Texas Instruments LM3480IM3X-15
- Part No.:
- LM3480IM3X-15
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
LM3480IM3X-15.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 15V 100MA SOT23-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,918
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Product details
Overview
LM3480IM3X-15 from Texas Instruments is a 15-V, 100-mA quasi-low-dropout linear voltage regulator in a 3-pin SOT-23 (DBZ) package. It delivers stable output with ≤1.2 V dropout at full load, ±5% output voltage tolerance over −40°C to +125°C, and supports input voltages up to 30 V. It serves as a compact replacement for LM78L15 in space-constrained analog bias and post-regulation applications.
For engineers reviewing the LM3480IM3X-15 datasheet, LM3480IM3X-15 pinout, LM3480IM3X-15 application, or LM3480IM3X-15 equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage at 100 mA, thermal performance in SOT-23, output noise (450 µVrms), load regulation (75 mV), and compatibility with 0.1 µF ceramic input/output capacitors.
Technical Context
The LM3480IM3X-15 uses a PNP pass transistor architecture with bandgap reference and thermal shutdown, enabling quasi-LDO operation without requiring external compensation. Its 1.2-V maximum dropout is ensured across the full −40°C to +125°C junction temperature range and 1–100 mA load current.
It operates with minimal external components: only 0.1 µF input and output ceramic capacitors are required for stability. The device exhibits 450 µVrms output noise (10 Hz–100 kHz) and maintains ±5% output accuracy under line, load, and temperature variation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 15 V ±5% (ensured over −40°C to +125°C, 1–100 mA load) |
| Max Input Voltage | 30 V (supports wide-input industrial and automotive supply rails) |
| Dropout Voltage | ≤1.2 V at 100 mA (enables regulation from 16.2 V min input) |
| Output Noise | 450 µVrms (10 Hz–100 kHz; suitable for low-noise analog circuitry) |
| Load Regulation | 75 mV (change in VOUT from 10 mA to 100 mA load) |
| Thermal Shutdown | Active at ~150°C (protects against sustained overload or poor PCB heatsinking) |
| Junction Temp Range | −40°C to +125°C (qualified for extended industrial operation) |
Pinout & Package
SOT-23 (DBZ) package: 2.92 mm × 1.30 mm body, 1.12 mm max height, 3-pin surface-mount configuration with gull-wing leads.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| OUT (Pin 1) | Regulated output | Delivers 15 V to load; requires 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor to ground for stability |
| IN (Pin 2) | Unregulated input | Accepts 16.2 V–30 V DC; must be filtered before connection to reduce noise coupling |
| GND (Pin 3) | Reference and return path | Common ground for input capacitor, output capacitor, and load; critical for thermal and noise performance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Quasi-LDO architecture | 1.2 V max dropout enables use where standard 78Lxx regulators fail due to insufficient headroom |
| Ultra-small SOT-23 footprint | 2.92 mm × 1.30 mm saves board space vs. TO-92 or SOIC-8 alternatives |
| No external compensation required | Stable with 0.1 µF ceramic CIN/COUT; eliminates BOM cost and layout complexity |
| Integrated thermal protection | Automatic shutdown at ~150°C junction temp prevents damage during sustained overload |
| Robust ESD rating | ±2000 V HBM ensures reliability during handling and assembly |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Bias Supply | Post-Regulator for DC/DC Converter |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powers precision analog sensors (e.g., RTD transmitters, strain gauge amplifiers) in factory automation systems where 24 V rail is available but 15 V clean bias is required. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Linear regulator providing low-noise, thermally stable 15 V reference for signal conditioning circuitry. Use Value: 450 µVrms noise and ±5% output tolerance ensure sensor measurement integrity without additional filtering. | Use Scenario: Follows a switching DC/DC converter (e.g., 24 V → 18 V buck) to deliver ultra-clean 15 V for sensitive analog front-ends or clock buffers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise post-regulator suppressing switching ripple and high-frequency artifacts from upstream converter. Use Value: 1.2 V dropout allows tight input-output margin; 75 mV load regulation maintains accuracy across dynamic load changes. |
| Legacy LM78L15 Drop-in Replacement | Low-Power Analog Subsystem Supply |
Use Scenario: Direct upgrade path for existing designs using LM78L15 in space-constrained PCBs where TO-92 footprint is no longer viable. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Pin-compatible functional replacement delivering identical 15 V output in miniature SOT-23 package. Use Value: Same electrical behavior with 70% smaller footprint and improved thermal resistance (RθJA = 269.6°C/W). | Use Scenario: Supplies 15 V to low-power op-amps, ADC drivers, and voltage references in portable test equipment or IoT edge nodes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary bias regulator for analog subsystems requiring stable voltage under light-to-moderate loads (1–100 mA). Use Value: 100 mA guaranteed output current and −40°C to +125°C operation support wide ambient deployment. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar linear regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM3480IM3-15/NOPB | Same die, 1000-unit tape-and-reel packaging vs. 3000-unit for LM3480IM3X-15 | Identical electrical performance; differs only in reel quantity and part marking (L0D) | Select LM3480IM3X-15/NOPB.B for high-volume production; LM3480IM3-15/NOPB for prototyping or lower-quantity builds |
| TLV76715DBVR | Lower dropout (300 mV typ at 100 mA), higher PSRR (60 dB @ 1 kHz), but 1.8–6.5 V input range only | Not suitable for >6.5 V inputs; requires different input filtering and layout for optimal noise performance | Choose TLV76715DBVR only if input voltage is ≤6.5 V and sub-1 V dropout is mandatory |
Compared with LM3480IM3-15/NOPB, LM3480IM3X-15 offers identical regulation performance with optimized logistics for volume manufacturing; versus TLV76715DBVR, it trades higher dropout for 30 V input capability-critical for industrial 24 V rail applications.
Availability
LM3480IM3X-15 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor biasing, post-regulation of switching supplies, legacy LM78L15 replacements, and low-power analog subsystems requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for LM3480IM3X-15 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 specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management ICs, with decades of leadership in linear regulator design and industrial-grade qualification.
The LM3480 product line was engineered to replace through-hole 78Lxx regulators in space-constrained industrial, automotive, and instrumentation applications-delivering quasi-LDO performance in the smallest possible SOT-23 footprint.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for LM3480IM3X-15 to maintain regulation?
The LM3480IM3X-15 requires a minimum input voltage of 16.2 V to maintain 15 V output under full 100 mA load, based on its 1.2 V maximum dropout specification. At lighter loads, input can be reduced further-for example, 15.9 V at 10 mA-while staying within ±5% output tolerance across temperature.
Can LM3480IM3X-15 operate with ceramic capacitors only?
Yes, LM3480IM3X-15 is fully stable with 0.1 µF ceramic capacitors on both input and output pins, as specified in the datasheet. No ESR requirements or tantalum/capacitor type restrictions apply, simplifying BOM and reducing cost versus older LDOs that require higher-ESR electrolytics.
What is the thermal performance of LM3480IM3X-15 in standard PCB layouts?
In a typical 2-layer PCB with 1-in² copper pour connected to GND pin, LM3480IM3X-15 achieves RθJA ≈ 120°C/W. Its rated 269.6°C/W is measured on JEDEC-standard low-copper test board; actual thermal rise depends on copper area, airflow, and adjacent heat sources.
Does LM3480IM3X-15 include current limiting or short-circuit protection?
Yes, LM3480IM3X-15 features internal current limiting and thermal shutdown. Short-circuit output current is typically 120 mA at 25°C, decreasing with rising junction temperature. This protects the device during fault conditions without requiring external foldback circuitry.
How does LM3480IM3X-15 compare to LM78L15 in terms of PCB area and thermal behavior?
LM3480IM3X-15 occupies 3.8 mm² (2.92 × 1.30 mm) in SOT-23 versus 25 mm² for LM78L15 in TO-92. Its RθJA is 269.6°C/W on standard test board-higher than TO-92's ~200°C/W-but its smaller mass and surface-mount construction enable better board-level thermal coupling when properly laid out with GND copper.
LM3480IM3X-15 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 30V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 15V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 1.2V @ 100mA
- Current - Output:
- 100mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 2 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- -
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Current, Over Temperature
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-23-3
LM3480IM3X-15 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM3480IM3X-15 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM3480IM3X-15 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 LM3480IM3X-15 reliable?
The price and inventory of LM3480IM3X-15 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM3480IM3X-15 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM3480IM3X-15?
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4.How is shipping managed for LM3480IM3X-15?
LM3480IM3X-15 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM3480IM3X-15 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 LM3480IM3X-15?
For technical support, including LM3480IM3X-15 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM3480IM3X-15 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM3480IM3X-15 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM3480IM3X-15 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 LM3480IM3X-15 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM3480IM3X-15?
All LM3480IM3X-15 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM3480IM3X-15, 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 LM3480IM3X-15 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM3480IM3X-15:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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