Texas Instruments LM385LP-2-5
- Part No.:
- LM385LP-2-5
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Datasheet:
-
LM385LP-2-5.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT 3% TO92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:103
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Product details
Overview
LM385LP-2-5 from Texas Instruments is a micropower, two-terminal, band-gap shunt voltage reference delivering a precise 2.5 V output with ±1.5% initial tolerance (2.425 V to 2.575 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.
For engineers reviewing the LM385LP-2-5 datasheet, LM385LP-2-5 pinout, LM385LP-2-5 application, or LM385LP-2-5 equivalent, key selection criteria include its TO-92 package, 0°C to 70°C operating range, low 120 µV broadband noise (10 Hz–10 kHz), and compatibility with capacitive loads without instability.
Technical Context
The LM385LP-2-5 implements a floating shunt topology using an internal band-gap reference and high-gain amplifier to regulate voltage between cathode and anode. Its design enables stable operation with any capacitive load due to on-chip frequency compensation.
It operates exclusively in a single functional mode: fixed 2.5 V shunt reference. Regulation requires sourcing ≥8 µA (min) cathode current; no adjustment or external feedback is supported. The device exhibits ±20 ppm/°C average temperature coefficient and ±20 ppm/khr long-term drift.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reference Voltage | 2.5 V nominal, 2.425 V to 2.575 V (±1.5% initial tolerance at 25°C) |
| Operating Current Range | 20 μA to 20 mA cathode current - supports ultra-low-power and moderate-current designs |
| Reference Impedance | ≤1.5 Ω over full temperature range - ensures minimal output voltage shift under load transients |
| Temperature Coefficient | ±20 ppm/°C average - enables stable performance across 0°C to 70°C ambient |
| Broadband Noise | 120 µV RMS (10 Hz–10 kHz) - suitable for precision analog circuits requiring low-noise references |
| Long-Term Drift | ±20 ppm/khr - supports applications demanding multi-year calibration stability |
| Min Cathode Current | 8 µA (typical), 20 µA (max) - defines lowest usable bias for reliable regulation |
Pinout & Package
LM385LP-2-5 uses a 3-pin TO-92 package (body size 4.30 mm × 4.30 mm), with leads arranged in standard TO-92 orientation (flat side facing viewer, lead 1 leftmost). Pin 1 is ANODE, Pin 2 is CATHODE, and Pin 3 is NC (no internal connection).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ANODE (Pin 1) | Common pin, typically connected to ground | Provides return path for cathode current; establishes reference node for shunt operation |
| CATHODE (Pin 2) | Shunt Current/Voltage Input | Current must be sourced into this pin to enable regulation; output voltage appears between CATHODE and ANODE |
| NC (Pin 3) | No Internal Connection | Unused terminal - must remain unconnected or grounded per layout best practice |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Capacitive Load Tolerance | Stable with any value of output capacitance - eliminates need for external compensation networks |
| Micropower Operation | 20 μA minimum operating current - extends battery life in portable meters and sensors |
| Low Dynamic Impedance | ≤1.5 Ω over full temperature range - maintains tight regulation despite supply or load variations |
| Band-Gap Core Architecture | Low-noise, long-term stable reference - achieves 120 µV RMS noise and ±20 ppm/khr drift |
| Wide Operating Current Range | 20 μA to 20 mA - allows reuse across low-power sensing and higher-current reference buffer stages |
Applications
| Portable Test Instruments | Battery-Operated Systems |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld multimeters and portable oscilloscope front-ends require stable, low-drift voltage references for ADC calibration and signal scaling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt voltage reference providing 2.5 V基准 for precision analog-to-digital conversion and gain-setting networks. Use Value: ±1.5% initial tolerance and ±20 ppm/°C TC ensure measurement accuracy remains within spec across operating temperatures and battery discharge cycles. |
Use Scenario: Remote environmental sensors powered by coin cells or AA batteries operate for years without maintenance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Micropower shunt reference establishing system-level voltage scaling for sensor excitation and signal conditioning. Use Value: 20 μA minimum operating current enables >10-year shelf-life-equivalent runtime when paired with low-leakage biasing. |
| Current-Loop Instrumentation | Panel Meters |
Use Scenario: 4–20 mA industrial transmitters condition sensor signals and drive loop current with high accuracy. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision shunt reference setting current-sense resistor voltage thresholds and DAC reference points. Use Value: ≤1.5 Ω dynamic impedance minimizes error contribution during loop current transients and power-up sequencing. |
Use Scenario: Industrial panel meters display process variables (pressure, flow, temperature) with analog bar graphs or digital readouts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed 2.5 V reference for analog meter driver ICs and microcontroller ADC subsystems. Use Value: Low 120 µV broadband noise prevents flicker or jitter in analog pointer movement and improves digitized display resolution. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar shunt voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM385BLP-2-5 | Tighter ±0.5% initial tolerance (2.462 V–2.538 V); same TO-92 package and 0°C–70°C range | Better suited for high-accuracy calibration equipment where initial error budget is constrained | Select LM385BLP-2-5 when ±0.5% tolerance is required; otherwise LM385LP-2-5 offers cost-effective 1.5% performance |
| TLVH431AILP | Adjustable 1.24 V to 18 V shunt reference; 3-pin TO-92; 0.5% initial tolerance; 20 µA min cathode current | Supports programmable reference voltages via external resistors - not a drop-in replacement | Choose TLVH431AILP only when variable reference voltage is needed; LM385LP-2-5 is preferred for fixed 2.5 V simplicity |
Compared with LM385BLP-2-5 and TLVH431AILP, the LM385LP-2-5 provides optimal balance of fixed 2.5 V accuracy, ultra-low quiescent current, and proven stability in space-constrained TO-92 layouts - making it ideal for cost-sensitive, battery-powered instrumentation where 1.5% tolerance suffices.
Availability
LM385LP-2-5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable test instruments, battery-operated systems, and current-loop instrumentation requiring stable component supply, long-term calibration integrity, and TO-92 footprint compatibility.
Supply support for LM385LP-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 decades of leadership in precision voltage references and power management ICs.
The LM385 series was designed specifically for micropower, two-terminal shunt reference applications in portable, battery-constrained, and industrial instrumentation systems - prioritizing low drift, capacitive-load immunity, and wide current-range operation.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for LM385LP-2-5?
The LM385LP-2-5 is specified for operation from 0°C to 70°C ambient temperature. This range is confirmed in the Recommended Operating Conditions table of the official TI datasheet SLVS023L. It differs from the LM285-2.5 variant, which supports –40°C to 85°C. Designers must verify thermal margins within this 0°C–70°C window for reliable regulation.
Does LM385LP-2-5 require an external capacitor for stability?
No, the LM385LP-2-5 does not require an external capacitor for stability. Its internal frequency compensation ensures stable operation with any capacitive load, including large bypass or filtering capacitors on the cathode node. This is explicitly stated in the Functional Description and Layout Guidelines sections of the datasheet.
What is the minimum cathode current needed for regulation in LM385LP-2-5?
The LM385LP-2-5 requires a minimum cathode current of 8 µA (typical) to 20 µA (maximum) to maintain regulation, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table. Below this threshold, the reference voltage deviates significantly from 2.5 V. A series resistor or current source must be sized to guarantee ≥20 µA under worst-case conditions.
Can LM385LP-2-5 be used in negative-voltage reference configurations?
Yes, the LM385LP-2-5 supports floating shunt operation and can be used in both positive and negative regulation topologies. As a two-terminal device, it regulates voltage between cathode and anode regardless of ground reference placement - enabling use in inverted configurations such as negative 2.5 V references when anode is tied to a negative rail.
Is LM385LP-2-5 RoHS compliant?
Yes, LM385LP-2-5 is RoHS compliant, as confirmed in the Packaging and Orderable Information section of the TI datasheet. All active TO-92 variants (including LM385LP-2-5, LM385LP-2-5.B, and LM385LPE3-2-5) carry "Yes" in the RoHS column of the orderable addendum.
LM385LP-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:
- ±3%
- 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
LM385LP-2-5 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM385LP-2-5 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM385LP-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 LM385LP-2-5 reliable?
The price and inventory of LM385LP-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 LM385LP-2-5 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM385LP-2-5?
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Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM385LP-2-5?
LM385LP-2-5 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM385LP-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 LM385LP-2-5?
For technical support, including LM385LP-2-5 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM385LP-2-5 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM385LP-2-5 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM385LP-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 LM385LP-2-5 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM385LP-2-5?
All LM385LP-2-5 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM385LP-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 LM385LP-2-5 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM385LP-2-5:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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