Texas Instruments LM2576S-12
- Part No.:
- LM2576S-12
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package:
- TO-263-6, D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab), TO-263BA
- Datasheet:
-
LM2576S-12.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 12V 3A TO263
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,712
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Product details
Overview
LM2576S-12 from Texas Instruments is a monolithic 3-A non-synchronous step-down (buck) DC-DC switching regulator with fixed 12-V output, 40-V maximum input voltage, 52-kHz fixed-frequency oscillator, and ±4% output voltage tolerance over line and load. It delivers stable power in industrial motor drives and test equipment where thermal efficiency and minimal external component count are critical.
For engineers reviewing the LM2576S-12 datasheet, LM2576S-12 pinout, LM2576S-12 application, or LM2576S-12 equivalent, key selection considerations include its TO-220-5 (KC) package thermal performance, ON/OFF shutdown control with 50-μA standby current, cycle-by-cycle current limiting up to 6.9 A, and compatibility with standard off-the-shelf inductors for rapid prototyping.
Technical Context
The LM2576S-12 integrates a high-side NPN switch, internal 52-kHz oscillator, error amplifier with 1.23-V reference, and thermal shutdown circuitry. Its fixed 12-V output eliminates external feedback resistors, simplifying design while maintaining ±4% regulation across −40°C to +125°C junction temperature.
It operates in continuous conduction mode under full 3-A load with typical 88% efficiency at 15-V input, uses cycle-by-cycle peak current limiting (typ. 5.8 A), and enters low-frequency (11-kHz) foldback mode during short-circuit events to limit average power dissipation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 12 V ±4% - ensures stable rail for logic, analog, and motor control without external resistor network. |
| Max Input Voltage | 40 V - supports wide industrial input ranges including 24-V and 36-V nominal systems with margin. |
| Output Current | 3 A continuous - sufficient for powering microcontrollers, sensors, and small motors without external boost stages. |
| Oscillator Frequency | 52 kHz ±10% - enables use of low-cost, high-saturation-current inductors and reduces EMI filtering complexity. |
| Standby Current | 50 μA typical - allows low-power shutdown in battery-backed or energy-sensitive applications. |
| Current Limit | 5.8 A typical - provides robust overload protection while permitting safe startup into capacitive loads. |
| Thermal Resistance | 32.4°C/W (JC, TO-220) - enables operation at full load without heatsink below 60°C ambient with adequate PCB copper. |
Pinout & Package
LM2576S-12 is supplied in the KC (TO-220-5) package with 10.16 mm × 8.51 mm body size and integral heat slug connected to GND. The tab serves as both thermal path and ground terminal.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - VIN | Input supply node | Connects directly to collector of internal NPN switch; requires low-inductance path to input capacitor to minimize switching noise. |
| 2 - OUTPUT | Switching node | Drives external inductor and catch diode; high dv/dt node requiring tight layout and minimized trace area. |
| 3 - GROUND | Power and signal reference | Common return for input/output capacitors and feedback; must be low-impedance connection to minimize noise coupling. |
| 4 - FEEDBACK | Regulation sense input | Internally tied to 12-V output; no external divider needed - simplifies layout and improves stability. |
| 5 - ON/OFF | Enable control input | TTL-compatible shutdown: <1.2 V = active, >1.4 V = standby; 50-μA quiescent draw in OFF state. |
| TAB | Thermal ground plane | Electrically connected to GND; must be soldered to large PCB copper pour or heatsink for thermal management. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Fixed-output architecture | Eliminates feedback resistor network, reducing BOM count, layout sensitivity, and calibration drift risk. |
| Integrated thermal shutdown | Automatically disables switching above 150°C junction temperature, preventing irreversible damage during sustained overload. |
| Cycle-by-cycle current limiting | Clamps peak switch current per cycle to ~5.8 A, enabling safe operation into short circuits and heavy capacitive loads. |
| Low-ESR capacitor support | Stable with standard electrolytic input capacitors ≥100 μF, avoiding costly polymer or tantalum alternatives. |
| Self-protective frequency foldback | Drops oscillator to ~11 kHz during output short, reducing average power dissipation and preventing inductor saturation. |
Applications
| Motor Drives | Test & Measurement Equipment |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering gate drivers and logic for 24-V brushed DC motor controllers in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 12-V buck regulator supplying isolated gate drive rails and MCU peripherals. Use Value: Delivers 3-A continuous current with 88% efficiency at 15-V input, minimizing thermal footprint on compact motor control PCBs. | Use Scenario: Generating stable 12-V bias for precision op-amp stages and ADC reference buffers in portable bench instruments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-output DC-DC converter replacing linear regulators to eliminate heat sink requirements. Use Value: ±4% output tolerance and low 52-kHz ripple enable clean analog supply without post-regulation LDOs. |
| Industrial Appliances | Merchant Network PSU |
Use Scenario: Providing 12-V auxiliary power for display backlighting, fan control, and sensor interfaces in commercial HVAC units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main system supply regulator operating across −40°C to +85°C ambient with minimal derating. Use Value: TO-220 thermal resistance of 32.4°C/W allows full 3-A output without heatsink at ≤60°C ambient with 1-in² copper pour. | Use Scenario: Secondary-side 12-V rail generation in multi-output server power supplies for management controllers and PHY interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone buck stage delivering isolated 12-V bus with TTL shutdown coordination. Use Value: 50-μA standby current and ON/OFF pin compatibility enable synchronized power sequencing with main PSU controller. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar step-down regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM2576T-12 | Same electrical specs; TO-220-5 package with different lead form (straight vs. bent leads); identical thermal and pinout behavior. | No functional difference - used interchangeably in through-hole assembly where lead bend specification varies by board house. | Select LM2576T-12 only when specific lead-form requirements apply; LM2576S-12 is standard for automated insertion. |
| LM2576HV-12 | 60-V max input (vs. 40 V); otherwise identical 12-V output, 3-A rating, and pinout; higher breakdown voltage transistor. | Required for 48-V telecom or industrial inputs; unnecessary overhead for 24-V or lower systems due to cost and availability trade-offs. | Choose LM2576HV-12 only when input exceeds 40 V; LM2576S-12 offers better cost and stock availability for ≤40-V designs. |
Compared with LM2576T-12, LM2576S-12 offers standardized lead geometry for automated placement, while LM2576HV-12 extends input range at the expense of higher cost and longer lead times - making LM2576S-12 the optimal balance of performance, thermal capability, and supply chain readiness for 12-V fixed-output industrial buck conversion.
Availability
LM2576S-12 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor drives, test and measurement equipment, industrial appliances, and merchant network PSU requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.
Supply support for LM2576S-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 is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management ICs, with decades of expertise in high-reliability power conversion solutions.
The LM2576 series was designed as a drop-in, high-efficiency replacement for linear regulators in industrial and embedded systems - prioritizing simplicity, thermal robustness, and minimal external component count.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for LM2576S-12?
The LM2576S-12 has an absolute maximum input voltage of 45 V and a recommended maximum operating input voltage of 40 V. Exceeding 40 V risks premature device failure due to internal transistor stress, especially at elevated temperatures. The LM2576HV-12 variant supports up to 60 V input and should be selected for higher-voltage applications.
Does LM2576S-12 require external feedback resistors?
No, LM2576S-12 does not require external feedback resistors. As a fixed 12-V output version, its internal feedback network is factory-trimmed and connected internally to the OUTPUT pin. Pin 4 (FEEDBACK) is internally tied to the output, eliminating external components and ensuring ±4% regulation accuracy without calibration.
What thermal management is required for LM2576S-12 at full 3-A load?
At full 3-A load and 15-V input, LM2576S-12 dissipates approximately 9 W. With its TO-220-5 (KC) package RθJA of 32.4°C/W, a 1-in² copper pour reduces thermal resistance to ~32°C/W, allowing operation up to 60°C ambient without a heatsink. For higher ambient or continuous 3-A operation, a modest extruded aluminum heatsink (≥10°C/W) is recommended.
Can LM2576S-12 be synchronized to an external clock?
No, LM2576S-12 cannot be synchronized to an external clock. It uses an internal fixed-frequency 52-kHz oscillator with ±10% tolerance. There is no SYNC or CLKIN pin, and the oscillator is not externally adjustable. For synchronization capability, consider newer alternatives like the LM76003 or LMR51430, which support external clock injection.
What protection features are integrated into LM2576S-12?
LM2576S-12 integrates thermal shutdown (activates at 150°C junction temperature), cycle-by-cycle current limiting (typ. 5.8 A), and undervoltage lockout (internal). It also features self-protective frequency foldback - dropping to ~11 kHz during output shorts to prevent inductor saturation and reduce average power dissipation.
LM2576S-12 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- SIMPLE SWITCHER®
- Package/Case:
- TO-263-6, D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab), TO-263BA
- Packaging:
- Tube
- 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:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-263 (DDPAK-5)
LM2576S-12 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM2576S-12 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM2576S-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 LM2576S-12 reliable?
The price and inventory of LM2576S-12 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM2576S-12 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM2576S-12?
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Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM2576S-12?
LM2576S-12 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM2576S-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 LM2576S-12?
For technical support, including LM2576S-12 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM2576S-12 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM2576S-12 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM2576S-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 LM2576S-12 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM2576S-12?
All LM2576S-12 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM2576S-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 LM2576S-12 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM2576S-12:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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