Texas Instruments LM4125IM5-2.5/NOPB

Overview

LM4125IM5-2.5/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a precision micropower low-dropout voltage reference IC delivering a stable 2.5 V output with ±0.5% initial accuracy, 50 ppm/°C temperature coefficient, and 120 mV typical dropout at 1 mA load-designed for high-accuracy analog signal chains in portable instrumentation and battery-powered data acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the LM4125IM5-2.5/NOPB datasheet, LM4125IM5-2.5/NOPB pinout, LM4125IM5-2.5/NOPB application, or LM4125IM5-2.5/NOPB equivalent, key selection considerations include its SOT-23-5 package, ±5 mA source/sink capability, 160 µA typical supply current, and industrial −40°C to +85°C operating range-critical for low-power, space-constrained precision reference designs.

Technical Context

The LM4125IM5-2.5/NOPB implements a bandgap-based reference core with internal trimming for fixed 2.5 V output, supporting both sourcing and sinking up to ±5 mA without external components. Its low 120 mV dropout enables operation with input voltages as low as 2.65 V (2.5 V + 0.15 V), making it suitable for single-cell Li-ion or dual-cell alkaline supply rails.

It features an enable-compatible architecture where the GND pin serves as the reference return and the device enters <2 µA power-down mode when the output is forced below ground by >100 mV-leveraging inherent parasitic diode behavior rather than a dedicated EN pin. Output noise is specified at 46 µVPP (0.1–10 kHz) scaled from the 2.5 V nominal output.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23-5 (DBV) package: 2.9 mm × 1.6 mm × 1.45 mm body, gull-wing leads, RoHS-compliant matte tin (Sn) finish, MSL Level-1.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM4125IM5-2.5/NOPB, REF3025AIDBZR reduces supply current by 69% but sacrifices ±5 mA sink functionality and mechanical robustness from NC pins; ADR3425ARJZ-R7 improves accuracy and tempco by 5× but increases BOM cost and restricts sink current to −1 mA-making LM4125IM5-2.5/NOPB optimal for balanced performance in cost-sensitive, bidirectional reference applications.

Availability

LM4125IM5-2.5/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, industrial sensor transmitters, and medical patient monitors requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term continuity.

Supply support for LM4125IM5-2.5/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, embedded processing, and digital signal technologies, serving industrial, automotive, and communications markets since 1930.

The LM4125 series belongs to TI's precision voltage reference product line, engineered for low-power, high-accuracy applications where micropower consumption, low dropout, and robust thermal performance are essential in space-constrained environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage for LM4125IM5-2.5/NOPB?

The absolute maximum input voltage for LM4125IM5-2.5/NOPB is 8 V, but the recommended operating range is 2.0 V to 6.0 V. Exceeding 6 V risks exceeding the 350 mW power dissipation limit in the SOT-23-5 package, especially at elevated ambient temperatures. The device is optimized for low-voltage operation, with functional regulation beginning at just 2.65 V (2.5 V + 120 mV dropout).

Does LM4125IM5-2.5/NOPB support sinking current, and how much?

Yes, LM4125IM5-2.5/NOPB supports sinking up to −5 mA, confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table under "Source and Sink Current Output: ±5 mA". This bidirectional capability allows it to drive reference inputs of DACs or op-amps that require current into the reference pin, eliminating the need for external buffering in many precision analog designs.

What output capacitor is required for stable operation of LM4125IM5-2.5/NOPB?

A minimum 0.022 µF ceramic capacitor is required between VOUT and GND for stability, as stated in the APPLICATION HINTS section. Capacitance can be increased up to 0.047 µF using ceramic types; values above that require tantalum capacitors and an additional 50 pF capacitor between VOUT and the reference pin. Larger capacitors improve transient response but necessitate thorough temperature, line, and load testing.

Is LM4125IM5-2.5/NOPB rated for extended temperature operation beyond +85°C?

LM4125IM5-2.5/NOPB is specified for −40°C to +85°C operation per its industrial grade rating. While certain parameters-including temperature coefficient-are ensured from −40°C to +125°C, full electrical specifications over the extended range are not guaranteed. For +125°C ambient operation, TI recommends contacting their sales office for qualified variants such as the LM4125AIM5-2.5/NOPB, which is rated −40°C to +125°C.

How does the power-down behavior work on LM4125IM5-2.5/NOPB?

LM4125IM5-2.5/NOPB has no dedicated enable pin. Power-down is achieved by pulling the VOUT pin below GND by >100 mV, which forces the internal circuitry into a sub-2 µA quiescent state. This behavior relies on the parasitic diode between VIN and VOUT and is documented in the Absolute Maximum Ratings and Electrical Characteristics tables as "device current drops to less than 2 µA" in power-down mode.