Texas Instruments LM2594MX-12
- Part No.:
- LM2594MX-12
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
LM2594MX-12.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 12V 500MA 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,293
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Product details
Overview
LM2594MX-12 from Texas Instruments is a monolithic nonsynchronous step-down (buck) DC-DC switching regulator delivering 12 V at up to 0.5 A, with 150-kHz fixed-frequency operation, ±4% output voltage tolerance over line and load, and input voltage support up to 40 V. It serves as an efficient on-card power supply for industrial control modules requiring stable mid-power conversion.
For engineers reviewing the LM2594MX-12 datasheet, LM2594MX-12 pinout, LM2594MX-12 application, or LM2594MX-12 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 0.5-A guaranteed output current, 85-μA standby quiescent current in shutdown mode, thermal shutdown and current-limit protection, and compatibility with standard off-the-shelf inductors - all critical for embedded power rail design.
Technical Context
The LM2594MX-12 integrates a PWM controller, power switch, oscillator, error amplifier, and feedback comparator in a single SOIC-8 package. Its internal 150-kHz oscillator enables predictable EMI behavior and simplifies filter design, while the fixed 12-V output eliminates external resistor programming.
Operation relies on discontinuous or continuous conduction mode depending on load and inductor selection; it features TTL-compatible ON/OFF control with 1.3-V threshold, self-protection via two-stage current limiting and thermal shutdown, and requires only four external components: input capacitor, output capacitor, catch diode, and inductor.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 12 V ±4% over full line/load/temperature range - ensures stable logic or analog rail without trimming. |
| Max Output Current | 0.5 A DC - supports moderate-power microcontrollers, sensors, or interface ICs without derating. |
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 40 V - compatible with 12-V, 24-V, and 36-V industrial bus systems. |
| Switching Frequency | 150 kHz ±15% - enables use of low-cost, high-saturation-current inductors and predictable EMI filtering. |
| Quiescent Current | 10 mA typical operating, 85 μA in shutdown - minimizes standby power in battery-backed or energy-conscious systems. |
| Saturation Voltage | 1.1 V max at 0.5 A - defines minimum dropout and impacts efficiency at low VIN conditions. |
| Feedback Threshold | N/A - fixed-output version has no feedback pin connection; internal reference sets 12 V directly. |
Pinout & Package
LM2594MX-12 is supplied in an 8-pin surface-mount SOIC package (D package), body size 4.90 mm × 3.91 mm, with exposed pad not present and NC pins thermally tied to PCB for heat transfer.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1, 2, 3 | No Connection | Internally unconnected; must be soldered to PCB ground plane for thermal conduction. |
| 4 | Feedback | Not used in LM2594MX-12 - internally connected to 12-V reference; leave floating or tie to ground per layout guidelines. |
| 5 | ON/OFF | TTL-compatible enable input; <1.3 V = ON, >1.3 V = OFF; draws ≤15 μA when active. |
| 6 | Ground | Power and signal reference return; requires low-impedance connection to minimize noise coupling. |
| 7 | +VIN | Main power input; requires local 68-μF tantalum or equivalent low-ESR capacitor for transient suppression. |
| 8 | Output | Switch node - connects to catch diode anode and inductor; high dV/dt demands minimal copper area and tight routing. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Fixed 12-V output | Eliminates external resistor divider, reducing BOM count and improving long-term output stability. |
| 150-kHz fixed-frequency oscillator | Enables consistent EMI signature and simplifies input/output filter design using standard inductor values. |
| TTL shutdown capability | Allows system-level power sequencing and low-power sleep modes with <85-μA total input current. |
| Thermal shutdown + current limit | Provides autonomous fault recovery without external circuitry - essential for unattended industrial deployments. |
| SOIC-8 surface-mount package | Supports automated assembly and offers better thermal performance than PDIP in space-constrained layouts. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC I/O Module | Automotive Body Control Unit |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering isolated digital I/O drivers and ADC front-ends in DIN-rail mounted programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 12-V buck regulator supplying downstream LDOs and level shifters. Use Value: Delivers regulated 12 V at 0.5 A with ±4% accuracy across −40°C to +125°C ambient, ensuring reliable sensor excitation and communication interface operation. | Use Scenario: Generating 12-V auxiliary rail for LIN transceivers, LED drivers, and window motor controllers in vehicle door modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Non-isolated step-down converter accepting 12-V battery input with load dump tolerance up to 40 V. Use Value: Withstands automotive cold-crank (down to 4.5 V) and load-dump transients (up to 40 V), maintaining regulation without external TVS clamping. |
| Medical Patient Monitor Front-End | Point-of-Sale Terminal Power |
Use Scenario: Providing clean 12-V bias for analog front-end amplifiers and optical sensor interfaces in portable diagnostic devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mid-power DC-DC stage between main battery and precision analog subsystems. Use Value: 85-μA shutdown current extends battery life during idle periods, while fixed-frequency operation avoids interference with sensitive analog measurements. | Use Scenario: Converting 24-V wall adapter output to 12-V for thermal printer head, display backlight, and EMV card reader in retail terminals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-efficiency primary converter enabling compact, fanless enclosure design. Use Value: Achieves 88% efficiency at 25-V input/0.5-A load, reducing thermal load and eliminating need for heatsinking in sealed enclosures. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar step-down regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM2594HVMX-12 | Supports 60-V max input vs. 40 V; identical pinout, package, and 12-V output spec. | Required for 48-V telecom or industrial bus inputs where transient spikes exceed 40 V. | Select LM2594HVMX-12 only if input can reach >40 V; otherwise LM2594MX-12 offers same performance at lower cost. |
| LM2596SX-12 | Higher 3-A output current, 150-kHz frequency, but larger SOIC-8 footprint and higher quiescent current (5 mA vs. 10 mA). | Suitable for higher-load applications needing >0.5 A, but less optimal for space- or efficiency-critical designs. | Choose LM2596SX-12 only when ≥2.5× output current headroom is required; LM2594MX-12 remains preferred for 0.5-A target loads. |
Compared with LM2594HVMX-12, the LM2594MX-12 trades input voltage headroom for cost and thermal efficiency in 40-V-limited systems; versus LM2596SX-12, it delivers tighter regulation and lower standby current at half the output capability - making it optimal for precision 0.5-A rails where size and quiescent power matter.
Availability
LM2594MX-12 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive body electronics, and medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for LM2594MX-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 technologies, with decades of experience in high-reliability power conversion solutions.
The LM2594xx series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, medium-power DC-DC applications demanding simplicity, robustness, and minimal external component count in industrial and automotive environments.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for the LM2594MX-12?
The LM2594MX-12 has a maximum input voltage rating of 40 V, with recommended operating range from 4.5 V to 40 V. This rating is absolute and must not be exceeded even momentarily; transient spikes above 40 V require external clamping. The LM2594MX-12 is distinct from the HV variant (LM2594HVMX-12), which supports up to 60 V.
Does the LM2594MX-12 require an external feedback resistor network?
No, the LM2594MX-12 does not require an external feedback resistor network. As a fixed 12-V output version, its internal voltage reference and feedback divider are fully integrated. Pin 4 (Feedback) is internally connected and may be left floating or tied to ground per TI layout recommendations - no external resistors are needed or supported.
What is the typical efficiency of the LM2594MX-12 at full load?
The LM2594MX-12 achieves 88% typical efficiency at 25-V input, 12-V output, and 0.5-A load - as specified in Section 7.7 of the datasheet. Efficiency varies with input voltage and load; it drops to ~80% at 15-V input and rises slightly at higher input voltages due to reduced conduction losses in the internal switch.
Can the LM2594MX-12 be used in an inverting (positive-to-negative) configuration?
Yes, the LM2594MX-12 can be configured as a positive-to-negative inverting regulator, as documented in Figure 8-5 of the datasheet. In this topology, the ground pin is bootstrapped to the negative output, and the feedback pin is grounded. However, the maximum voltage across the IC becomes |VIN| + |VOUT|, so for 12-V output magnitude, VIN must be limited to ≤28 V to stay within the 40-V absolute maximum rating.
What thermal considerations apply to the LM2594MX-12 in SOIC-8 package?
The LM2594MX-12 in SOIC-8 (D package) has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 150°C/W on a standard 4-layer JEDEC board. To maintain TJ ≤ 125°C at 0.5-A load, ambient temperature must remain below ~75°C with adequate PCB copper area under pins 1–3 and pin 6. Thermal derating begins above 85°C ambient unless additional heatsinking or airflow is provided.
LM2594MX-12 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- SIMPLE SWITCHER®
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm 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):
- 4.5V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 40V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 12V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 500mA
- Frequency - Switching:
- 150kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
LM2594MX-12 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM2594MX-12 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM2594MX-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 LM2594MX-12 reliable?
The price and inventory of LM2594MX-12 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM2594MX-12 is usually 5 days.
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Once your LM2594MX-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 LM2594MX-12?
For technical support, including LM2594MX-12 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM2594MX-12 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM2594MX-12 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM2594MX-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 LM2594MX-12 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM2594MX-12?
All LM2594MX-12 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM2594MX-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 LM2594MX-12 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM2594MX-12:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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