Texas Instruments LM4128DMF-3.0

Overview

LM4128DMF-3.0 from National Semiconductor is a precision micropower series voltage reference in SOT-23-5 package, delivering 3.0 V output with ±1.0% initial accuracy and 100 ppm/°C temperature coefficient over −40°C to +125°C. It features 60 µA quiescent current, 400 mV dropout voltage at 10 mA load, and an enable pin supporting 3 µA shutdown mode-ideal for battery-powered instrumentation and portable data acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the LM4128DMF-3.0 datasheet, LM4128DMF-3.0 pinout, LM4128DMF-3.0 application, or LM4128DMF-3.0 equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed D-grade accuracy (±1.0%), thermal hysteresis (75 ppm), line regulation (70 ppm/V), load regulation (120 ppm/mA), and compatibility with capacitive loads up to 10 µF without external stabilization.

Technical Context

The LM4128DMF-3.0 implements a band-gap–derived series reference architecture with internal enable control logic and low-ESR ceramic capacitor support. Its design eliminates need for external stabilization while maintaining stability under 10 µF capacitive loading and tolerating input transients up to 5.5 V.

It operates across VIN = VREF + 400 mV to 5.5 V, supports 20 mA max output current, and delivers 285 µVPP (0.1–10 Hz) output noise. Shutdown is activated when EN < 35% of VIN, drawing only 3–7 µA supply current.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23-5 package (NS Package Number MF05A), 1.6 mm × 2.9 mm footprint, 1.1 mm height, lead-free and RoHS compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM4128DMF-3.0, REF3030AIDBZR offers better temperature stability but lacks enable control and has looser initial accuracy; MAX6126AASA30+ provides highest precision and trim flexibility but requires larger SOIC-8 footprint and higher supply current-making LM4128DMF-3.0 optimal for compact, battery-aware designs needing moderate accuracy with active power management.

Availability

LM4128DMF-3.0 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, battery-powered data loggers, and industrial sensor transmitters requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for LM4128DMF-3.0 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

National Semiconductor was a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in analog and mixed-signal ICs, acquired by Texas Instruments in 2011; its precision reference portfolio remains widely deployed in industrial and automotive systems.

The LM4128 family was designed as a micropower, SOT-23–packaged series voltage reference targeting space-constrained, battery-operated applications demanding low dropout, enable control, and robust capacitive-load stability.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage for LM4128DMF-3.0?

The LM4128DMF-3.0 supports a maximum input voltage of 5.5 V. Operation above this level risks permanent damage, as specified in Absolute Maximum Ratings. For reliable performance, VIN must also remain ≥ VREF + 400 mV (i.e., ≥3.4 V) across all load and temperature conditions. The 5.5 V limit ensures compatibility with standard 5 V logic rails and regulated supplies while preserving internal ESD protection integrity in the SOT-23-5 package.

Does LM4128DMF-3.0 require an input capacitor?

Yes, LM4128DMF-3.0 requires an input capacitor (CIN) for stable operation. Per the datasheet, CIN must be ≥ COUT and minimum 0.1 µF when no output capacitor is used. A ceramic X5R or X7R capacitor of 4.7–22 µF is recommended to reduce output noise and suppress startup overshoot. Mounting CIN close to the VIN and GND pins minimizes trace inductance and ensures robust immunity to supply ripple - omission risks oscillation or degraded transient response.

What is the output current capability of LM4128DMF-3.0?

The LM4128DMF-3.0 can source up to 20 mA continuously while maintaining specified load regulation (≤120 ppm/mA). Short-circuit current is limited to 75 mA, providing indefinite fault protection. At 20 mA load, dropout remains ≤400 mV, enabling use with 3.4 V minimum input. This output drive strength supports direct interfacing with op-amp bias networks, ADC reference inputs, and low-power DACs without external buffering - critical for minimizing component count in portable designs.

How does the enable pin function on LM4128DMF-3.0?

The EN pin on LM4128DMF-3.0 is an active-high digital control input. When pulled ≥65% of VIN, the device operates normally (IQ ≈ 60 µA); when held ≤35% of VIN, it enters shutdown mode drawing only 3–7 µA. The internal pull-up (~2 µA) allows EN to be tied directly to VIN for always-on operation. Floating EN is acceptable but not recommended in noisy environments. This feature enables precise power gating in microcontroller-based systems - for example, waking the LM4128DMF-3.0 only during ADC conversion windows to conserve battery energy.

Is LM4128DMF-3.0 qualified for automotive applications?

The LM4128DMF-3.0 itself is not AEC-Q100 qualified; however, the pin-compatible LM4128DQ1MF3.0 variant is AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualified and manufactured on an automotive-grade flow. Both share identical electrical specs (±1.0% accuracy, 100 ppm/°C), but the Q-grade version undergoes enhanced process controls, extended reliability testing, and defect detection methodologies required for automotive use. For non-automotive industrial applications, LM4128DMF-3.0 is fully suitable; for under-hood or safety-critical modules, LM4128DQ1MF3.0 must be selected.