.72 | $17.20 |
| 100 | $1.53 | $153.00 |
| 500 | $1.38 | $690.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.24 | $1,240.00 |
REF200AU Overview
A current source is an electronic circuit that delivers a constant current regardless of the voltage across its terminals, within its compliance range. The REF200AU is a precision current source that maintains a stable 100 µA output with an accuracy of ±0.5% and a temperature coefficient of ±25 ppm/°C. It also includes a current mirror, which can be used to replicate or scale currents. The device operates over a wide voltage compliance range of 40V, making it suitable for both low-voltage and high-voltage applications.
Key features of the REF200AU include its high accuracy, low temperature drift, and complete floating operation. The two current sources can be pin-strapped in series or parallel to obtain currents of 50 µA, 100 µA, 200 µA, 300 µA, or 400 µA. This flexibility allows designers to generate a wide range of reference currents without additional components. The current mirror can also be used to create current sources with values determined by external resistors.
The REF200AU is fabricated using a precision bipolar process, ensuring excellent matching between the two current sources. The device operates over a temperature range of -25°C to +85°C, making it suitable for industrial and commercial applications. The SOIC-8 package is compact and suitable for automated assembly.
Typical applications for the REF200AU include sensor excitation for RTDs and thermistors, biasing of operational amplifiers and comparators, current-mode signal conditioning, and precision current references for data converters. Its floating nature makes it ideal for use in circuits where a ground-referenced supply is not available.
When designing with the REF200AU, it is important to ensure that the voltage across the device does not exceed the 40V compliance limit. The current sources are floating, so the voltage can be applied in either polarity, but the total voltage across the device must be within the specified range. Additionally, the output current is fixed at 100 µA per source, so external circuitry must be designed to handle this current level.
Drop-in alternatives for REF200AU — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
REF200AU/2K5
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
REF200AU
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$1.24 / Unit
View Datasheet →REF200AU Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Output Current (per source) | 100 µA |
| Number of Current Sources | 2 |
| Current Accuracy | ±0.5% |
| Temperature Coefficient | ±25 ppm/°C |
| Voltage Compliance | 40V |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5V to 40V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -25°C to +85°C |
| Package | SOIC-8 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Current Mirror | Yes |
| Pin-Strap Current Options | 50 µA, 100 µA, 200 µA, 300 µA, 400 µA |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free | Yes |
REF200AU Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | I1+ — Current source 1 positive terminal |
| Pin 2 | I1- — Current source 1 negative terminal |
| Pin 3 | MIRROR — Current mirror output |
| Pin 4 | GND — Ground (not required for floating operation) |
| Pin 5 | I2- — Current source 2 negative terminal |
| Pin 6 | I2+ — Current source 2 positive terminal |
| Pin 7 | NC — No connection |
| Pin 8 | NC — No connection |
Typical Applications
REF200AU is suitable for 6 applications: Sensor Excitation, Precision Biasing, Current-Mode Signal Conditioning, Data Converter Reference, Industrial Process Control, Medical Instrumentation.
Sensor Excitation
The REF200AU provides a stable 100 µA current source for exciting resistive sensors such as RTDs and thermistors. Its low temperature coefficient (±25 ppm/°C) ensures minimal drift, and the floating output simplifies bridge configurations. The 40V compliance allows use in industrial sensing applications with high supply voltages.
Recommended
Precision Biasing
The REF200AU can bias operational amplifiers, comparators, and other analog circuits with a precise 100 µA current. Its floating nature allows it to be inserted in series with signal paths without disturbing ground references. This is ideal for setting operating points in high-precision analog front-ends.
Recommended
Current-Mode Signal Conditioning
In current-mode signal processing, the REF200AU can generate reference currents for current conveyors, current mirrors, and transconductance amplifiers. Its dual sources and built-in mirror provide flexibility in designing current-mode filters and amplifiers. The high accuracy ensures consistent performance across temperature.
Recommended
Data Converter Reference
The REF200AU can provide a precision current reference for DACs and ADCs that require a stable current source for biasing or reference generation. Its low drift and high accuracy help maintain converter linearity. The floating output can be easily connected to converter reference pins.
Recommended
Industrial Process Control
The REF200AU is used in industrial process control for generating 4-20 mA loop currents and providing stable biasing for transmitters and controllers. Its wide voltage compliance (40V) and floating operation make it suitable for loop-powered systems. The precision ensures accurate process variable measurement.
Recommended
Medical Instrumentation
In medical devices, the REF200AU provides precise current sources for biosensors, such as glucose monitors and pulse oximeters. Its low power consumption and high accuracy are critical for patient safety and measurement reliability. The floating output allows safe isolation from the main supply.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for REF200AU — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | REF200AU/2K5 | REF200AP | LM334Z | LT3092 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SOIC-8 | SOIC-8 | PDIP-8 | TO-92 | SOT-23 |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Analog Devices |
| Output Current | 100 µA (dual) | 100 µA (dual) | 100 µA (dual) | Adjustable (1µA to 10mA) | Adjustable (0.5mA to 200mA) |
| Voltage Compliance | 40V | 40V | 40V | 40V | 40V |
| Accuracy | ±0.5% | ±0.5% | ±0.5% | ±3% | ±1% |
| Temperature Coefficient | ±25 ppm/°C | ±25 ppm/°C | ±25 ppm/°C | ±33 ppm/°C | ±50 ppm/°C |
| Floating Operation | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Current Mirror | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Key Differentiators
- Completely floating operation (vs LM334Z)
- Higher accuracy and lower drift (vs LT3092)
- Built-in current mirror (vs LM334Z)
Design Notes
The REF200AU is floating, so it does not require a power supply. However, ensure that the voltage across the device does not exceed 40V. Exceeding this limit can damage the device. Also, the output current is fixed at 100 µA per source; do not attempt to draw more current than specified.
For optimal performance, place the REF200AU close to the load to minimize parasitic capacitance and inductance. Use short traces and avoid routing high-speed signals near the current source outputs. A ground plane is recommended to reduce noise coupling.
The REF200AU dissipates power equal to the voltage across it multiplied by the current (P = V * I). At 40V and 100 µA, dissipation is 4 mW per source, which is negligible. However, in high-temperature environments, ensure the junction temperature stays within the -25°C to +85°C operating range.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per TI product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified.
