Texas Instruments LM385MX-1.2
- Part No.:
- LM385MX-1.2
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
LM385MX-1.2.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHNT -2.43%/+2.02% 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,643
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
LM385MX-1.2 from Texas Instruments is a micropower 2-terminal band-gap voltage reference diode delivering a precise 1.235 V output with ±1% initial tolerance, 1 Ω dynamic impedance, and operation over 0°C to 70°C. It functions as a low-voltage precision reference in battery-powered analog circuits, portable meters, and micropower regulators.
For engineers reviewing the LM385MX-1.2 datasheet, LM385MX-1.2 pinout, LM385MX-1.2 application, or LM385MX-1.2 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 10 μA–20 mA operating current range, low temperature coefficient (150 ppm/°C), and SOIC-8 package compatibility with surface-mount production workflows.
Technical Context
The LM385MX-1.2 implements a band-gap reference architecture using on-chip trimmed transistors and resistors to achieve stable 1.235 V output across wide current and temperature ranges. Its 2-terminal configuration simplifies integration into current-source or shunt-reference topologies without requiring external biasing circuitry.
Designed for micropower systems, it draws only ~30 μA in typical 9 V battery reference applications and maintains <1.5 mV reverse breakdown voltage change from 10 μA to 1 mA. Its low 1 Ω dynamic impedance ensures minimal load regulation error under varying sink currents.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reference Voltage | 1.235 V nominal; tight tolerance enables direct use in 1.2 V–1.25 V precision analog signal chains without trimming. |
| Initial Tolerance | ±1% at 25°C; reduces calibration overhead in portable instrumentation and sensor front-ends. |
| Operating Current | 10 μA to 20 mA; supports ultra-low-power sleep modes and high-current reference buffering in same device. |
| Dynamic Impedance | 1 Ω at 100 μA; minimizes output voltage shift under transient load changes in ADC reference rails. |
| Temp. Coefficient | 150 ppm/°C (max); ensures ≤1.05 mV drift over full 0°C–70°C industrial range for stable 12-bit accuracy. |
| Long-Term Stability | 20 ppm over 1000 hours; critical for unattended field-deployed sensors requiring minimal recalibration. |
Pinout & Package
LM385MX-1.2 is packaged in an 8-pin SOIC (Package Drawing D) with standard pinout per TI's LM385 family. Pin 1 is the cathode (reference output), Pin 2 is the anode (current input), and Pins 3–8 are NC or die attach pad connections - consistent with Figure 3 of SNVS742E.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Cathode | Reference voltage output node; connects to load or feedback network in shunt configuration. |
| Pin 2 | Anode | Current input terminal; sinks regulated current from supply through series resistor. |
| Pins 3–8 | No Connect / Die Attach Pad | Internally tied to substrate; must be left floating or connected to Pin 2 per TI recommendation to avoid parasitic leakage. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Capacitive Load Tolerance | Stable with ≥1 μF output capacitance; eliminates need for external compensation in battery-monitoring circuits. |
| Low Operating Current | Functional down to 10 μA; enables multi-year operation from coin cells in IoT endpoint sensors. |
| Wide Dynamic Range | Regulates accurately from 10 μA to 20 mA; allows reuse across low-power sensing and higher-current DAC reference designs. |
| On-Chip Trimming | Factory-trimmed to ±1% tolerance; removes manual potentiometer adjustment in production test fixtures. |
Applications
| Portable Battery-Powered Meters | Micropower Voltage Regulators |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld multimeters and pH meters powered by 9 V alkaline batteries requiring stable reference for 12-bit ADCs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt voltage reference providing 1.235 V基准 for ADC internal reference buffer and analog front-end gain calibration. Use Value: Enables >10,000 readings per battery with <0.5 LSB reference drift over shelf life due to 20 ppm/1000 hr stability. | Use Scenario: Low-quiescent linear regulators for wearable health monitors where standby current must stay below 50 μA. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision current source controlling pass transistor base/gate to generate regulated 3.3 V or 5 V output. Use Value: Achieves IQ ≃30 μA system standby while maintaining ±0.5% output accuracy across temperature via 1 Ω dynamic impedance. |
| 0°C–100°C Thermometers | Micropower Thermocouple Compensators |
Use Scenario: Digital thermometers using platinum RTD or thermistor bridges with Kelvin-based linearization. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed 1.235 V reference establishing 1 μA/°K current source for direct centigrade-to-voltage conversion. Use Value: Delivers ±0.2°C accuracy over full range without external op-amps, leveraging tight 150 ppm/°C TC and low noise. | Use Scenario: Cold-junction compensation in industrial K-type thermocouple interfaces with 50 μA total supply budget. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision 1.235 V reference setting thermocouple amplifier gain and offset to match Seebeck coefficient (40.8 μV/°C). Use Value: Maintains <1°C measurement error over 0°C–70°C ambient by tracking thermocouple cold-junction drift with matched TC. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM385BZ-1.2/NOPB | TO-92 package, 3-pin, 0°C–70°C rating, same ±1% tolerance and 1.235 V output. | Suitable for through-hole prototyping or space-constrained PCBs where SOIC footprint is unavailable. | Select when manual assembly, thermal mass requirements, or legacy board layouts favor axial leaded packages. |
| LM385M3X-1.2/NOPB | SOT-23-3 package, 3-pin, identical electrical specs but smaller footprint and lower thermal resistance (170°C/W vs 165°C/W). | Ideal for ultra-dense wearables or medical patches where board area is limited to <2 mm² per component. | Choose for highest density designs where reflow compatibility and 1.12 mm max height are mandatory. |
Compared with LM385BZ-1.2/NOPB and LM385M3X-1.2/NOPB, the LM385MX-1.2 offers superior manufacturability in automated SMT lines via SOIC-8 tape-and-reel delivery (2500 pcs/reel), balanced thermal performance, and proven long-term stability in volume production.
Availability
LM385MX-1.2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, battery-powered sensors, and industrial temperature monitoring requiring stable component supply and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for LM385MX-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 leader specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with decades of expertise in precision analog ICs and voltage references.
The LM385 series was designed specifically for micropower, low-voltage reference applications in battery-operated equipment-emphasizing ultra-low current operation, tight initial tolerance, and robust capacitive-load stability.
FAQ
What is the exact reference voltage output of LM385MX-1.2 at 25°C?
The LM385MX-1.2 delivers a nominal 1.235 V reference voltage at 25°C, with ±1% initial tolerance (1.223 V to 1.247 V). This value is factory-trimmed and specified under 10 μA ≤ IR ≤ 20 mA conditions per SNVS742E Electrical Characteristics table.
Can LM385MX-1.2 operate from a 1.5 V battery?
Yes - the LM385MX-1.2 can function as a shunt reference from a 1.5 V battery when used with appropriate series resistance. Figure 16 in SNVS742E demonstrates this configuration, achieving stable 1.235 V output with ~20 μA quiescent current and no external active components.
What is the maximum operating temperature range for LM385MX-1.2?
The LM385MX-1.2 is rated for operation from 0°C to +70°C, as confirmed in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table and Package Option Addendum. This distinguishes it from the LM285-1.2-N (−40°C to +85°C) and LM185-1.2-N (−55°C to +125°C) variants.
Does LM385MX-1.2 require external capacitors for stability?
No - the LM385MX-1.2 is explicitly designed to be exceptionally tolerant of capacitive loading, remaining stable with ≥1 μF output capacitance. This eliminates the need for external compensation capacitors in most applications, including those with long PCB traces or EMI-filtering caps.
Is LM385MX-1.2 pin-compatible with other LM385-1.2 variants in SOIC-8?
Yes - all LM385-1.2 variants in SOIC-8 (e.g., LM385BMX-1.2/NOPB, LM385BXMX-1.2/NOPB) share identical pinout, package drawing (D), and mechanical dimensions. The LM385MX-1.2 differs only in grade (standard grade, not B- or X-grade) and marking, but maintains full functional and layout compatibility.
LM385MX-1.2 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Reference Type:
- Shunt
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.235V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 20 mA
- Tolerance:
- -2.43%, +2.02%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- 150ppm/°C
- 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:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
LM385MX-1.2 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM385MX-1.2 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM385MX-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 LM385MX-1.2 reliable?
The price and inventory of LM385MX-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 LM385MX-1.2 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM385MX-1.2?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM385MX-1.2 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM385MX-1.2?
LM385MX-1.2 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM385MX-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 LM385MX-1.2?
For technical support, including LM385MX-1.2 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM385MX-1.2 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM385MX-1.2 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM385MX-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 LM385MX-1.2 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM385MX-1.2?
All LM385MX-1.2 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM385MX-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 LM385MX-1.2 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM385MX-1.2:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
LM385MX-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…

