Texas Instruments TLV431BIDBVTE4

Overview

TLV431BIDBVTE4 from Texas Instruments is a low-voltage adjustable precision shunt regulator IC with 1.24 V reference voltage, ±0.5% initial tolerance at 25°C, and operation down to 1.24 V cathode-anode voltage (VKA). It delivers 0.25 Ω typical dynamic impedance, 80 µA typical minimum cathode current, and supports output voltage adjustment from 1.24 V to 6 V using two external resistors - widely deployed in isolated flyback secondary-side regulation for 3.3 V SMPS.

For engineers reviewing the TLV431BIDBVTE4 datasheet, TLV431BIDBVTE4 pinout, TLV431BIDBVTE4 application, or TLV431BIDBVTE4 equivalent, key selection considerations include its SC-70-6 (DCK) package footprint, tight 0.5% reference accuracy, ultra-low IK(min) of 55–100 µA across temperature, and verified stability in optocoupler feedback loops without mandatory output capacitance.

Technical Context

The TLV431BIDBVTE4 integrates a precision bandgap reference and high-gain NPN-based error amplifier in a single die, enabling closed-loop shunt regulation or open-loop comparator operation. Its internal Darlington sink stage provides sharp turn-on behavior and low output impedance (0.25 Ω), while the REF pin requires ≥0.1 µA input current to bias the internal transistor.

It operates over –40°C to 85°C (TLV431BI grade), supports cathode voltages from 1.24 V to 6 V, and exhibits ≤6 mV VREF deviation across that full industrial temperature range. Unlike the TL431, it achieves regulation with sub-100 µA cathode current and does not require external compensation for stability in standard configurations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DCK (SC-70-6) package: 2.0 mm × 1.5 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, 6-pin surface-mount outline with exposed thermal pad (not electrically connected).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLV431BIDBVR, TLV431BIDBVTE4 offers 40% smaller footprint and better thermal performance but requires routing for three NC pins; compared with TLVH431BIDBVT, it trades wider voltage range and higher current for tighter 0.5% accuracy and lower IK(min), making it optimal for compact, precision 3.3 V–5 V isolated supplies.

Availability

TLV431BIDBVTE4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for isolated flyback power supplies, precision voltage supervision circuits, and low-voltage comparator applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TLV431BIDBVTE4 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 TLV431 family was designed specifically for low-voltage, high-accuracy shunt regulation in space- and power-constrained applications - targeting 3.3 V/5 V isolated SMPS, battery monitoring, and programmable reference subsystems.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for TLV431BIDBVTE4?

The TLV431BIDBVTE4 is rated for operation from –40°C to +85°C (TLV431BI grade). Its reference voltage remains within ±6 mV of nominal across this full industrial temperature range, and its minimum cathode current specification holds at 55 µA at –40°C and up to 100 µA at +85°C per the datasheet's TLV431BI column.

Can TLV431BIDBVTE4 replace a standard Zener diode?

Yes, TLV431BIDBVTE4 can directly replace low-voltage Zener diodes (e.g., 1.2 V–6 V types) with superior performance: ±0.5% initial accuracy versus ±5% for typical Zeners, 0.25 Ω dynamic impedance versus >10 Ω, and <6 mV temperature drift versus >10 mV. It requires only two external resistors to set voltage and draws negligible reference current (0.1–0.5 µA).

Does TLV431BIDBVTE4 require an output capacitor for stability?

No, TLV431BIDBVTE4 is internally compensated and stable without an output capacitor between CATHODE and ANODE in standard shunt regulator configurations. However, if a capacitive load is added (e.g., for noise filtering), Figure 5-19 in the datasheet provides phase-margin guidance to select values that maintain ≥45° stability margin - typically ≤1 nF for most applications.

What is the function of the NC pins on TLV431BIDBVTE4?

TLV431BIDBVTE4 in the DCK (SC-70-6) package has three NC (no-connect) pins: Pins 2, 4, and 5. These terminals have no internal silicon connection and must remain unconnected on the PCB. They serve mechanical and packaging roles only - no routing, grounding, or thermal relief is required or recommended.

How is the output voltage set using TLV431BIDBVTE4?

Output voltage is set using two external resistors (R1, R2) forming a divider from CATHODE to ANODE, with REF connected to the divider midpoint. The formula is V_OUT = V_REF × (1 + R1/R2) + I_REF × R1. With I_REF ≤ 0.5 µA, the second term is negligible for R1 ≤ 100 kΩ, so V_OUT ≈ 1.24 V × (1 + R1/R2), enabling precise adjustment from 1.24 V to 6 V.