Texas Instruments LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB

Overview

LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a precision micropower low-dropout bandgap voltage reference delivering 2.048 V output with ±0.2% initial accuracy, 50 ppm/°C temperature coefficient, and 120 mV typical dropout at 1 mA load. It features enable control, ±5 mA source/sink capability, and 160 μA typical supply current - optimized for battery-powered instrumentation and portable data acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB datasheet, LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB pinout, LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB application, or LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 2.048 V output accuracy over −40°C to 85°C, enable-driven power-down (ISS < 2 μA), SOT-23-5 package compatibility, and stability with 0.022–0.047 µF ceramic output capacitors.

Technical Context

The LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB implements a bandgap-based reference core with internal error amplifier and pass transistor, enabling operation from VIN = 2.0 V (minimum) up to 12 V while maintaining regulation at VOUT = 2.048 V. Its enable pin controls analog startup/shutdown with logic-compatible thresholds (VH = 2.4 V, VL = 0.4 V) and ≤6 µA input current.

Designed for low-noise, high-stability applications, it achieves 36 µVPP (10 Hz–10 kHz) output noise and ensures load regulation of 0.04%/mA (1–5 mA) and line regulation of 0.008%/V across its operating range. Thermal hysteresis is limited to 0.5 mV/V over −40°C to 125°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB is housed in a 5-pin SOT-23 (DBV) package measuring 1.60 mm × 2.90 mm, optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts and automated assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with REF3020AIDBZR and ADR3420ARJZ-R7, LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB uniquely balances A-grade accuracy, integrated enable functionality, ultra-low dropout, and SOT-23-5 compatibility - making it optimal for space- and power-constrained portable instrumentation where both precision and dynamic power management are required.

Availability

LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, industrial sensor transmitters, and medical data loggers requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for LM4120AIM5X-2.0/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 reference design and high-reliability manufacturing.

The LM4120 series was developed specifically for battery-powered and portable instrumentation applications demanding micropower operation, tight initial accuracy, and robust thermal performance across industrial temperature ranges.

FAQ

What is the guaranteed initial accuracy of LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB over temperature?

The LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB is an A-grade device with ±0.2% initial output voltage accuracy at 25°C, and its temperature coefficient is guaranteed at 50 ppm/°C over −40°C to 125°C. This ensures total error remains within ±0.5% across the full industrial operating range (−40°C to 85°C), as confirmed in TI's SNVS049F datasheet Section 6.5.

Does LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB require an external output capacitor, and what value is recommended?

Yes, LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB requires a minimum 0.022 µF ceramic output capacitor for stability. The recommended range is 0.022 µF to 0.047 µF (X7R dielectric); values above 0.047 µF must be tantalum with an additional 50-pF capacitor between VOUT and REF. This is specified in Section 8.1 of the LM4120 datasheet to ensure loop stability and transient response.

How does the enable pin function on LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB, and what are its voltage thresholds?

The enable pin (Pin 3) of LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB controls device startup and shutdown. It activates when pulled to ≥2.4 V (VH min) and disables when pulled to ≤0.4 V (VL max). In shutdown, supply current drops below 2 μA. The pin draws ≤6 µA during turn-on and must not be left floating - TI recommends tying it to VIN if enable functionality is unused.

Can LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB drive a 10 kΩ load directly, and what is its maximum load current?

Yes, LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB can directly drive a 10 kΩ load (204.8 µA at 2.048 V) with negligible error. Its rated output capability is ±5 mA - sufficient for most ADC references, op-amp biasing, and DAC buffers. Load regulation is specified at 0.04%/mA (1–5 mA), confirming stable performance under such conditions per Section 6.5 of the datasheet.

What is the dropout voltage specification for LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB at 1 mA load and full temperature range?

LM4120AIM5X-2.0/NOPB has a typical dropout voltage of 120 mV at 1 mA load and 25°C. Over the full industrial temperature range (−40°C to 85°C), the maximum dropout is 180 mV at 1 mA, as documented in Table 6-5 of the SNVS049F datasheet. This allows operation with VIN as low as 2.228 V while maintaining 2.048 V output.