Adjustable shunt reference in a TO-92-3
The onsemi TLV431BCLP is a low-voltage three-terminal adjustable shunt regulator that operates as a precision reference or series regulator. The output is set with two external resistors anywhere from 1.24V up to 6V. The TO-92-3 through-hole package is the classic three-lead transistor outline. It is a hand-solder-friendly part for prototyping, benchtop supplies, and low-volume production where reflow is not available.
Output range and cathode current — what drives the BOM choice
The minimum reference voltage is 1.24V, which is the bandgap voltage for this shunt architecture. The maximum output is 6V, so this part covers the common 1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, and 5V reference rails found in mixed-signal and power-supply feedback loops. Cathode current range is 100 µA minimum to 15 mA maximum. That covers indoor equipment, lab gear, and office-environment power supplies.
