General Description
The MAX4208/MAX4209 ultra-low offset and drift instru-
mentation amplifiers feature exceptional precision specifi-
cations, low power consumption, rail-to-rail output,
excellent gain-bandwidth product, and buffered
REFIN/MODE input in a very small µMAX®package.
These devices use a spread-spectrum, autozeroing
technique that constantly measures and corrects the
input offset, eliminating drift over time and temperature and
the effect of 1/f noise. This technique achieves less than
20µV offset voltage, allows ground-sensing capability, pro-
vides ultra-low CMOS input bias current and increased
common-mode rejection performance.
The MAX4208/MAX4209 provide high-impedance inputs
optimized for small-signal differential voltages (±100mV).
All devices provide a gain-bandwidth product of 750kHz.
The MAX4208 provides an adjustable gain with two
external resistors or unity gain with FB connected to OUT.
The MAX4209 is available with a fixed gain of 100V/V with
±0.03% (typ) accuracy. Both devices include a reference
input (REF) to level-shift the output, allowing for bipolar
signals in single-supply applications. In both devices,
REFIN/MODE is an input to a precision unity-gain buffer,
which sets the REF voltage to level-shift the output. The
internal REF buffer allows the reference to be set by a
simple resistive divider or an ADC reference without any
loading error.
The MAX4208/MAX4209 operate with a 2.85V to 5.5V
single-supply voltage and consume only 750µA
of quiescent current (when the internal buffer is off) and
only 1.4µA in shutdown mode. These amplifiers
also operate with ±2.5V dual supplies with REF
connected to ground and REFIN/MODE to VSS.
The MAX4208/MAX4209 are available in space-saving
8-pin µMAX packages and are specified over the auto-
motive operating temperature range (-40°C to +125°C).
Applications
Automotive Transducer Applications
Strain-Gauge Amplifiers
Industrial Process Control
Battery-Powered Medical Equipment
Precision Low-Side Current Sense
Notebook Computers
Differential Voltage Amplification
Features
Ultra-Low Input Offset Voltage
±20µV (max) at +25°C
±0.25% (max) Gain Error
Low 0.2µV/°C Offset Voltage Drift
1pA CMOS Input Bias Current
True Ground Sensing with Rail-to-Rail Output
Buffered REF Input for High Accuracy and
Bipolar Operation
2.85V to 5.5V Single-Supply Operation
(or ±1.425V to ±2.75V Dual Supplies)
750µA Supply Current
1.4µA Shutdown Mode
750kHz Gain-Bandwidth Product
Operate Over the -40°C to +125°C Automotive
Temperature Range
Tiny 8-Pin µMAX Package
Note: All 8-pin µMAX packages have package code U8-1.
+Denotes a lead(Pb)-free/RoHS-compliant package.
MAX4208/MAX4209
Ultra-Low Offset/Drift, Precision
Instrumentation Amplifiers with REF Buffer
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products 1
Ordering Information
19-0924; Rev 1; 4/09
For pricing, delivery, and ordering information, please contact Maxim Direct at 1-888-629-4642,
or visit Maxim’s website at www.maxim-ic.com.
EVALUATION KIT
AVAILABLE
PART TEMP RANGE PIN-
PACKAGE
GAIN
(V/V)
MAX4208AUA+T -40°C to +125°C 8 µMAX ADJ
MAX4209HAUA+T -40°C to +125°C 8 µMAX 100
µMAX is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
IN-
IN+
REFIN/MODE
REF
FB
MAX4208
R4
R3
VDD
VSS CFB
5V
OUT
REF
R2
FB
R1
G = 1 + R2
R1 BUFFER OUT =
VDD/2
VDD/2
Typical Application Circuit
MAX4208/MAX4209
Ultra-Low Offset/Drift, Precision
Instrumentation Amplifiers with REF Buffer
2 _______________________________________________________________________________________
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(VDD = 5V, VSS = 0V, VCM = VREF = VDD/2, VREFIN/MODE = VSS, RL= 100kΩto VDD/2, VDIFF = (VIN+ - VIN-) = 0V, MAX4208 set for
G = 100V/V (R1 = 1kΩ, R2 = 99kΩ), TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
Stresses beyond those listed under “Absolute Maximum Ratings” may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional
operation of the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in the operational sections of the specifications is not implied. Exposure to
absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
VDD to VSS ...............................................................-0.3V to +6V
All Other Pins ...................................(VSS - 0.3V) to (VDD + 0.3V)
OUT Short-Circuit Duration .......................................Continuous
Current Into OUT, VDD, and VSS.......................................±25mA
Current Into Any Other Pin................................................±20mA
Continuous Power Dissipation (TA= +70°C)
8-Pin µMAX (derate 4.5mW/°C above +70°C) ............362mW
Operating Temperature Range .........................-40°C to +125°C
Junction Temperature......................................................+150°C
Storage Temperature Range .............................-65°C to +150°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10s) .................................+300°C
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
INPUT DC CHARACTERISTICS
MAX4208, G = 100V/V ±3 ±20
Input Offset Voltage VOS MAX4209H, G = 100V/V ±3 ±20 µV
Input Bias Current IB-100mV VDIFF +100mV (Note 3) 1 pA
Input Offset Current IOS -100mV VDIFF +100mV (Note 3) 1 pA
Differential mode 2
Input Resistance RIN VCM = VDD/2 Common mode 2 GΩ
-20mV VDIFF +20mV
MAX4208, G = 100V/V 0.05 ±0.25
Gain Error
-20mV VDIFF +20mV
MAX4209H, G = 100V/V 0.05 ±0.25
%
MAX4208, G = 100V/V 25 150
Gain Nonlinearity
(Note 2) MAX4209H, G = 100V/V 25 150 ppm
Input Common-Mode Range VCM Guaranteed by CMRR test VSS -
0.1
VDD -
1.30 V
Input Common-Mode Rejection
Ratio CMRR VCM = (VSS - 0.1V) to (VDD - 1.30V) 106 135 dB
MAX4208/MAX4209
Ultra-Low Offset/Drift, Precision
Instrumentation Amplifiers with REF Buffer
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 3
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(VDD = 5V, VSS = 0V, VCM = VREF = VDD/2, VREFIN/MODE = VSS, RL= 100kΩto VDD/2, VDIFF = (VIN+ - VIN-) = 0V, MAX4208 set for
G = 100V/V (R1 = 1kΩ, R2 = 99kΩ), TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
Power-Supply Rejection Ratio PSRR VDD = 2.85V to 5.5V, VREF = VCM =
(VSS + 0.5V) 100 125 dB
REFIN/MODE AND REF DC CHARACTERISTICS
REFIN/MODE Buffer Input Offset
Voltage (Note 2) ±10 ±40 µV
REFIN/MODE Input-Voltage Low VIL Reference buffer is OFF VSS VSS +
0.05 V
REFIN/MODE Input-Voltage High VIH Shutdown mode VDD -
0.2 VDD V
REFIN/MODE Buffered Reference
Input Range VRE F IN /M OD E Reference buffer is ON, guaranteed by
REFIN/MODE CMRR test
VSS +
0.2
VDD -
1.3 V
REFIN/MODE Buffer
Common-Mode Rejection Ratio
(VSS + 0.2V) VREF/MODE (VDD - 1.3V)
(Note 2) 106 135 dB
REFIN/MODE Buffer
Power-Supply Rejection Ratio
VDD = 2.85V to 5.5V, VREF/MODE = VCM =
(VSS + 0.5V) 100 125 dB
REFIN/MODE Bias Current IREFIN VSS < VREFIN/MODE < VDD (Note 3) 1 pA
REF Common-Mode Range Guaranteed by reference CMRR test
(Note 4) VSS VDD -
1.30 V
REF Common-Mode Rejection
Ratio
VSS VREF (VDD - 1.30V)
(Note 4) 106 135 dB
REF, FB Bias Current MAX4208 (Note 3) 1 pA
VDIFF = 0V (Note 5) ±10 nA
REF Input Current (MAX4209) IREF VDIFF = ±100mV (Note 5) ±100 µA
OUTPUT DC CHARACTERISTICS
RL = 100kΩ30 45
RL = 10kΩ50 70VOH VDD - VOUT
RL = 1kΩ250 325
RL = 100kΩ30 40
RL = 10kΩ50 65
Output-Voltage Swing
(Notes 6 and 7)
VOL VOUT - VSS
RL = 1kΩ250 285
mV
Source +20
Short-Circuit Current ISC Sink -25 mA
Short-Circuit Recovery Time 0.50 ms
AC CHARACTERISTICS
Gain-Bandwidth Product GBW MAX4208, G = 1V/V 750 kHz
Small-Signal Bandwidth BW MAX4209H, G =100V/V 7.5 kHz
Slew Rate (Note 8) SR MAX4208, G = 1V/V, VOUT = 100mV step 80 V/ms
MAX4208/MAX4209
Ultra-Low Offset/Drift, Precision
Instrumentation Amplifiers with REF Buffer
4 _______________________________________________________________________________________
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(VDD = 5V, VSS = 0V, VCM = VREF = VDD/2, VREFIN/MODE = VSS, RL= 100kΩto VDD/2, VDIFF = (VIN+ - VIN-) = 0V, MAX4208 set for
G = 100V/V (R1 = 1kΩ, R2 = 99kΩ), TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
MAX4208,
G = 1V/V 10
Settling Time tSTo within 0.1% of final
value MAX4209H 120
µs
Maximum Capacitive Load CLNo sustained oscillations 200 pF
f = 0.1Hz to 10Hz 2.5 µVP-P
Input-Voltage Noise enf = 1kHz 140 nV/Hz
Power-Up Time To within 0.1% of final value 20 ms
Shutdown Enable/Disable Time tEN, tDIS 20 ms
POWER SUPPLY
Supply Voltage VDD Guaranteed by PSRR test 2.85 5.50 V
VREFIN/MODE = VSS,
buffer OFF VDD = 5V 0.75 1.30
(VSS + 0.2V) VREFIN/MODE
(VDD - 1.3V), buffer ON VDD = 5V 1.40 2.30
mA
Supply Current IDD
VREFIN/MODE = VDD, shutdown mode 1.4 5.0 µA
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
(VDD = 5V, VSS = 0V, VCM = VREF = VDD/2, VREFIN/MODE = VSS, RL= 100kΩto VDD/2, VDIFF = (VIN+ - VIN-) = 0V, MAX4208 set for
G = 100V/V (R1 = 1kΩ, R2 = 99kΩ), TA= -40°C to +125°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
INPUT DC CHARACTERISTICS
TA = +25°C to +85°C ±45
MAX4208, G = 100V/V TA = -40°C to +125°C ±60
TA = +25°C to +85°C ±30
Input Offset Voltage VOS
MAX4209H, G = 100V/V TA = -40°C to +125°C ±40
µV
TA = +25°C to +85°C 0.1 ±0.45
MAX4208, G = 100V/V TA = -40°C to +125°C 0.1 ±0.45
TA = +25°C to +85°C 0.01 ±0.17
Input Offset Voltage
Temperature Drift
(Note 2)
TCVOS
MAX4209H, G = 100V/V TA = -40°C to +125°C 0.01 ±0.17
µV/°C
TA = +85°C 10
Input Bias Current (Note 3)
-100m V VDIFF < +100m VTA = +125°C 20 pA
TA = +25°C to +85°C 0.30
M AX 4208, G = 100V /V ,
- 20m V V
D IF F + 20m V TA = -40°C to +125°C 0.35
TA = +25°C to +85°C 0.30
Gain Error
M AX 4209H , G = 100V /V ,
- 20m V V
D IF F + 20m V TA = -40°C to +125°C 0.35
%
MAX4208/MAX4209
Ultra-Low Offset/Drift, Precision
Instrumentation Amplifiers with REF Buffer
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 5
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(VDD = 5V, VSS = 0V, VCM = VREF = VDD/2, VREFIN/MODE = VSS, RL= 100kΩto VDD/2, VDIFF = (VIN+ - VIN-) = 0V, MAX4208 set for
G = 100V/V (R1 = 1kΩ, R2 = 99kΩ), TA= -40°C to +125°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
-20mV VDIFF
+20mV (MAX4208),
G = 100V/V
TA = -40°C to
+125°C 50 180
Gain Error Temperature Drift
(Note 2) -20mV VDIFF
+20mV (MAX4209H),
G = 100V/V
TA = -40°C to
+125°C 50 180
ppm/°C
TA = +25°C to +85°C 210
MAX4208,
G = 100V/V TA = -40°C to +125°C 700
TA = +25°C to +85°C 210
Gain Nonlinearity
(Note 2) GNL
MAX4209H,
G = 100V/V TA = -40°C to +125°C 700
ppm
Input Common-Mode Range VCM Guaranteed by CMRR test,
TA = -40°C to +125°C
VSS -
0.1
VDD -
1.6 V
TA = + 25°C to + 85° C 96
Input Common-Mode Rejection
Ratio CMRR (VSS - 0.1V) VCM
(VDD - 1.6V) TA = -40°C to
+125°C 90 dB
TA = + 25°C to + 85° C 96
Power-Supply Rejection Ratio PSRR
VDD = 2.85V to 5.5V,
VREF = VCM = VSS +
0.5V
TA = -40°C to
+125°C 90 dB
REFIN/MODE AND REF DC CHARACTERISTICS
TA = +25°C to +85°C 100
REFIN/MODE Buffer Input
Offset Voltage TA = -40°C to +125°C 100 µV
REFIN/MODE Buffered
Reference Input Range VREFIN/MODE Reference buffer is ON, guaranteed by
REFIN/MODE CMRR test
VSS +
0.2
VDD -
1.6 V
REFIN/MODE Input-Voltage
Low VIL Reference buffer is OFF VSS +
0.05 V
MAX4208/MAX4209
Ultra-Low Offset/Drift, Precision
Instrumentation Amplifiers with REF Buffer
6 _______________________________________________________________________________________
Note 1: Specifications are 100% production tested at +25°C, unless otherwise noted. Limits over temperature are guaranteed by design.
Note 2: Guaranteed by design. Thermocouple and leakage effects preclude measurement of this parameter during production testing.
Devices are screened during production testing to eliminate defective units.
Note 3: IN+ and IN- are gates to CMOS transistors with typical input bias current of 1pA. CMOS leakage is so small that it is impractical to
test and guarantee in production. Max VDIFF is ±100mV. Devices are screened during production testing to eliminate defective
units. For the MAX4208, when there are no external resistors, the input bias current at FB and REF is 1pA (typ).
Note 4: Setting REF to ground (VSS) is allowed if the REF buffer is off. The unity-gain buffer is on when VREFIN/MODE is between 0.15V
and (VDD - 1.3V). In this range, VREF = VREFIN/MODE ±40µV (maximum buffer input offset voltage over temperature). Setting
REFIN/MODE to VDD puts the part in shutdown (IDD = 1.4µA).
Note 5: This is the REF current needed to directly drive the end terminal of the gain-setting resistors when REFIN/MODE is connected to
VSS to put the buffer in high-impedance mode. The REF input current is tested at the gain of 100. At gain 10 and 1000, IREF =
±100µA and 3.4µA, respectively at +25°C. See the Detailed Description.
Note 6: Output swing high (VOH) and output swing low (VOL) are measured only on G = 100 and G = 1000 devices. Devices with G = 1
and G = 10 have output swing high limited by the range of VREF, VCM, and VDIFF (see the Output Swing section).
Note 7: Maximum range for VDIFF is from -100mV to +100mV.
Note 8: At G = 100V/V and G = 1000V/V, these instrumentation amplifiers are bandwidth limited and not capable of slew-rate-limited dV/dt.
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS (continued)
(VDD = 5V, VSS = 0V, VCM = VREF = VDD/2, VREFIN/MODE = VSS, RL= 100kΩto VDD/2, VDIFF = (VIN+ - VIN-) = 0V, MAX4208 set for
G = 100V/V (R1 = 1kΩ, R2 = 99kΩ), TA= -40°C to +125°C, unless otherwise noted.) (Note 1)
PARAMETER SYMBOL CONDITIONS MIN TYP MAX UNITS
REFIN/MODE Input-Voltage
High VIH MAX4208/MAX4209 in shutdown VDD -
0.2 V
TA = +25°C to +85°C 96
REFIN/MODE Buffer
Common-Mode Rejection Ratio
(VSS + 0.2V)
VREF
(VDD - 1.6V) TA = -40°C to +125°C 90
dB
REF Common-Mode Range
(Note 4) Guaranteed by REF CMRR test VSS VDD -
1.6 V
TA = +25°C to +85°C 96
REF Common-Mode Rejection
Ratio
VSS VREF (VDD -
1.6V) TA = - 40°C to + 125°C 90 dB
TA = +25°C to +85°C 96
REFIN/MODE Buffer
Power-Supply Rejection Ratio
V
D D
= 2.85V to 5.5V ,
VREFIN/MODE = VCM
= (VSS + 0.5V) TA = - 40°C to + 125°C 90
dB
OUTPUT DC CHARACTERISTICS
RL = 100kΩ60
RL = 10kΩ90VOH VDD - VOUT
RL = 1kΩ375
RL = 100kΩ50
RL = 10kΩ75
Output-Voltage Swing (Note 6)
VOL VOUT - VSS
RL = 1kΩ325
mV
POWER SUPPLY
Supply Voltage VDD Guaranteed by PSRR test 2.85 5.50 V
VREFIN/MODE = VSS,
buffer OFF VDD = 5V 1.70
(VSS + 0.2V) VREFIN/MODE
(VDD - 1.6V), buffer ON VDD = 5V 3.0
mA
Supply Current
REFIN/MODE = VDD, shutdown mode 10 µA
MAX4208/MAX4209
Ultra-Low Offset/Drift, Precision
Instrumentation Amplifiers with REF Buffer
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 7
OFFSET VOLTAGE DRIFT HISTOGRAM
(TA = -20°C TO +85°C)
MAX4208/9 toc02
VOS DRIFT (nV/°C)
FREQUENCY (%)
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
25
0
20
15
10
5
-250-200-150-100-50
GAIN ACCURACY HISTOGRAM
MAX4208/9 toc03
GAIN ACCURACY (%)
FREQUENCY (%)
0.250.200.150.100.050-0.05-0.10
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-0.15
AV = +100V/V
-30
-20
-10
0
10
20
30
2.0 3.02.5 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0
INPUT OFFSET VOLTAGE
vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MAX4208/9 toc04
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
INPUT OFFSET VOLTAGE (μV)
TA = -20°CTA = +25°C
TA = +85°C
TA = -40°CTA = +125°C
-30
-20
-10
0
10
20
30
01234
INPUT OFFSET VOLTAGE
vs. REFIN COMMON-MODE (BUFFER ENABLED)
MAX4208/9 toc06
REFIN COMMON-MODE (V)
INPUT OFFSET VOLTAGE (μV)
TA = -20°CTA = -40°C
TA = +25°C
TA = +125°CTA = +85°C
Typical Operating Characteristics
(VDD = 5V, VSS = 0V, VCM = VREF = VDD/2, VREFIN/MODE = VSS, RL= 100kΩto VDD/2, VDIFF = (VIN+ - VIN-) = 0V, MAX4208 set for
G = 100V/V (R1 = 1kΩ, R2 = 99kΩ), TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
INPUT OFFSET VOLTAGE HISTOGRAM
MAX4208/9 toc01
INPUT OFFSET VOLTAGE (μV)
FREQUENCY (%)
20151050-5-10-15
10
5
15
20
25
30
0
-20
AV = +100V/V
-30
-20
-10
0
10
20
30
-1 0 1 2 3 4
INPUT OFFSET VOLTAGE
vs. INPUT COMMON-MODE VOLTAGE
MAX4208/9 toc05
INPUT COMMON-MODE VOLTAGE (V)
INPUT OFFSET VOLTAGE (μV)
TA = -20°CTA = +25°C
TA = +85°C
TA = -40°CTA = +125°C
-100
-40
-60
-80
-20
0
20
40
60
80
100
-30 -10-20 0 10 20 30
LINEARITY ERROR
vs. DIFFERENTIAL INPUT VOLTAGE
MAX4208/9 toc07
DIFFERENTIAL INPUT VOLTAGE (mV)
LINEARITY ERROR (ppm)
AV = +100V/V
-20
0
40
20
60
80
10 1k100 10k 100k 1M 10M
GAIN vs. FREQUENCY
MAX4208/9 toc08
FREQUENCY (Hz)
GAIN (dB)
COMMON-MODE REJECTION RATIO
vs. FREQUENCY
MAX4208/9 toc09
FREQUENCY (Hz)
CMRR (dB)
10k 100k1k100
-120
-100
-80
-60
-40
-20
0
-140
10 1M
MAX4208/MAX4209
Ultra-Low Offset/Drift, Precision
Instrumentation Amplifiers with REF Buffer
8 _______________________________________________________________________________________
POWER-SUPPLY REJECTION RATIO
vs. FREQUENCY
MAX4208/9 toc10
FREQUENCY (Hz)
GAIN (dB)
10k 100k1k100
-120
-100
-80
-60
-40
-20
0
-140
10 1M
INPUT NOISE vs. FREQUENCY
MAX4208/9 toc12
FREQUENCY (Hz)
INPUT-NOISE DENSITY (nV/Hz)
100 1k
10
100
1000
10,000
1
10 10k 100k
CFB = 1nF
CAPACITOR
CFB = 10nF
CAPACITOR
WHITE NOISE
140nV/Hz
0
0.3
0.6
0.9
1.2
1.5
0 2.0 2.51.0 1.50.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0
IDD vs. VREFIN/MODE
MAX4208/9 toc13
VREFIN/MODE (V)
IDD (mA)
GREY = OUT OF
COMMON-MODE RANGE
INTERNAL BUFFER ON
VREFIN/MODE (VSS + 0.2V)
INTERNAL BUFFER OFF
VREFIN/MODE (VSS + 0.05V)
SHUTDOWN MODE
400
600
500
800
700
900
1000
2.5 3.5 4.03.0 4.5 5.0 5.5
SUPPLY CURRENT (BUFFER OFF)
vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MAX4208/9 toc14
VDD (V)
IDD (μA)
VREFIN/MODE = VSS
TA = -40°CTA = +25°C
TA = +125°C
MAX4208 INPUT-REFERRED NOISE
MAX4208/9 toc11
1s/div
1.2μV/div
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VDD = 5V, VSS = 0V, VCM = VREF = VDD/2, VREFIN/MODE = VSS, RL= 100kΩto VDD/2, VDIFF = (VIN+ - VIN-) = 0V, MAX4208 set for
G = 100V/V (R1 = 1kΩ, R2 = 99kΩ), TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
2.0
1.5
1.0
0.5
0
2.5 4.03.0 3.5 4.5 5.0 5.5
SUPPLY CURRENT (BUFFER ON)
vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MAX4208/9 toc15
VDD (V)
IDD (mA)
VREFIN/MODE = VDD/2
TA = -40°CTA = +25°CTA = +125°C
0
2.0
1.0
4.0
3.0
5.0
6.0
2.5 3.5 4.03.0 4.5 5.0 5.5
SHUTDOWN CURRENT
vs. SUPPLY VOLTAGE
MAX4208/9 toc16
VDD (V)
IDD (μA)
TA = -40°C
TA = +25°C
TA = +125°C
VREFIN/MODE = VDD
MAX4208/MAX4209
Ultra-Low Offset/Drift, Precision
Instrumentation Amplifiers with REF Buffer
_______________________________________________________________________________________ 9
LARGE-SIGNAL PULSE RESPONSE TIME
MAX4208/9 toc17
100μs/div
VIN+
5mV/div
OUTPUT
50mV/div
2.5V
2.5V
AV = 10V/V
VIN+ = 10mV STEP
VIN- = VREF = (VDD - VSS)/2
VREFIN/MODE = VSS
LARGE-SIGNAL PULSE RESPONSE TIME
MAX4208/9 toc18
400μs/div
VIN+
5mV/div
OUTPUT
500mV/div
2.5V
2.5V
AV = 100V/V
VIN+ = 10mV STEP
VIN- = VREF = (VDD - VSS)/2
VREFIN/MODE = VSS
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VDD = 5V, VSS = 0V, VCM = VREF = VDD/2, VREFIN/MODE = VSS, RL= 100kΩto VDD/2, VDIFF = (VIN+ - VIN-) = 0V, MAX4208 set for
G = 100V/V (R1 = 1kΩ, R2 = 99kΩ), TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
LARGE-SIGNAL PULSE RESPONSE TIME
MAX4208/9 toc19
400μs/div
VIN+
1mV/div
OUTPUT
1V/div
2.5V
2.5V
AV = 1000V/V
VIN+ = 2mV STEP
VIN- = VREF = (VDD - VSS)/2
VREFIN/MODE = VSS
MAX4208/MAX4209
Ultra-Low Offset/Drift, Precision
Instrumentation Amplifiers with REF Buffer
10 ______________________________________________________________________________________
Pin Description
PIN NAME FUNCTION
1 REFIN/MODE
Reference/Shutdown Mode Input. Trimode function is as follows:
Connect to VDD to put the device in shutdown mode.
Connect to an external reference (between VSS + 0.2V and VDD - 1.3V) to buffer the voltage at
REFIN/MODE. Using the REF buffer allows the use of a simple resistor-divider or high-impedance
external reference to set the OUT level at 0mV IN with minimum error.
Connect to VSS to force the internal buffer output into a high-impedance state to allow external direct
drive of REF.
2 IN- Negative Differential Input
3 IN+ Positive Differential Input
4V
SS Negative Supply Input. Bypass VSS to ground with a 0.1µF capacitor or connect to ground for
single-supply operation.
5 REF Output Reference Level. REF sets the OUT voltage for zero differential input. The internal buffer
sets the voltage at REF when the voltage at REFIN/MODE is between VSS + 0.2V and VDD - 1.3V.
6FB
Feedback Input. Connect FB to the center tap of an external resistive divider from OUT to REF to
set the gain for the MAX4208. MAX4209 FB is internally connected to gain-setting resistors. Connect
an optional capacitor, CFB, from OUT to FB to reduce autozero noise.
7 OUT Amplifier Output
8V
DD Positive Supply Input. Bypass VDD to ground with a 0.1µF capacitor.
0.1% SETTLING TIME
vs. GAIN
MAX4208/9 toc21
GAIN (V/V)
SETTLING TIME (μs)
10 100
100
1000
10,000
10
1 1000
SETTLING TIME
vs. ACCURACY
MAX4208/9 toc22
ACCURACY (%)
SETTLING TIME (μs)
0.10
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
0
0.01 1.00
G = 100
Typical Operating Characteristics (continued)
(VDD = 5V, VSS = 0V, VCM = VREF = VDD/2, VREFIN/MODE = VSS, RL= 100kΩto VDD/2, VDIFF = (VIN+ - VIN-) = 0V, MAX4208 set for
G = 100V/V (R1 = 1kΩ, R2 = 99kΩ), TA= +25°C, unless otherwise noted.)
MAX4208/MAX4209
Ultra-Low Offset/Drift, Precision
Instrumentation Amplifiers with REF Buffer
______________________________________________________________________________________ 11
Detailed Description
The MAX4208/MAX4209 family of instrumentation ampli-
fiers implements a spread-spectrum, autozeroing tech-
nique that minimizes the input offset error, drift over time
and temperature, and the effect of 1/f noise. Unlike the
traditional three-op amp instrumentation amplifier, this
technique allows true ground-sensing capability com-
bined with a low input bias current and increased com-
mon-mode rejection.
The differential input signal is converted to a current by
an input transconductance stage. An output transcon-
ductance stage converts a portion of the output voltage
(equal to the output voltage divided by the gain) into
another precision current. These two currents are sub-
tracted and the result is fed to a loop amplifier with suffi-
cient gain to minimize errors (Figures 1 and 2). The
MAX4209 has a factory-trimmed gain of 100V/V. The
MAX4208 has an adjustable gain, set with an external
pair of resistors between OUT, FB, and REF (Figure 1).
The MAX4208/MAX4209 have an output reference input
(REF) that is connected to an external reference for bipo-
lar operation of the device. For single-supply operation,
the range for VREF is 0V to (VDD - 1.3V). Although full out-
put-swing capability and maximum symmetrical dynamic
range is obtained at REF = VDD/2, the optimal VREF set-
ting depends on the supply voltage and output-voltage
swing needed by the application. The maximum recom-
mended differential input voltage is ±100mV. Linearity
and accuracy are degraded above that level. The
MAX4208/MAX4209 operate with single 2.85V to 5.5V
supply voltages or dual ±1.425V to ±2.75V supplies.
The MAX4208/MAX4209 have a shutdown feature to
reduce the supply current to 1.4µA (typ) when REFIN/
MODE is connected to VDD.
REF, REFIN/MODE, and Internal REFIN
Buffer of the MAX4208/MAX4209
In a single-supply system, bipolar operation of an
instrumentation amplifier requires the application of a
voltage reference (REF) to set the output voltage level
when a zero differential voltage is applied to the input.
The output swing is around this reference level, which
is usually set to half of the supply voltage for the largest
swing and dynamic range.
In many instrumentation amplifiers, the gain-setting
resistors as well as the RLare connected between OUT
and REF. OUT can sink and source current but the
need for REF to sink and source current is often over-
looked and can lead to significant errors. Therefore, the
MAX4208/MAX4209 include a REFIN buffer, an internal,
precision unity-gain buffer on-chip to sink and source the
currents needed at REF without loading the reference
voltage supplied at REFIN/MODE.
MAX4208
gmgm
AMP
SHDN
+1
OUT
FB
REF
REFIN/MODE
R2
R1
IN-
IN+
VDD
VSS
G = 1 + R2
R1
Figure 1. MAX4208 Functional Diagram
MAX4209
gmgm
AMP
SHDN
+1
OUT
FB
REF
REFIN/MODE
R2
R1
IN-
IN+
VDD
VSS
G = 1 + R2
R1
Figure 2. MAX4209 Functional Diagram
MAX4208/MAX4209
Ultra-Low Offset/Drift, Precision
Instrumentation Amplifiers with REF Buffer
12 ______________________________________________________________________________________
In a conventional instrumentation amplifier, a simple
method to apply a reference voltage is the use of a volt-
age-divider to set the REF level (often halfway between
ground and VDD). The voltage-divider should be made
of higher value resistors to minimize current consump-
tion, but the sinking and sourcing current from the load
and gain-setting resistors create a significant common-
mode signal at the divider midpoint. The MAX4208/
MAX4209 precision REFIN buffer essentially eliminates
the error voltage at REF.
The REFIN buffer is a unity-gain op amp that has a guar-
anteed VOS of less than 40µV with a CMOS input bias
current of only 1pA, to allow setting REFIN with a simple
resistive divider with minimum errors.
REFIN/MODE is a triple function input (see Table 1). To
use the internal REFIN buffer, connect REFIN/MODE to
an external reference or a simple resistive divider at
any voltage between (VSS + 0.2V) and (VDD - 1.3V).
These voltages represent the minimum and maximum
for the REFIN buffer’s input common-mode range (see
the Electrical Characteristics table). To use ground at
REF or to use an external low-impedance reference
directly at REF without the internal REFIN buffer, con-
nect REFIN/MODE to VSS. This disables the REFIN
buffer, dropping the IDD to 750µA and puts the REFIN
buffer output in a high-impedance state to allow exter-
nal direct drive of REF. To put the MAX4208/MAX4209
into shutdown and reduce the supply current to less
than 5µA, drive REFIN/MODE to VDD.
Note: When driving REF directly, REFIN/MODE must be
at VSS and shutdown mode is NOT available.
Input Differential Signal Range
The MAX4208/MAX4209 feature a proprietary input
structure optimized for small differential signals of up to
±100mV. The output of the MAX4208/MAX4209 allows
for bipolar input signals. The output voltage is equal to
the voltage at REF for zero differential input. The gain
accuracy of these devices is laser trimmed to better
than 0.1% (typ).
Output Swing
The MAX4208/MAX4209 are designed specifically for
small input signals (±100mV) from sensors, strain
gauges, etc. These instrumentation amplifiers are
capable of rail-to-rail output-voltage swings; however,
depending on the selected gain and REF level, the rail-
to-rail output swing may not be required or desired.
For example, consider single-supply operation of the
MAX4208 in a unity-gain configuration with REF con-
nected to a voltage at half of the supply voltage (VDD /
2). In this case, the output-voltage swing would be
±100mV around the REF level and would not need to
reach either rail.
Another example is the MAX4209H (gain internally set
to 100) also operating with a single-supply voltage and
REF set externally to ground (VSS). REFIN/MODE must
also be connected to ground (VSS). In this case, an
input voltage of 0 to 10mV differential would ideally
drive an output-voltage swing of 0 to 1V. However, the
output swing can only get to within 40mV of ground
(VSS) (see the VOL specifications in the Electrical
Characteristics table). It is recommended that for best
accuracy and linearity, the lowest differential input volt-
age for unipolar operation is usually picked to be a
nonzero value (e.g., 0.5mV or more).
Another remedy is to use REFIN/MODE of 250mV (see
the REFIN/MODE Buffered Reference Input Range in the
Electrical Characteristics table), which causes a 0 to
100mV input to start OUT at 250mV and swing to 1.25V,
to prevent the output from going into its bottom nonlinear
range. An ADC with differential input can be connected
between OUT and REF to record the true 0 to 1V swing.
Devices with higher gain and bipolar output swing can
be configured to approach either rail for maximum
dynamic range. However, as the output approaches with-
in VOL or VOH of the supply voltages, the linearity and
accuracy degrades, especially under heavy loading.
Table 1. REFIN/MODE Pin Functions
REFIN/MODE VOLTAGE* STATE OF MAX4208/MAX4209 and REFIN BUFFER
VDD (typically +5V) The entire IC is in SHDN mode and draws 1.4µA of supply current.
Between VSS + 200mV and
(VDD - 1.3V)
The internal REF buffer is activated. REF MUST NOT be fed by any external source. The voltage
at REFIN/MODE is transferred to REF within ±40µV, max (VOS of the internal REF buffer).
VSS (typically ground)
The internal REF buffer is OFF with its output in a high-impedance state to allow direct drive of
REF (or connection to ground). REF must be directly connected to an external voltage reference
capable of sinking and sourcing the load current.
*See the Electrical Characteristics table for detailed specifications.
MAX4208/MAX4209
Ultra-Low Offset/Drift, Precision
Instrumentation Amplifiers with REF Buffer
______________________________________________________________________________________ 13
Applications Information
Setting the Gain (MAX4208)
Connect a resistive divider from OUT to REF with the cen-
ter tap connected to FB to set the gain for the MAX4208
(see the Typical Application Circuit). Calculate the gain
using the following formula:
Choose a value for R1 1kΩ. Resistor accuracy ratio
directly affects gain accuracy. Resistor sum less than
10kΩshould not be used because their loading can
slightly affect output accuracy.
Input Common Mode vs.
Input Differential-Voltage Range
Traditional three-op amp instrumentation amplifiers
have a defined relationship between the maximum
input differential voltage and maximum input common-
mode voltage that arises from saturation of intermediate
amplifier stages. This correlation is frequently repre-
sented as a hexagon graph of input common-mode
voltage vs. output voltage for the instrumentation ampli-
fier shown in Figure 3. Application limitations hidden in
this graph are:
The input common-mode voltage range does not
include the negative supply rail, and so no amplifi-
cation is possible for inputs near ground for single-
supply applications.
Input differential voltages can be amplified with
maximum gain only over a limited range of input
common-mode voltages (i.e., range of y-axis for max
range of x-axis is limited).
If large amplitude common-mode voltages need to
be rejected, differential voltages cannot be amplified
with a maximum gain possible (i.e., range of x-axis
for a maximum range of y-axis is limited). As a con-
sequence, a secondary high-gain amplifier is
required to follow the front-end instrumentation
amplifier.
The indirect current-feedback architecture of the
MAX4208/MAX4209 instrumentation amplifiers do not
suffer from any of these drawbacks. Figure 4 shows the
input common-mode voltage vs. output voltage graph
of indirect current-feedback architecture.
In contrast to three-op amp instrumentation amplifiers,
the MAX4208/MAX4209 features:
The input common-mode voltage range, which
includes the negative supply rail and is ideal for sin-
gle-supply applications.
Input differential voltages that can be amplified with
maximum gain over the entire range of input com-
mon-mode voltages.
Large common-mode voltages that can be rejected
at the same time differential voltages are amplified
with maximum gain, and therefore, no secondary
amplifier is required to follow the front-end instru-
mentation amplifier.
Gain Error Drift Over Temperature
Adjustable gain instrumentation amplifiers typically use a
single external resistor to set the gain. However, due to
differences in temperature drift characteristics between
the internal and external resistors, this leads to large
gain-accuracy drift over temperature. The MAX4208 is
an adjustable gain instrumentation amplifier that uses
two external resistors to set its gain. Since both resistors
are external to the device, layout and temperature coeffi-
cient matching of these parts deliver a significantly more
stable gain over operating temperatures.
The fixed gain, MAX4209H has both internal resistors for
excellent matching and tracking.
Use of External Capacitor CFB
for Noise Reduction
Zero-drift chopper amplifiers include circuitry that con-
tinuously compensates the input offset voltage to deliver
precision and ultra-low temperature drift characteristics.
This self-correction circuitry causes a small additional
noise contribution at its operating frequency (a psuedo-
random clock around 45kHz for MAX4208/MAX4209).
For high-bit resolution ADCs, external filtering can signif-
icantly attenuate this additional noise. Simply adding a
feedback capacitor (CFB) between OUT and FB
reduces high-frequency gain, while retaining the excel-
lent precision DC characteristics. Recommended values
for CFB are between 1nF and 10nF. Additional anti-alias-
ing filtering at the output can further reduce this auto-
correction noise.
Capacitive-Load Stability
The MAX4208/MAX4209 are capable of driving capaci-
tive loads up to 200pF. Applications needing higher
capacitive drive capability may use an isolation resistor
between OUT and the load to reduce ringing on the
output signal. However, this reduces the gain accuracy
due to the voltage drop across the isolation resistor.
GAIN R
R
=+
12
1
MAX4208/MAX4209
Ultra-Low Offset/Drift, Precision
Instrumentation Amplifiers with REF Buffer
14 ______________________________________________________________________________________
Power-Supply Bypass and Layout
Good layout technique optimizes performance by
decreasing the amount of stray capacitance at the
instrumentation amplifier’s gain-setting pins (OUT, FB,
and REF). Excess capacitance produces peaking in
the amplifier’s frequency response. To decrease stray
capacitance, minimize trace lengths by placing exter-
nal components as close as possible to the instrumen-
tation amplifier. Unshielded long traces at the inputs of
the instrumentation amplifier degrade the CMRR and
pick-up noise. This produces inaccurate output in high-
gain configurations. Use shielded or coax cables to
connect the inputs of the instrumentation amplifier.
Since the MAX4208/MAX4209 feature ultra-low input
offset voltage, board leakage and thermocouple effects
can easily introduce errors in the input offset voltage
readings when used with high-impedance signal
sources. Minimize board leakage current and thermo-
couple effects by thoroughly cleaning the board and
placing the matching components very close to each
other and with appropriate orientation. For best perfor-
mance, bypass each power supply to ground with a
separate 0.1µF capacitor.
For noisy digital environments, the use of multilayer
PCB with separate ground and power-supply planes is
recommended. Keep digital signals far away from the
sensitive analog inputs.
Refer to the MAX4208 or MAX4209 Evaluation Kit data
sheets for good layout examples.
Low-Side Current-Sense Amplifier
The use of indirect current-feedback architecture
makes the MAX4208/MAX4209 ideal for low-side cur-
rent-sensing applications, i.e., where the current in the
circuit ground needs to be measured by means of a
small sense resistor. In these situations, the input com-
mon-mode voltage is allowed to be at or even slightly
below ground (VSS - 0.1V).
If the currents to be measured are bidirectional, con-
nect REFIN/MODE to VDD/2 to get full dynamic range
for each direction. If the currents to be measured are
unidirectional, both REFIN/MODE and REF can be tied
to GND. However, VOL limitations can limit low-current
measurement. If currents need to be measured down to
0A, bias REFIN/MODE to a voltage above 0.2V to acti-
vate the internal buffer and to stay above amplifier VOL,
and measure both OUT and REF with a differential
input ADC.
Low-Voltage, High-Side
Current-Sense Amplifier
Power management is a critical area in high-perfor-
mance portable devices such as notebook computers.
Modern digital processors and ASICs are using smaller
transistor geometries to increase speed, reduce size,
and also lower their operating core voltages (typically
0.9V to 1.25V). The MAX4208/MAX4209 instrumentation
amplifiers can be used as a nearly zero voltage-drop,
current-sense amplifier (see Figure 5).
VCM
VCC
VCM-MAX
3/4 VCC
1/2 VCC
1/4 VCC
0
VCC/2 VCC
VOUT
( = GAIN x VDIFF + VREF)
VREF = 1/2 VCC
CLASSIC THREE OP-AMP INA VCM
VDD
VCM-MAX
0VDD/2 VDD
VOUT
( = GAIN x VDIFF + VREF)
VREF = 1/2 VDD
MAX4208/MAX4209
Figure 3. Limited Common Mode vs. Output Voltage of a
Three Op-Amp INA
Figure 4. Input Common Mode vs. Output Voltage of
MAX4208/MAX4209 Includes 0V (GND)
MAX4208/MAX4209
Ultra-Low Offset/Drift, Precision
Instrumentation Amplifiers with REF Buffer
______________________________________________________________________________________ 15
The ultra-low VOS of the MAX4208/MAX4209 allows full-
scale VSENSE of only 10mV to 20mV for minimally inva-
sive current sensing using milliohm sense resistors to
get high accuracy. Previous methods used the internal
resistance of the inductor in the step-down DC-DC con-
verter to measure the current, but the accuracy was
only 20% to 30%. Using a full-scale VSENSE of 20mV, a
20µV max, VOS error term is less than 0.1% and
MAX4209H gain error is 0.25% max at 100x, so the
total accuracy is greatly improved. The 0 to 2V output
of MAX4209H can be sent to an ADC for calculation.
The adjustable gain of MAX4208, can be set to a gain
of 250x using 1kΩand 249kΩresistors, to scale up a
lower 10mV VSENSE voltage to a larger 2.5V output volt-
age for wider dynamic range as needed.
ASIC
IN+
IN-
REF
VSS
VDD
REFIN/MODE
1V AT 10A
ADC
ANTI-ALIASING
FILTER
0.002Ω
+VSENSE-
MAX4209H
OUT
+3.3V
VSENSE = 10A x 0.002Ω = 20mV
POWER IN RSENSE = 10A x 20mV = 200mW
OUT = G x 20mV = 100 x 20mV = 2V
Figure 5. MAX4208/MAX4209 Used as Precision Current-Sense Amplifiers for Notebook Computers with VSENSE of 20mV
IN-
IN+
REFIN/MODE
REF
FB
MAX4208
R4
R3
VDD
VSS CFB
5V
OUT
REF
R2
FB
R1
G = 1 + R2
R1 BUFFER OUT =
VDD/2
VDD/2
Typical Application Circuit
MAX4208/MAX4209
Ultra-Low Offset/Drift, Precision
Instrumentation Amplifiers with REF Buffer
16 ______________________________________________________________________________________
Chip Information
TRANSISTOR COUNT: 2335
PROCESS: BiCMOS
TOP VIEW
FB
REFVSS
1
2
8
7
VDD
OUTIN-
IN+
REFIN/MODE
μMAX
3
4
6
5
MAX4208
MAX4209
+
Pin Configuration
Package Information
For the latest package outline information, go to
www.maxim-ic.com/package.
PACKAGE TYPE PACKAGE CODE DOCUMENT NO.
8 µMAX U8-1 21-0036
MAX4208/MAX4209
Ultra-Low Offset/Drift, Precision
Instrumentation Amplifiers with REF Buffer
Maxim cannot assume responsibility for use of any circuitry other than circuitry entirely embodied in a Maxim product. No circuit patent licenses are
implied. Maxim reserves the right to change the circuitry and specifications without notice at any time.
Maxim Integrated Products, 120 San Gabriel Drive, Sunnyvale, CA 94086 408-737-7600 ____________________ 17
© 2009 Maxim Integrated Products Maxim is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.
Revision History
REVISION
NUMBER
REVISION
DATE DESCRIPTION PAGES
CHANGED
09/07 Initial release
14/09 Removed future products 1–5, 11, 12,
13