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Microchip Technology LM2576-12WT
- Part No.:
- LM2576-12WT
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Package:
- TO-220-5
- Datasheet:
-
LM2576-12WT.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 12V 3A TO220-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,564
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Product details
Overview
LM2576-12WT from Micrel is a fixed-output 12V, 3A step-down (buck) switching regulator in TO-220-5 package, featuring 52kHz fixed-frequency operation, ±3% output voltage tolerance over line/load, and integrated thermal shutdown and cycle-by-cycle current limiting. It replaces linear regulators in industrial power supplies, battery chargers, and embedded DC-DC conversion where efficiency and heat dissipation are critical.
For engineers reviewing the LM2576-12WT datasheet, LM2576-12WT pinout, LM2576-12WT application, or LM2576-12WT equivalent, key selection considerations include input voltage range (4–40V), guaranteed 3A output capability, standby current <200µA, and compatibility with standard off-the-shelf inductors for rapid design implementation.
Technical Context
The LM2576-12WT integrates a 3A NPN switch, 52kHz oscillator, error amplifier with 1.23V internal reference, and PWM comparator in a monolithic buck controller architecture. Its feedback loop is internally compensated, requiring only four external components - input capacitor, output capacitor, catch diode, and inductor - to form a complete regulator.
It operates across –40°C to +85°C junction temperature, supports ON/OFF control via pin 5 (logic-high disable, <200µA standby), and delivers 88% typical efficiency at 25V input and 3A load. Protection includes thermal shutdown and peak-current limiting with 4.2A minimum trip threshold under worst-case conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 12V ±3% (min 11.52V, max 12.48V at 0.5–3A, 15–40VIN) - ensures stable rail for 12V logic, sensors, and actuators without external resistive divider. |
| Max Output Current | 3A continuous - supports high-current loads like solenoids, fans, or FPGA I/O banks without external current boosting. |
| Input Voltage Range | 4V to 40V - accommodates wide-input applications including automotive (12V/24V systems), industrial 24V/36V rails, and unregulated adapter outputs. |
| Switching Frequency | 52kHz ±10% - enables use of low-cost, high-saturation-current inductors (e.g., 330µH) while minimizing EMI filtering complexity. |
| Efficiency | 88% typical at VIN = 25V, IOUT = 3A - reduces thermal load by >50% vs. linear regulators, often eliminating need for heatsink in moderate ambient conditions. |
| Standby Current | <200µA when ON/OFF pin = 5V - enables low-power sleep modes in battery-powered systems without auxiliary LDOs. |
| Protection Features | Thermal shutdown + cycle-by-cycle current limit (min 4.2A) - prevents damage during short-circuit, overload, or poor heatsinking without external sensing circuitry. |
Pinout & Package
LM2576-12WT is housed in a 5-lead TO-220-5 package with exposed tab (pin 3) for thermal conduction and mechanical mounting. The tab is electrically connected to ground.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - VIN | Unregulated input supply connection | Accepts 4–40V DC; requires ≥100µF bulk capacitance near pin to suppress switching transients and stabilize input impedance. |
| 2 - OUTPUT | Switched output node | Drives external inductor; connects to cathode of Schottky catch diode (e.g., MBR360); carries high di/dt ripple current. |
| 3 - GND | Power and signal ground reference | Exposed tab serves as primary thermal path and must be soldered to ≥1 in² copper area; shared return for input/output capacitors and feedback network. |
| 4 - FEEDBACK | Regulation sense input | Internally referenced to 1.23V; unused in fixed 12V version - left open or tied to OUTPUT per datasheet; not connected to external resistor divider. |
| 5 - ON/OFF | Enable/disable control input | Logic-high (>2.2V) disables regulator (output off, <200µA quiescent); logic-low (<1.0V) enables operation; compatible with microcontroller GPIO. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Fixed 12V output | Eliminates external feedback resistors, reducing BOM count, layout area, and calibration drift risk in production. |
| 52kHz fixed-frequency oscillator | Enables predictable EMI spectrum and simplifies filter design using standard off-the-shelf inductors (e.g., AIE 415-0926). |
| Integrated thermal shutdown | Automatically disables output if junction temperature exceeds ~150°C, protecting device and system during sustained overload or poor airflow. |
| ON/OFF logic control | Supports system-level power sequencing and low-power sleep states without external MOSFET gate drivers or level shifters. |
| 3A output with no external pass transistor | Reduces solution size and cost versus discrete buck designs; eliminates need for external current-sense or driver ICs. |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supply | Automotive Accessory Module |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Converting 24V vehicle battery to regulated 12V for infotainment head units and CAN interface modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary buck regulator providing isolated, noise-immune 12V rail with transient ride-through during cold-crank (down to 6V). Use Value: Delivers full 3A at 88% efficiency even at 25V input, minimizing heat buildup in confined dash enclosures and extending component lifetime. |
Use Scenario: On-board power for telematics control units requiring stable 12V from variable alternator output (13.5–16V nominal, up to 40V load dump). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Input-stage pre-regulator stepping down high-voltage transients before LDOs or microcontrollers. Use Value: Withstands 40V absolute max input and includes built-in current limiting, eliminating need for external TVS or fuse coordination in harsh automotive environments. |
| Embedded System DC-DC Converter | Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) I/O Module |
|
Use Scenario: Local 12V generation on PCBs hosting FPGAs, ADCs, and analog front-ends where centralized 12V bus suffers IR drop or noise coupling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Point-of-load (POL) buck converter delivering clean, tightly regulated 12V with fast transient response (≤100µs recovery from 1A step load). Use Value: Achieves ±3% output accuracy across –40°C to +85°C, ensuring sensor biasing and analog signal integrity remain within spec without recalibration. |
Use Scenario: Powering relay drivers, optocouplers, and field-side analog inputs in modular PLC backplanes operating from 24V industrial bus. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Isolated secondary-side regulator converting 24V backplane to 12V for low-noise analog conditioning circuits. Use Value: Low 200µA standby current allows safe power-down of non-critical I/O sections during maintenance, reducing overall system power draw. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar buck regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM2576-12T | Same electrical specs and TO-220-5 package; differs only in lead finish (standard tin vs. WT's RoHS-compliant hot-melt solder finish). | No functional difference; WT variant meets RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC with exemption for lead in high-melting-temperature solder alloys. | Select LM2576-12WT for RoHS-compliant manufacturing; LM2576-12T acceptable where legacy tin-lead assembly is used. |
| LM2576HVS-12 | Higher 60V max input rating (vs. 40V), same 12V/3A output, but uses TO-220-5 package with different thermal resistance (θJA = 50°C/W vs. 65°C/W). | Required for applications with >40V transients (e.g., 48V telecom, military 28V systems with surge margins); not drop-in due to higher input voltage stress on external components. | Choose LM2576HVS-12 only when input may exceed 40V; otherwise LM2576-12WT offers better thermal performance at lower cost. |
Compared with LM2576-12T, the LM2576-12WT provides identical regulation and protection but ensures RoHS compliance; versus LM2576HVS-12, it trades input voltage headroom for superior thermal efficiency in standard 24V/36V industrial applications.
Availability
LM2576-12WT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, automotive accessory modules, and embedded DC-DC converters requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant manufacturing.
Supply support for LM2576-12WT 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
Micrel, Inc. was a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in analog, power management, and timing solutions before its acquisition by Microchip Technology in 2015.
The LM2576 series was designed as a high-efficiency, easy-to-use replacement for three-terminal linear regulators in medium-power DC-DC conversion, targeting cost-sensitive industrial and automotive applications.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for the LM2576-12WT?
The LM2576-12WT has an absolute maximum input voltage of 45V, with recommended operating range from 4V to 40V. Exceeding 40V risks violating the specified operating conditions and may reduce reliability or trigger overvoltage protection in external components. Always maintain ≥1V margin below 45V in final design.
Does the LM2576-12WT require an external feedback resistor network?
No - the LM2576-12WT is a fixed-output variant with internal feedback set to 12V. Pin 4 (FEEDBACK) is not connected externally and should be left unconnected or tied directly to the OUTPUT pin per Micrel's application guidance. Adding external resistors would disrupt regulation.
Can the LM2576-12WT drive a 3A load continuously at 85°C ambient temperature?
Yes, the LM2576-12WT is rated for 3A continuous output across –40°C to +85°C junction temperature. At 85°C ambient, proper PCB copper area (≥1 in² under tab) and minimal thermal resistance are required to keep junction temperature ≤150°C. Derating may be needed without heatsinking in sealed enclosures.
What type of catch diode is recommended for use with the LM2576-12WT?
A Schottky diode with ≥3A average current rating, ≥45V PIV, and low forward voltage (e.g., MBR360 or 1N5822) is recommended for the LM2576-12WT. Schottky devices minimize conduction loss and reverse recovery noise, directly improving efficiency and EMI performance in the buck topology.
Is the LM2576-12WT pin-compatible with other LM2576 fixed-output variants like LM2576-5.0WT?
Yes - all LM2576 fixed-output variants in TO-220-5 package (including LM2576-3.3WT, LM2576-5.0WT, and LM2576-12WT) share identical pinout, footprint, and thermal characteristics. Only the internal feedback setting differs, enabling direct substitution when output voltage matches system requirements.
LM2576-12WT Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-5
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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
LM2576-12WT FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM2576-12WT through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM2576-12WT 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 LM2576-12WT reliable?
The price and inventory of LM2576-12WT are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM2576-12WT is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM2576-12WT?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM2576-12WT transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM2576-12WT?
LM2576-12WT orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM2576-12WT 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 LM2576-12WT?
For technical support, including LM2576-12WT datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM2576-12WT requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM2576-12WT is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM2576-12WT 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 LM2576-12WT meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM2576-12WT?
All LM2576-12WT units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM2576-12WT, 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 LM2576-12WT part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM2576-12WT:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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