Texas Instruments LM431BCM3/NOPB
- Part No.:
- LM431BCM3/NOPB
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
LM431BCM3/NOPB.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT ADJ 1% SOT23-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:13,824
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
LM431BCM3/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a 3-terminal adjustable precision shunt regulator with 2.5 V reference voltage, ±17 mV reference deviation over temperature, 0.5 Ω dynamic output impedance, 1 mA minimum cathode current, and 100 mA maximum cathode current. It operates as a programmable Zener replacement in feedback loops of linear and switching power supplies.
For engineers reviewing the LM431BCM3/NOPB datasheet, LM431BCM3/NOPB pinout, LM431BCM3/NOPB application, or LM431BCM3/NOPB equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, SOT-23-3 package mapping, thermal derating guidance, and real-world use cases for voltage monitoring, current sinking, and precision reference design.
Technical Context
The LM431BCM3/NOPB implements an internal bandgap reference and high-gain comparator driving a NPN output transistor to regulate cathode voltage via shunt current control. Its reference input draws only 2–4 μA, enabling low-power bias networks.
It functions in closed-loop mode with external resistor dividers to set output voltages from 2.5 V to 36 V, and supports open-loop comparator operation when the reference pin is driven externally. Thermal hysteresis is characterized at 25°C after cycling between 0°C and 70°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reference voltage (VREF) | 2.485–2.51 V at 25°C - defines minimum programmable output and sets accuracy baseline for resistor-divider designs |
| Reference voltage deviation | ±17 mV over full temperature range - determines worst-case output error without trimming |
| Dynamic output impedance | 0.5 Ω at DC - enables stable regulation under fast load transients when used with proper bypassing |
| Minimum cathode current | 0.4–1 mA - sets lower bound for RS resistor sizing to maintain regulation during light-load conditions |
| Maximum cathode current | 150 mA absolute max, 100 mA recommended operating limit - defines upper thermal and reliability boundary for continuous operation |
| Temperature coefficient | Average 50 ppm/°C - quantifies drift per degree Celsius, critical for precision reference stability across ambient shifts |
| ESD rating (HBM) | ±2500 V - informs handling requirements and board-level protection needs during assembly |
Pinout & Package
SOT-23-3 package (DBZ), 2.92 mm × 1.30 mm body size, single-row 3-pin surface-mount configuration with gull-wing leads. RoHS-compliant matte tin lead finish, MSL Level-1, peak reflow 260°C.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode | Output return path | Internally connected to emitter of output transistor; typically grounded or tied to lowest system potential |
| Cathode | Regulated output node | Shunt current sink point; voltage at this pin is controlled by reference divider; connects to supply rail or feedback node |
| Reference | Feedback input | High-impedance input (2–4 μA) that senses divided output voltage; sets regulation threshold via resistor ratio |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Adjustable output voltage range | 2.5 V to 36 V - achieved with two external resistors, eliminating need for multiple fixed-voltage Zeners |
| Fast turn-on response | Enables use in crowbar circuits and overvoltage protection where rapid clamping is required |
| Low-output noise | Supports clean reference generation in ADC/DAC biasing and sensor excitation without added filtering |
| Temperature-compensated operation | Stable performance across –40°C to +85°C industrial range without external compensation components |
| Space-saving SOT-23 package | Reduces PCB area by >70% vs TO-92; compatible with standard pick-and-place and reflow processes |
Applications
| Switch-Mode Power Supply Feedback | Voltage Monitoring Circuit |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Secondary-side voltage sensing in isolated flyback converters using optocoupler feedback loop. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adjustable shunt regulator providing precise 2.5 V reference to drive optocoupler LED, enabling accurate output voltage regulation. Use Value: Enables ±1% output tolerance across line/load/temperature without trimming; replaces discrete Zener + transistor solutions. |
Use Scenario: Undervoltage lockout (UVLO) and overvoltage detection in battery-powered microcontroller systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision comparator with programmable threshold, configured with resistor divider on reference pin. Use Value: Detects 3.3 V rail drop below 3.0 V or rise above 3.6 V with <±15 mV hysteresis, preventing brownout resets. |
| Constant Current Sink | Zener Diode Replacement |
Use Scenario: LED biasing in automotive interior lighting with thermal drift compensation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt regulator configured as two-terminal current source, sinking fixed current independent of supply variation. Use Value: Delivers 20 mA ±2% over 9–16 V input range and –40°C to +85°C, eliminating LED brightness shift. |
Use Scenario: Replacing 3.3 V, 5.1 V, and 12 V Zener diodes in legacy analog power rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Programmable shunt element with tighter tolerance (±1%), lower impedance (0.5 Ω), and lower leakage (<1 μA). Use Value: Reduces output ripple by 40% and improves load regulation by 3× compared to 5% tolerance Zeners. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar adjustable shunt regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TL431CDBVR | Same 2.5 V reference, but ±2% initial tolerance (vs ±0.5% for LM431BCM3/NOPB); 0.75 Ω dynamic impedance | Lower accuracy makes it suitable for non-critical feedback, not precision references or current sinks | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs 0.3% output error budget and thermal drift requirements |
| AS431ASTZTR-G1 | Pin-compatible SOT-23-3, 2.5 V reference, ±1% tolerance, 1.5 Ω dynamic impedance, higher 150 mA max cathode current | Higher impedance limits transient response; wider tolerance increases calibration burden in metrology designs | Prefer for high-current shunt applications where 0.5 Ω impedance is noncritical and extended current headroom is needed |
Compared with TL431CDBVR and AS431ASTZTR-G1, the LM431BCM3/NOPB offers the tightest reference tolerance (±0.5%), lowest dynamic impedance (0.5 Ω), and best temperature coefficient (50 ppm/°C), making it optimal for precision voltage references, low-drift current sources, and high-stability feedback loops.
Availability
LM431BCM3/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for switch-mode power supply feedback, voltage monitoring, constant current sink, and Zener diode replacement applications requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for LM431BCM3/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 specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in precision analog ICs and power management solutions.
The LM431 product line was designed for high-accuracy shunt regulation in space-constrained, thermally demanding applications-targeting power supply feedback, voltage supervision, and programmable reference circuits across industrial, computing, and consumer systems.
FAQ
What is the reference voltage tolerance of LM431BCM3/NOPB?
The LM431BCM3/NOPB has a reference voltage (VREF) of 2.485 V to 2.51 V at 25°C, corresponding to ±0.5% initial tolerance. This is confirmed in Section 6.5 of the SNVS020H datasheet under "LM431B" grade specifications, and applies specifically to the BCM suffix variant.
Can LM431BCM3/NOPB replace a standard Zener diode directly?
Yes, the LM431BCM3/NOPB can directly replace many Zener diodes in shunt regulator configurations. Unlike passive Zeners, it requires only two external resistors to set voltage and provides superior accuracy (±0.5%), lower dynamic impedance (0.5 Ω), and guaranteed stability over –40°C to +85°C - all within the same SOT-23 footprint as many Zener packages.
What is the minimum cathode current required for regulation in LM431BCM3/NOPB?
The LM431BCM3/NOPB requires a minimum cathode current (IZ(MIN)) of 0.4 mA to 1 mA to maintain regulation, as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table (Section 6.5). This value is critical for selecting the series resistor (RS) to ensure stable operation under light-load or low-input-voltage conditions.
Does LM431BCM3/NOPB support operation above 36 V cathode voltage?
No. The absolute maximum cathode voltage for LM431BCM3/NOPB is 37 V, and the recommended operating maximum is 36 V (Section 6.3). Exceeding 36 V risks exceeding safe operating area limits and may cause premature failure; for higher-voltage applications, external clamping or series limiting is required.
How does the SOT-23 package affect thermal performance of LM431BCM3/NOPB?
The SOT-23 package for LM431BCM3/NOPB has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 267.7°C/W (Section 6.4), meaning it dissipates significantly less power than SOIC or TO-92 variants. At 100 mA cathode current and 5 V drop, power dissipation reaches 0.5 W - requiring derating above 25°C ambient per the 2.2 mW/°C slope specified in the datasheet.
LM431BCM3/NOPB Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Texas Instruments
- Package/Case:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Reference Type:
- Shunt
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 2.495V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 37 V
- Current - Output:
- 100 mA
- Tolerance:
- ±1%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- 50ppm/°C Typical
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- -
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- -
- Voltage - Input:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Current - Cathode:
- 1 mA
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-23-3
LM431BCM3/NOPB FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LM431BCM3/NOPB through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LM431BCM3/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 LM431BCM3/NOPB reliable?
The price and inventory of LM431BCM3/NOPB are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LM431BCM3/NOPB is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LM431BCM3/NOPB?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LM431BCM3/NOPB transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LM431BCM3/NOPB?
LM431BCM3/NOPB orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LM431BCM3/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 LM431BCM3/NOPB?
For technical support, including LM431BCM3/NOPB datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LM431BCM3/NOPB requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LM431BCM3/NOPB is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LM431BCM3/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 LM431BCM3/NOPB meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LM431BCM3/NOPB?
All LM431BCM3/NOPB units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LM431BCM3/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 LM431BCM3/NOPB part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LM431BCM3/NOPB:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
LM431BCM3/NOPB Tags
-
TL431AIDBZR
Texas Instruments
-
TL431BQDBZR
Texas Instruments

-
AN431AN-ATRG1
Diodes Incorporated

-
LM4040CYM3-2.5-TR
Microchip Technology

-
LM4040CYM3-4.1-TR
Microchip Technology
-
LM4040EIM3-2.5/NOPB
Texas Instruments

-
AZ431LBNTR-G1
Diodes Incorporated
-
LM4040D20IDBZR
Texas Instruments
-
LM4041DIM3-ADJ/NOPB
Texas Instruments
-
LM4040DIM3X-2.5/NOPB
Texas Instruments
-
LM4040DIM3-2.5/NOPB
Texas Instruments

-
AZ431LANTR-G1
Diodes Incorporated
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…
