Texas Instruments LM185BH/NOPB
- Part No.:
- LM185BH/NOPB
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- TO-206AB, TO-46-3 Metal Can
- Datasheet:
-
LM185BH/NOPB.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT ADJ 1% TO46-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:495
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Product details
Overview
LM185BH/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a 3-terminal adjustable band-gap voltage reference diode rated for −55°C to 125°C operation in a hermetic TO-46 metal can package. It delivers 1.24 V to 5.30 V output with 1% initial tolerance, 1 Ω dynamic impedance, and 30 ppm/°C max temperature coefficient - enabling precision low-power analog circuits such as portable meters and battery-operated regulators.
For engineers reviewing the LM185BH/NOPB datasheet, LM185BH/NOPB pinout, LM185BH/NOPB application, or LM185BH/NOPB equivalent, key selection considerations include its micropower operation (10 μA–20 mA), capacitive-load tolerance, wide output adjustability, and military-grade temperature range - critical for aerospace, industrial sensing, and high-reliability shunt regulator designs.
Technical Context
The LM185BH/NOPB implements a band-gap reference core using only transistors and resistors - yielding low noise (50 μVRMS at VREF, 170 μVRMS at 5.3 V), excellent long-term stability (20 ppm/1000 hr), and inherent ESD robustness (2 kV HBM). Its two-terminal shunt topology requires external resistive feedback to set output voltage, with no internal amplification or regulation circuitry.
Unlike series references, it operates as a programmable current sink: reference voltage develops across an external resistor network between cathode and anode, while feedback current (≤25 nA max) flows into the adjust terminal. This architecture enables simple floating configurations and bidirectional clamping applications without additional biasing components.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reference Voltage Range | 1.24 V to 5.30 V - externally adjustable via two-resistor divider; supports precision 10 V, 25 V, and custom reference points. |
| Initial Tolerance | ±1% at 100 μA - tight factory trimming ensures minimal calibration overhead in production test. |
| Dynamic Impedance | 1 Ω at 100 μA - maintains stable output under load transients up to 20 mA, reducing need for bulk capacitance. |
| Temperature Coefficient | 30 ppm/°C max - enables <10 mV drift over full −55°C to 125°C range in unheated enclosures. |
| Operating Current Range | 10 μA to 20 mA - supports ultra-low-power sensor nodes and high-current shunt regulators without redesign. |
| Output Noise | 50 μVRMS (10 Hz–10 kHz, VREF) - suitable for 12-bit ADC references without additional filtering. |
| Long-Term Stability | 20 ppm/1000 hr - predictable aging behavior simplifies lifetime accuracy modeling in safety-critical systems. |
Pinout & Package
LM185BH/NOPB uses a hermetic TO-46 metal-can package (NDV drawing) with 3 leads and a maximum height of 2.67 mm. The package provides superior moisture resistance and thermal performance (θJA = 165°C/W, θJC = 80°C/W) versus plastic alternatives, supporting extended life in harsh environments.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Pin 1) | Current return path | Connected to system ground or negative rail; sets reference potential baseline for cathode output. |
| Cathode (Pin 2) | Reference output node | Delivers regulated voltage; sinks current up to 20 mA; connects to top of external resistor divider. |
| Adjust (Pin 3) | Feedback input | Accepts ≤25 nA feedback current; ties to junction of R1–R2 divider to program output voltage per VOUT = VREF(1 + R1/R2). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Capacitive-load tolerance | Stable with ≥1 μF ceramic output capacitance - eliminates need for isolation resistors in noisy power domains. |
| Micropower operation | Functional down to 10 μA supply current - extends battery life in remote sensors beyond shelf-life limits. |
| Wide temperature range | −55°C to 125°C operation - qualified for aerospace avionics, downhole tools, and engine-control modules. |
| Low-noise band-gap core | 50 μVRMS broadband noise - avoids post-regulation filtering in precision instrumentation front-ends. |
| Hermetic TO-46 packaging | Sealed metal can with gold-plated leads - ensures reliability in high-humidity, corrosive, or vacuum environments. |
Applications
| Portable Precision Meters | Aerospace Power Monitoring |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld multimeters and battery-powered data loggers requiring stable reference over multi-year deployments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt voltage reference providing excitation for ADCs and scaling for analog front-ends. Use Value: 1% initial tolerance and 30 ppm/°C TC enable ±0.1% total error budget without field recalibration. | Use Scenario: DC bus monitoring in satellite power distribution units operating across orbital thermal cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary reference for isolated shunt regulators feeding radiation-hardened microcontrollers. Use Value: Hermetic TO-46 package and −55°C to 125°C rating ensure uninterrupted operation during eclipse-to-sun transitions. |
| Industrial Sensor Transmitters | High-Voltage Shunt Regulators |
Use Scenario: 4–20 mA loop-powered temperature/pressure transmitters deployed in oil & gas refineries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision reference for DAC-based current loop control and sensor bridge excitation. Use Value: 10 μA minimum operating current allows operation with <100 μA loop margin, preserving fault-detection headroom. | Use Scenario: 25 V shunt regulator for legacy telecom line cards where space and BOM count are constrained. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adjustable shunt reference setting regulation point via external resistor network. Use Value: 5.3 V max cathode-anode voltage and 20 mA sink capability support direct use with Zener-based high-voltage stacks. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar adjustable shunt reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM385BXZ/NOPB | TO-92 package, 0°C to 70°C range, 2% initial tolerance, higher 50 ppm/°C TC | Cost-sensitive commercial-grade instruments; not rated for extended temperature or hermetic sealing | Select when environmental ruggedness and long-term stability are secondary to unit cost and PCB footprint. |
| REF5025AIDR | SOIC-8, 2.5 V fixed output, 3 ppm/°C TC, 3.8 μVP-P noise, 100 μA quiescent current | High-precision data acquisition systems requiring sub-ppm stability and ultra-low noise | Select when absolute accuracy and noise performance outweigh adjustability and micropower operation. |
Compared with LM385BXZ/NOPB, LM185BH/NOPB offers tighter tolerance, lower TC, and hermetic reliability for mission-critical use; compared with REF5025AIDR, it trades fixed-output precision for wide adjustability and 10× lower operating current - making it optimal for battery-constrained, field-deployable systems.
Availability
LM185BH/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for aerospace power monitoring, industrial sensor transmitters, and portable precision meters requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.
Supply support for LM185BH/NOPB includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and high-reliability components for industrial, automotive, and aerospace markets.
The LM185 series was designed as a micropower, high-stability shunt reference for applications demanding extended temperature operation and hermetic packaging - particularly in defense electronics, downhole instrumentation, and space-qualified subsystems.
FAQ
What is the maximum output voltage achievable with LM185BH/NOPB?
The LM185BH/NOPB supports an adjustable reference output from 1.24 V to 5.30 V. This range is set by external resistor feedback and is limited by the device's cathode-to-anode voltage rating. At 5.30 V, the LM185BH/NOPB maintains 1% initial tolerance and 1 Ω dynamic impedance - verified per TI's SNVS741F datasheet electrical characteristics table.
Does LM185BH/NOPB require an external capacitor for stability?
No, the LM185BH/NOPB is explicitly designed to be tolerant of capacitive loading and remains stable with ≥1 μF ceramic output capacitance. This eliminates the need for series isolation resistors in most applications, unlike many older shunt references. The datasheet confirms this behavior in the "Features" section and Figure 14 (Dynamic Output Impedance).
What is the operating temperature range of LM185BH/NOPB?
The LM185BH/NOPB is rated for continuous operation from −55°C to 125°C. This extended range is enabled by its hermetic TO-46 metal-can package and internal band-gap design. The specification is confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table and Thermal Characteristics section of the SNVS741F datasheet.
Can LM185BH/NOPB be used as a 10 V reference?
Yes, LM185BH/NOPB can generate a precise 10 V reference using an external resistor divider network, as demonstrated in Figure 17 ("Precision 10V Reference") of the SNVS741F datasheet. The configuration uses the adjust pin to sense the divided output, maintaining regulation accuracy within the device's 1% initial tolerance and 30 ppm/°C temperature coefficient.
What is the feedback current specification for LM185BH/NOPB?
The LM185BH/NOPB has a maximum feedback current of 25 nA at 25°C, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table under "Feedback Current". This ultra-low input current minimizes divider resistor loading errors and enables high-impedance programming networks - critical for achieving stable, low-drift reference voltages in precision applications.
LM185BH/NOPB Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- TO-206AB, TO-46-3 Metal Can
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Reference Type:
- Shunt
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.24V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 5.3 V
- Current - Output:
- 20 mA
- Tolerance:
- ±1%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- 150ppm/°C
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- -
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- 50µVrms
- Voltage - Input:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Current - Cathode:
- 45 µA
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-46-3
LM185BH/NOPB FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM185BH/NOPB through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM185BH/NOPB on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for LM185BH/NOPB reliable?
The price and inventory of LM185BH/NOPB are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM185BH/NOPB is usually 5 days.
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LM185BH/NOPB orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM185BH/NOPB order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for LM185BH/NOPB?
For technical support, including LM185BH/NOPB datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM185BH/NOPB requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM185BH/NOPB is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM185BH/NOPB products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that LM185BH/NOPB meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM185BH/NOPB?
All LM185BH/NOPB units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM185BH/NOPB, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The LM185BH/NOPB part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM185BH/NOPB:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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