Texas Instruments LM61CIZ

Overview

LM61CIZ from Texas Instruments is a precision analog-output temperature sensor in TO-92 package, delivering linear 10 mV/°C output with 600 mV DC offset to enable single-supply operation across –30°C to 100°C. It draws ≤125 µA at 25°C, achieves ±3°C accuracy over –25°C to 85°C, and features 800 Ω max output impedance-ideal for battery-powered thermal monitoring in compact consumer electronics.

For engineers reviewing the LM61CIZ datasheet, LM61CIZ pinout, LM61CIZ application, or LM61CIZ equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, real-world thermal performance data, TO-92 terminal mapping, and validated alternative options for embedded temperature sensing where low quiescent current and negative-temperature capability are required.

Technical Context

The LM61CIZ implements a delta-V_BE temperature-sensing element buffered by a Class-A output amplifier, producing a strictly linear analog voltage output (V_OUT = 10 mV/°C × T + 600 mV). Its 600 mV offset enables direct measurement of sub-zero temperatures without dual supplies.

No functional modes or digital control exist-the device operates exclusively as a continuous analog transducer. Thermal self-heating is limited to ≤0.09°C in still air due to its ≤125 µA quiescent current and 162.2°C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance in TO-92 packaging.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM61CIZ uses the 3-pin TO-92 (LP) package with body size 4.30 mm × 4.30 mm and through-hole mounting. The package provides mechanical robustness and thermal coupling suitable for surface-mount or chassis-mounted thermal sensing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar analog-output temperature sensing applications.

Compared with LM61BIZ/NOPB, LM61CIZ adds –30°C lower limit and 100°C upper limit at minor accuracy trade-off; compared with LM35DZ, it enables true single-supply negative-temperature sensing without external circuitry-critical for space-constrained 3.3 V designs.

Availability

LM61CIZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular phone thermal management, computer CPU/DIMM monitoring, and power supply module protection requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for LM61CIZ 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 signal chains and power management ICs.

The LM61 product line was designed for low-power, single-supply temperature sensing in space-constrained consumer and industrial electronics-emphasizing factory calibration, minimal external components, and direct microcontroller ADC interfacing.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range of the LM61CIZ?

The LM61CIZ operates from –30°C to 100°C. This full-range specification is confirmed in the TI SNIS121J datasheet Section 6.3 (Recommended Operating Conditions) and Table 2 (Temperature and Typical V_O Values), where output voltages are specified from 300 mV at –30°C to 1600 mV at 100°C. The LM61CIZ variant is explicitly rated for this extended range, distinguishing it from the LM61BIZ (–25°C to 85°C).

Does the LM61CIZ require external calibration?

No, the LM61CIZ does not require external calibration. It is factory calibrated to deliver ±3°C accuracy over –25°C to 85°C and ±4°C over –30°C to 100°C, as stated in the Features section and Electrical Characteristics table of the SNIS121J datasheet. Its 10 mV/°C slope and 600 mV offset are trimmed during manufacturing, enabling direct use with microcontroller ADCs without trimming resistors or software compensation.

Can the LM61CIZ be powered from a 3.3 V supply?

Yes, the LM61CIZ operates reliably from 2.7 V to 10 V, making 3.3 V fully compliant with its Recommended Operating Conditions (Section 6.3). At 3.3 V, it maintains ≤125 µA quiescent current and full accuracy specifications. The datasheet confirms functionality down to 2.7 V, ensuring robustness against brown-out conditions in battery-powered systems using the LM61CIZ.

What is the thermal response time of the LM61CIZ in still air?

In still air without a heat sink, the LM61CIZ (TO-92 package) exhibits a thermal time constant of approximately 10 seconds to reach 63% of final temperature, as shown in Figure 2 of the SNIS121J datasheet. This value is derived from characterization of the TO-92 variant mounted per Figure 18-a 1/2 in² PCB with 2 oz copper-and reflects typical behavior for surface-attached or chassis-mounted deployments.

How does the LM61CIZ handle capacitive loads on its VOUT pin?

The LM61CIZ drives capacitive loads up to at least 1 µF stably, as confirmed in Section 8.2.1.2.1 and Figure 12 of the SNIS121J datasheet. A 1 µF capacitor from VOUT to GND forms a 32 Hz low-pass filter with its 5 kΩ max output impedance, adding negligible delay relative to the device's inherent thermal time constant. No external isolation resistor is required, simplifying noise filtering in EMI-prone environments using the LM61CIZ.