Texas Instruments LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3

Overview

LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3 from Texas Instruments is a fixed 5-V, 50-mA ultra-low quiescent current LDO voltage regulator in TO-92 package, featuring 200 mV dropout at 50 mA, ±2% initial output tolerance, and −40°C to 125°C operating range. It employs a PNP pass device with reverse battery protection, thermal shutdown, and short-circuit current limiting-designed for automotive body electronics requiring stable low-power bias under wide input transients.

For engineers reviewing the LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3 datasheet, LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3 pinout, LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3 application, or LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 9–15 μA quiescent current at 100 μA load, 5.5–40 V input range, −50 V transient immunity, 300 mΩ–8 Ω COUT ESR requirement, and TO-92 thermal resistance of 156.8°C/W.

Technical Context

The LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3 uses a PNP-based linear regulation architecture with bandgap reference and internal current-limiting circuitry. Its functional block includes dedicated reverse-polarity protection (−24 V sustained, −50 V transient), thermal shutdown triggered at ~160°C junction temperature, and no undervoltage lockout-output tracks input until VIN exceeds VOUT + 1 V.

Unlike CMOS LDOs, this device maintains regulation down to 5.5 V input while sustaining <15 μA IQ across −40°C to 125°C. Stability relies critically on output capacitor ESR (300 mΩ–8 Ω) and minimum 10 µF capacitance, with ceramic capacitors requiring series resistors to meet ESR spec.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3 is housed in a 3-pin TO-92 (LP) through-hole package with 4.30 mm × 4.30 mm body size and tab-connected GND. Thermal resistance is 156.8°C/W (junction-to-ambient) and 80.4°C/W (junction-to-board).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LDO voltage regulator applications.

Compared with TLV70750DBVR and TPS76350DBVR, the LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3 delivers superior automotive reliability via integrated −50 V transient and −24 V reverse-battery protection, while achieving lowest quiescent current (9–15 μA) in TO-92-enabling longest battery life without external components.

Availability

LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial sensor nodes, point-of-load regulation, and legacy system retrofits requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3 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 company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The LM2936 product line was engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, high-reliability automotive and industrial LDO applications-prioritizing quiescent current, fault protection, and extended temperature operation over raw output current.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3?

The LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3 has an absolute maximum input voltage of 60 V for transient survival, but its recommended operating range is 5.5 V to 40 V DC. Operation above 40 V risks safe-operating-area violation during output short-circuit events. The device will catastrophically fail if exposed to sustained input voltages exceeding 60 V, per TI SNOSC48O Section 6.1.

Does LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3 include a shutdown pin?

No, the LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3 does not include a shutdown (SD) pin. That feature is exclusive to the LM2936BM SOIC-8 variant. The LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3 is a 3-pin TO-92 device with IN, GND, and OUT terminals only-power control must be implemented externally via input switching or series FET.

What output capacitor specifications are mandatory for stable operation of LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3?

LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3 requires a minimum 10 µF output capacitor with ESR between 300 mΩ and 8 Ω across the full operating temperature range. Ceramic capacitors may be used only when paired with a series resistor (typically 500 mΩ–1 Ω) to meet ESR requirements-failure to comply causes oscillation and regulation loss.

How does LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3 handle reverse battery connection?

The LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3 provides integrated reverse-battery protection rated for −24 V continuous and −50 V transient input. When VIN is reversed, internal circuitry blocks conduction-preventing damage and maintaining zero output voltage. This eliminates the need for external blocking diodes in automotive wiring harnesses.

What is the thermal performance of LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3 in its TO-92 package?

The LM2936Z-5.0/LFT3 in TO-92 (LP) package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 156.8°C/W and junction-to-board (RθJB) of 136.0°C/W. At 50 mA load with 12 V input, power dissipation is ~350 mW-requiring careful PCB copper area design to keep junction temperature below 125°C in 85°C ambient.