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LM3480 Series Voltage Regulators – Compact, Reliable LDOs from Texas Instruments

Published: Oct 24, 2025 Author: OEMStock team

The LM3480 Series is a family of compact, fixed-output linear regulators from Texas Instruments. With input up to 30 V, 100 mA load capability, and an ensured ~1.2 V max dropout over full load and temperature, LM3480 delivers clean, reliable power in a tiny 3-lead SOT-23 footprint.

Overview of LM3480

LM3480 is an integrated linear voltage regulator. It supports input voltages as high as 30 V and guarantees a maximum dropout of about 1.2 V at the full 100 mA load. The standard packaging is the 3-lead SOT-23 (DBZ), enabling very compact layouts.

The 5 V, 12 V, and 15 V members are intended as tiny alternatives to industry-standard LM78Lxx devices. Thanks to its quasi-low dropout, LM3480 often fits applications where the typical 2–2.5 V dropout of LM78Lxx prevents their use. The series also includes a 3.3 V version, providing a small, efficient 100 mA bias rail that can regulate directly from a system 5 V ±5% supply.

Max Input
Up to 30 V
Output Options
3.3 V / 5 V / 12 V / 15 V
Load Current
100 mA (min, ensured)
Dropout
~1.2 V (max @ 100 mA)
Package
3-lead SOT-23 (DBZ) / TO-236-3
Accuracy
±5% over line/load/temp
Temp Range
−40 to +125 °C (TJ)

LM3480 Features

  • Input Voltage Range: up to 30 V (30-V maximum input for operation)
  • Fixed Output Versions: 3.3 V, 5 V, 12 V, 15 V
  • Package: tiny 3-lead SOT-23 (DBZ) / TO-236-3
  • Ensured Dropout: 1.2 V maximum over full load and temperature
  • Ensured Load Current: 100 mA minimum
  • Output Tolerance: ±5% over line, load, and temperature
  • Junction Temperature Range: −40 to +125 °C


LM3480 Pinout

3-pin footprint (SOT-23 / TO-236-3): VIN, GND, VOUT.

Typical minimal BOM uses 1 µF at VIN and 10 µF at VOUT to ensure stability and transient response. Always consult the device datasheet for capacitor ESR and stability guidance.


Pin Configuration

PIN I/O DESCRIPTION
NAME NO.
OUT 1 O Output voltage
IN 2 Input voltage supply
GND 3 Common ground


Applications

  • MCU and sensor bias rails, RF/communications modules
  • Industrial control, instrumentation, and test equipment
  • Automotive infotainment and body electronics (as applicable)
  • IoT/embedded systems requiring a compact 3-pin LDO

Popular LM3480 Models

Below are common LM3480 variants from Texas Instruments. The "In Stock" column has been removed.

Mfr.Part# Description Package/Case
LM3480IM3X-15 Linear Voltage Regulator IC Positive Fixed 1 Output 100mA SOT-23-3 SOT23-3
LM3480IM3X-12 This LDO regulator is designed for stable and reliable voltage regulation in various electronic applications TO236-3
LM3480IM3-15 Linear Voltage Regulator IC Positive Fixed 1 Output 100mA SOT-23-3 SOT23-3
LM3480IM3-12/NOPB The LM3480IM3-12/NOPB is a low-dropout voltage regulator capable of providing a continuous output current of 100mA at a maximum input voltage of 30V SOT-23 (DBZ)-3
LM3480IM3X-5.0 Compact SOT-23 Packaged Low Dropout Regulator, providing a steady 5V output voltage for low-power circuits, with a current capacity of 0 SOT23-3
LM3480IM3-5.0 The LM3480IM3-5.0 is a reliable choice for voltage regulation tasks that require efficient performance SOT-23 (DBZ)-3
LM3480IM3X-5.0/NOPB The LM3480IM3X-5.0/NOPB is a precision voltage regulator that can deliver up to 100mA of current SOT-23 (DBZ)-3
LM3480IM3-12 Linear Voltage Regulator IC Positive Fixed 1 Output 100mA SOT-23-3 SOT-23 (DBZ)-3
LM3480IM3X-3.3 Linear Voltage Regulator IC Positive Fixed 1 Output 100mA SOT-23-3 SOT23-3
LM3480IM3-3.3 SOT-23 100mA current limit LDO Voltage Regulator SOT-23 (DBZ)-3
LM3480IM3X-3.3/NOPB SOT-23 Linear Voltage Regulator with 30V Maximum Input SOT-23-3
LM3480IM3X-15/NOPB Linear Voltage Regulator IC Positive Fixed 1 Output 100mA SOT-23-3 SOT23-3
LM3480IM3X-12/NOPB Linear Voltage Regulator IC Positive Fixed 1 Output 100mA SOT-23-3 SOT23-3
LM3480IM3-5.0/NOPB LM3480IM3-5.0/NOPB: A 100mA Fixed 5V Positive Voltage Regulator in SOT-23 Package, RoHS Compliant SOT-23 (DBZ)-3
LM3480IM3-3.3/NOPB Linear Voltage Regulator IC Positive Fixed 1 Output 100mA SOT-23-3 SOT23-3
LM3480IM3-15/NOPB LDO Voltage Regulators 100mA Quasi LDO Linear Vtg Reg SOT-23 (DBZ)-3

*All parts manufactured by Texas Instruments.

Datasheet & Resources

  • Texas Instruments LM3480 series datasheet (refer to the exact variant for capacitor ESR and stability guidance)
  • Reference designs and EVMs for LM3480-class LDO rails

FAQ

Is LM3480 pin-compatible across fixed voltages?

Yes. The series shares the same 3-pin footprint (VIN, GND, VOUT). Always verify absolute maximum ratings and recommended operating conditions per variant.

Can LM3480 replace LM78Lxx directly?

In many 5/12/15 V use cases, yes-LM3480 offers a tiny 3-pin alternative with quasi-low dropout (~1.2 V max). Confirm thermal and current requirements.

What capacitors should I use?

Typical guidance is 1 µF at VIN and 10 µF at VOUT. Check the datasheet for ESR windows and transient performance recommendations.

If you'd like, I can add direct datasheet download links and your site header/footer includes.

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