One of the key parameters of the REF34xx references is long-term stability. Typical characteristic expressed as: curves shows the typical drift value for the REF34xx is 25 ppm from 0 to 1000 hours. This parameter is characterized by measuring 32 units at regular intervals for a period of 1000 hours. It is important to understand that long-term stability is not ensured by design and that the output from the device may shift beyond the typical 25 ppm specification at any time. For systems that require highly stable output voltages over long periods of time, the designer should consider burning in the devices prior to use to minimize the amount of output drift exhibited by the reference over time.

Figure 8-3 Long Term Stability - 1000 hours (V_OUT)