The LM185/LM285/LM385 are micropower 3-terminal adjustable band-gap voltage reference diodes. Operating from 1.24 to 5.3V and over a 10μA to 20mA current range, they feature exceptionally low dynamic impedance and good temperature stability. On-chip trimming is used to provide tight voltage tolerance. Since the LM185 band-gap reference uses only transistors and resistors, low noise and good long-term stability result.

Careful design of the LM185 has made the device tolerant of capacitive loading, making it easy to use in almost any reference application. The wide dynamic operating range allows its use with widely varying supplies with excellent regulation.

The extremely low power drain of the LM185 makes it useful for micropower circuitry. This voltage reference can be used to make portable meters, regulators or general purpose analog circuitry with battery life approaching shelf life. Further, the wide operating current allows it to replace older references with a tighter tolerance part.

The LM185 is rated for operation over a −55°C to 125°C temperature range, while the LM285 is rated −40°C to 85°C and the LM385 0°C to 70°C. The LM185 is available in a hermetic TO package and a LCCC package, while the LM285/LM385 are available in a low-cost TO-92 package, as well as SOIC.