STMicroelectronics TL431ACZ-AP
- Part No.:
- TL431ACZ-AP
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Voltage Reference
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
TL431ACZ-AP.pdf
- Description:
- IC VREF SHUNT ADJ 1% TO92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,491
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
TL431ACZ-AP from STMicroelectronics is an AEC-Q100 qualified adjustable shunt voltage reference with 1% initial voltage accuracy, operating across –40 °C to +125 °C for automotive power supply feedback and industrial regulation. It delivers 2.5–36 V programmable output via two external resistors, supports 1–100 mA sink current, and exhibits 0.22 Ω typical dynamic impedance.
For engineers reviewing the TL431ACZ-AP datasheet, TL431ACZ-AP pinout, TL431ACZ-AP application, or TL431ACZ-AP equivalent, key selection criteria include automotive temperature range compliance, shunt reference stability under varying load/line conditions, cathode current capability in feedback loops, and TO-92 package suitability for cost-sensitive board-level voltage setting.
Technical Context
The TL431ACZ-AP implements a precision bandgap-based reference amplifier driving an NPN transistor output stage in a three-terminal shunt configuration. Its internal 2.5 V reference is buffered and compared against external resistor-divided cathode voltage to regulate sink current.
It operates as a programmable zener replacement: cathode-anode voltage is set by R1/R2 ratio per VOUT = VREF(1 + R1/R2), with regulation maintained only when cathode current remains ≥0.5 mA and ≤100 mA across the full automotive temperature range.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Reference Voltage | 2.47–2.52 V at 25 °C (1% tolerance; sets minimum programmable output at 2.5 V) |
| Output Voltage Range | 2.5–36 V (programmable via external R1/R2; enables wide-range feedback in SMPS and LDOs) |
| Sink Current Range | 1–100 mA (supports direct drive of optocoupler LEDs or error amplifier inputs without buffering) |
| Dynamic Impedance | 0.22 Ω typical (ensures <10 mV output deviation under 10 mA load transients) |
| Temp. Range | –40 °C to +125 °C (AEC-Q100 qualified; validated for engine control, body electronics, and ADAS power rails) |
| Voltage Drift | ±15 mV over full temp. range (≤0.06% of 2.5 V ref; critical for stable closed-loop regulation) |
| Cathode-Anode Max. Voltage | 37 V (defines absolute upper limit for input rail in shunt regulator configurations) |
Pinout & Package
TL431ACZ-AP uses the TO-92 plastic package (3-pin, through-hole), with standardized pinout: Pin 1 = Anode, Pin 2 = Cathode, Pin 3 = Reference (Ref). This compact, low-cost package supports manual assembly and wave soldering in automotive and industrial PCBs.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Anode (Pin 1) | Current return path | Connected to system ground or low-side return; completes shunt current loop |
| Cathode (Pin 2) | Regulated output node | Connected to feedback point (e.g., SMPS output); sinks current to maintain VREF at Ref pin |
| Reference (Pin 3) | Precision voltage sense input | Internally biased at 2.47–2.52 V; externally connected to resistor divider midpoint for output programming |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| AEC-Q100 qualification | Validated for automotive applications including powertrain and chassis systems per stress test requirements |
| 1% initial voltage accuracy | Reduces need for post-production trimming in factory calibration of power supplies |
| 0.22 Ω dynamic impedance | Minimizes output voltage perturbation during fast load steps in DC-DC feedback paths |
| –40 °C to +125 °C operation | Enables use in under-hood ECUs and battery management modules without derating |
| TO-92 package compatibility | Supports legacy board designs and cost-sensitive volume production with standard through-hole assembly |
Applications
| Automotive Power Supply Feedback | Industrial SMPS Voltage Regulation |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Closed-loop feedback in 12 V/48 V automotive DC-DC converters supplying infotainment and ADAS ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Shunt reference providing precise voltage setpoint to optocoupler-driven primary-side controller. Use Value: Maintains ±1% output accuracy across temperature and line variations, meeting ISO 16750-2 electrical load dump requirements. |
Use Scenario: Output voltage programming in isolated flyback converters for PLC I/O modules and motor drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adjustable reference generating error signal for secondary-side regulation via TL431-based optocoupler interface. Use Value: Enables single-BOM support for multiple output voltages (5 V, 12 V, 24 V) using resistor changes only-no PCB redesign. |
| Programmable Precision Zener Replacement | Overvoltage Protection Threshold |
|
Use Scenario: Replacing fixed-voltage zener diodes in high-reliability industrial power rails where 2.5–36 V flexibility is required. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Three-terminal shunt regulator acting as programmable breakdown element with superior stability vs. discrete zeners. Use Value: Eliminates inventory of multiple zener values; achieves <0.1% drift vs. >5% typical for 5% zeners over temperature. |
Use Scenario: Threshold detection in battery management systems monitoring 12 V lead-acid or 48 V LiFePO₄ packs for overvoltage shutdown. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reference input to comparator circuit triggering MOSFET gate cutoff when cell voltage exceeds safe limit. Use Value: Provides repeatable 14.4 V or 57.6 V trip points with <±15 mV tolerance-critical for cell longevity and safety compliance. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar adjustable shunt reference applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| TL431CZ-AP | 2% initial accuracy (2.44–2.55 V), 0 °C to +70 °C rating | Not qualified for automotive or extended industrial environments | Select only for cost-sensitive commercial-grade power supplies with ambient temperature <70 °C |
| TL431AIZ-AP | 1% accuracy, –40 °C to +105 °C rating, same TO-92 package | Lacks AEC-Q100 qualification; not validated for automotive stress testing | Acceptable for non-automotive industrial applications requiring wider temp. range than TL431CZ but no AEC-Q100 mandate |
Compared with TL431CZ-AP and TL431AIZ-AP, TL431ACZ-AP uniquely combines AEC-Q100 qualification, 1% accuracy, and full –40 °C to +125 °C operation-making it the only choice for production automotive systems requiring both reliability certification and tight voltage tolerance.
Availability
TL431ACZ-AP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive power supply feedback, industrial SMPS regulation, and programmable overvoltage protection requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.
Supply support for TL431ACZ-AP 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
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing microcontrollers, power ICs, sensors, and analog components for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.
TL431ACZ-AP belongs to ST's precision analog voltage reference product line, engineered specifically for robust, high-accuracy feedback in safety-critical automotive power systems and industrial control equipment.
FAQ
What is the minimum cathode current required for regulation in TL431ACZ-AP?
The TL431ACZ-AP requires a minimum cathode current of 0.5 mA to maintain regulation across its full –40 °C to +125 °C operating range. Below this threshold, the device exits regulation and output voltage becomes undefined. This value is confirmed in Table 3 of ST's DocID4467 Rev 17, under "Imin Minimum cathode current for regulation" for TL431AC grade.
Can TL431ACZ-AP be used in place of TL431CZ-AP in existing designs?
TL431ACZ-AP is pin-compatible and functionally identical to TL431CZ-AP except for tighter 1% voltage accuracy and extended –40 °C to +125 °C operation with AEC-Q100 qualification. Electrical parameters including dynamic impedance, reference current, and thermal resistance match within spec limits. No layout or schematic change is needed for drop-in replacement where enhanced accuracy and temperature range are beneficial.
What is the maximum power dissipation for TL431ACZ-AP in TO-92 package?
In TO-92 package, TL431ACZ-AP has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RthJA) of 200 °C/W. With a maximum junction temperature of 150 °C and ambient up to +125 °C, maximum continuous power dissipation is calculated as (150 °C − 125 °C)/200 °C/W = 125 mW. Derating is required above +70 °C ambient per Figure 22 in the datasheet.
Does TL431ACZ-AP require external compensation for stability?
No external compensation is required for basic shunt regulator operation. The device is internally compensated and stable with capacitive loads up to 1 nF, as verified in Figure 21 of the datasheet. For applications with >1 nF output capacitance or high-frequency feedback loops, a series resistor (typically 1–10 Ω) between cathode and capacitor improves phase margin without affecting DC accuracy.
TL431ACZ-AP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Cut Tape (CT)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Reference Type:
- Shunt
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 2.495V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 36 V
- Current - Output:
- 100 mA
- Tolerance:
- ±1%
- Temperature Coefficient:
- -
- Noise - 0.1Hz to 10Hz:
- -
- Noise - 10Hz to 10kHz:
- -
- Voltage - Input:
- -
- Current - Supply:
- -
- Current - Cathode:
- 600 µA
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92-3
TL431ACZ-AP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for TL431ACZ-AP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for TL431ACZ-AP 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 TL431ACZ-AP reliable?
The price and inventory of TL431ACZ-AP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for TL431ACZ-AP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for TL431ACZ-AP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for TL431ACZ-AP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for TL431ACZ-AP?
TL431ACZ-AP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your TL431ACZ-AP 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 TL431ACZ-AP?
For technical support, including TL431ACZ-AP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your TL431ACZ-AP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that TL431ACZ-AP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All TL431ACZ-AP 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 TL431ACZ-AP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of TL431ACZ-AP?
All TL431ACZ-AP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with TL431ACZ-AP, 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 TL431ACZ-AP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for TL431ACZ-AP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
TL431ACZ-AP 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 and sourcing framework covering lifecycle verification, lifetime-buy calculations, replacement qualification, supplier checks and counterfeit-risk controls.
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
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…

