Texas Instruments LM385Z-1.2/NOPB
- Part No.:
- LM385Z-1.2/NOPB
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Datasheet:
-
LM385Z-1.2/NOPB.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT -2.43%/+2.02% TO92
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,100
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
LM385Z-1.2/NOPB 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 150 ppm/°C temperature coefficient across 0°C to 70°C. It operates over a 10 μA–20 mA current range and enables ultra-low-power applications such as portable battery-powered meters and precision thermometers.
For engineers reviewing the LM385Z-1.2/NOPB datasheet, LM385Z-1.2/NOPB pinout, LM385Z-1.2/NOPB application, or LM385Z-1.2/NOPB equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning for key specs, TO-92 pin configuration, application-specific implementation guidance, and validated alternative options for supply continuity and design flexibility.
Technical Context
The LM385Z-1.2/NOPB uses a band-gap reference architecture with on-chip trimming to achieve tight voltage accuracy without external calibration. Its two-terminal topology simplifies integration into biasing, regulation, and sensing circuits where low quiescent current and stable output under capacitive loading are critical.
Designed for operation at 10 μA minimum current, it maintains low dynamic impedance (1 Ω) and wide regulation across supply variations-enabling use in 1.5 V battery references, micropower 5 V regulators, and precision current sources from 1 μA to 1 mA. Temperature drift is characterized across its full 0°C–70°C industrial range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reference Voltage | 1.235 V nominal; tight ±1% initial tolerance ensures accurate ADC/DAC biasing without post-production trimming. |
| Initial Tolerance | ±1% (tested); reduces system-level calibration effort in portable instrumentation and sensor front-ends. |
| Operating Current Range | 10 μA to 20 mA; supports micropower designs (e.g., 9 V or 1.5 V battery operation) while maintaining regulation at higher loads. |
| Dynamic Impedance | 1 Ω at 100 μA; minimizes output voltage shift under load transients in precision analog signal chains. |
| Temperature Coefficient | 150 ppm/°C (max); ensures ≤1.2 mV drift over 0°C–70°C ambient, suitable for non-temperature-compensated metering. |
| Long-Term Stability | 20 ppm over 1000 hours; supports reliable performance in field-deployed equipment without recalibration. |
Pinout & Package
LM385Z-1.2/NOPB is housed in a TO-92 package (LP drawing), with three leads arranged in a straight or formed configuration. Pin 1 is the cathode, Pin 2 is the anode, and Pin 3 is internally connected to the die attach pad and may be left floating or tied to Pin 2 per layout requirements.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| PIN 1 | Cathode | Connected to regulated output node; reverse-biased terminal where reference voltage appears relative to anode. |
| PIN 2 | Anode | Current sink path; ties to ground or current-setting resistor to establish operating point and define reference current. |
| PIN 3 | Die Attach Pad | Internally bonded to substrate; electrically isolated from active circuitry-may be left floating or shorted to Pin 2 for thermal or mechanical stability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Micropower Operation | Functional down to 10 μA-anode current enables multi-year battery life in handheld calibrators and remote sensors. |
| Capacitive Load Tolerance | Stable with >1 μF output capacitance; eliminates need for isolation resistors in noisy environments or long-trace PCB layouts. |
| Low Dynamic Impedance | 1 Ω at 100 μA ensures minimal output perturbation during switching events in mixed-signal systems. |
| Band-Gap Reference Core | Transistor/resistor-only topology delivers inherent low noise and excellent long-term stability without laser trimming. |
| Industrial Temp Range | Rated 0°C to 70°C-validated for use in commercial-grade embedded controllers, data loggers, and industrial I/O modules. |
Applications
| Portable Battery-Powered Meters | Precision Thermometer Front-End |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Handheld multimeters and calibration tools powered by 1.5 V or 9 V batteries requiring stable reference over shelf-life duration. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Two-terminal voltage reference establishing ADC full-scale input and offset null points. Use Value: 10 μA minimum operating current extends battery life beyond 5 years; ±1% tolerance eliminates factory trim steps. |
Use Scenario: Digital thermometer measuring 0°C–100°C using thermistor or RTD with linearization via microcontroller. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision 1.235 V reference for ratiometric excitation and ADC reference in analog front-end. Use Value: 150 ppm/°C drift contributes <±0.12°C error over full range-sufficient for Class B industrial thermometry. |
| Micropower 5 V Regulator | Thermocouple Cold-Junction Compensator |
|
Use Scenario: Low-quiescent LDO replacement in space-constrained IoT nodes where efficiency and standby current dominate. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt reference element in feedback loop of discrete PNP pass transistor regulator. Use Value: 1 Ω dynamic impedance ensures <1 mV output variation under 1 mA load step-critical for sensor signal integrity. |
Use Scenario: Compensation circuit for J-, K-, or T-type thermocouples in portable test equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Kelvin-referenced voltage source generating cold-junction emf correction proportional to ambient temperature. Use Value: Stable 1.235 V output enables accurate 273.2 mV zero-offset setting and Seebeck-coefficient scaling per thermocouple type. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM385BXZ-1.2/NOPB | Tighter ±0.5% initial tolerance; same TO-92 package and 0°C–70°C rating. | Better suited for high-accuracy data acquisition where <0.5% system error budget is required. | Select when absolute reference accuracy outweighs cost sensitivity; identical footprint and biasing. |
| TLVH431ACDBVR | Adjustable 1.24 V shunt reference; 3-pin SOT-23; 100 μA min current; 0.5 Ω impedance. | Requires external resistors for 1.235 V setting; better for programmable or multi-voltage systems. | Choose when design flexibility or lower impedance justifies added components and layout change. |
Compared with LM385Z-1.2/NOPB, LM385BXZ-1.2/NOPB offers improved accuracy without layout impact, while TLVH431ACDBVR trades fixed-voltage simplicity for adjustability and lower impedance at the cost of external components and different pinout.
Availability
LM385Z-1.2/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, industrial sensor interfaces, and battery-powered data loggers requiring stable component supply across extended production cycles.
Supply support for LM385Z-1.2/NOPB 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 developed specifically for micropower, low-drift voltage referencing in battery-operated and space-constrained applications-emphasizing ease of use, stability under capacitive loading, and long-term reliability without external components.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for LM385Z-1.2/NOPB?
The LM385Z-1.2/NOPB is rated for operation from 0°C to +70°C. This industrial-grade range is validated per TI's SNVS742E datasheet and applies specifically to the TO-92 packaged LM385Z-1.2/NOPB variant-not the wider-range LM185-1.2-N (−55°C to +125°C) or LM285-1.2-N (−40°C to +85°C). Thermal derating is not required within this envelope.
Can LM385Z-1.2/NOPB be used with a 1.5 V battery supply?
Yes-LM385Z-1.2/NOPB functions reliably with 1.5 V supplies, as demonstrated in Figure 16 of the official datasheet. At 10 μA minimum operating current, forward voltage drop across the series resistor remains low, enabling stable 1.235 V reference generation even as battery voltage declines to 1.3 V. Typical quiescent current in such configurations is ~20 μA.
What is the maximum reverse current rating for LM385Z-1.2/NOPB?
The absolute maximum reverse current for LM385Z-1.2/NOPB is 30 mA, per the Absolute Maximum Ratings table in SNVS742E. However, the device is specified for normal operation between 10 μA and 20 mA reverse current. Exceeding 20 mA risks increased self-heating and potential long-term drift, though brief transients up to 30 mA are non-destructive if duration is limited.
Does LM385Z-1.2/NOPB require an output capacitor for stability?
No-LM385Z-1.2/NOPB is explicitly designed to be stable with capacitive loads up to and exceeding 1 μF, as stated in the Features section and confirmed in typical performance curves. Unlike many older references, it does not require series isolation resistors or minimum ESR constraints, simplifying layout in noise-sensitive applications.
How does the temperature coefficient of LM385Z-1.2/NOPB affect accuracy over its operating range?
With a maximum temperature coefficient of 150 ppm/°C, LM385Z-1.2/NOPB exhibits ≤1.235 V × 150 ppm/°C × 70°C = ±12.9 mV total drift from 0°C to 70°C. This translates to ±1.04% full-scale error-acceptable for Class II portable meters and non-critical sensor biasing where system-level calibration compensates residual drift.
LM385Z-1.2/NOPB 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:
- -2.43%, +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:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92-3
LM385Z-1.2/NOPB FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM385Z-1.2/NOPB through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM385Z-1.2/NOPB 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 LM385Z-1.2/NOPB reliable?
The price and inventory of LM385Z-1.2/NOPB are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM385Z-1.2/NOPB is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM385Z-1.2/NOPB?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM385Z-1.2/NOPB transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM385Z-1.2/NOPB?
LM385Z-1.2/NOPB orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM385Z-1.2/NOPB 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 LM385Z-1.2/NOPB?
For technical support, including LM385Z-1.2/NOPB datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM385Z-1.2/NOPB requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM385Z-1.2/NOPB is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM385Z-1.2/NOPB 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 LM385Z-1.2/NOPB meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM385Z-1.2/NOPB?
All LM385Z-1.2/NOPB units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM385Z-1.2/NOPB, 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 LM385Z-1.2/NOPB part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM385Z-1.2/NOPB:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
LM385Z-1.2/NOPB 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…

