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Texas Instruments LM2574MX-12
- Part No.:
- LM2574MX-12
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package:
- 14-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
LM2574MX-12.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 12V 500MA 14SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,808
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Product details
Overview
LM2574MX-12 from Texas Instruments (formerly National Semiconductor) is a monolithic 0.5A step-down (buck) switching voltage regulator with fixed 12V output, 52 kHz internal oscillator, 40V maximum input voltage, ±4% output voltage tolerance, and integrated thermal shutdown and cycle-by-cycle current limiting. It replaces linear regulators in industrial power supplies requiring efficient 12V rail generation from higher DC inputs.
For engineers reviewing the LM2574MX-12 datasheet, LM2574MX-12 pinout, LM2574MX-12 application, or LM2574MX-12 equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed 12V output, 0.5A load capability, DIP-8 or SOIC-8 package options, 52 kHz switching frequency for EMI control, and compatibility with standard off-the-shelf inductors and Schottky catch diodes.
Technical Context
The LM2574MX-12 implements a self-contained buck converter architecture with an internal NPN switch, fixed-frequency PWM oscillator, and on-chip error amplifier. Its feedback loop uses a resistive divider network referenced to the 1.23V internal bandgap reference for output regulation.
It operates in continuous conduction mode at full load with typical inductor values of 330 µH, supports TTL-compatible shutdown via the ON/OFF pin (50 µA standby current), and delivers up to 88% efficiency at 15V input and 0.5A load - enabling PCB copper traces alone to serve as thermal mass without external heatsinks.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 12V ±4% over line/load/temperature - ensures stable downstream logic or analog supply without external resistor network. |
| Max Output Current | 0.5A continuous - sufficient for powering microcontrollers, sensors, or interface ICs in embedded systems. |
| Input Voltage Range | 4V to 40V - supports wide-range DC inputs including 12V, 24V, and 36V industrial buses. |
| Switching Frequency | 52 kHz fixed - enables use of low-cost, high-saturation-current inductors and simplifies EMI filtering design. |
| Efficiency | 88% at VIN = 15V, IOUT = 0.5A - reduces power loss and thermal stress compared to linear regulators. |
| Standby Current | 50 µA typical (ON/OFF pin high) - enables low-power sleep modes in battery-backed or energy-conscious systems. |
| Protection Features | Thermal shutdown + cycle-by-cycle current limit - prevents damage during overload, short-circuit, or ambient temperature rise. |
Pinout & Package
LM2574MX-12 is available in 8-pin SOIC (M-package, NS package code M14B), with thermal pad connected to Pin 5 (Ground). The package provides 78°C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance with 4 in² copper area.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (VIN) | Input Supply | DC input connection (4–40V); requires local 22 µF electrolytic bypass capacitor. |
| 2 (GND) | Power Ground | Common return for input/output paths and thermal pad; must be low-impedance. |
| 3 (OUT) | Switch Node | Drives external inductor; connects to cathode of Schottky catch diode and inductor input. |
| 4 (GND) | Power Ground | Second ground pin for improved current handling and thermal dissipation. |
| 5 (GND) | Thermal Pad / Ground | Exposed pad tied to ground plane; critical for thermal performance in SOIC-8 package. |
| 6 (FB) | Feedback Input | Not used in fixed-output versions - internally connected to 12V divider; leave unconnected. |
| 7 (ON/OFF) | Shutdown Control | TTL-compatible enable pin; <1.0V disables regulator (50 µA standby), >2.2V enables operation. |
| 8 (VOUT) | Regulated Output | 12V regulated output; connects to output capacitor (220 µF typical) and load. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Fixed 12V output | Eliminates external feedback resistors - reduces BOM count and layout sensitivity. |
| Internal 52 kHz oscillator | Removes need for external timing components - simplifies design and improves consistency across units. |
| TTL shutdown capability | Enables system-level power sequencing and low-power states without external logic level shifters. |
| Thermal shutdown + current limit | Provides autonomous fault recovery - avoids external protection circuitry in cost-sensitive applications. |
| SOIC-8 package with thermal pad | Supports compact board layouts while maintaining thermal performance comparable to DIP-8. |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply | Embedded Controller Board |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Generating a stable 12V rail from a 24V DC bus in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or motor drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary step-down regulator supplying power to microcontroller cores, I/O buffers, and isolated communication interfaces. Use Value: Delivers 0.5A at 88% efficiency with no heatsink required - reducing enclosure size and thermal management complexity. | Use Scenario: On-board power conversion for ARM Cortex-M or PIC-based control modules operating from 12–36V vehicle or factory power. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local DC-DC converter providing clean 12V to analog front-ends, ADC references, and CAN transceivers. Use Value: Fixed 12V output eliminates trimming and calibration steps; 52 kHz switching allows predictable EMI filter design. |
| Test Equipment Power Module | Legacy System Retrofit |
Use Scenario: Replacing aging linear regulators in benchtop multimeters or signal generators where heat and efficiency are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency pre-regulator feeding low-noise LDOs for precision analog circuitry. Use Value: Reduces thermal load by >60% vs. 7812 linear regulator - extending component lifetime and improving measurement stability. | Use Scenario: Upgrading obsolete 7812-based power sections in field-deployed instrumentation with minimal PCB changes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drop-in compatible buck replacement offering same pinout (SOIC-8 footprint matches TO-220 linear regulator adapter boards). Use Value: Maintains legacy 12V output specification while cutting input power draw and board temperature rise. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar step-down regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM2574N-12 | DIP-8 package, 92°C/W θJA (vs. 78°C/W for MX), no thermal pad - lower thermal performance at high ambient. | Suitable for prototyping or low-volume through-hole assembly; less suitable for high-density or thermally constrained PCBs. | Select when manual soldering or breadboard evaluation is prioritized over thermal efficiency. |
| LM2596-12 | 3A output current, 150 kHz switching, adjustable feedback - higher power, faster transient response, but requires external resistor divider. | Better for loads >0.5A or designs needing tighter output tolerance (<±2%) or dynamic load regulation. | Choose when future scalability or improved load regulation outweighs simplicity and cost of fixed-output topology. |
Compared with LM2574N-12, LM2574MX-12 offers superior thermal performance in surface-mount layouts; compared with LM2596-12, it trades higher current capability for reduced external component count and simpler layout - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained 0.5A applications.
Availability
LM2574MX-12 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, embedded controller boards, and test equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent electrical performance across production batches.
Supply support for LM2574MX-12 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 acquired National Semiconductor in 2011 and maintains full technical and manufacturing continuity for the SIMPLE SWITCHER™ product line.
The LM2574MX-12 belongs to TI's SIMPLE SWITCHER™ family of integrated buck regulators, designed specifically for ease-of-use in cost-sensitive, medium-power DC-DC conversion applications where minimal external components and proven reliability are essential.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for the LM2574MX-12?
The LM2574MX-12 has an absolute maximum input voltage of 45V and a recommended operating maximum of 40V. Exceeding 40V may reduce reliability or trigger internal protection circuits. This rating applies across the full −40°C to +125°C junction temperature range and is validated per TI's DS011394 datasheet revision.
Does the LM2574MX-12 require an external feedback resistor network?
No, the LM2574MX-12 does not require external feedback resistors. As a fixed-output variant, its 12V regulation is implemented internally using a precision-resistor divider. Pin 6 (FB) is unused and must remain unconnected - unlike the adjustable LM2574-ADJ version which requires external R1/R2.
Can the LM2574MX-12 be used in discontinuous conduction mode (DCM)?
Yes, the LM2574MX-12 supports both continuous and discontinuous conduction modes. At light loads (<~50 mA), inductor current naturally drops to zero each cycle. The device maintains regulation and protection features in DCM, though output ripple increases slightly - verified in TI's DS011394 Figure 9 waveforms.
What type of catch diode is recommended for the LM2574MX-12?
Texas Instruments recommends Schottky diodes such as the 11DQ06 (60V, 1A) or SR106 for the LM2574MX-12. These provide low forward voltage (≤0.6V), fast recovery, and adequate reverse voltage margin (≥1.25 × VINMAX). Fast-recovery diodes like MUR110 are acceptable alternatives if Schottky availability is limited.
Is the LM2574MX-12 RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the LM2574MX-12 is RoHS compliant and lead-free. TI's packaging documentation confirms Pb-free matte tin lead finish on the SOIC-8 package (M14B), meeting JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 3 and IPC/JEDEC standard J-STD-006 for solderability.
LM2574MX-12 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- SIMPLE SWITCHER®
- Package/Case:
- 14-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- Step-Down
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Topology:
- Buck
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Min):
- 4V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 40V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 12V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 500mA
- Frequency - Switching:
- 52kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 14-SOIC
LM2574MX-12 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM2574MX-12 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM2574MX-12 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 LM2574MX-12 reliable?
The price and inventory of LM2574MX-12 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM2574MX-12 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM2574MX-12?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM2574MX-12 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM2574MX-12?
LM2574MX-12 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM2574MX-12 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 LM2574MX-12?
For technical support, including LM2574MX-12 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM2574MX-12 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM2574MX-12 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM2574MX-12 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 LM2574MX-12 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM2574MX-12?
All LM2574MX-12 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM2574MX-12, 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 LM2574MX-12 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM2574MX-12:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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