Texas Instruments LT1004CPW-2-5

Overview

LT1004CPW-2-5 from Texas Instruments is a two-terminal micropower band-gap voltage reference IC delivering 2.5 V nominal output with ±20 mV initial accuracy, 20 ppm/°C temperature coefficient, and 0.2 Ω typical reference impedance at 100 µA. It operates from 8 µA to 20 mA and serves as a precision, low-power reference in battery-operated instrumentation and portable test equipment.

For engineers reviewing the LT1004CPW-2-5 datasheet, LT1004CPW-2-5 pinout, LT1004CPW-2-5 application, or LT1004CPW-2-5 equivalent, key selection considerations include its TSSOP-8 package, 0°C to 70°C operating range, micropower current capability down to 8 µA, and compatibility with current-loop and low-voltage battery systems requiring stable 2.5 V references.

Technical Context

The LT1004CPW-2-5 implements a band-gap reference architecture optimized for ultra-low quiescent current operation, enabling stable 2.5 V regulation even at reverse currents as low as 8 µA. Its internal circuitry includes trimmed bipolar transistors and resistive networks to minimize temperature drift and long-term drift (20 ppm/khr).

It functions as a two-terminal shunt reference: cathode connects to system ground or regulated rail, anode connects through a current-setting resistor to supply, and the voltage develops across the device. Terminal configuration supports simple integration into micropower regulators, sensor excitation circuits, and ADC reference paths without external trimming.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-8 package (PW), 3.0 mm × 4.4 mm × 1.2 mm body height, exposed pad not electrically connected. Pin 1 marked by beveled corner or dot; pins 6 and 8 internally connected to cathode.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM385BIMX-2.5 and REF3025AIDBZR, the LT1004CPW-2-5 uniquely balances ultra-low minimum current (8 µA), tight thermal stability (20 ppm/°C), and proven reliability in portable instrumentation - making it the preferred choice when battery life and field temperature variation are co-constrained design factors.

Availability

LT1004CPW-2-5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable meter reference, portable test instruments, and battery-operated systems requiring stable component supply with consistent parametric performance across production lots.

Supply support for LT1004CPW-2-5 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 headquartered in Dallas, Texas, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management technologies with over 50 years of analog IC leadership.

The LT1004 series was designed specifically for micropower, high-accuracy voltage reference applications in portable and battery-constrained systems - emphasizing low operating current, minimal temperature drift, and robust long-term stability without external trimming.

FAQ

What is the minimum operating current required for stable regulation of the LT1004CPW-2-5?

The LT1004CPW-2-5 requires a minimum reference current of 8 µA to maintain regulation within specifications across its full operating temperature range. Below this threshold, output voltage may deviate beyond the guaranteed 2.47 V to 2.53 V window. At 100 µA, the LT1004CPW-2-5 achieves its typical 2.5 V output with 0.2 Ω impedance and 20 ppm/°C tempco.

Can the LT1004CPW-2-5 replace the LM385-2.5 in an existing design?

Yes, the LT1004CPW-2-5 is explicitly specified as a pin-for-pin replacement for the LM385-2.5 and LM285-2.5, with identical TSSOP-8 pinout and terminal function. It improves upon the LM385-2.5 with tighter initial accuracy (±20 mV vs ±30 mV), lower tempco (20 ppm/°C vs 50 ppm/°C), and lower minimum operating current (8 µA vs 10 µA), requiring no PCB changes.

What is the maximum reverse current rating for the LT1004CPW-2-5?

The absolute maximum reverse current rating for the LT1004CPW-2-5 is 30 mA. Exceeding this value risks permanent damage. For reliable operation, the recommended maximum continuous reverse current is 20 mA, at which the LT1004CPW-2-5 maintains its specified 2.5 V output with ≤20 mV change and stable thermal performance.

Does the LT1004CPW-2-5 require external capacitors for stability?

No, the LT1004CPW-2-5 is internally compensated and does not require external capacitors for basic DC stability. However, a 100 nF ceramic capacitor placed directly across its anode and cathode terminals is recommended in noisy environments to reduce broadband noise (60–120 µV RMS) and improve transient response, especially in current-loop transmitter applications.

What is the long-term stability specification for the LT1004CPW-2-5?

The LT1004CPW-2-5 exhibits a long-term output voltage drift of 20 ppm per 1000 hours (ppm/khr) when operated at 100 µA and 25°C. This equates to approximately ±0.05 mV change after 1000 hours of continuous operation - a key parameter validated in production testing and critical for field-deployed instrumentation requiring calibration intervals exceeding one year.