Texas Instruments LM4050CIM3-5.0

Overview

LM4050CIM3-5.0 from Texas Instruments is a precision micropower shunt voltage reference in SOT-23 package, delivering a stable 5.0 V reverse breakdown voltage with ±25 mV (±0.5%) initial tolerance at 25°C, 50 ppm/°C max temperature coefficient, and 93 μV_rms wideband noise (10 Hz–10 kHz). It operates from 56 μA to 15 mA supply current and supports industrial (−40°C to +85°C) and extended (−40°C to +125°C) temperature ranges - ideal for high-accuracy ADC/DAC biasing in portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the LM4050CIM3-5.0 datasheet, LM4050CIM3-5.0 pinout, LM4050CIM3-5.0 application, or LM4050CIM3-5.0 equivalent, key selection criteria include its no-output-capacitor-required operation, capacitive-load tolerance, 0.5% grade accuracy, low dynamic impedance (0.5 Ω), and compatibility with space-constrained battery-powered systems requiring long-term stability (120 ppm drift over 1000 hrs).

Technical Context

The LM4050CIM3-5.0 uses bandgap-based Zener-zap trimmed shunt architecture with curvature-corrected temperature drift compensation, enabling stable 5.0 V reference performance across −40°C to +125°C without external components. Its design eliminates need for output capacitance while maintaining stability with any capacitive load up to 100 nF.

It functions as a two-terminal shunt regulator: cathode sinks current to maintain precise 5.0 V across anode-to-cathode terminals, with minimum operating current of 56 μA (25°C) rising to 90 μA over full temperature range. Dynamic impedance remains ≤0.5 Ω at 1 mA, ensuring minimal load regulation error (≤8 mV over 1–15 mA).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23 (DBZ) package: 3-pin surface-mount, 2.92 mm × 1.30 mm body size, 1.3 mm height. Pin 1 = Cathode (shunt current input), Pin 2 = Anode (ground/common), Pin 3 = NC (no internal connection, must float or tie to Pin 2).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar shunt voltage reference applications.

Compared with TL4050C50IDBZR, LM4050CIM3-5.0 delivers 7 μV_rms lower noise and 19 μA lower minimum operating current - critical for battery longevity and high-resolution measurement. Versus REF3050AIDBZR, it enables simpler two-terminal topology but lacks series-reference dropout flexibility.

Availability

LM4050CIM3-5.0 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, industrial sensor transmitters, and energy metering systems requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and consistent parametric performance.

Supply support for LM4050CIM3-5.0 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 reference design and high-reliability manufacturing.

The LM4050-N family was engineered for space-constrained, high-accuracy applications demanding micropower operation, zero-output-capacitor simplicity, and robust thermal performance - targeting portable test equipment, industrial automation, and automotive subsystems.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating current for LM4050CIM3-5.0 at 25°C?

The LM4050CIM3-5.0 requires a minimum operating current of 56 μA at 25°C to maintain regulation within specification. This value increases to 90 μA across the full −40°C to +125°C temperature range. Below this threshold, the device exits regulation and output voltage drops nonlinearly. Designers must size the series current-limiting resistor accordingly, especially in battery-powered systems where quiescent current directly impacts runtime.

Does LM4050CIM3-5.0 require an external output capacitor?

No, the LM4050CIM3-5.0 does not require an external output capacitor for stability - a core design feature enabled by internal compensation. It remains stable with any capacitive load up to 100 nF, simplifying layout and reducing BOM count. This distinguishes it from many older shunt references that demand careful capacitor selection to avoid oscillation, making LM4050CIM3-5.0 ideal for compact, cost-sensitive designs where board space is constrained.

What is the temperature coefficient specification for LM4050CIM3-5.0?

The LM4050CIM3-5.0 has a maximum average temperature coefficient of 50 ppm/°C over the industrial (−40°C to +85°C) and extended (−40°C to +125°C) temperature ranges. At 5.0 V nominal output, this translates to a worst-case drift of ±2.6 mV over the industrial range and ±3.8 mV over the extended range. This performance is achieved through curvature-corrected bandgap-Zener hybrid design, ensuring predictable, monotonic voltage variation with temperature.

How does the LM4050CIM3-5.0 compare to the A-grade version in accuracy?

The LM4050CIM3-5.0 is the C-grade variant with ±0.5% (±25 mV) initial tolerance at 25°C, whereas the A-grade LM4050AIM3-5.0 offers ±0.1% (±5 mV) tolerance. Both share identical temperature coefficient (50 ppm/°C max), noise (93 μV_rms), and dynamic impedance (0.5 Ω). The C-grade trades tighter initial accuracy for cost efficiency in applications where system calibration or software trimming compensates for initial offset - such as consumer-grade data loggers or non-critical sensor interfaces.

Is LM4050CIM3-5.0 qualified for automotive applications?

The LM4050CIM3-5.0 is not AEC-Q100 qualified; only the LM4050CIM3-5.0-Q1 variant carries AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification. While the base LM4050CIM3-5.0 operates across −40°C to +125°C and shares the same silicon process, it lacks the automotive-specific stress testing, traceability, and failure rate validation required for safety-critical vehicle systems. For body control modules or infotainment power rails, the Q1 variant must be specified to meet OEM requirements.