STMicroelectronics LM236Z
- Part No.:
- LM236Z
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Datasheet:
-
LM236Z.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT 2% TO92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
LM236Z from STMicroelectronics is a precision 2.5V shunt voltage reference IC in TO-92 package, functioning as an adjustable Zener-like regulator with 0.2Ω dynamic impedance, ±5mV initial tolerance at 1mA, and guaranteed temperature stability over –25°C to +85°C. It enables accurate biasing in analog sensor signal conditioning, ADC/DAC reference circuits, and programmable power supply feedback loops.
For engineers reviewing the LM236Z datasheet, LM236Z pinout, LM236Z application, or LM236Z equivalent, key selection criteria include its 400µA–10mA operating current range, low 0.2Ω dynamic impedance, adjustable reference voltage via third terminal, and compatibility with precision trimming in industrial instrumentation and calibration systems.
Technical Context
The LM236Z operates as a two-terminal (with third-terminal adjustment) shunt reference, maintaining stable 2.5V output across wide current and temperature variations. Its internal bandgap-derived core delivers low temperature coefficient (typ. 3.5mV over full range), while the ADJ pin allows fine-tuning of breakdown voltage without altering thermal drift characteristics.
Unlike fixed Zeners, it integrates curvature compensation and achieves 20ppm/1000h long-term stability at 25°C. The device supports fast turn-on response (<1µs) and exhibits <10nV/√Hz broadband noise-critical for high-resolution data acquisition front-ends.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reference Voltage | 2.49V (typ) at 1mA; enables precise 2.5V system-level referencing with ±20mV total error budget including temp & aging |
| Dynamic Impedance | 0.2Ω (typ); ensures <0.5mV output shift per 2.5mA load change-critical for stable feedback in regulated supplies |
| Operating Current | 400µA to 10mA; supports ultra-low-power sensor nodes and high-accuracy industrial controllers without external biasing complexity |
| Temp Stability | ±3.5mV (–25°C to +85°C); guarantees ≤0.14% full-scale drift in temperature-critical measurement bridges |
| Long-Term Drift | 20ppm/1000h; maintains calibration integrity over years in test equipment and medical monitors |
| Adjust Pin Function | Enables ±5% reference voltage trim without degrading tempco-used for factory calibration of 16-bit DAC references |
Pinout & Package
LM236Z is housed in a through-hole TO-92 plastic package (JEDEC TO-92 variant), with standardized lead spacing (0.1" pitch) and bottom-view pinout. This package supports manual prototyping, wave soldering, and legacy PCB designs requiring axial-leaded components.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Anode) | V− (Cathode return) | Common reference ground node; connects to system GND or feedback node in shunt regulator topologies |
| 2 (Cathode) | V+ (Reference output) | Delivers regulated 2.5V; sinks current into load or feedback divider-must be decoupled with ≥100nF ceramic |
| 3 (Center) | ADJ (Voltage adjust) | Allows external resistor network to scale reference voltage ±5%; used for trimming amplifier offset or matching sensor full-scale |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Low dynamic impedance | 0.2Ω ensures minimal output perturbation under transient load steps-essential for stable closed-loop control |
| Wide operating current range | 400µA–10mA eliminates need for precision bias resistors in battery-powered or high-voltage applications |
| Adjustable reference voltage | Third-pin trim capability enables single-BOM calibration across production lots without custom mask revisions |
| Guaranteed temperature stability | Specified ±3.5mV over –25°C to +85°C removes need for external compensation in outdoor industrial enclosures |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning | Precision Data Acquisition Systems |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Amplifying low-level thermocouple or strain gauge outputs in PLC analog input modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides stable 2.5V reference for instrumentation amplifier gain-setting and ADC conversion基准. Use Value: 0.2Ω impedance prevents reference droop during multiplexed channel switching, preserving 16-bit ENOB across all inputs. | Use Scenario: High-resolution voltage measurement in portable multimeters and calibration standards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serves as primary shunt reference for auto-ranging input attenuators and delta-sigma ADC front-end. Use Value: 20ppm/1000h long-term stability ensures annual recalibration intervals without performance degradation. |
| Programmable Power Supply Feedback | Medical Instrumentation Reference |
Use Scenario: Setting output voltage in lab-grade bench PSUs with digital voltage programming. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adjustable reference node in opto-isolated feedback loop controlling secondary-side regulation. Use Value: ADJ pin enables software-trimmed output accuracy to ±0.05% without hardware modification. | Use Scenario: ECG and EEG front-end analog signal chains requiring ultra-low-noise biasing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise 2.5V reference for op-amp biasing and ADC reference in isolated patient monitoring units. Use Value: <10nV/√Hz noise floor prevents degradation of microvolt-level biopotential signals. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar shunt voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TL431ACDBVR | 2.5V adjustable reference, but requires minimum 1mA cathode current; higher 0.22Ω impedance; no dedicated ADJ pin-uses R1/R2 divider | Not pin-compatible; needs external resistors for adjustment; less suitable for space-constrained TO-92 layouts | Prefer when existing design uses SOT-23 footprint and higher current drive is available |
| REF200AUE4 | Fixed 2.048V output; 0.15Ω impedance; 50ppm/°C tempco vs. LM236Z's 1.4mV/°C; no adjustment pin | Used where exact 2.048V matches 12-bit ADC full-scale; lacks trimming capability for sensor offset correction | Choose only when fixed voltage suffices and lower tempco is prioritized over adjustability |
Compared with TL431ACDBVR and REF200AUE4, the LM236Z uniquely combines TO-92 form factor, true three-terminal adjustability, and sub-millivolt tempco-making it optimal for legacy-replacement and field-calibratable analog subsystems.
Availability
LM236Z is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor signal conditioning, precision data acquisition systems, and programmable power supply feedback requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.
Supply support for LM236Z 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
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, designing and manufacturing analog, MCU, power, and sensing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The LM236Z belongs to ST's precision voltage reference product line, engineered specifically for applications demanding stable, low-drift, and field-adjustable references in harsh thermal environments and long-lifecycle deployments.
FAQ
What is the maximum reverse current rating for LM236Z?
The absolute maximum reverse current (IR) for LM236Z is 15mA, as specified in ST's datasheet Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Operation above this level risks irreversible junction damage. For reliable 2.5V regulation, maintain IR between 400µA and 10mA per electrical characteristics.
Can LM236Z be used in series to generate higher reference voltages?
Yes-two LM236Z devices can be connected in series (cathode-to-anode) to produce ~5.0V with improved temperature coefficient, provided both units are thermally coupled. Figure 10 in the ST datasheet confirms this configuration reduces overall tempco by averaging individual drifts.
Does LM236Z require an external capacitor for stability?
No external capacitor is required for basic operation, but ST recommends a 100nF ceramic capacitor from V+ to V− for noise suppression in sensitive applications. Larger capacitors (>1µF) may cause instability due to phase shift in the internal regulation loop.
How does the ADJ pin affect temperature coefficient during voltage trimming?
Per ST's Application Information (Section 4), adjusting the reference voltage via the ADJ pin does not alter the inherent temperature coefficient-trimming shifts the baseline voltage while preserving the same mV/°C drift slope. This enables calibration without compromising thermal performance.
LM236Z Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Reference Type:
- Shunt
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 2.49V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 10 mA
- Tolerance:
- ±2%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- -
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- -
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- -
- Voltage - Input:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Current - Cathode:
- 400 µA
- Operating Temperature:
- -25°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92-3
LM236Z FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM236Z through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM236Z 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 LM236Z reliable?
The price and inventory of LM236Z are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM236Z is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM236Z?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM236Z transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM236Z?
LM236Z orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM236Z 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 LM236Z?
For technical support, including LM236Z datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM236Z requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM236Z is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM236Z 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 LM236Z meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM236Z?
All LM236Z units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM236Z, 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 LM236Z part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM236Z:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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