Microchip Technology LM2576-12BT
- Part No.:
- LM2576-12BT
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package:
- TO-220-5
- Datasheet:
-
LM2576-12BT.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 12V 3A TO220-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:6,882
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Product details
Overview
LM2576-12BT from Texas Instruments is a step-down (buck) DC-DC switching regulator IC delivering fixed 12 V output at up to 3 A, with internal 41 kHz switching frequency, thermal shutdown, and current-limit protection. It operates from 4.75 V to 40 V input and is used in industrial power supplies and embedded system main rail regulation.
For engineers reviewing the LM2576-12BT datasheet, LM2576-12BT pinout, LM2576-12BT application, or LM2576-12BT equivalent, key selection factors include its fixed-output architecture, TO-220-5 package thermal performance, dropout behavior under load transients, and compatibility with standard buck external components (inductor, diode, capacitors).
Technical Context
The LM2576-12BT integrates a PWM controller, power switch, and protection circuitry in a single monolithic IC. Its fixed 12 V output eliminates external feedback resistor networks, simplifying design while maintaining ±2% output voltage tolerance over line, load, and temperature.
It uses a built-in NPN transistor switch rated for 3 A peak current and relies on external freewheeling diode, output inductor, and input/output capacitors. The 41 kHz switching frequency balances EMI control and component size, targeting cost-sensitive non-isolated buck converters.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 12 V ±2%; eliminates need for feedback resistors and reduces BOM count. |
| Max Output Current | 3 A continuous; requires heatsinking in TO-220-5 package above ~1.5 A ambient load. |
| Input Voltage Range | 4.75 V to 40 V; supports wide-input industrial and automotive battery-fed systems. |
| Switching Frequency | 41 kHz nominal; enables use of low-cost, high-saturation-current inductors and reduces EMI filter complexity. |
| Thermal Shutdown | Activates at ~160°C junction temperature; latches off until cooldown, protecting against sustained overload. |
| Line/Load Regulation | ±0.4% line, ±0.2% load; ensures stable 12 V rail across varying input and output conditions. |
Pinout & Package
LM2576-12BT is housed in a TO-220-5 thermally enhanced package with exposed tab (pin 5), requiring mechanical mounting to heatsink for >1.5 A operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (IN) | Input voltage supply | Accepts 4.75–40 V DC; must be bypassed with ≥100 µF electrolytic capacitor near pin. |
| 2 (OUT) | Switching node | Connects to inductor and freewheeling diode anode; high dv/dt node requiring short PCB trace. |
| 3 (GND) | Power ground reference | Common return for input cap, output cap, and control circuitry; separate from heatsink ground path. |
| 4 (FEEDBACK) | Output voltage sense | Internally tied to 12 V reference; left unconnected for fixed-output operation. |
| 5 (TAB) | Thermal pad / case | Electrically connected to GND; must be soldered to large copper area or heatsink for thermal management. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Internal 3 A NPN switch | Reduces external component count versus controller-only buck ICs; eliminates gate driver design. |
| Fixed 12 V output | Removes feedback resistor network, improving accuracy and reducing layout sensitivity to noise. |
| 41 kHz oscillator | Enables use of low-DCR, low-cost toroidal inductors and simplifies EMI filtering vs. MHz-range regulators. |
| Thermal shutdown + current limit | Provides self-protection during overload or poor heatsinking without external sensing circuitry. |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply | Embedded System Main Rail |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Converting 24 V DC bus to stable 12 V for PLC I/O modules and sensor interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary non-isolated buck regulator providing main system power rail. Use Value: Delivers 3 A at 12 V with <1% load regulation, supporting multiple downstream LDOs and digital logic. | Use Scenario: Powering microcontroller, memory, and peripheral ICs in ruggedized edge gateway hardware. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Step-down regulator generating clean 12 V intermediate rail before final LDO conversion. Use Value: Fixed output and integrated protection reduce design risk and qualification time for long-lifecycle deployments. |
| Automotive Aftermarket Electronics | Test Equipment Power Module |
Use Scenario: Regulating 12–36 V vehicle battery input to steady 12 V for dashcam or ADAS auxiliary modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Input-tolerant buck converter handling cold-crank and load-dump transients. Use Value: 40 V max input rating and thermal shutdown enable reliable operation without external surge clamping. | Use Scenario: Providing adjustable 12 V source in benchtop power subsystems for DUT biasing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-output DC-DC stage replacing linear regulators to improve efficiency and reduce heat dissipation. Use Value: 77% typical efficiency at 2 A load cuts thermal load by >60% versus 7812-based solutions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar buck regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM2576-12W | Same 12 V fixed output, but in TO-263-5 surface-mount package; no through-hole mounting option. | Preferred for automated assembly and space-constrained PCBs; requires different thermal pad layout. | Select LM2576-12W when SMT production and board area are critical; LM2576-12BT remains optimal for manual prototyping and heatsink-integrated designs. |
| LM2596-12 | Higher 150 kHz switching frequency, lower 1.5 A output current, and different internal compensation network. | Better suited for compact designs with smaller magnetics; not drop-in due to differing pinout and transient response. | Choose LM2596-12 only if footprint and inductor size are primary constraints; LM2576-12BT offers higher current and proven robustness in industrial environments. |
Compared with LM2576-12W and LM2596-12, the LM2576-12BT provides superior thermal management via TO-220-5 mechanical interface, higher current capability, and field-proven reliability in high-temperature industrial enclosures-making it the preferred choice where serviceability and thermal margin are prioritized over miniaturization.
Availability
LM2576-12BT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, embedded system main rails, and automotive aftermarket electronics requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for LM2576-12BT 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 company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management technologies, with decades of leadership in power conversion ICs.
The LM2576 series was designed as a family of easy-to-use, cost-effective buck regulators targeting industrial, automotive, and consumer power applications where simplicity, reliability, and thermal resilience are essential.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for the LM2576-12BT?
The LM2576-12BT supports a maximum input voltage of 40 V DC. This rating allows direct connection to 24 V industrial buses and 12 V automotive systems under load-dump conditions. Operation beyond 40 V risks permanent damage to the internal NPN switch. Always verify input transient suppression in automotive applications before deploying the LM2576-12BT.
Does the LM2576-12BT require external feedback resistors?
No, the LM2576-12BT does not require external feedback resistors because it features an internally trimmed 12 V output. Pin 4 (FEEDBACK) is internally connected to the 12 V reference and must remain unconnected in standard operation. Adding external resistors would disrupt regulation and is incompatible with the LM2576-12BT's fixed-output architecture.
Can the LM2576-12BT be used without a heatsink?
The LM2576-12BT can operate without an external heatsink only at light loads (<500 mA) and ambient temperatures below 40°C. At full 3 A load, junction temperature rises rapidly; the TO-220-5 package requires mechanical attachment of pin 5 (TAB) to a heatsink or large copper pour. Thermal derating curves in the official LM2576 datasheet must be consulted before finalizing the LM2576-12BT thermal design.
What type of output capacitor is recommended for the LM2576-12BT?
Texas Instruments recommends ≥100 µF low-ESR aluminum or tantalum electrolytic capacitors at the LM2576-12BT output. Ceramic capacitors alone are insufficient due to insufficient bulk capacitance and potential resonance issues. A parallel combination-e.g., 100 µF electrolytic + 10 µF ceramic-improves high-frequency ripple suppression while maintaining stability for the LM2576-12BT's 41 kHz loop.
Is the LM2576-12BT RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the LM2576-12BT is RoHS compliant and manufactured with lead-free terminations per TI's current product specifications. The device meets JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 3 and is qualified for reflow soldering. Always refer to the latest TI packaging and compliance documentation for the exact LM2576-12BT lot-specific certification status.
LM2576-12BT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-5
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- 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:
- 3A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 52kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220-5
LM2576-12BT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM2576-12BT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM2576-12BT 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 LM2576-12BT reliable?
The price and inventory of LM2576-12BT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM2576-12BT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM2576-12BT?
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4.How is shipping managed for LM2576-12BT?
LM2576-12BT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM2576-12BT 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 LM2576-12BT?
For technical support, including LM2576-12BT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM2576-12BT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM2576-12BT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM2576-12BT 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 LM2576-12BT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM2576-12BT?
All LM2576-12BT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM2576-12BT, 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 LM2576-12BT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM2576-12BT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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