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Texas Instruments LM334MX
- Part No.:
- LM334MX
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Current Regulation/Management
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
LM334MX.pdf
- Description:
- IC CURRENT SOURCE 6% 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,443
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Product details
Overview
LM334MX from Texas Instruments is a 3-terminal adjustable current source IC designed for precision biasing, temperature sensing, and low-power reference applications. It delivers programmable current from 1 μA to 10 mA with ±3% initial accuracy, operates over 1 V–40 V supply range, and exhibits 0.02%/V current regulation - enabling stable operation in LED drivers, remote sensor interfaces, and micropower analog circuits.
For engineers reviewing the LM334MX datasheet, LM334MX pinout, LM334MX application, or LM334MX equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, SOIC-8 package details, real-world use scenarios, and validated alternative parts for current-source design in industrial, instrumentation, and embedded temperature-sensing systems.
Technical Context
The LM334MX functions as a true floating two-terminal current source with no separate power supply pins - current flows between V+ and V− terminals, while the R (SET) terminal establishes operating current via external resistor. Its core behavior relies on a 67.7 mV reference voltage at 25°C across the R–V− terminals, directly proportional to absolute temperature (≈+0.336%/°C).
It supports zero-drift configurations using an external diode and resistor to cancel temperature dependence, and its 15 pF shunt capacitance enables high-output-impedance operation - critical for ramp generation, active load biasing, and remote Kelvin-sensing applications where lead resistance must not affect accuracy.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Operating Current Range | 1 μA to 10 mA - fully programmable with single external resistor; supports ultra-low-power sensor bias and higher-current LED drive. |
| Initial Accuracy | ±3% at 25°C - enables direct use in calibration-sensitive temperature sensors without trimming in many applications. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1 V to 40 V - allows operation from single-cell batteries up to industrial bus rails without auxiliary regulation. |
| Current Regulation | 0.02%/V typical - ensures <±0.2% current shift over 10 V input variation, critical for stable bias networks. |
| Temperature Coefficient | +0.336%/°C (≈227 μV/°K) - intrinsic linear relationship enables absolute-temperature measurement when used as remote sensor. |
| Minimum Operating Voltage | 0.8 V at 2 μA–100 μA - permits functionality in sub-1V energy-harvesting or low-voltage microcontroller I/O domains. |
| Shunt Capacitance | 15 pF - limits AC output impedance but remains compatible with FET buffering for ultra-high-Z applications. |
Pinout & Package
LM334MX is housed in an 8-pin SOIC (Package D), 1.75 mm max height, RoHS-compliant with Sn lead finish and MSL Level-1 rating. Pin 1 is located in Quadrant Q1 per tape-and-reel orientation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| V+ | Anode / Current Input | Terminal into which programmed current flows; connects to positive supply or load return path. |
| V− | Cathode / Current Output | Terminal from which current exits; forms low-impedance return path to ground or negative rail. |
| R (SET) | Reference Terminal | Establishes current magnitude via external resistor to V−; senses 67.7 mV at 25°C (tempco ≈+227 μV/°K). |
| NC (Pins 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) | No Connect | Internally unconnected; must remain floating - no routing or grounding permitted per TI datasheet. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| True 2-terminal operation mode | Enables insertion into existing current paths without circuit modification - ideal for in-line current limiting and surge protection. |
| Programmable current with one resistor | Eliminates need for op-amps or feedback networks; reduces BOM count and layout area in space-constrained designs. |
| Remote temperature sensing capability | Delivers absolute-temperature output (I ∝ TK) with ±3°C accuracy - eliminates cold-junction compensation in thermistor-free systems. |
| Reverse voltage tolerance | Withstands −20 V applied across V+–V−, drawing only microamps - enables bidirectional AC-coupled operation as rectifier + current source. |
| Zero-drift configuration support | External diode + resistor network cancels inherent +0.336%/°C tempco, achieving <±1% slope error after single-point gain trim. |
Applications
| LED Biasing | Remote Temperature Sensing |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Driving low-current indicator LEDs in battery-powered IoT nodes where supply voltage varies from 2.2 V to 3.6 V. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adjustable current source regulating LED brightness independent of supply droop or forward-voltage drift. Use Value: Maintains consistent luminance across 15% battery discharge with <±0.5% current variation - eliminating need for voltage regulation or PWM dimming. |
Use Scenario: Measuring ambient temperature in HVAC control panels using 100 m cable runs between sensor and controller. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two-wire Kelvin current-mode temperature transducer delivering I = 1 μA × TK/298. Use Value: Immune to voltage drop across long wires; achieves ±0.5°C accuracy without 4-wire RTD wiring or signal conditioning. |
| Ramp Generation | Micropower Reference Driver |
Use Scenario: Generating linear voltage ramps for ADC testing in portable test equipment powered by coin cells. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Constant-current source charging timing capacitor to produce precise dV/dt slopes. Use Value: Delivers 10 nA–1 μA currents with <0.1% linearity over 10 s duration - enabling sub-0.01% integral nonlinearity in ramp-based calibration. |
Use Scenario: Biasing Zener diodes and bandgap references in ultra-low-power sensor front-ends consuming <1 μA quiescent current. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision current source establishing stable operating point for reference elements. Use Value: Enables 1.2 V reference operation at 10 μA with <10 ppm/°C drift - reducing total system power by 40% vs. op-amp-based bias solutions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar adjustable current source applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM334Z/NOPB | TO-92 package (3-pin), 0°C to +70°C rating, same electrical specs; lacks NC pins and SOIC thermal performance. | Suitable for through-hole prototyping and cost-sensitive PCBs without surface-mount assembly capability. | Select when manual soldering, lower volume, or legacy footprint compatibility is required - not for high-density or thermally demanding layouts. |
| REF200AU | Two matched 100 μA current sources in SOIC-8; fixed output, ±0.2% initial accuracy, 0.002%/V regulation - superior stability but non-programmable. | Better for dual-channel biasing (e.g., differential amplifiers) where fixed, ultra-stable current is preferred over adjustability. | Choose when dual identical currents and <10× better voltage regulation outweigh need for programmability and wide 1 μA–10 mA range. |
Compared with LM334Z/NOPB, LM334MX offers superior thermal dissipation (θJA = 165°C/W vs. 180°C/W) and automated assembly compatibility; versus REF200AU, it trades fixed-accuracy stability for full current programmability and wider dynamic range - making LM334MX optimal for adaptive biasing and temperature-sensing systems.
Availability
LM334MX is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for LED driver design, remote temperature monitoring, ramp generator circuits, and micropower reference biasing requiring stable component supply across industrial, instrumentation, and embedded OEM programs.
Supply support for LM334MX 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 heritage in precision analog ICs.
The LM334MX belongs to TI's legacy precision current source family, engineered specifically for applications demanding accurate, temperature-proportional current generation in sensor interfaces, bias networks, and low-power analog systems.
FAQ
What is the correct pinout for LM334MX in SOIC-8 package?
The LM334MX uses Pins 1 (V+), 2 (V−), and 3 (R) as functional terminals; Pins 4–8 are no-connect and must remain unconnected. Pin 1 is located in Quadrant Q1 per TI's tape-and-reel specification, confirmed in Package Drawing D0008A. This pinout differs from TO-92 variants and must be verified against the SOIC layout in the LM334MX/NOPB datasheet Figure 1.
Can LM334MX operate below 1V?
LM334MX has a minimum operating voltage of 0.8 V at set currents ≤100 μA, per Electrical Characteristics table. Below 0.8 V, regulation degrades rapidly and current drops nonlinearly. For reliable operation, maintain ≥0.9 V at 100 μA–1 mA and ≥1.0 V above 1 mA - values confirmed in SNVS746E Rev E Table 1.
How does LM334MX achieve temperature sensing functionality?
LM334MX outputs current directly proportional to absolute temperature (ISET ∝ TK), with nominal 298 μA at 25°C (298 K). Its ±3°C equivalent temperature error (for LM334-grade parts) enables calibrated remote sensing using only two wires. The relationship I = I0 × (T/T0) is specified in Section 7.3 of SNVS746E and requires no offset correction due to 0 K extrapolation.
Is LM334MX pin-compatible with LM334M/NOPB?
Yes - LM334MX/NOPB and LM334M/NOPB share identical SOIC-8 (Package D) pinout, marking, and electrical specifications. The "X" suffix denotes large-tape-and-reel packaging (2500 pcs/reel), while "M" indicates tube packaging (95 pcs/tube); both use same die, same pin 1 location (Q1), and same thermal characteristics (θJA = 165°C/W).
What is the maximum power dissipation for LM334MX at 70°C ambient?
At TA = 70°C, LM334MX (SOIC-8, θJA = 165°C/W) has a maximum allowable power dissipation of 182 mW, calculated as (TJmax − TA) / θJA = (100°C − 70°C) / 165°C/W. This supports ≤4.5 mA at 40 V or ≤10 mA at 18 V - values aligned with the Absolute Maximum Ratings table's 400 mW limit at 25°C ambient.
LM334MX Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Function:
- Current Source
- Sensing Method:
- -
- Accuracy:
- ±6%
- Voltage - Input:
- 1V ~ 40V
- Current - Output:
- Adjustable
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
LM334MX FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM334MX through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM334MX 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 LM334MX reliable?
The price and inventory of LM334MX are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM334MX is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM334MX?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM334MX transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM334MX?
LM334MX orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM334MX 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 LM334MX?
For technical support, including LM334MX datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM334MX requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM334MX is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM334MX 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 LM334MX meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM334MX?
All LM334MX units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM334MX, 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 LM334MX part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM334MX:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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