LM285Z-1.2

LM285Z-1.2 is a fixed 1.2 V precision voltage reference (LM285 family, TI/National). It provides a stable 1.2 V reference with low drift and low noise, suitable for ADC/DAC references and precision instrumentation. The Z suffix denotes a specific temperature-coefficient grade, offering tight tolerance across temperature and low output impedance. It operates from a modest supply (above the dropout) and draws minimal quiescent current, making it good for battery-powered designs. Common package options include TO-92 and surface-mount variants. In use, decouple the output with a capacitor to reduce noise and maintain stability, and supply it within the recommended range without overloading the output. For exact specs (tolerance, tempco, noise, Iout, dropout, package pinout), consult the TI/National datasheet for LM285Z-1.2.

Direct equivalents (1.2 V shunt references): TI/National LM385AZ-1.2, LM385-1.2; Analog Devices ADR385-1.235 (1.23 V). Note: pinouts, tempco, and tolerance vary; verify datasheets and cross-reference tables before substituting.

LM285Z-1.2 features:
- Fixed 1.2 V precision voltage reference
- Tight initial accuracy with low temperature coefficient
- Low-noise output and low dynamic impedance
- Long-term stability and good aging performance
- Wide operating current range; suitable for light to moderate loads
- Internal current limit and thermal/overload protection
- No external components required for the fixed version
- Available in common packages (e.g., TO-92, SOT-23) for easy PCB integration
These make it ideal for precision reference in ADC/DAC circuitry and other analog designs.

- Pin count: 3
- Function: Fixed 1.2 V shunt voltage reference (regulates the voltage between cathode and anode to 1.2 V when biased in shunt mode).
- Typical TO-92 pinout (flat face toward you): Pin 1 = Anode (ground), Pin 2 = Cathode (Vref/output), Pin 3 = Not Connected (NC).

Manufacturer: Texas Instruments (TI). The LM285Z-1.2 is a voltage reference originally from National Semiconductor, which TI acquired in 2011, and TI now markets it.
What kind of company: Texas Instruments is an American multinational semiconductor company that designs and manufactures integrated circuits and related components, including analog, digital, and embedded processing solutions.

LM285Z-1.2 is a 1.2 V precision voltage reference. Common applications:
- ADC/DAC reference rails in portable instruments and battery-powered systems
- Bias/reference for op-amps, comparators, and analog signal chains
- Stable reference in voltage regulators and power-management circuits
- Calibration source for sensors and data-acquisition systems
- Reference for microcontrollers and digital peripherals needing a 1.2 V reference
- General low-drift, low-noise reference in instrumentation and test equipment

TO-92 (three-terminal, through-hole plastic package).