Texas Instruments LM385BLP-1-2
- Part No.:
- LM385BLP-1-2
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Datasheet:
-
LM385BLP-1-2.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT 1% TO92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,238
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
LM385BLP-1-2 from Texas Instruments is a micropower, two-terminal, band-gap voltage reference in TO-92 package, delivering 1.235 V nominal output with ±20 ppm/°C temperature coefficient, 15 μA to 20 mA operating current range, and 1.5 Ω max reference impedance over full temperature range. It serves as a precision shunt reference in portable battery-powered analog systems requiring long shelf-life-compatible power efficiency.
For engineers reviewing the LM385BLP-1-2 datasheet, LM385BLP-1-2 pinout, LM385BLP-1-2 application, or LM385BLP-1-2 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.235 V reference accuracy at 25°C, low 60 µV broadband noise (10 Hz–10 kHz), tight 1% initial tolerance, and compatibility with capacitive loads up to 10 µF without instability-critical for portable meter and thermocouple cold-junction compensation designs.
Technical Context
The LM385BLP-1-2 operates as a floating shunt reference, regulating voltage between cathode and anode via internal band-gap core and high-gain amplifier. Its design includes on-chip trimming for 1% initial voltage tolerance and internal frequency compensation enabling stable operation with arbitrary capacitive loading.
It functions exclusively in fixed-voltage reference mode with no adjustability. Regulation requires minimum cathode current of 15 μA across 0°C to 70°C operating range, and it achieves long-term stability of ±20 ppm/khr under 100 µA bias-enabling use in unattended, low-maintenance instrumentation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Reference Voltage | 1.235 V at 25°C - precise setpoint for analog signal conditioning and ADC/DAC biasing |
| Initial Voltage Tolerance | ±1% - reduces calibration overhead in portable test instruments |
| Temperature Coefficient | ±20 ppm/°C - ensures ≤0.15 mV drift over 0°C to 70°C ambient |
| Reference Impedance | 1.5 Ω max over full temperature range - maintains regulation accuracy under dynamic load transients |
| Operating Current Range | 15 μA to 20 mA - supports ultra-low-power sleep modes and high-accuracy active measurement |
| Broadband Noise | 60 µV RMS (10 Hz–10 kHz) - preserves SNR in high-resolution sensor front-ends |
| Long-Term Stability | ±20 ppm/khr at 100 µA - enables >5-year field deployment without recalibration |
Pinout & Package
LM385BLP-1-2 uses a 3-pin TO-92 (LP) package with straight or formed leads, body size 4.30 mm × 4.30 mm, max height 5.34 mm, and JEDEC TO-226 compliant outline.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Pin 1) | Shunt current return path | Connected to system ground or negative rail; completes current loop for reference operation |
| Cathode (Pin 2) | Reference voltage output node | Source of regulated 1.235 V; must be biased with ≥15 μA current for stable regulation |
| NC (Pin 3) | No internal connection | Not bonded; electrically isolated-must remain unconnected or tied to ground only if required for mechanical stability |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Capacitive Load Tolerance | Stable with ≥10 µF bypass capacitance-eliminates need for external isolation resistors in noisy environments |
| Low Power Operation | 15 μA minimum operating current enables multi-year battery life in portable meters |
| Band-Gap Core Architecture | Delivers intrinsic temperature stability and low 60 µV noise without external filtering |
| On-Chip Trimming | Enables 1% initial tolerance without manual calibration-reduces production test time |
| ESD Robustness | ±2000 V HBM rating-survives standard handling without special ESD precautions beyond grounding |
Applications
| Portable Meter References | Thermocouple Cold-Junction Compensation |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld digital multimeters requiring stable reference for 4½-digit ADC conversion over varying battery voltage and ambient temperature. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt voltage reference providing 1.235 V基准 for ratiometric scaling of input signal against supply rail. Use Value: 15 μA min current draw extends alkaline battery life to >3 years; ±20 ppm/°C TC limits reading drift to <0.02% over operating range. | Use Scenario: Industrial temperature sensors using Type K thermocouples where ambient junction temperature must be measured and compensated. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision voltage source for RTD or thermistor biasing in cold-junction sensing circuitry. Use Value: 1.5 Ω max impedance ensures minimal error contribution (<0.015 mV) when sourcing current into 1 kΩ sensing element. |
| Battery-Operated Systems | Current-Loop Instrumentation |
Use Scenario: Wireless sensor nodes powered by coin-cell batteries, performing periodic analog measurements before deep-sleep. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Micropower reference enabling accurate sensor excitation and ADC reference during brief active cycles. Use Value: 60 µV broadband noise avoids degrading 16-bit effective resolution; ±20 ppm/khr stability eliminates need for periodic field recalibration. | Use Scenario: 4–20 mA transmitter modules converting process sensor outputs for industrial PLC interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stable reference for voltage-to-current conversion op-amp circuitry driving loop transmitter output stage. Use Value: 1% initial tolerance and 1.235 V nominal value simplify resistor selection for exact 4 mA zero-point setting; TO-92 package eases through-hole assembly in rugged enclosures. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar shunt voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM385LP-1-2 | 2% initial tolerance (vs. 1% for LM385BLP-1-2); same TO-92 package, 0°C to 70°C range | Acceptable where cost sensitivity outweighs need for tighter calibration; higher drift may require more frequent system-level correction | Select LM385LP-1-2 only when B-grade tolerance suffices and long-term stability requirements are relaxed |
| TLVH431ACLP | Adjustable 1.24 V reference (2.5 V max), 3-pin SOT-23, 100 μA typical quiescent current, ±0.5% initial tolerance | Requires external resistors for 1.235 V setting; unsuitable for ultra-low-power <20 μA systems due to higher minimum current | Choose TLVH431ACLP only when programmability or SOT-23 footprint is mandatory and power budget allows ≥100 μA continuous draw |
Compared with LM385LP-1-2 and TLVH431ACLP, the LM385BLP-1-2 delivers superior initial accuracy and lower operating current-making it optimal for battery-critical, factory-calibrated portable instrumentation where long-term drift must be minimized without software compensation.
Availability
LM385BLP-1-2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable meter references, thermocouple cold-junction compensation circuits, and battery-operated sensor nodes requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term continuity.
Supply support for LM385BLP-1-2 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, specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies with over 50 years of precision reference design heritage.
The LM385B series was developed specifically for micropower, high-stability shunt voltage references in portable and industrial instrumentation-emphasizing low drift, capacitive-load immunity, and extended battery life.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for LM385BLP-1-2?
The LM385BLP-1-2 is specified for operation from 0°C to 70°C ambient temperature. This range is narrower than the LM285-1.2 (–40°C to 85°C) but optimized for cost-sensitive industrial and portable applications where extended cold performance is not required. The device's ±20 ppm/°C temperature coefficient ensures predictable behavior within this range.
Does LM385BLP-1-2 require an external capacitor for stability?
No, the LM385BLP-1-2 does not require an external capacitor for stability. Its internal frequency compensation provides unconditional stability with capacitive loads up to at least 10 µF, as confirmed in TI's application notes and layout guidelines. A 0.1 µF ceramic bypass capacitor on the cathode is recommended solely for noise reduction-not stability.
What is the minimum cathode current needed for regulation in LM385BLP-1-2?
The LM385BLP-1-2 requires a minimum cathode current of 15 μA to maintain regulation across its full 0°C to 70°C operating range. Below this threshold, output voltage deviates significantly from 1.235 V. This value is explicitly defined in the Electrical Characteristics table of the SLVS075J datasheet under "Minimum reference current" for LM385B-1.2 variants.
Can LM385BLP-1-2 replace LM385-1.2 in existing designs?
Yes, LM385BLP-1-2 can replace LM385-1.2 in TO-92-based designs, provided the application operates within 0°C to 70°C and tolerates identical electrical specs except for tighter 1% initial tolerance (vs. 2% for LM385-1.2). Pinout, package, and thermal characteristics are identical-no PCB changes are required.
How does the LM385BLP-1-2 achieve low noise performance?
The LM385BLP-1-2 achieves 60 µV RMS broadband noise (10 Hz–10 kHz) through its proprietary band-gap core architecture and optimized internal amplifier design. Unlike references requiring external filtering, this noise level is inherent to the die structure and verified under 100 µA test conditions-enabling direct use in high-resolution data acquisition without added passive components.
LM385BLP-1-2 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Reference Type:
- Shunt
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.235V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 20 mA
- Tolerance:
- ±1%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- 20ppm/°C Typical
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- -
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- 60µVrms
- Voltage - Input:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Current - Cathode:
- 15 µA
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92-3
LM385BLP-1-2 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM385BLP-1-2 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM385BLP-1-2 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 LM385BLP-1-2 reliable?
The price and inventory of LM385BLP-1-2 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM385BLP-1-2 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM385BLP-1-2?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM385BLP-1-2 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM385BLP-1-2?
LM385BLP-1-2 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM385BLP-1-2 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 LM385BLP-1-2?
For technical support, including LM385BLP-1-2 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM385BLP-1-2 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM385BLP-1-2 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM385BLP-1-2 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 LM385BLP-1-2 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM385BLP-1-2?
All LM385BLP-1-2 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM385BLP-1-2, 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 LM385BLP-1-2 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM385BLP-1-2:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
LM385BLP-1-2 Tags
-
TL431AIDBZR
Texas Instruments
-
TL431BQDBZR
Texas Instruments

-
AN431AN-ATRG1
Diodes Incorporated

-
LM4040CYM3-2.5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
LM4040CYM3-4.1-TR
Microchip Technology
-
LM4040EIM3-2.5/NOPB
Texas Instruments

-
AZ431LBNTR-G1
Diodes Incorporated
-
LM4040D20IDBZR
Texas Instruments
-
LM4041DIM3-ADJ/NOPB
Texas Instruments
-
LM4040DIM3X-2.5/NOPB
Texas Instruments
-
LM4040DIM3-2.5/NOPB
Texas Instruments

-
AZ431LANTR-G1
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…

,TO-226_straightlead.jpg)