Texas Instruments LM385LP-1-2
- Part No.:
- LM385LP-1-2
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Datasheet:
-
LM385LP-1-2.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT 2% TO92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,427
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Product details
Overview
LM385LP-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 battery-powered analog signal conditioning and portable instrumentation.
For engineers reviewing the LM385LP-1-2 datasheet, LM385LP-1-2 pinout, LM385LP-1-2 application, or LM385LP-1-2 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 0°C to 70°C operating range, TO-92 thermal resistance (RθJA = 140°C/W), low 60 µV broadband noise, and compatibility with capacitive loads up to 10 µF without instability.
Technical Context
The LM385LP-1-2 operates as a floating shunt reference, regulating voltage between cathode and anode via internal band-gap core and high-gain amplifier. Its on-chip trimming achieves tight initial tolerance (±2%) and ensures long-term stability (±20 ppm/khr).
Internal frequency compensation enables stable operation across the full 15 μA–20 mA current range and with capacitive loads, eliminating need for external compensation. The device requires no external biasing and functions identically in positive- or negative-regulation topologies.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nominal Reference Voltage | 1.235 V at 25°C - defines precise DC bias point for ADC references and sensor excitation |
| Initial Voltage Tolerance | ±2% - sets absolute accuracy bound before calibration in portable meter front-ends |
| Operating Current Range | 15 μA to 20 mA - supports ultra-low-power sleep modes and high-current regulation without redesign |
| Reference Impedance | 1.5 Ω max over full temperature range - minimizes load-induced voltage shift in precision current-sense circuits |
| Average Tempco | ±20 ppm/°C - limits drift to <±1.5 mV over 0°C–70°C ambient, critical for unheated field instruments |
| Broadband Noise | 60 µV RMS (10 Hz–10 kHz) - avoids degradation of 16-bit+ ADC effective resolution in data loggers |
| Long-Term Stability | ±20 ppm/khr - ensures <±0.1% output change over 10-year deployment in sealed industrial sensors |
Pinout & Package
LM385LP-1-2 uses a 3-pin TO-92 package (body size 4.30 mm × 4.30 mm, height ≤5.34 mm) with straight or formed leads, RoHS-compliant Sn (SN) finish, and no moisture sensitivity level (MSL N/A).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cathode (Pin 1) | Shunt current/voltage input | Current sink node - must be driven by external resistor or current source; develops regulated voltage relative to anode |
| Anode (Pin 2) | Common pin, normally grounded | Reference return path - connects to system ground or negative rail; floating configuration enables high-side sensing |
| NC (Pin 3) | No internal connection | Unused terminal - electrically isolated; may be left unconnected or tied to ground for mechanical stability |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Capacitive load tolerance | Stable with ≥10 µF bypass capacitance - eliminates need for series isolation resistor in noisy battery-supplied systems |
| Low power consumption | 15 μA minimum operating current - extends shelf-life-limited battery life in remote environmental monitors |
| Interchangeability | Pin- and function-compatible with LM285-1.2 and LM385-1.2 - allows drop-in replacement in legacy designs with same TO-92 footprint |
| ESD robustness | ±2000 V HBM rating - withstands handling in standard assembly environments without special ESD controls |
Applications
| Portable Meter References | Portable Test Instruments |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld multimeters requiring stable 1.2 V reference for autoranging ADC and display calibration. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt voltage reference establishing precision scaling factor for analog-to-digital conversion. Use Value: ±2% initial tolerance and ±20 ppm/°C tempco ensure <0.5% full-scale error across 0°C–50°C handheld operating range without recalibration. | Use Scenario: Battery-powered oscilloscope probes with integrated signal conditioning and offset adjustment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise reference for op-amp bias networks and DAC output scaling. Use Value: 60 µV broadband noise prevents added quantization uncertainty in 12-bit probe digitizers operating at 1 MSPS. |
| Battery-Operated Systems | Current-Loop Instrumentation |
Use Scenario: Wireless sensor nodes powered by coin-cell batteries with 10-year target lifetime. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Micropower reference for microcontroller ADC and voltage supervisor circuits. Use Value: 15 μA minimum operating current enables continuous monitoring while consuming <0.1% of CR2032 capacity per day. | Use Scenario: 4–20 mA transmitter modules converting sensor outputs for industrial PLC interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stable reference for current-sense amplifier gain setting and loop compliance voltage generation. Use Value: 1.5 Ω max reference impedance ensures <30 mV load regulation error across 250–1000 Ω loop resistances at 20 mA. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar shunt voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM285LP-1-2 | Wider operating temperature range (−40°C to 85°C); 10 μA min current; ±1% initial tolerance | Suitable for automotive under-hood or outdoor industrial deployments requiring extended thermal margin | Select when ambient exceeds 70°C or tighter initial accuracy is required; same TO-92 pinout and layout |
| LM385BLP-1-2 | Tighter initial tolerance (±1%); identical 0°C to 70°C range and 15 μA min current | Preferred for high-accuracy portable calibrators where post-manufacture trimming is impractical | Choose for metrology-grade applications needing <±12 mV absolute reference error at 25°C |
Compared with LM285LP-1-2 and LM385BLP-1-2, the LM385LP-1-2 balances cost, accuracy, and thermal range for general-purpose portable instrumentation - offering ±2% tolerance and 0°C–70°C operation without premium pricing or over-specification.
Availability
LM385LP-1-2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable meter references, battery-operated systems, and current-loop instrumentation requiring stable component supply and long-term sourcing continuity.
Supply support for LM385LP-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 LMx85 family was developed specifically for micropower, two-terminal shunt voltage reference applications in portable and battery-constrained systems, emphasizing low quiescent current, capacitive-load stability, and long-term reliability.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the LM385LP-1-2?
The LM385LP-1-2 is specified for operation from 0°C to 70°C ambient temperature. This range is confirmed in the Recommended Operating Conditions table of the SLVS075J datasheet and applies to all electrical characteristics including reference voltage, tempco, and impedance. It differs from the LM285LP-1-2, which supports −40°C to 85°C.
Does the LM385LP-1-2 require an external capacitor for stability?
No, the LM385LP-1-2 does not require an external capacitor for stability. Its internal frequency compensation ensures stable operation with capacitive loads up to at least 10 µF, as verified in the Typical Characteristics section (Figure 5: Reference Impedance vs Reference Current) and Feature Description of the SLVS075J datasheet.
What is the minimum cathode current needed for regulation in the LM385LP-1-2?
The LM385LP-1-2 requires a minimum cathode current (IZ,min) of 15 μA to maintain regulation, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table under "Minimum reference current" for LM385-1.2 devices. Below this threshold, output voltage deviates beyond guaranteed limits.
Can the LM385LP-1-2 be used in a floating configuration?
Yes, the LM385LP-1-2 supports floating operation because it is a two-terminal shunt reference. The anode can be connected to any potential - including positive rails or signal grounds - enabling high-side current sensing and negative-voltage reference generation without modification to the LM385LP-1-2 circuit.
Is the LM385LP-1-2 RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the LM385LP-1-2 is Pb-Free (RoHS compliant) with Sn (SN) lead finish, as documented in the PACKAGE OPTION ADDENDUM (6-Feb-2020). It carries the "Pb-Free (RoHS)" eco plan designation and meets current EU RoHS requirements for all 10 restricted substances.
LM385LP-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:
- ±2%
- 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
LM385LP-1-2 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM385LP-1-2 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM385LP-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 LM385LP-1-2 reliable?
The price and inventory of LM385LP-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 LM385LP-1-2 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM385LP-1-2?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM385LP-1-2 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM385LP-1-2?
LM385LP-1-2 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM385LP-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 LM385LP-1-2?
For technical support, including LM385LP-1-2 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM385LP-1-2 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM385LP-1-2 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM385LP-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 LM385LP-1-2 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM385LP-1-2?
All LM385LP-1-2 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM385LP-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 LM385LP-1-2 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM385LP-1-2:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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