±0.5% tolerance — the precision edge for a shunt reference
Its ±0.5% tolerance is the tightest common grade for this class — half the spread of a standard 1% part — which means the feedback divider in a switching supply or linear regulator holds its set point without a trim pot or a calibration step on the line. The internal reference is 2.495 V minimum, the familiar TL43x anchor voltage that sets the divider ratio for any output up to 36 V.
15 mA cathode current — enough for most feedback loops
Rated for 15 mA continuous output current with a 1 mA minimum cathode current to maintain regulation. That 1 mA floor sets the bias resistor ceiling: for a 12 V rail, a 10 kΩ bias resistor keeps the cathode current above threshold across the full load range. The 15 mA ceiling covers the typical optocoupler LED drive in an isolated flyback or a TL431-style feedback loop. The SOT-23-3 package keeps the footprint small enough for a dense PSU layout.
Industrial temperature range — engine bay and factory floor
No commercial-grade part needed for these environments; this one covers the full industrial envelope.
The base product number is TL432, a long-running TI portfolio that shares the same pinout and basic function across the family.