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Texas Instruments LM2596S-12
- Part No.:
- LM2596S-12
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package:
- TO-263-6, D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab), TO-263BA
- Datasheet:
-
LM2596S-12.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 12V 3A TO263
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,487
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Product details
Overview
LM2596S-12 from Texas Instruments is a monolithic nonsynchronous step-down (buck) DC-DC switching regulator delivering 3-A load current with fixed 12-V output, ±4% tolerance over line and load, 150-kHz fixed-frequency operation, and input voltage range up to 40 V. It serves as the primary power conversion stage in industrial power supplies and embedded systems requiring robust, cost-effective regulation.
For engineers reviewing the LM2596S-12 datasheet, LM2596S-12 pinout, LM2596S-12 application, or LM2596S-12 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 3-A continuous output capability, thermal shutdown protection, TTL-compatible ON/OFF control, low 80-μA standby current, and compatibility with standard off-the-shelf inductors and catch diodes.
Technical Context
The LM2596S-12 integrates a PWM controller, power switch, and internal frequency compensation in a single IC. Its 150-kHz fixed-frequency oscillator enables predictable EMI behavior and allows use of compact filter components-specifically 47–100 μH inductors and 100–220 μF output capacitors-without external loop compensation.
It operates in continuous conduction mode (CCM) under typical loads ≥0.2 A and features two-stage current limiting: peak current limit at 3.6–6.9 A (depending on temperature), followed by frequency reduction during overload. Thermal shutdown activates at 150°C junction temperature, and the ON/OFF pin provides logic-level enable/disable with 1.3-V threshold and 80-μA quiescent draw in shutdown.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 12 V ±4% over –40°C to +125°C, ensuring stable rail for microcontrollers and analog circuitry without external feedback resistors. |
| Max Output Current | 3 A DC continuous, supporting mid-power applications like motor drivers and display backlights without derating at 25°C ambient. |
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 40 V, enabling direct operation from unregulated 12-V, 24-V, or 36-V industrial bus rails. |
| Switching Frequency | 150 kHz ±15%, providing deterministic ripple frequency for EMI filtering and compatibility with low-cost, high-saturation-current inductors. |
| Quiescent Current | 80 μA in shutdown (ON/OFF = HIGH), minimizing battery drain in always-on systems with sleep modes. |
| Efficiency | 90% typical at VIN = 25 V, IOUT = 3 A, reducing thermal load and simplifying heatsink requirements in enclosed enclosures. |
| Thermal Protection | Junction-to-ambient RθJA = 50°C/W (TO-220) or 20°C/W (TO-263 with 3-in² copper), enabling reliable operation up to 125°C ambient with proper PCB layout. |
Pinout & Package
LM2596S-12 is available in TO-220 (NDH, 5-pin) and TO-263 (KTT, 5-pin) packages. Both share identical pin functions and thermal pad configuration (Tab = Ground).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - VIN | Positive input supply | Accepts 4.5–40 V; requires local 100-μF electrolytic + 0.1-μF ceramic bypass to suppress switching transients and supply peak currents. |
| 2 - OUTPUT | Internal power switch drain | Swings between ~VIN–1.4 V and –0.5 V; connects directly to catch diode anode and inductor; minimal copper area required to reduce EMI coupling. |
| 3 - GROUND | Circuit reference node | Common return for VIN, feedback, and ON/OFF; must be tied to thermal pad and low-impedance ground plane for thermal and noise performance. |
| 4 - FEEDBACK | Voltage sense input | Internally biased to 1.23 V; unused in fixed-output versions but internally connected to set 12-V regulation-no external resistor network needed. |
| 5 - ON/OFF | Logic-enable control | TTL-compatible: <1.3 V = ON, >1.3 V = OFF; draws ≤15 μA when active; can be tied to GND for always-on operation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Fixed 12-V output | Eliminates external feedback resistors, reducing BOM count and layout sensitivity while guaranteeing ±4% accuracy across temperature and load. |
| Integrated thermal shutdown | Automatically disables switching at 150°C junction temperature and resumes operation after cooldown-no external thermal sensor or logic required. |
| Low 80-μA shutdown current | Enables energy-sensitive designs (e.g., battery-backed controllers) to maintain long standby life without external load switches. |
| Self-contained compensation | Requires no external compensation components-reduces design time and eliminates tuning iterations for stable 3-A buck operation. |
| Robust current limiting | Two-stage protection: hard current limit (≥3.6 A) followed by frequency foldback prevents destructive overloads during short-circuit or startup faults. |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supplies | Embedded Control Systems |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Converting 24-V DC factory bus to regulated 12-V rail for PLC I/O modules and sensor interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary step-down regulator supplying power to microcontroller, ADC, and digital isolators. Use Value: Delivers 3-A continuous current with 90% efficiency at 25-V input, reducing heat generation and eliminating need for forced-air cooling in sealed enclosures. |
Use Scenario: Providing stable 12-V supply to ARM-based HMI panels with LCD backlight and touch controller. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main DC-DC converter powering system logic and peripheral interfaces. Use Value: Fixed 12-V output ensures consistent backlight brightness and MCU clock stability without calibration or trimming. |
| Appliance Motor Drivers | Home Theater AV Equipment |
|
Use Scenario: Powering 12-V brushed DC motors in smart washing machine control boards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current buck regulator feeding motor driver ICs and position sensors. Use Value: Withstands 40-V input surges from relay coil flyback and maintains regulation during motor stall conditions due to built-in current limiting. |
Use Scenario: Generating 12-V bias for audio amplifier stages and HDMI port power in AV receivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary power rail generator downstream of main AC/DC converter. Use Value: 150-kHz switching frequency avoids audible noise in sensitive analog audio sections and simplifies EMI filter design with standard ferrite beads. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar step-down regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM2596T-12 | Same electrical specs, but TO-220 package with straight leads (NDH variant); identical pinout and thermal performance. | No difference in circuit function or layout-only mechanical mounting variation (vertical vs. horizontal lead bend). | Select LM2596T-12 if board assembly uses through-hole wave soldering with vertical orientation; LM2596S-12 preferred for surface-mount reflow or space-constrained layouts. |
| LM2596HV-12 | Extended input range up to 60 V; otherwise identical 12-V output, 3-A rating, and pinout. | Suitable for higher-input applications (e.g., 48-V telecom or automotive cold-crank), but over-specified-and more costly-for 24-V industrial use. | Choose LM2596HV-12 only when input may exceed 40 V; LM2596S-12 offers optimal cost/performance for ≤40-V systems. |
Compared with LM2596T-12, LM2596S-12 offers identical regulation performance in a surface-mount TO-263 package for automated assembly, while LM2596HV-12 trades higher input voltage headroom for increased cost and unnecessary overhead in standard 24-V applications.
Availability
LM2596S-12 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, embedded control systems, appliance motor drivers, and home theater AV equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for LM2596S-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 expertise in high-reliability power conversion ICs.
The LM2596 series was designed as a SIMPLE SWITCHER® solution for cost-sensitive, medium-power DC-DC applications where ease of use, minimal external components, and proven reliability outweigh advanced features like synchronization or light-load efficiency optimization.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for the LM2596S-12?
The LM2596S-12 has an absolute maximum input voltage of 45 V, but its recommended operating range is 4.5 V to 40 V. Operation above 40 V risks exceeding safe operating area limits and may trigger internal protection circuits. For sustained reliability, keep VIN ≤40 V under all load and transient conditions. The LM2596S-12 datasheet specifies 40 V as the upper limit for guaranteed performance across temperature and load.
Does the LM2596S-12 require external feedback resistors to set the output voltage?
No. The LM2596S-12 is a fixed-output version with internal resistor divider network calibrated for 12 V ±4%. Pin 4 (FEEDBACK) is internally connected and not user-accessible-no external resistors are needed or supported. This eliminates tuning errors and improves long-term stability compared to adjustable variants. The LM2596S-12 achieves this without any external components beyond the mandatory input/output capacitors and inductor.
Can the LM2596S-12 be used in an inverting (buck-boost) configuration to generate a negative output?
Yes-the LM2596S-12 supports inverting regulator topologies per TI Application Note SNVA231. In such configurations, it generates a negative output (e.g., –12 V) from a positive input, with the ground pin referenced to the negative rail. However, the ON/OFF threshold shifts to ~13 V, and startup current demands increase significantly. The LM2596S-12 must be used with additional diodes and careful capacitor selection to ensure stability and avoid output overshoot.
What thermal considerations apply when using the LM2596S-12 in a TO-263 package?
When using the LM2596S-12 in the TO-263 (KTT) package, thermal performance depends critically on PCB copper area connected to the exposed thermal pad. With 3 in² of 1-oz copper on the component side and 16 in² on the opposite side, RθJA drops to 20°C/W-enabling full 3-A operation at 125°C ambient. Without adequate copper, junction temperature rise exceeds safe limits. The LM2596S-12 thermal pad must be soldered directly to the ground plane with multiple vias for optimal heat transfer.
Is the LM2596S-12 RoHS compliant and halogen-free?
Yes-the LM2596S-12 is RoHS compliant and halogen-free per Texas Instruments' official product change notices and packaging data. It meets JEDEC J-STD-609A Class 1 for moisture sensitivity (MSL-1), and Pb-free terminal finish is standard. Full compliance documentation-including REACH, Conflict Minerals, and ELV statements-is available in TI's Quality & Environmental section for LM2596S-12.
LM2596S-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):
- 4.5V
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 40V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 12V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 3A
- Frequency - Switching:
- 150kHz
- Synchronous Rectifier:
- No
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TJ)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-263 (DDPAK-5)
LM2596S-12 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM2596S-12 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM2596S-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 LM2596S-12 reliable?
The price and inventory of LM2596S-12 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM2596S-12 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM2596S-12?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM2596S-12 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM2596S-12?
LM2596S-12 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM2596S-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 LM2596S-12?
For technical support, including LM2596S-12 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM2596S-12 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM2596S-12 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM2596S-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 LM2596S-12 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM2596S-12?
All LM2596S-12 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM2596S-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 LM2596S-12 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM2596S-12:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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