Texas Instruments LM385Z/NOPB
- Part No.:
- LM385Z/NOPB
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA)
- Datasheet:
-
LM385Z/NOPB.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT ADJ 2% TO92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,740
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Product details
Overview
LM385Z/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a 3-terminal adjustable micropower band-gap voltage reference diode operating from 1.24 V to 5.30 V with 1% initial tolerance, 1 Ω dynamic impedance, and 30 ppm/°C max temperature coefficient over 0°C to 70°C. It serves as a precision shunt reference in battery-powered meters, low-power regulators, and analog signal conditioning circuits.
For engineers reviewing the LM385Z/NOPB datasheet, LM385Z/NOPB pinout, LM385Z/NOPB application, or LM385Z/NOPB equivalent, key selection criteria include its 10 μA–20 mA operating current range, TO-92 package compatibility, low-noise performance (50 μVRMS), and tolerance-grade stability for portable and industrial instrumentation.
Technical Context
The LM385Z/NOPB implements a band-gap reference architecture using only transistors and resistors-no capacitors-enabling intrinsic low noise and long-term stability. Its feedback current is ≤25 nA (max), and it achieves ±1.5 mV reference voltage change across 1 mA to 20 mA load current.
Designed for shunt-mode operation, it requires no external compensation and tolerates capacitive loading. Its thermal resistance (θJA) is 440°C/W in TO-92, supporting stable regulation in ambient temperatures up to 70°C without forced cooling.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reference Voltage Range | 1.24 V to 5.30 V - Adjustable via external resistor divider; enables precise setpoints for 1.2 V, 2.5 V, 5.0 V, or custom references. |
| Initial Tolerance | ±1% - Tight factory trimming ensures accuracy at power-up without calibration in cost-sensitive applications. |
| Dynamic Impedance | 1 Ω - Minimizes output voltage shift under varying load currents, critical for high-PSRR analog front-ends. |
| Operating Current | 10 μA to 20 mA - Supports ultra-low-power sensor nodes (<10 μA standby) and higher-current shunt regulator designs (up to 20 mA). |
| Temp Coefficient | 30 ppm/°C (max) - Predictable drift over 0°C to 70°C enables <±3 mV error across full industrial range at 5 V output. |
| Output Noise | 50 μVRMS (10 Hz–10 kHz) - Low broadband noise preserves SNR in precision ADC references and audio biasing. |
| Min Operating Current | 7 μA (max) - Ensures reliable turn-on and regulation even with weak bias sources or high-series resistance. |
Pinout & Package
LM385Z/NOPB uses a 3-pin TO-92 package (JEDEC TO-226AA), with leads formed for through-hole mounting. The package height is ≤5.34 mm and features tin-plated copper leads (CU SN) compliant with RoHS and lead-free soldering (260°C, 10 sec).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Pin 1) | Current sink terminal | Connected to system ground or low-impedance return; sets reference node potential when used in shunt configuration. |
| Cathode (Pin 2) | Reference output terminal | Delivers regulated voltage; connected to feedback divider and load; must be decoupled locally for noise immunity. |
| Adjust (Pin 3) | Band-gap control node | Internally tied to reference core; externally connected to cathode via resistor to set output voltage per VOUT = VREF(1 + R1/R2). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Capacitive loading tolerance | Stable with ≥1 μF output capacitance-eliminates need for isolation resistors in battery-monitoring or data-acquisition references. |
| Micropower operation | 10 μA minimum current enables >10-year shelf-life battery use in remote sensors and portable test equipment. |
| Low-temperature drift | 30 ppm/°C max ensures <±1.5 mV error over 0°C–70°C at 2.5 V output-suitable for uncalibrated industrial thermometers. |
| Wide current range | 10 μA–20 mA operation allows direct replacement of legacy references (e.g., TL431) without circuit redesign. |
| Hermetic reliability | TO-92 plastic package meets JEDEC moisture sensitivity Level-1 (unlimited floor life), supporting high-yield SMT and THT assembly. |
Applications
| Battery-Powered Multimeter | Precision 5.0 V ADC Reference |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld digital multimeter requiring stable 3½-digit DC voltage measurement over 0–70°C and 10-year battery life. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt voltage reference providing 2.5 V reference to dual-slope ADC integrator and comparator threshold. Use Value: 1% initial tolerance and 30 ppm/°C drift ensure <±0.05% full-scale error without auto-zero or calibration-reducing BOM and firmware complexity. | Use Scenario: Industrial data logger sampling 16-bit SAR ADCs at 100 kSPS with ±0.5 LSB INL requirement. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise shunt reference generating clean 5.0 V for ADC reference input and DAC output buffer biasing. Use Value: 50 μVRMS wideband noise and 1 Ω dynamic impedance prevent code flicker and maintain ENOB >15.2 bits at 100 kSPS. |
| Low-Power Sensor Transmitter | Programmable Shunt Regulator |
Use Scenario: 4–20 mA loop-powered temperature transmitter operating from 12 V supply with <100 μA quiescent current budget. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Micropower reference establishing 1.24 V setpoint for op-amp-based current loop modulation. Use Value: 10 μA minimum operating current enables full functionality down to 3.3 V loop voltage-extending usable supply range by 2.2 V vs. standard references. | Use Scenario: Programmable bench power supply requiring adjustable 1.2–5.3 V output with ±0.1% setting resolution. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adjustable shunt reference feeding error amplifier in series-pass transistor feedback network. Use Value: 1.24–5.30 V range and 1% tolerance allow direct resistor-divider programming without trim pots-reducing calibration labor and field drift. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar adjustable shunt reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TL431ACDBVR | 2.495 V fixed reference; requires external resistors for adjustment; 0.2 Ω dynamic impedance; 20–100 mA operating range. | Higher current capability but less micropower optimized; not suitable below 1 mA load. | Select when higher output current (>10 mA) or tighter dynamic impedance (<0.5 Ω) is required, and 2.5 V base point is acceptable. |
| MAX6126AASA+ | 2.5 V fixed output; 0.1% initial tolerance; 3 ppm/°C tempco; 100 μA–10 mA range; SO-8 package. | Superior accuracy and stability, but fixed output and surface-mount only; no TO-92 option. | Select when sub-0.1% absolute accuracy and ultra-low drift are mandatory, and board space permits SOIC-8 footprint. |
Compared with TL431ACDBVR and MAX6126AASA+, the LM385Z/NOPB offers unique value in ultra-low-current shunt regulation (down to 10 μA), TO-92 through-hole compatibility, and 1.24–5.30 V adjustability-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, battery-constrained, or legacy-replacement designs where moderate accuracy suffices.
Availability
LM385Z/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered instrumentation, portable test equipment, and industrial sensor transmitters requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for LM385Z/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 company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog, embedded processing, and logic solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
The LM385 series belongs to TI's precision voltage reference product line, engineered specifically for micropower shunt regulation in portable, low-cost, and high-reliability analog systems where simplicity, stability, and long battery life are essential.
FAQ
What is the maximum operating temperature for LM385Z/NOPB?
The LM385Z/NOPB is rated for operation from 0°C to 70°C ambient temperature. Its junction temperature limit is 100°C, and with a TO-92 thermal resistance (θJA) of 440°C/W, it remains within safe limits at ≤23 mW power dissipation. This makes LM385Z/NOPB suitable for commercial and light-industrial environments without active cooling.
Can LM385Z/NOPB replace LM336Z-2.5 in an existing design?
Yes, LM385Z/NOPB can replace LM336Z-2.5 in many cases-but only if the circuit accommodates adjustable output (1.24–5.30 V) and tolerates ±1% initial tolerance instead of ±2%. LM385Z/NOPB has lower dynamic impedance (1 Ω vs. ~5 Ω) and better temperature coefficient (30 ppm/°C vs. 100 ppm/°C), improving stability. Verify minimum operating current (7 μA max for LM385Z/NOPB vs. 400 μA for LM336Z-2.5) to ensure compatibility.
Does LM385Z/NOPB require an external capacitor for stability?
No, LM385Z/NOPB does not require an external capacitor for stability. Its internal band-gap design is inherently tolerant of capacitive loading-including ≥1 μF ceramic or tantalum output capacitance-making it ideal for noisy environments like motor drives or switching supplies. Adding a 100 nF ceramic capacitor near the cathode improves high-frequency PSRR but is optional.
What is the feedback current specification for LM385Z/NOPB?
The feedback current (IF) for LM385Z/NOPB is specified as ≤25 nA maximum at 25°C. This ultra-low current minimizes error in high-impedance resistor dividers-enabling accurate voltage setting with >1 MΩ top resistors while maintaining <0.025% gain error. At elevated temperatures (70°C), IF rises to ≤35 nA, still preserving precision in most applications.
Is LM385Z/NOPB RoHS-compliant and lead-free?
Yes, LM385Z/NOPB is RoHS-compliant and lead-free. Per TI's packaging addendum, it carries "Green (RoHS & no Sb/Br)" eco-plan status, with CU SN (copper-tin) lead finish and JEDEC Level-1 moisture sensitivity rating. It supports lead-free reflow profiles up to 260°C for 10 seconds and is qualified for both through-hole and surface-mount assembly processes.
LM385Z/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:
- Adjustable
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.24V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 5.3 V
- Current - Output:
- 20 mA
- Tolerance:
- ±2%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- 150ppm/°C
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- -
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- 50µVrms
- Voltage - Input:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Current - Cathode:
- 55 µA
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92-3
LM385Z/NOPB FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM385Z/NOPB through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM385Z/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/NOPB reliable?
The price and inventory of LM385Z/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/NOPB is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM385Z/NOPB?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM385Z/NOPB transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM385Z/NOPB?
LM385Z/NOPB orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM385Z/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/NOPB?
For technical support, including LM385Z/NOPB datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM385Z/NOPB requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM385Z/NOPB is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM385Z/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/NOPB meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM385Z/NOPB?
All LM385Z/NOPB units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM385Z/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/NOPB part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM385Z/NOPB:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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