Current Sources and Voltage References

Comparing the different topologies

Characteristics of Monolithic Voltage References

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0.1% metal-film or thin-film types with low TCs or very low tracking TCs if used in a

network. The trimmer, if used, should be a 5% wirewound type, with a similarly low TC.

As you can see, the LM10 still proves to be a real workhorse, and it can be helpful in

very-low-voltage applications, like those shown. Its relatively low quiescent current and

typically low 20-ppm/°C tempco can still be effective in providing a stable reference in

very-low-voltage designs, where most other references simply cannot even function.

Widlar designed it in 1978, and it’s still ahead ...