Shunt reference for commercial bias and regulation
The LM431BCM3-NS from National Semiconductor is a three-terminal adjustable shunt voltage reference in a SOT-23-3 surface-mount package. It delivers a programmable output from 2.495 V up to 37 V with ±1% initial tolerance, sinking up to 100 mA through the cathode. The part requires a minimum cathode current of 1 mA to maintain regulation and is specified over the 0°C to 70°C commercial temperature range. Typical applications include precision shunt regulators, series-pass voltage references, current limiters, and error amplifiers in power supplies and bias circuits for indoor, temperature-controlled equipment.
Cathode current and load driving
The 100 mA maximum cathode current defines load sinking capability. The 1 mA minimum cathode current sets a floor on the bias resistor value.
Package and mounting
Supplied in SOT-23-3 (TO-236-3 / SC-59) surface-mount package. The small footprint suits dense PCB layouts but limits thermal dissipation.
Lifecycle and compliance
Product status is Active per the manufacturer. The part is marked as RoHS non-compliant, which means it contains lead (Pb) and is not exempt for most new EU-market products. Check your regional RoHS exemption status before specifying.
