Texas Instruments LM2596T-12/LF03
- Part No.:
- LM2596T-12/LF03
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package:
- TO-220-5 Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
LM2596T-12/LF03.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG BUCK 12V 3A TO220-5
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:137
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Product details
Overview
LM2596T-12/LF03 from Texas Instruments is a monolithic 150-kHz nonsynchronous buck DC-DC converter delivering 3-A output current with fixed 12-V output, ±4% output voltage tolerance over line and load, 4.5–40-V input range, and thermal/current-limit protection. It serves as the primary step-down regulator in industrial power supplies requiring stable mid-power conversion.
For engineers reviewing the LM2596T-12/LF03 datasheet, LM2596T-12/LF03 pinout, LM2596T-12/LF03 application, or LM2596T-12/LF03 equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed 12-V output, TO-220-5 package thermal performance (RθJA = 50°C/W), 80-μA standby current, and compatibility with standard off-the-shelf inductors.
Technical Context
The LM2596T-12/LF03 integrates a PWM controller, power switch, and internal frequency compensation in a single chip. Its fixed 150-kHz oscillator enables predictable filter design using standard 33–100-μH inductors and reduces EMI compared to variable-frequency alternatives.
It operates in continuous conduction mode at full load and supports TTL-compatible shutdown via the ON/OFF pin (1.3-V threshold). Protection includes thermal shutdown, two-stage current limiting (peak 4.5 A), and built-in soft-start behavior via feedback loop dynamics-not external capacitor timing.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 12 V ±4% (measured across 0.2–3 A load and –40°C to 125°C) |
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5 V to 40 V (supports 12/24/36-V rail inputs without pre-regulation) |
| Max Output Current | 3 A DC (continuous, with adequate heatsinking per RθJA = 50°C/W) |
| Switching Frequency | 150 kHz ±15% (enables compact LC filter sizing; no external sync required) |
| Quiescent Current | 80 μA typical in shutdown (ON/OFF pin >1.3 V; enables low-power standby) |
| Efficiency | 90% typical at VIN = 25 V, IOUT = 3 A (reduces thermal load vs. linear regulators) |
| Feedback Reference | Not applicable - fixed-output version lacks external feedback divider |
| Protection Features | Thermal shutdown, peak-current limit (4.5 A typ), and safe fault recovery |
Pinout & Package
LM2596T-12/LF03 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).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 - VIN | Positive input supply | Accepts 4.5–40 V; requires ≥100-μF low-ESR input capacitor placed within 5 mm |
| 2 - Output | Switch node | Drives external catch diode and inductor; high dv/dt node-minimize PCB copper area |
| 3 - Ground | Power and signal reference | Common return for VIN, feedback, and ON/OFF; connect tab directly to large ground plane |
| 4 - Feedback | Regulation sense | Internally tied to 12-V divider; not accessible-no external adjustment possible |
| 5 - ON/OFF | Logic-controlled enable | TTL-compatible: <1.3 V = ON, >1.3 V = OFF; 80-μA standby draw when disabled |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Fixed-output architecture | Eliminates external resistor divider, reducing BOM count and layout sensitivity |
| Integrated thermal protection | Automatically disables switching above 150°C junction temperature and recovers on cooldown |
| Standard inductor compatibility | Works with widely available 33–100-μH, 4-A+ saturation current shielded inductors |
| Low-ripple 150-kHz operation | Enables use of smaller, lower-cost ceramic or tantalum output capacitors vs. 50-kHz alternatives |
| TTL shutdown interface | Direct connection to microcontroller GPIO without level-shifting or pull-up resistors |
Applications
| Industrial Power Supplies | Home Theater Systems |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Converting 24-V DC bus to regulated 12-V rail for motor drivers and sensor interfaces in factory automation panels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary non-isolated step-down regulator supplying logic and analog circuitry. Use Value: Delivers 3-A continuous current with 90% efficiency, reducing heat sink requirements and enabling compact DIN-rail mounted enclosures. | Use Scenario: Providing clean 12-V bias for audio amplifiers, display backlight inverters, and HDMI port power in AV receivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mid-power DC-DC stage between bulk 24/36-V supply and sensitive analog subsystems. Use Value: Fixed 12-V output eliminates tuning drift; ±4% tolerance ensures consistent amplifier bias and backlight brightness control. |
| Grid Infrastructure Meters | EPOS Terminals |
Use Scenario: Powering metrology ICs, RF modules, and real-time clocks in smart electricity meters operating from 12–40-V wide-input utility rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Main system regulator with shutdown capability for battery-backed sleep modes. Use Value: 80-μA shutdown current extends backup battery life; thermal shutdown prevents field failure under enclosure overheating. | Use Scenario: Generating 12-V for receipt printers, barcode scanners, and EMV contactless readers in retail point-of-sale terminals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability power source supporting intermittent 2–3-A peak loads during printer actuation. Use Value: Built-in current limiting protects against shorted print head cables; TO-220 package allows direct heatsink mounting on metal chassis. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output buck regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM2596S-12/NOPB | TO-263-5 surface-mount package; identical electrical specs; RθJA = 30°C/W with 2.5-in² copper | Better thermal performance in space-constrained PCB layouts; no through-hole mounting required | Select when automated assembly, higher power density, or reduced board thickness is prioritized over manual serviceability. |
| MP1584EN-LF-Z | 1.5-MHz switching frequency; 3-A rating; adjustable-only output; requires external feedback resistors | Enables compact 2.2-μH inductors but lacks fixed 12-V option and requires additional components | Select only if board area is critical and design can accommodate adjustable topology and extra resistors. |
Compared with LM2596T-12/LF03, LM2596S-12/NOPB offers superior thermal resistance in SMT form, while MP1584EN-LF-Z trades fixed-voltage simplicity for higher frequency and smaller magnetics-but introduces design complexity and no drop-in replacement path.
Availability
LM2596T-12/LF03 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial power supplies, grid infrastructure metering, home theater systems, and EPOS terminals requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for LM2596T-12/LF03 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 and embedded processing technologies, with decades of expertise in power management ICs.
The LM2596 series was designed as a robust, easy-to-use SIMPLE SWITCHER® solution for cost-sensitive, medium-power DC-DC conversion in industrial, consumer, and infrastructure applications where reliability and minimal external component count are essential.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for LM2596T-12/LF03?
The absolute maximum input voltage for LM2596T-12/LF03 is 45 V, but the recommended operating range is 4.5 V to 40 V. Operation above 40 V risks exceeding internal transistor breakdown limits and invalidates the guaranteed ±4% output regulation specification. For 48-V nominal systems, a pre-regulator stage is required before LM2596T-12/LF03.
Does LM2596T-12/LF03 support adjustable output voltage?
No, LM2596T-12/LF03 is a fixed-output variant with internal 12-V feedback divider. The Feedback pin (Pin 4) is not externally accessible and cannot be reconfigured. To achieve adjustable output, use LM2596-ADJ instead-its pinout is identical but requires two external resistors to set VOUT from 1.2 V to 37 V.
Can LM2596T-12/LF03 be used in an inverting (buck-boost) configuration?
Yes, LM2596T-12/LF03 can be configured as an inverting regulator to generate negative output voltages, as documented in TI's SNVS124G datasheet Figure 8-5. However, this requires bootstrapping the Ground pin to the output rail, adding isolation diodes, and adjusting startup sequencing-the fixed 12-V version outputs –12 V, not adjustable polarity.
What thermal derating applies to LM2596T-12/LF03 at 3-A load?
At 3-A continuous load with no heatsink, LM2596T-12/LF03 in TO-220 package reaches thermal equilibrium at ~125°C ambient (RθJA = 50°C/W, PD ≈ 3.6 W). Derating begins above 85°C ambient; full 3-A output requires ≤65°C ambient or a 15°C/W heatsink. Thermal shutdown activates at 150°C junction temperature.
Is LM2596T-12/LF03 RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, LM2596T-12/LF03 is RoHS-compliant and lead-free, as indicated by the "/LF03" suffix per Texas Instruments' packaging nomenclature. It meets JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 3 (MSL-3) and is compatible with standard Pb-free reflow profiles up to 260°C peak.
LM2596T-12/LF03 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- SIMPLE SWITCHER®
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-5 Formed Leads
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- 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/LF03 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM2596T-12/LF03 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM2596T-12/LF03 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/LF03 reliable?
The price and inventory of LM2596T-12/LF03 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/LF03 is usually 5 days.
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4.How is shipping managed for LM2596T-12/LF03?
LM2596T-12/LF03 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM2596T-12/LF03 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/LF03?
For technical support, including LM2596T-12/LF03 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM2596T-12/LF03 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM2596T-12/LF03 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM2596T-12/LF03 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/LF03 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM2596T-12/LF03?
All LM2596T-12/LF03 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM2596T-12/LF03, 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/LF03 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM2596T-12/LF03:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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