Texas Instruments TLV431IDBVR

Overview

TLV431IDBVR 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 over –40°C to 85°C. It serves as a compact, high-accuracy voltage reference and error amplifier in isolated flyback power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the TLV431IDBVR datasheet, TLV431IDBVR pinout, TLV431IDBVR application, or TLV431IDBVR equivalent, key selection considerations include its SC-70-6 package footprint, 1.24 V low-voltage reference capability, thermal stability across industrial temperature range, and compatibility with optocoupler-based feedback loops in 3.3 V SMPS designs.

Technical Context

The TLV431IDBVR implements 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 architecture supports stable operation without external compensation capacitors and delivers sharp turn-on characteristics for Zener replacement.

It operates with cathode-to-anode voltage (VKA) from 1.24 V to 6 V and requires ≥55 µA cathode current for regulation. The device's reference terminal draws only 0.1–0.5 µA, minimizing loading on feedback dividers, and exhibits 6 mV max VREF deviation over –40°C to 85°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TLV431IDBVR is housed in an ultra-small SC-70-6 (DCK) package with 6 terminals. Pin 1 is CATHODE, Pin 2 is ANODE, Pin 3 is REF, Pin 4 and Pin 5 are NC (no internal connection), and Pin 6 is substrate-connected - must be tied to ANODE or left floating per TI design guidelines.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLV431ACDBVR, TLV431IDBVR trades initial accuracy for cost efficiency in industrial power supplies; compared with TLVH431IDBVR, it offers tighter thermal drift and lower quiescent current but sacrifices voltage headroom and current capacity - making TLV431IDBVR optimal for compact, low-power 3.3 V SMPS designs.

Availability

TLV431IDBVR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for isolated flyback SMPS regulation, voltage monitoring, Zener replacement, and comparator-with-reference applications requiring stable component supply and industrial temperature support.

Supply support for TLV431IDBVR 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-constrained and energy-efficient power systems - targeting industrial, computing, and telecom applications where traditional 2.5 V references fall short.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range of TLV431IDBVR?

The TLV431IDBVR is rated for operation from –40°C to +85°C (industrial grade). This range is confirmed in Section 5.3 of the TI datasheet SLVS139Z, where "TLV431I" denotes the industrial temperature variant. The 'I' suffix in TLV431IDBVR explicitly identifies this temperature specification, ensuring reliability in demanding ambient environments without derating.

Can TLV431IDBVR replace a standard Zener diode?

Yes, TLV431IDBVR can directly replace low-voltage Zener diodes (e.g., 1.2 V–3.3 V types) with significant advantages: ±1% initial tolerance vs typical 5% Zener tolerance, 6 mV max VREF drift over –40°C to 85°C, and 0.25 Ω dynamic impedance versus Zener's higher and nonlinear impedance. Its active regulation also eliminates Zener's soft knee and poor low-current behavior.

What is the minimum cathode current required for regulation in TLV431IDBVR?

The TLV431IDBVR requires a minimum cathode current (I_K(min)) of 55 µA to enter and maintain regulation, as specified in Section 5.5 of the TI datasheet. This value is guaranteed over the full –40°C to 85°C range. Below this threshold, the device may exhibit reduced gain, unstable output, or failure to regulate accurately.

Does TLV431IDBVR require an output capacitor for stability?

No, TLV431IDBVR is internally compensated and stable without an output capacitor between CATHODE and ANODE - a key advantage over many linear regulators. However, if a capacitor is added for noise filtering or transient suppression, Figure 5-19 in the datasheet provides phase margin vs capacitive load guidance to avoid oscillation, especially at higher VKA values.

How does the SC-70-6 package of TLV431IDBVR compare to SOT-23-3 variants?

The TLV431IDBVR's SC-70-6 (DCK) package measures 2.0 mm × 1.5 mm - 40% smaller than the SOT-23-3 footprint - while providing dedicated REF, CATHODE, and ANODE pins plus two NC pins and a substrate terminal. Unlike SOT-23-3 versions, the SC-70-6 avoids shared pin functions and supports more robust layout for high-accuracy feedback networks.