Texas Instruments LM236H-5.0/NOPB

Overview

LM236H-5.0/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a precision 5.0V shunt voltage reference diode in a TO-metal-can package, rated for −25°C to +85°C operation, with ±1% initial tolerance, 0.6Ω dynamic impedance, and 600 μA to 10 mA operating current range. It serves as a stable low-voltage reference in digital voltmeters, op-amp biasing, and power supply feedback circuits.

For engineers reviewing the LM236H-5.0/NOPB datasheet, LM236H-5.0/NOPB pinout, LM236H-5.0/NOPB application, or LM236H-5.0/NOPB equivalent, key selection considerations include temperature stability over −25°C to +85°C, trimmable voltage (±1 V), low dynamic impedance, and compatibility with both positive/negative reference configurations.

Technical Context

The LM236H-5.0/NOPB operates as a monolithic shunt regulator, functioning electrically like a low-temperature-coefficient zener diode with active compensation. Its three-terminal structure enables external trimming of both output voltage and temperature coefficient via an adjustment terminal.

It delivers stable 5.00 V at 1 mA reverse current, maintains ≤12 mV temperature stability across 0°C to 70°C (design-specified), and supports fast turn-on with minimal overshoot. The device's 0.6 Ω dynamic impedance ensures high PSRR and low noise sensitivity in precision analog signal chains.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM236H-5.0/NOPB uses a 3-pin TO-metal-can (NDV) package with hermetic sealing, optimized for thermal stability and long-term drift performance. The metal case serves as the cathode connection and provides mechanical robustness in harsh environments.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar shunt reference applications.

Compared with LM336BZ-5.0/NOPB, LM236H-5.0/NOPB offers superior thermal stability and hermetic reliability; compared with TL431CDBZR, it provides simpler 5V configuration and independent temperature coefficient trimming-critical for metrology-grade calibration.

Availability

LM236H-5.0/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC modules, portable test equipment, automotive cabin electronics, and medical front-end instrumentation requiring stable component supply with RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for LM236H-5.0/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 and embedded processing technologies, with decades of expertise in precision voltage references and industrial-grade IC design.

The LM236 series was developed specifically for high-stability shunt reference applications in industrial control, test equipment, and automotive subsystems where hermetic packaging and temperature-trimmable performance are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum reverse current rating for LM236H-5.0/NOPB?

The absolute maximum reverse current for LM236H-5.0/NOPB is 15 mA, per TI's SNVS750D datasheet Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Operating continuously above this level risks thermal runaway and permanent degradation. For reliable long-term operation, TI recommends staying within the specified 600 μA to 10 mA functional range, where dynamic impedance and temperature stability are guaranteed. LM236H-5.0/NOPB must be used with appropriate series limiting resistors to enforce this constraint.

Can LM236H-5.0/NOPB be used as a negative voltage reference?

Yes, LM236H-5.0/NOPB can function as a negative voltage reference by reversing its polarity: connect the anode to the system ground and the cathode to the negative rail. Its shunt architecture supports bidirectional operation, enabling stable −5.0V generation in dual-supply op-amp circuits or inverted power rails. The adjust terminal remains functional in this configuration, allowing symmetric trimming. LM236H-5.0/NOPB's TO-metal-can package also provides inherent EMI shielding beneficial in mixed-signal negative-rail domains.

How does the adjust terminal on LM236H-5.0/NOPB affect temperature coefficient?

The adjust terminal on LM236H-5.0/NOPB allows independent optimization of output voltage and temperature coefficient. As shown in Figure 15 of the SNVS750D datasheet, adding four silicon diodes in series with the adjust potentiometer minimizes temperature drift when the output is trimmed to exactly 5.00 V. This technique exploits diode forward-voltage temperature dependence to counteract the reference's intrinsic drift. LM236H-5.0/NOPB's dedicated adjust pin makes this compensation possible without altering the cathode output path-unachievable with standard two-terminal zeners.

Is LM236H-5.0/NOPB RoHS compliant?

Yes, LM236H-5.0/NOPB is RoHS compliant, as confirmed in TI's PACKAGE OPTION ADDENDUM (15-Jul-2026), where "RoHS" is marked "Yes" for this orderable part number. It uses lead-free lead finish and meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU requirements. The "/NOPB" suffix explicitly denotes lead-free packaging. LM236H-5.0/NOPB is suitable for environmentally regulated industrial and medical products requiring full RoHS documentation and traceability.

What is the thermal resistance (θ_JA) of LM236H-5.0/NOPB in its TO-metal-can package?

LM236H-5.0/NOPB in the TO-metal-can (NDV) package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θ_JA) of 440°C/W, per TI's SNVS750D Thermal Characteristics table. This value assumes standard PCB mounting with no heatsinking. The metal can provides direct thermal conduction to the PCB copper pour, so actual θ_JA improves significantly with ≥1 in² of 2-oz copper connected to the cathode/can. LM236H-5.0/NOPB's 125°C max junction temperature and 440°C/W rating support continuous operation up to ~85°C ambient at 10 mA, aligning with its −25°C to +85°C industrial rating.