Texas Instruments LM385Z-2.5/LFT2
- Part No.:
- LM385Z-2.5/LFT2
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Datasheet:
-
LM385Z-2.5/LFT2.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT 3% TO92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,676
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Product details
Overview
LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 from Texas Instruments is a 2-terminal micropower band-gap voltage reference delivering a precise 2.5 V output with ±20 mV (±0.8%) initial tolerance, 0.6 Ω dynamic impedance (A grade), and operation over 20 μA–20 mA current range. It serves as a stable reference in battery-powered meters, portable regulators, and low-power analog signal chains where long shelf-life operation is critical.
For engineers reviewing the LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 datasheet, LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 pinout, LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 application, or LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 equivalent, key selection considerations include its TO-92 package, 0°C to 70°C operating temperature range, low 120 μVrms wideband noise (10 Hz–10 kHz), and compatibility with capacitive loads up to 10 μF without instability.
Technical Context
The LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 implements a two-terminal band-gap reference architecture using on-chip trimmed resistors and transistors to achieve tight voltage accuracy and low temperature drift. Its design eliminates the need for external biasing components and supports direct connection in series with load or current-setting resistor.
It features exceptionally low dynamic impedance (0.6 Ω at 100 μA, f = 20 Hz) and wide operating current range (20 μA to 20 mA), enabling use across ultra-low-power standby circuits and higher-current precision references without redesign. The device exhibits no minimum load requirement and remains stable under capacitive loading up to 10 μF.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reference Voltage | 2.500 V ±20 mV (±0.8%) at 25°C - ensures accurate ADC/DAC biasing and sensor excitation within tight system tolerances |
| Operating Current Range | 20 μA to 20 mA - supports micropower sleep modes (e.g., 30 μA standby in 9V battery references) and higher-current regulation loops |
| Dynamic Impedance | 0.6 Ω at 100 μA, 20 Hz - minimizes output voltage perturbation under transient load changes in precision analog stages |
| Temperature Coefficient | 150 ppm/°C (standard grade) - guarantees ≤1.875 mV total drift over 0°C to 70°C operating range |
| Wideband Noise | 120 μVrms, 10 Hz–10 kHz - suitable for high-resolution data acquisition without added filtering overhead |
| Long-Term Stability | 20 ppm after 1000 hours - maintains calibration integrity in field-deployed instrumentation and metering systems |
Pinout & Package
LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 is housed in a 3-pin TO-92 plastic package (JEDEC TO-226, TI drawing LP0003A), with leads formed for through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is Anode, Pin 2 is Cathode, and Pin 3 is connected to the die attach pad (DAP) and may be left floating or tied to Pin 2 per layout requirements.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Anode | Current entry point; connects to positive supply or current-setting resistor; reverse-biased during normal operation |
| Pin 2 | Cathode | Reference output node; provides stable 2.5 V relative to anode; requires no load resistor for basic operation |
| Pin 3 | Die Attach Pad (DAP) | Internally bonded to substrate; electrically isolated from die; may be left unconnected or shorted to Pin 2 for thermal or mechanical stability |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Capacitive Load Tolerance | Stable with up to 10 μF output capacitance - eliminates need for isolation resistors in noisy environments or long-trace layouts |
| Micropower Operation | 20 μA minimum operating current - enables multi-year battery life in portable multimeters and remote sensors |
| No Minimum Load Requirement | Operates stably at zero load current - simplifies design of high-impedance bias networks and calibration circuits |
| Hermetic Alternative Available | LM185-2.5-N variant offers −55°C to +125°C operation in hermetic TO package - supports industrial and aerospace applications requiring extended reliability |
| Low-Noise Band-Gap Core | 120 μVrms noise (10 Hz–10 kHz) - avoids additional low-noise op-amp buffering in 16-bit+ data converters |
Applications
| Portable Digital Multimeter Reference | Low-Power Sensor Excitation |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Precision 3½-digit DMM powered by 9V alkaline battery with <30 μA standby current draw. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 2-terminal shunt reference providing stable 2.5 V reference for ADC and display driver circuitry. Use Value: Enables >10,000 readings per battery charge while maintaining ±0.1% measurement accuracy across temperature. |
Use Scenario: Battery-operated temperature transmitter using RTD or thermistor with microcontroller-based signal conditioning. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-drift excitation source for ratiometric bridge sensing and ADC reference. Use Value: Eliminates gain error drift in sensor output due to reference variation; supports 0.1°C resolution over 0°C–70°C. |
| Calibration Standard in Handheld Test Equipment | Micropower Thermocouple Cold-Junction Compensation |
|
Use Scenario: Field-calibratable loop calibrator requiring traceable 2.5 V reference with <20 ppm/1000 hr stability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary voltage standard used to adjust internal DAC and verify output accuracy. Use Value: Reduces annual recalibration frequency; meets ANSI/NCSL Z540-1 metrology requirements for portable standards. |
Use Scenario: Wireless temperature node using Type-K thermocouple and 3.3 V MCU with 10-year battery life target. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision reference for cold-junction compensation amplifier and ADC reference. Use Value: Delivers <±1°C absolute accuracy over full operating range without active heating or complex software correction. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar voltage reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM385BXZ-2.5/NOPB | Tighter ±10 mV (±0.4%) initial tolerance; same TO-92 package and 0°C–70°C range | Better suited for 12-bit+ data acquisition where reference error dominates system INL | Select when initial accuracy is prioritized over cost; identical footprint and layout |
| LM385M3X-2.5/NOPB | SOT-23-3 package (DBZ), 3-pin surface-mount; same electrical specs but smaller footprint and 1000-unit reel packaging | Required for space-constrained PCBs or automated SMT assembly lines | Choose for high-volume production with pick-and-place capability; requires re-layout but no schematic change |
Compared with LM385BXZ-2.5/NOPB, the LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 trades 0.4% initial accuracy for lower unit cost and broader availability in tape-and-reel; compared with LM385M3X-2.5/NOPB, it retains through-hole manufacturability and avoids SMT thermal stress concerns in high-reliability prototypes.
Availability
LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, battery-powered sensor nodes, and industrial calibration equipment requiring stable component supply with consistent TO-92 lead form and RoHS-compliant finish.
Supply support for LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 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, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.
The LM385 family was designed specifically for micropower, low-drift voltage reference applications in portable and battery-critical systems-emphasizing stability, simplicity, and wide current-range operation without external components.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for LM385Z-2.5/LFT2?
The LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 is rated for operation from 0°C to +70°C ambient temperature. This commercial-grade specification aligns with the LM385 series' intended use in consumer, industrial, and portable equipment-not extended-temperature or military applications. For wider ranges, consider LM285Z-2.5/NOPB (−40°C to +85°C) or LM185H-2.5/NOPB (−55°C to +125°C).
Does LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 require an external current-setting resistor?
Yes, LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 is a 2-terminal shunt reference and must be biased with an external current-limiting resistor between the supply rail and the cathode (Pin 2). Typical values range from 10 kΩ (for ~300 μA operation from 5 V) to 470 kΩ (for ~20 μA from 9 V), selected to ensure current stays within 20 μA–20 mA per datasheet specifications.
Can LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 drive a 10 μF capacitor directly?
Yes, the LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 is explicitly characterized for stability with up to 10 μF output capacitance, unlike many older references that oscillate or exhibit overshoot. This allows direct decoupling at the reference node without series isolation resistors-critical for noise-sensitive applications like precision ADCs and sensor front-ends.
What is the meaning of "LFT2" in LM385Z-2.5/LFT2?
"LFT2" denotes Texas Instruments' tape-and-reel packaging option: 2000 units per reel, TO-92 package (LP drawing), RoHS-compliant lead finish (SN), and non-lead-free plating. It is functionally identical to LM385Z-2.5/NOPB (1800-unit bulk pack) but optimized for automated through-hole insertion lines requiring reel-fed feeders.
How does LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 compare to TLV431 in micropower applications?
LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 draws as little as 20 μA and has no minimum cathode current requirement, whereas TLV431 requires ≥100 μA cathode current for regulation and exhibits higher dynamic impedance (~0.2 Ω typical but degrades below 1 mA). For sub-50 μA systems-such as energy-harvesting sensors-the LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 delivers superior regulation stability and lower quiescent power.
LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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:
- 150ppm/°C
- 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
LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 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-2.5/LFT2 reliable?
The price and inventory of LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM385Z-2.5/LFT2?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM385Z-2.5/LFT2?
LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 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-2.5/LFT2?
For technical support, including LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 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-2.5/LFT2 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM385Z-2.5/LFT2?
All LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM385Z-2.5/LFT2, 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-2.5/LFT2 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM385Z-2.5/LFT2:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
LM385Z-2.5/LFT2 Tags
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TL431AIDBZR
Texas Instruments
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TL431BQDBZR
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LM4040CYM3-2.5-TR
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LM4040DIM3X-2.5/NOPB
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AZ431LANTR-G1
Diodes Incorporated
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