LP395
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SNOSBF3C –APRIL 1998–REVISED MARCH 2013
LP395 Ultra Reliable Power Transistor
Check for Samples: LP395
The LP395 is easy to use and only a few precautions
1FEATURES need be observed. Excessive collector to emitter
2• Internal Thermal Limiting voltage can destroy the LP395 as with any transistor.
• Internal Current and Power Limiting When the device is used as an emitter follower with a
low source impedance, it is necessary to insert a 4.7
• Specified 100 mA Output Current kΩresistor in series with the base lead to prevent
• 0.5 μA Typical Base Current possible emitter follower oscillations. Also since it has
• Directly Interfaces with TTL or CMOS good high frequency response, supply by-passing is
recommended.
• +36 Volts On Base Causes No Damage
• 2 μs Switching Time Areas where the LP395 differs from a standard NPN
transistor are in saturation voltage, leakage
(quiescent) current and in base current. Since the
DESCRIPTION internal protection circuitry requires voltage and
The LP395 is a fast monolithic transistor with current to function, the minimum voltage across the
complete overload protection. This very high gain device in the on condition (saturated) is typically 1.6
transistor has included on the chip, current limiting, Volts, while in the off condition the quiescent
power limiting, and thermal overload protection, (leakage) current is typically 200 μA. Base current in
making it difficult to destroy from almost any type of this device flows out of the base lead, rather than into
overload. Available in an epoxy TO-92 transistor the base as is the case with conventional NPN
package this device is specified to deliver 100 mA. transistors. Also the base can be driven positive up to
Thermal limiting at the chip level, a feature not 36 Volts without damage, but will draw current if
available in discrete designs, provides driven negative more than 0.6 Volts. Additionally, if
comprehensive protection against overload. the base lead is left open, the LP395 will turn on.
Excessive power dissipation or inadequate heat The LP395 is a low-power version of the 1-Amp
sinking causes the thermal limiting circuitry to turn off LM195/LM295/LM395 Ultra Reliable Power
the device preventing excessive die temperature. Transistor.
The LP395 offers a significant increase in reliability The LP395 is rated for operation over a −40°C to
while simplifying protection circuitry. It is especially +125°C range.
attractive as a small incandescent lamp or solenoid
driver because of its low drive requirements and
blowout-proof design.
Connection Diagram Typical Applications
Figure 1. TO-92 Package
See NS Package LP0003A
Figure 2. Fully Protected Lamp Driver
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PRODUCTION DATA information is current as of publication date. Copyright © 1998–2013, Texas Instruments Incorporated
Products conform to specifications per the terms of the Texas
Instruments standard warranty. Production processing does not
necessarily include testing of all parameters.