What the ±6% accuracy means for your bias circuit
The LM334Z/LFT1 is a three-terminal adjustable current source that programs its output current with a single external resistor. The ±6% initial accuracy is the set-point tolerance at 25°C — the resistor itself adds its own tolerance, so a 1% metal-film resistor yields a combined ±7% worst-case initial error. For a bias current that must stay within ±10% across temperature, this part requires either a thermistor-compensated set resistor or a downstream trim.
TO-92 formed leads — what the Z suffix tells you
The LM334Z/LFT1 ships in the TO-226AA (TO-92-3) package with formed leads — the leads are pre-bent into a 2.54 mm pitch staggered row for direct PCB insertion. The straight-lead version (LM334Z/NOPB) requires manual forming before through-hole mounting. The formed leads mate with standard 0.100-inch pitch plated-through holes; the body stands off the board about 2.5 mm, which allows conformal coating to flow underneath.
1V to 40V input — the dropout headroom rule
The LM334Z/LFT1 operates from 1V to 40V input. The 1V minimum is the dropout voltage — the voltage across the device from V+ to V- must stay above 1V for the internal bandgap reference to regulate. Below 1V the output current drops below the programmed value. The 40V maximum is the absolute limit of the internal shunt regulator; sustained operation above 40V damages the die. For a 5V rail powering a 1mA bias string, the voltage drop across the LM334 is 5V minus the load voltage — if the load is a 2.5V reference, the dropout is 2.5V, well within the 1V floor.
Active lifecycle — no end-of-life risk
The LM334 is a mature jellybean part that TI continues to manufacture in the TO-92 package. The part is ROHS3 compliant — no exemption conflicts for EU or California market access. Sourced through authorized distribution; availability and current pricing confirmed at RFQ. No last-time-buy window is open or anticipated.