Texas Instruments LM385Z-2.5/LFT7
- Part No.:
- LM385Z-2.5/LFT7
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Datasheet:
-
LM385Z-2.5/LFT7.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT 3% TO92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,076
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Product details
Overview
LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 from Texas Instruments is a micropower 2-terminal band-gap voltage reference diode delivering a precise 2.5 V output with ±20 mV (±0.8%) initial tolerance (A grade), 0.6 Ω dynamic impedance, and operation over 20 μA–20 mA current range. It serves as a stable low-power reference in battery-powered meters, portable regulators, and precision analog circuits requiring minimal quiescent current.
For engineers reviewing the LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 datasheet, LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 pinout, LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 application, or LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 equivalent, key selection criteria include its TO-92 package, 0°C to 70°C operating temperature range, low 20 μA minimum operating current, and compatibility with capacitive loads up to 10 nF without instability.
Technical Context
The LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 implements a band-gap reference architecture using only transistors and resistors, enabling low noise (120 μV rms, 10 Hz–10 kHz) and excellent long-term stability (20 ppm over 1000 hours). Its on-chip trimming ensures tight voltage tolerance without external calibration.
Designed for micropower systems, it features exceptionally low dynamic impedance (0.6 Ω at 100 μA, 20 Hz) and wide operating current range-supporting both ultra-low-current standby modes (e.g., 30 μA in 9V battery references) and higher-current precision applications up to 20 mA.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reference Voltage | 2.500 V ±20 mV (±0.8%) - provides stable 2.5 V output for ADC/DAC biasing and regulator feedback |
| Initial Tolerance | ±20 mV (A grade) - eliminates need for post-assembly trimming in cost-sensitive instrumentation |
| Operating Current Range | 20 μA to 20 mA - supports micropower sleep modes and full-range analog signal conditioning |
| Dynamic Impedance | 0.6 Ω at 100 μA, 20 Hz - minimizes load-induced voltage shift in varying-current applications |
| Temperature Coefficient | 150 ppm/°C (standard grade) - ensures ≤375 μV drift across 0°C–70°C operating range |
| Long-Term Stability | 20 ppm over 1000 hours - maintains accuracy in field-deployed sensor nodes and calibration equipment |
| Wideband Noise | 120 μV rms (10 Hz–10 kHz) - suitable for 12-bit+ data acquisition without additional filtering |
Pinout & Package
LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 is housed in a TO-92 plastic package (Package Drawing LP0003A), with 3 leads and a maximum height of 5.34 mm. The device uses standard TO-92 pinout orientation: Pin 1 = Anode, Pin 2 = Cathode, Pin 3 = Die Attach Pad (DAP), which is internally connected to Pin 2 and may be left floating or tied to Pin 2 for improved thermal performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | Anode | Current entry point; connects to ground or low-side current sink in reverse-biased reference configuration |
| Pin 2 | Cathode | Reference output node; delivers regulated 2.5 V when reverse-biased at ≥20 μA |
| Pin 3 | Die Attach Pad (DAP) | Internally bonded to cathode (Pin 2); improves thermal dissipation and mechanical stability when soldered to PCB copper |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Capacitive Load Tolerance | Stable with ≥10 nF output capacitance - eliminates need for isolation resistors in noisy environments |
| Micropower Operation | 20 μA minimum operating current - enables multi-year battery life in portable gas sensors and remote telemetry |
| Low Dynamic Impedance | 0.6 Ω at 100 μA - reduces output voltage error under dynamic load steps in precision DAC buffers |
| Hermetic Alternative Available | LM385Z-2.5/NOPB offers same electrical specs in RoHS-compliant TO-92 - supports legacy design continuity |
| ESD Robustness | 2 kV HBM rating - withstands handling in standard assembly lines without special ESD controls |
Applications
| Portable Multimeter Reference | Low-Power Data Logger Bias |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld digital multimeter requiring stable 2.5 V reference for 16-bit ADC conversion across 0–100°C ambient. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 2-terminal shunt voltage reference providing ratiometric accuracy against battery-supplied analog front-end. Use Value: 20 μA minimum operating current extends alkaline battery life beyond 2 years; ±20 mV tolerance ensures <0.1% measurement error without calibration. |
Use Scenario: Battery-powered environmental sensor node logging temperature/humidity every 5 minutes using microamp-level sleep current. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision reference for SAR ADC and op-amp signal conditioning during active measurement bursts. Use Value: 0.6 Ω dynamic impedance prevents reference droop during 100 μs ADC sampling windows; TO-92 footprint simplifies high-volume PCB layout. |
| Thermocouple Cold-Junction Compensation | Micropower 5V Regulator Feedback |
Use Scenario: Industrial thermocouple interface module compensating for cold-junction drift in 0°C–100°C range. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stable 2.5 V reference driving precision current source for RTD-based compensation circuitry. Use Value: 150 ppm/°C tempco limits compensation error to <0.3°C over full range; 120 μV noise avoids digitization artifacts in μV-level thermocouple signals. |
Use Scenario: Low-quiescent linear regulator (e.g., LM2936) generating 5 V from 9 V battery for MCU and peripherals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt reference replacing Zener diode in feedback divider to improve line/load regulation. Use Value: Replaces 5.1 V Zener with tighter tolerance and lower impedance, improving output regulation by 0.5% under 100 mA load transients. |
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 14-bit+ data acquisition where reference error dominates system INL | Select when absolute accuracy > long-term stability; adds ~15% cost premium |
| LM285Z-2.5/LFT7 | Same TO-92 package and marking format, but −40°C to +85°C operating range and 20 μA min current | Preferred for automotive cabin modules or industrial controllers requiring extended temperature support | Choose for wider ambient range; identical pinout and footprint enable drop-in replacement in new designs |
Compared with LM385Z-2.5/LFT7, LM385BXZ-2.5/NOPB improves initial accuracy at the expense of no change in tempco or noise, while LM285Z-2.5/LFT7 trades 0°C lower minimum temperature for guaranteed operation down to −40°C-critical for outdoor electronics.
Availability
LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, battery-powered data loggers, and industrial sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply with consistent TO-92 lead form and RoHS compliance.
Supply support for LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 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 voltage references and power management ICs.
The LM385 series was designed specifically for micropower, low-drift voltage reference applications in portable and battery-operated systems-emphasizing low operating current, capacitive-load immunity, and long-term stability without external components.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for LM385Z-2.5/LFT7?
The LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 is rated for operation from 0°C to +70°C ambient temperature. This range is confirmed in TI's SNVS743D datasheet and aligns with the LM385-N family specification. It is not rated for industrial (−40°C) or extended (−55°C) temperature grades-those require LM285Z-2.5/LFT7 or LM185-2.5-N respectively.
Does LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 require an external capacitor for stability?
No, LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 does not require an external capacitor for stability. Its internal design provides exceptional tolerance to capacitive loading-TI specifies stable operation with ≥10 nF directly across the cathode-anode terminals. This eliminates the need for series isolation resistors in most applications, simplifying layout and reducing BOM count.
What is the minimum operating current for LM385Z-2.5/LFT7?
The minimum operating current for LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 is 20 μA, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table of SNVS743D. Below this current, the device does not guarantee 2.5 V regulation or specified dynamic impedance. Applications such as multimeter standby mode or ultra-low-power wake-up circuits must maintain ≥20 μA through the device to ensure accuracy.
Is LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 pin-compatible with other TO-92 voltage references like TL431?
No, LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 is not pin-compatible with TL431. LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 is a 2-terminal shunt reference (anode/cathode/DAP), whereas TL431 is a 3-terminal adjustable shunt regulator (REF/ANODE/CATHODE) with different pinout and functional requirements. Direct substitution would require PCB redesign and circuit revalidation.
What does the "/LFT7" suffix indicate in LM385Z-2.5/LFT7?
The "/LFT7" suffix denotes a specific tape-and-reel packaging variant per TI's ordering nomenclature: it indicates a TO-92 package supplied in 2000-piece reels with formed leads, RoHS-compliant Cu-Sn finish, and green (low-halogen) material. This differs from "/NOPB" (same specs, bulk pack) and "/LFT1" (alternate reel configuration), but shares identical electrical and thermal specifications.
LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Box
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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/LFT7 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 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/LFT7 reliable?
The price and inventory of LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 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/LFT7 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM385Z-2.5/LFT7?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM385Z-2.5/LFT7?
LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 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/LFT7?
For technical support, including LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 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/LFT7 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM385Z-2.5/LFT7?
All LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM385Z-2.5/LFT7, 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/LFT7 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM385Z-2.5/LFT7:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
LM385Z-2.5/LFT7 Tags
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