Texas Instruments TLV431AIDBVRE4

Overview

TLV431AIDBVRE4 from Texas Instruments is a low-voltage adjustable precision shunt regulator with 1.24 V reference voltage, ±1% initial tolerance at 25°C, 0.25 Ω typical dynamic impedance, 80 µA typical minimum cathode current, and operation from 1.24 V to 6 V output range. It serves as an integrated voltage reference and error amplifier in isolated flyback power supplies for 3.3 V systems.

For engineers reviewing the TLV431AIDBVRE4 datasheet, TLV431AIDBVRE4 pinout, TLV431AIDBVRE4 application, or TLV431AIDBVRE4 equivalent, key selection criteria include reference accuracy over temperature (±6 mV from –40°C to 85°C), ultra-low cathode current requirement, SC-70 package footprint compatibility, and open-loop comparator functionality with built-in reference.

Technical Context

The TLV431AIDBVRE4 implements a bandgap-based reference and high-gain NPN-based error amplifier driving a Darlington sink output stage. Its internal architecture enables stable closed-loop regulation without external compensation capacitors and supports both shunt-regulator and open-loop comparator modes.

In closed-loop configuration, it compares the REF pin voltage against its 1.24 V internal reference and sinks cathode current to maintain regulation; in open-loop mode, it functions as a comparator with integrated reference, delivering fast response when overdriven by ≥10% above VREF.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TLV431AIDBVRE4 is housed in a 6-pin SC-70 (DCK) package with exposed substrate connection. Pin 2 (substrate) must be connected to ANODE or left floating; all other pins are electrically active per functional mapping below.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar adjustable shunt regulator applications.

Compared with TLV431AIDBVRE4, TLV431ACDBVR trades industrial temperature range for tighter initial accuracy, while TLVH431IDBVR extends voltage and current capability at identical footprint-enabling direct upgrade paths without layout change only when those extended specs are needed.

Availability

TLV431AIDBVRE4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for isolated flyback power supplies, battery voltage monitors, precision linear regulators, and Zener-replacement circuits requiring stable component supply and guaranteed long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for TLV431AIDBVRE4 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 leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management technologies, with decades of leadership in precision reference and power IC design.

The TLV431 family was developed to extend adjustable shunt regulation to low-voltage systems, directly addressing limitations of the legacy TL431 in 1.8 V–3.3 V applications and enabling smaller, more efficient power architectures.

FAQ

What is the maximum cathode voltage rating for TLV431AIDBVRE4?

The absolute maximum cathode-to-anode voltage (VKA) for TLV431AIDBVRE4 is 7 V. Exceeding this rating risks permanent damage. In normal operation, the device regulates up to 6 V output, and designs must ensure transient overvoltage events stay within the 7 V limit, especially in flyback topologies with leakage spikes.

Can TLV431AIDBVRE4 operate without an external output capacitor?

Yes, TLV431AIDBVRE4 is internally compensated and remains stable without an output capacitor between CATHODE and ANODE. This eliminates capacitor-related BOM cost and failure modes. However, if a capacitor is added for filtering, Figure 5-19 in the datasheet provides phase-margin guidance to avoid instability with capacitive loads.

How does the substrate pin (Pin 2) affect TLV431AIDBVRE4 performance?

Pin 2 is the substrate connection and must be tied to ANODE or left open-it has no internal circuit function but impacts thermal resistance and ESD robustness. Leaving it unconnected or improperly biased may degrade RθJA by up to 30% and reduce HBM ESD immunity below the rated ±2000 V.

What is the minimum cathode current required for regulation in TLV431AIDBVRE4?

TLV431AIDBVRE4 requires a minimum cathode current of 80 µA typical (up to 100 µA over temperature) to maintain regulation. Below this, gain drops significantly, causing poor line/load regulation and slow transient response. Designers must ensure external bias networks guarantee ≥100 µA under worst-case conditions.

Is TLV431AIDBVRE4 pin-compatible with TLV431BIDBVRE4?

No-TLV431AIDBVRE4 and TLV431BIDBVRE4 share identical SC-70 (DCK) packaging and pinout, but differ in reference voltage tolerance (1% vs 0.5%). They are functionally interchangeable in most circuits, but TLV431BIDBVRE4 delivers tighter accuracy at 25°C; substitution requires revalidation of system-level tolerance budgets.