Texas Instruments LM385LPE3-2-5
- Part No.:
- LM385LPE3-2-5
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Datasheet:
-
LM385LPE3-2-5.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT 3% TO92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:778
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Product details
Overview
LM385LPE3-2-5 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 where low power and high stability are critical.
For engineers reviewing the LM385LPE3-2-5 datasheet, LM385LPE3-2-5 pinout, LM385LPE3-2-5 application, or LM385LPE3-2-5 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, TO-92 package details, application-specific implementation guidance, and validated alternative options for precision analog reference design.
Technical Context
The LM385LPE3-2-5 implements a floating shunt topology using an internal band-gap reference core and high-gain amplifier to regulate voltage between cathode and anode. Its design enables stable operation with capacitive loads up to 10 nF without external compensation.
It operates exclusively in shunt mode: regulation requires sourcing current into the cathode while the anode connects to ground or a lower potential. Minimum cathode current is 8 μA at full temperature range (0°C to 70°C), and dynamic impedance remains ≤1.5 Ω across that range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reference Voltage | 2.5 V nominal, 2.425–2.575 V (±1.5% initial tolerance) - sets absolute accuracy baseline for ADC references and sensor biasing. |
| Cathode Current Range | 20 μA to 20 mA - supports ultra-low-power sleep modes and higher-drive applications without external buffering. |
| Reference Impedance | ≤1.5 Ω over 0°C to 70°C - ensures minimal output voltage shift under varying load currents in precision circuits. |
| Tempco | ±20 ppm/°C average - enables <1 mV drift over 50°C ambient range, critical for portable meter calibration. |
| Long-Term Stability | ±20 ppm/khr - guarantees <0.2% voltage drift over 10,000 hours, supporting multi-year battery-powered deployments. |
| Noise (10 Hz–10 kHz) | 120 µV broadband - low enough for 12-bit ADC reference without additional filtering in handheld instruments. |
Pinout & Package
LM385LPE3-2-5 uses the TO-92 (LP) package: 4.30 mm × 4.30 mm body, 3-pin through-hole format with standard lead spacing. Anode is pin 1, Cathode is pin 2, and pin 3 is NC (no internal connection).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 (ANODE) | Common node, typically grounded | Reference return path; must be connected to system ground or lowest potential point for proper shunt regulation. |
| Pin 2 (CATHODE) | Shunt current/voltage input | Current injection point; voltage develops across cathode-anode; determines regulation accuracy and thermal dissipation. |
| Pin 3 (NC) | No internal connection | Unused terminal; must remain unconnected-no routing or soldering required. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Band-gap reference core | Delivers intrinsic temperature stability and low long-term drift without laser trimming dependency. |
| Floating shunt architecture | Enables use in both high-side and low-side configurations-e.g., negative rail referencing or current-sense amplifier biasing. |
| Capacitive load tolerance | Stable with ≥10 nF bypass capacitance on cathode, simplifying noise reduction in compact PCB layouts. |
| Micropower operation | 20 μA minimum operating current extends battery life in portable meters beyond shelf-life limits. |
Applications
| Portable Test Instrument Reference | Battery-Operated Sensor Biasing |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld multimeter requiring stable 2.5 V reference for 12-bit ADC scaling across 0–100°C ambient range. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt voltage reference establishing absolute measurement baseline for analog front-end signal conditioning. Use Value: ±1.5% initial tolerance and ±20 ppm/°C tempco ensure <0.5% total error over full operating range without recalibration. |
Use Scenario: Low-power gas sensor module powered by coin cell, needing consistent bias voltage for electrochemical transducer. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision shunt reference supplying regulated excitation voltage to sensor element. Use Value: 20 μA minimum current allows continuous operation for >5 years on CR2032, matching sensor lifetime requirements. |
| Current-Loop Transmitter Calibration | Panel Meter Voltage Scaling |
Use Scenario: 4–20 mA industrial transmitter where DAC output must be scaled using a stable reference independent of supply rail variation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed 2.5 V reference for DAC full-scale setting in isolated loop-powered design. Use Value: ≤1.5 Ω dynamic impedance prevents gain error when DAC load current varies with output code. |
Use Scenario: Analog panel meter with moving-coil display driven by op-amp integrator requiring exact 2.5 V reference for 0–100% scale linearity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary voltage reference for analog-to-analog scaling circuitry. Use Value: 120 µV broadband noise avoids visible needle jitter during steady-state readings. |
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 (2.462–2.538 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; LM385LPE3-2-5 remains optimal for cost-sensitive portable designs meeting ±1.5%. |
| TLVH431ACLP | Adjustable 1.24–18 V output via external resistors; 2% initial tolerance; SOT-23-3 package; 0°C–70°C. | Offers programmability but requires two external resistors and has higher minimum cathode current (80 μA). | Choose TLVH431ACLP only if adjustable reference voltage is needed; LM385LPE3-2-5 provides simpler, lower-power fixed 2.5 V solution. |
Compared with LM385BLP-2-5 and TLVH431ACLP, LM385LPE3-2-5 delivers the optimal balance of fixed 2.5 V accuracy, ultra-low 20 μA operating current, TO-92 compatibility, and cost efficiency for battery-constrained portable instrumentation-without requiring layout changes or external components.
Availability
LM385LPE3-2-5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable test instruments, battery-operated sensor nodes, and current-loop transmitters requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term continuity.
Supply support for LM385LPE3-2-5 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 power management solutions.
LM385LPE3-2-5 belongs to TI's micropower shunt voltage reference product line, designed specifically for ultra-low-power, high-stability applications in portable and battery-operated instrumentation.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for LM385LPE3-2-5?
The LM385LPE3-2-5 is specified for operation from 0°C to 70°C. This range applies to all electrical characteristics including reference voltage tolerance, temperature coefficient, and minimum cathode current. It is not rated for extended industrial or automotive temperature ranges.
Can LM385LPE3-2-5 be used in negative-voltage reference applications?
Yes, LM385LPE3-2-5 supports floating shunt operation: its anode can be tied to a negative rail while cathode connects to a less-negative or ground-referenced node. This enables generation of stable 2.5 V above any DC potential, including negative supplies, without polarity reversal.
What is the maximum cathode current rating for LM385LPE3-2-5?
The absolute maximum cathode current for LM385LPE3-2-5 is 30 mA, per TI's Absolute Maximum Ratings. However, sustained operation above 20 mA requires thermal derating based on ambient temperature and PCB copper area, as junction temperature must remain below 150°C.
Does LM385LPE3-2-5 require an external capacitor for stability?
No, LM385LPE3-2-5 features internal frequency compensation and remains stable with capacitive loads up to 10 nF on the cathode node. A 0.1 µF ceramic bypass capacitor is optional and recommended only for high-noise environments-not required for basic regulation.
How does the reference impedance of LM385LPE3-2-5 affect accuracy in a current-sensing application?
With ≤1.5 Ω reference impedance over 0°C–70°C, LM385LPE3-2-5 introduces ≤15 mV error when cathode current varies by 10 mA-critical for maintaining gain accuracy in current-sense amplifier bias networks. This low impedance ensures predictable, load-independent reference voltage.
LM385LPE3-2-5 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
LM385LPE3-2-5 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM385LPE3-2-5 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM385LPE3-2-5 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 LM385LPE3-2-5 reliable?
The price and inventory of LM385LPE3-2-5 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM385LPE3-2-5 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM385LPE3-2-5?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM385LPE3-2-5 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM385LPE3-2-5?
LM385LPE3-2-5 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM385LPE3-2-5 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 LM385LPE3-2-5?
For technical support, including LM385LPE3-2-5 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM385LPE3-2-5 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM385LPE3-2-5 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM385LPE3-2-5 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 LM385LPE3-2-5 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM385LPE3-2-5?
All LM385LPE3-2-5 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM385LPE3-2-5, 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 LM385LPE3-2-5 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM385LPE3-2-5:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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