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Texas Instruments LM2596T-12
- Part No.:
- LM2596T-12
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package:
- TO-220-5 Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
LM2596T-12.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 12V 3A TO220-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,812
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Product details
Overview
LM2596T-12 from Texas Instruments is a monolithic 3-A nonsynchronous step-down DC-DC switching regulator with fixed 12-V output, 150-kHz fixed-frequency internal oscillator, input voltage range up to 40 V, and thermal/current-limit protection. It delivers stable 12-V power for industrial control modules, embedded power rails, and point-of-load conversion in appliances and home theater systems.
For engineers reviewing the LM2596T-12 datasheet, LM2596T-12 pinout, LM2596T-12 application, or LM2596T-12 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 12-V ±4% output tolerance over line/load/temperature, TO-220-5 package thermal performance (RθJA = 50°C/W), TTL-compatible ON/OFF shutdown, and requirement of only four external components for full implementation.
Technical Context
The LM2596T-12 implements a buck topology using an integrated N-channel MOSFET switch with 1.4-V typical saturation voltage at 3 A, driven by a fixed 150-kHz oscillator. Feedback is closed via internal error amplifier sensing output through dedicated FB pin, with ±4% output voltage accuracy across –40°C to +125°C.
It features two-stage current limiting (peak limit 4.5 A typ.) and thermal shutdown, operates in continuous conduction mode under nominal 3-A load, and supports undervoltage lockout and delayed start-up via the ON/OFF pin-thresholds are 1.3 V (ON) and >1.3 V (OFF) referenced to ground.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 12 V ±4% over line, load, and temperature (–40°C to +125°C); ensures stable rail for downstream logic and analog circuitry without external resistor network. |
| Max Input Voltage | 40 V absolute maximum; supports wide-input industrial supplies including unregulated 24-V and 36-V bus systems. |
| Output Current | 3 A DC continuous; sufficient for powering microcontrollers, sensors, and peripheral ICs in compact embedded designs. |
| Switching Frequency | 150 kHz fixed; enables use of low-cost, high-saturation-current inductors and reduces EMI filtering complexity vs. lower-frequency alternatives. |
| Quiescent Current | 80 µA in shutdown (ISTBY); minimizes standby power draw in battery-backed or energy-sensitive applications. |
| Thermal Resistance | RθJA = 50°C/W (TO-220 NDH package); requires minimal heatsinking for full 3-A operation at ambient ≤70°C. |
| Protection Features | Thermal shutdown + peak current limiting (4.5 A typ.); prevents device damage during overload, short-circuit, or inadequate heatsinking conditions. |
Pinout & Package
LM2596T-12 is supplied in a 5-pin TO-220 (NDH) package with vertical lead bend, 14.986 mm × 10.16 mm body size, and electrically isolated tab (connected to Pin 3, Ground). The package supports through-hole mounting and direct heatsink attachment to the tab.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - VIN | Positive input supply | Accepts 4.5–40 V DC; requires local 100-µF+ electrolytic bypass capacitor to handle high di/dt switching currents and suppress transients. |
| 2 - Output | Internal switch node | Drives external catch diode and inductor; voltage swings between ~VIN–1.4 V and –0.5 V; PCB copper area must be minimized to reduce EMI coupling. |
| 3 - Ground | Circuit reference | Common return for input/output capacitors, feedback network, and heatsink; connects directly to isolated tab for thermal path. |
| 4 - Feedback | Voltage sense input | Not used in fixed-output LM2596T-12; internally tied to 12-V divider; leave unconnected per datasheet guidance. |
| 5 - ON/OFF | Shutdown control | TTL-compatible logic input; <1.3 V = ON, >1.3 V = OFF; draws <15 µA when active; can be grounded for always-on operation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Fixed 12-V output | Eliminates external resistor divider, reducing BOM count and layout sensitivity while guaranteeing ±4% regulation across operating conditions. |
| 150-kHz fixed oscillator | Enables predictable EMI profile and simplifies filter design using standard off-the-shelf inductors rated for ≥200-kHz operation. |
| TTL shutdown capability | Allows system-level power sequencing and low-power sleep modes with <200 µA total input current in OFF state. |
| Integrated thermal/current protection | Provides autonomous fault recovery without external monitoring circuitry-critical for unattended industrial and appliance deployments. |
| TO-220-5 mechanical compatibility | Supports legacy board layouts and manual assembly; tab isolation enables safe heatsinking even when ground plane is not accessible. |
Applications
| Industrial Control Module | Home Theater Power Supply |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Providing regulated 12-V rail for PLC I/O expansion boards operating in factory environments with 24-V DC field buses. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary step-down converter delivering clean, protected 12-V power to microcontroller, optocouplers, and relay drivers. Use Value: Withstands 40-V transients on 24-V bus, maintains regulation during motor startup surges, and shuts down safely during overtemperature events. | Use Scenario: Generating 12-V bias for audio amplifiers and video processing ICs in AV receivers with variable AC-derived DC inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main DC-DC stage converting rectified/unfiltered 16–32-V DC to stable 12-V output with low ripple and fast transient response. Use Value: Delivers 3-A peak current during bass transients, achieves >90% efficiency at 25-V input, and integrates soft-start to prevent inrush-induced speaker pop. |
| Appliance Mainboard | Grid Infrastructure Sensor Node |
Use Scenario: Powering MCU, display, and communication interfaces in smart washing machines with wide-input unregulated DC rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central power management IC converting rectified AC or battery backup to 12-V system rail. Use Value: Operates reliably across –40°C to +125°C ambient, withstands repeated thermal cycling, and includes built-in current limiting for solenoid driver faults. | Use Scenario: Supplying 12-V power to RTU telemetry modules deployed in outdoor substations with solar/battery hybrid inputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Robust primary regulator accepting fluctuating 12–40-V input from charge controller and delivering conditioned 12-V output. Use Value: Maintains regulation during partial shading or battery sag, draws only 80 µA in sleep mode, and survives 2000-V HBM ESD events per JEDEC JS-001. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar step-down regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM2596S-12 | Same electrical specs but in TO-263-5 (KTT) surface-mount package; RθJA = 30°C/W with 2.5-in² copper, higher thermal performance in space-constrained layouts. | Preferred for automated SMT production and thermally demanding PCBs where TO-220 footprint is impractical. | Select LM2596S-12 when board space is limited or reflow soldering is required; verify heatsink pad layout matches KTT mechanical drawing. |
| LMR51430RNXR | Synchronous 3-A buck with 500-kHz/1.1-MHz switching, 4.5–36-V input, adjustable output; no external diode needed; IQ = 26 µA. | Better efficiency (>92% at 12 VOUT), smaller solution size, but requires external feedback resistors and lacks fixed 12-V variant. | Choose LMR51430RNXR for new designs prioritizing efficiency, size, and modern synchronous architecture; LM2596T-12 remains optimal for cost-sensitive, drop-in replacement, or legacy TO-220 layouts. |
Compared with LM2596S-12, the LM2596T-12 offers identical regulation and protection but trades thermal performance for through-hole manufacturability; versus LMR51430RNXR, it sacrifices efficiency and integration for fixed-output simplicity and proven reliability in mature industrial platforms.
Availability
LM2596T-12 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control modules, home theater power supplies, appliance mainboards, and grid infrastructure sensor nodes requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.
Supply support for LM2596T-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 LM2596 series belongs to TI's SIMPLE SWITCHER® portfolio, designed specifically for cost-effective, easy-to-implement DC-DC buck conversion in industrial, consumer, and infrastructure applications where robustness and minimal external components are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for the LM2596T-12?
The LM2596T-12 has an absolute maximum input voltage rating of 45 V, but its recommended operating input voltage range is 4.5 V to 40 V. Operation above 40 V risks exceeding safe operating area limits and may trigger internal protection or cause permanent damage. For reliable 12-V output, minimum input must exceed 14.5 V to account for dropout and switching losses.
Does the LM2596T-12 require an external feedback resistor network?
No, the LM2596T-12 does not require an external feedback resistor network. As a fixed-output variant, its internal voltage divider is factory-trimmed to deliver 12 V ±4%. Pin 4 (Feedback) is internally connected and must be left unconnected in accordance with the datasheet-adding external components may disrupt regulation accuracy or stability.
Can the LM2596T-12 be used in a negative-output (inverting) configuration?
Yes, the LM2596T-12 can be configured as an inverting regulator to generate a negative output voltage, such as –12 V, by bootstrapping the ground pin to the output rail. However, this requires additional external diodes and careful layout to manage start-up inrush and stability. The LM2596T-12 datasheet provides Figure 8-5 as a validated –5-V reference design; scaling to –12 V is feasible but demands verification of voltage stress (|VIN| + |VOUT| ≤ 40 V).
What thermal management is required for full 3-A operation of the LM2596T-12?
For continuous 3-A output at ambient temperatures up to 70°C, the LM2596T-12 in TO-220-5 package requires a minimum 1-in² copper pour (1 oz.) connected to Pin 3 (Ground/tab) as a heatsink. With no external heatsink, junction temperature rise is ~150°C at 3 A-exceeding the 150°C max rating. Adding a 10°C/W clip-on heatsink or increasing copper area to 3 in² reduces thermal resistance sufficiently for reliable full-load operation.
Is the LM2596T-12 RoHS compliant and halogen-free?
Yes, the LM2596T-12 is RoHS compliant and halogen-free per Texas Instruments' official product change notices and material declarations. It meets JEDEC J-STD-609B Class 1 for moisture sensitivity and is qualified for lead-free reflow soldering. Full compliance documentation-including REACH, Conflict Minerals, and PFOS/PFOA statements-is available in TI's Quality & Environmental section for LM2596T-12.
LM2596T-12 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-5 Formed Leads
- 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:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220-5
LM2596T-12 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM2596T-12 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM2596T-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 LM2596T-12 reliable?
The price and inventory of LM2596T-12 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM2596T-12 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM2596T-12?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM2596T-12 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM2596T-12?
LM2596T-12 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM2596T-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 LM2596T-12?
For technical support, including LM2596T-12 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM2596T-12 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM2596T-12 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM2596T-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 LM2596T-12 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM2596T-12?
All LM2596T-12 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM2596T-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 LM2596T-12 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM2596T-12:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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