Texas Instruments LM385BLP-2-5
- Part No.:
- LM385BLP-2-5
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Datasheet:
-
LM385BLP-2-5.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT 1.5% TO92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,467
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Product details
Overview
LM385BLP-2-5 from Texas Instruments is a micropower, two-terminal, band-gap shunt voltage reference delivering a precise 2.5 V output with ±0.75% initial tolerance (2.462 V to 2.538 V), 1.5 Ω max reference impedance over full temperature range, and operation from 20 μA to 20 mA cathode current. It serves as a stable reference in portable test instruments, battery-operated systems, and current-loop instrumentation where low power and high stability are critical.
For engineers reviewing the LM385BLP-2-5 datasheet, LM385BLP-2-5 pinout, LM385BLP-2-5 application, or LM385BLP-2-5 equivalent, key selection criteria include its TO-92 package compatibility, 0°C to 70°C operating range, 20 μA minimum cathode current requirement, and 120 µV broadband noise performance at 100 µA.
Technical Context
The LM385BLP-2-5 implements a floating shunt architecture using an internal band-gap reference and high-gain amplifier to regulate voltage between cathode and anode. Its design enables stable operation with capacitive loads and supports both positive and negative regulation topologies without external compensation.
It operates exclusively in a single functional mode - fixed 2.5 V reference generation - with no adjustability. Regulation requires sourcing ≥20 μA into the cathode pin; below this threshold, output voltage deviates significantly from nominal.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reference Voltage | 2.462 V to 2.538 V at 25°C - ensures ≤±0.75% initial accuracy for precision analog circuits |
| Operating Current Range | 20 μA to 20 mA - enables ultra-low-power operation while supporting higher-current reference buffering |
| Reference Impedance | ≤1.5 Ω over 0°C to 70°C - minimizes load-induced voltage drift in dynamic current-sense applications |
| Tempco | ±20 ppm/°C average - maintains <±1.5 mV total drift across full operating temperature range |
| Broadband Noise | 120 µV RMS (10 Hz–10 kHz) at 100 µA - suitable for high-resolution ADC references and low-noise sensor signal chains |
| Long-Term Stability | ±20 ppm/khr - supports >10-year calibration integrity in panel meters and portable instrumentation |
| Min Cathode Current | 20 μA - defines lowest usable bias point before regulation collapse; critical for battery-life optimization |
Pinout & Package
LM385BLP-2-5 uses a 3-pin TO-92 package (body size 4.30 mm × 4.30 mm), with leads arranged in linear configuration. The device has no internal connections on pins other than ANODE and CATHODE; all unused pins are NC (no internal connection).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ANODE | Common pin, typically connected to ground | Return path for cathode current; establishes reference node for shunt topology |
| CATHODE | Shunt Current/Voltage Input | Input terminal where regulated 2.5 V appears; must be biased with ≥20 μA for stable operation |
| NC | No internal connection | Unused lead; electrically isolated - must not be connected to any circuit node |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Micropower operation | Functional down to 20 μA cathode current - extends battery life in portable meters beyond shelf life |
| Capacitive-load tolerance | Stable with unlimited capacitive loading - eliminates need for series isolation resistors in noisy environments |
| Low dynamic impedance | ≤1.5 Ω over full temperature range - reduces output error under varying load currents in current-loop transmitters |
| Band-gap core | Low-noise (120 µV), long-term stable (±20 ppm/khr) - enables recalibration intervals >5 years in field-deployed instruments |
| Wide temperature range | 0°C to 70°C operation - validated for industrial embedded systems without extended temp grade cost premium |
Applications
| Portable Test Instruments | Battery-Operated Systems |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld multimeters requiring stable 2.5 V reference for 16-bit ADC conversion. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt voltage reference establishing precision scaling voltage for analog front-end. Use Value: 20 μA minimum operating current enables >1000-hour battery life on two AA cells while maintaining ±0.01% measurement linearity. |
Use Scenario: Wireless sensor nodes powered by coin-cell batteries with multi-year deployment requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary voltage reference for low-power microcontroller ADC and voltage-monitoring circuitry. Use Value: Ultra-low quiescent current preserves battery capacity; ±20 ppm/°C tempco avoids thermal recalibration in uncontrolled environments. |
| Current-Loop Instrumentation | Panel Meters |
Use Scenario: 4–20 mA transmitter modules converting sensor signals for industrial process control. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision reference for DAC output scaling and loop current regulation feedback. Use Value: ≤1.5 Ω reference impedance prevents gain error drift under varying loop load conditions; stable up to 20 mA cathode current. |
Use Scenario: Front-panel digital voltmeters in laboratory power supplies needing repeatable 0.1% reading accuracy. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Calibration-grade reference for analog-to-digital conversion and display scaling. Use Value: ±20 ppm/khr long-term stability ensures <±0.05% reading drift over 5 years, eliminating annual factory recalibration. |
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-2-5 | Same TO-92 package, but ±1.5% initial tolerance (2.425 V–2.575 V) and higher 30 mV current-induced voltage change | Acceptable where cost sensitivity outweighs precision; unsuitable for <0.1% accuracy systems | Select when budget constraints dominate and ±1.5% tolerance is acceptable for non-critical sensing |
| TLVH431ACDBVR | Adjustable 3-terminal shunt regulator (1.24 V base), SOT-23-5 package, 80 µV noise, 0.3 Ω impedance | Requires external resistor network for 2.5 V setting; superior noise/impedance but adds layout complexity | Choose when system already uses TLVH431 family and adjustable reference flexibility justifies extra components |
Compared with LM385LP-2-5, LM385BLP-2-5 delivers tighter initial tolerance and lower current-induced drift, making it preferred for portable instrumentation. Versus TLVH431ACDBVR, it offers plug-and-play 2.5 V operation without external resistors but trades off lower noise and impedance.
Availability
LM385BLP-2-5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable test instruments, battery-operated systems, and current-loop instrumentation requiring stable component supply with long lifecycle visibility and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for LM385BLP-2-5 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 and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in precision analog ICs and broad industrial portfolio coverage.
The LM385B series was designed specifically for micropower, high-stability shunt voltage reference applications in portable and battery-constrained systems - emphasizing low IQ, temperature resilience, and long-term calibration integrity.
FAQ
What is the minimum cathode current required for stable regulation of the LM385BLP-2-5?
The LM385BLP-2-5 requires a minimum cathode current of 20 μA to maintain regulation within specification. Below this threshold, output voltage drops nonlinearly and falls outside the 2.462 V–2.538 V tolerance band. This value is verified across the full 0°C to 70°C operating range and is specified in the Electrical Characteristics table of the official TI datasheet SLVS023L.
Does the LM385BLP-2-5 require an external capacitor for stability?
No, the LM385BLP-2-5 does not require an external capacitor for stability. Its internal frequency compensation ensures loop stability with unlimited capacitive loading on the cathode pin. A 0.1-μF ceramic bypass capacitor is optional and recommended only to reduce high-frequency noise pickup in electrically noisy environments.
Can the LM385BLP-2-5 be used in negative voltage reference configurations?
Yes, the LM385BLP-2-5 supports negative voltage reference configurations due to its floating shunt architecture. When the anode is held at a potential higher than the cathode, it regulates 2.5 V across the terminals - enabling use in inverted topologies such as negative LDO references or dual-supply sensor interfaces.
What is the long-term stability specification for the LM385BLP-2-5?
The LM385BLP-2-5 exhibits ±20 ppm per kilohour long-term stability under 100 μA cathode current and 25°C ambient conditions. This translates to approximately ±0.18% drift over 10,000 hours of continuous operation - a key parameter validated for panel meter and portable instrument calibration longevity.
Is the LM385BLP-2-5 RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the LM385BLP-2-5 is RoHS compliant and lead-free. Per TI's orderable addendum, the active part number LM385BLP-2-5 carries "Yes" in the RoHS column and uses TI's standard lead finish without lead content, meeting EU Directive 2011/65/EU requirements for hazardous substances.
LM385BLP-2-5 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):
- 2.5V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 20 mA
- Tolerance:
- ±1.5%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- 20ppm/°C Typical
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- -
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- 120µVrms
- Voltage - Input:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Current - Cathode:
- 20 µA
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92-3
LM385BLP-2-5 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM385BLP-2-5 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM385BLP-2-5 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-2-5 reliable?
The price and inventory of LM385BLP-2-5 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM385BLP-2-5 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM385BLP-2-5?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM385BLP-2-5 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM385BLP-2-5?
LM385BLP-2-5 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM385BLP-2-5 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-2-5?
For technical support, including LM385BLP-2-5 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM385BLP-2-5 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM385BLP-2-5 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM385BLP-2-5 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-2-5 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM385BLP-2-5?
All LM385BLP-2-5 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM385BLP-2-5, 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-2-5 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM385BLP-2-5:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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