NJM431L Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The NJM431L is a shunt voltage reference IC manufactured by Nisshinbo Micro Devices Inc., classified as a Power Management (PMIC) component. This adjustable reference device operates with a 2.495V output, supports up to 36V maximum voltage, and delivers 100 mA output current with ±2.2% tolerance. The device is packaged in TO-92-3 (TO-226-3) through-hole configuration and operates across the -40°C to 85°C temperature range.

The NJM431L is currently listed as obsolete. Identifying equivalent and substitute parts is necessary to maintain design continuity, ensure supply chain availability, and support ongoing production requirements. Active alternatives with comparable or improved electrical characteristics are available from multiple manufacturers.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value	Unit
Reference Type	Shunt	—
Output Type	Adjustable	—
Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed)	2.495V	V
Voltage - Output (Max)	36	V
Current - Output	100	mA
Tolerance	±2.2%	—
Current - Cathode	1	mA
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C	—
Mounting Type	Through Hole	—
Package / Case	TO-92-3 (TO-226-3)	—
Product Status	Obsolete	—
RoHS Status	Non-compliant	—

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the NJM431L is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

Reference Type: Shunt (all candidates match)
Output Type: Adjustable (all candidates match)
Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed): 2.495V or 2.5V (functionally equivalent)
Voltage - Output (Max): 36V (all candidates match)
Current - Output: 100 mA (all candidates match)
Mounting Type: Through Hole (all candidates match)
Package / Case: TO-92-3 or TO-92 (pin-compatible)

Secondary Compatibility Considerations:

Tolerance: ±2.2% (NJM431L baseline); substitutes range from ±0.25% to ±2.21%
Operating Temperature: -40°C ~ 85°C (NJM431L); substitutes extend to 105°C or 125°C
Current - Cathode: 1 mA (NJM431L); substitutes range from 50 µA to 1 mA
RoHS Status: Non-compliant (NJM431L); active substitutes are ROHS3 compliant

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories:

Upgrade Parts (STMicroelectronics TL1431 series): Direct replacements with improved tolerance specifications and extended temperature ranges. These parts maintain electrical compatibility while offering enhanced performance characteristics and active product status.

Similar Parts (Diodes Incorporated AS431 series, Fairchild KA431, STMicroelectronics TL1431 variants): Functionally equivalent alternatives with comparable electrical parameters. These parts provide design flexibility and supply chain options while maintaining core shunt reference functionality.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	NJM431L	TL1431IZ	TL431AIZ	TL431IZ	AS431AZTR-E1	AS431AZTR-G1	AS431BZTR-G1	AS431IAZTR-G1	KA431AZBU	TL1431ACZ	TL1431CLP
Manufacturer	Nisshinbo	STMicroelectronics	STMicroelectronics	STMicroelectronics	Diodes Inc.	Diodes Inc.	Diodes Inc.	Diodes Inc.	Fairchild	STMicroelectronics	Texas Instruments
Reference Type	Shunt	Shunt	Shunt	Shunt	Shunt	Shunt	Shunt	Shunt	Shunt	Shunt	Shunt
Output Type	Adjustable	Adjustable	Adjustable	Adjustable	Adjustable	Adjustable	Adjustable	Adjustable	Adjustable	Adjustable	Adjustable
Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed)	2.495V	2.5V	2.495V	2.495V	2.5V	2.5V	2.5V	2.5V	2.495V	2.5V	2.5V
Voltage - Output (Max)	36V	36V	36V	36V	36V	36V	36V	36V	36V	36V	36V
Current - Output	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA	100 mA
Tolerance	±2.2%	±0.4%	±1%	±2.21%	±0.5%	±0.5%	±1%	±0.5%	±1%	±0.25%	±0.4%
Current - Cathode	1 mA	1 mA	700 µA	1 mA	1 mA	1 mA	1 mA	50 µA	1 mA	600 µA	1 mA
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	-40°C ~ 105°C	-40°C ~ 125°C	-40°C ~ 125°C	-40°C ~ 125°C	-40°C ~ 125°C	-25°C ~ 85°C	-20°C ~ 70°C	0°C ~ 70°C
Mounting Type	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole	Through Hole
Package / Case	TO-92-3	TO-92-3	TO-92-3	TO-92-2	TO-92-3	TO-92-3	TO-92-3	TO-92-3	TO-92-3	TO-92-2	TO-92-3
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active	Active
RoHS Status	Non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	Not specified	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For Direct Replacement with Improved Performance:

TL431AIZ (STMicroelectronics) is the primary recommended substitute. This part maintains the 2.495V output specification of the NJM431L while improving tolerance to ±1% and extending the operating temperature range to -40°C ~ 105°C. The device is ROHS3 compliant and carries active product status with substantial inventory availability (389,850 pcs). The cathode current specification of 700 µA is compatible with NJM431L circuit designs.

TL431IZ (STMicroelectronics) provides an alternative with tolerance specification of ±2.21%, closely matching the NJM431L tolerance of ±2.2%. This part maintains identical electrical parameters while offering ROHS3 compliance and extended temperature range to 105°C. Product status is active with 7,800 pcs in stock.

For Enhanced Tolerance Requirements:

TL1431IZ (STMicroelectronics) delivers ±0.4% tolerance with 2.5V output specification. This upgrade option provides superior accuracy for applications requiring tighter voltage reference control. Operating temperature extends to 105°C with ROHS3 compliance and 2,800 pcs inventory.

TL1431ACZ (STMicroelectronics) offers the highest tolerance specification at ±0.25% with 2.5V output. This precision option is suitable for applications demanding maximum accuracy. Note that operating temperature is limited to -20°C ~ 70°C, and inventory is lower at 1,881 pcs.

For Extended Temperature Range Applications:

AS431AZTR-E1, AS431AZTR-G1, AS431BZTR-G1, and AS431IAZTR-G1 (Diodes Incorporated) all support operating temperatures to 125°C, exceeding the NJM431L specification. These parts maintain 100 mA output current and 36V maximum voltage. Tolerance options range from ±0.5% to ±1%. All variants are ROHS3 compliant with substantial inventory levels (56,350 to 314,400 pcs).

For Legacy System Compatibility:

KA431AZBU (Fairchild Semiconductor) maintains the 2.495V output and ±1% tolerance of the NJM431L. Operating temperature range is -25°C ~ 85°C, closely matching the original specification. This part is suitable for designs where temperature range compatibility is critical. Inventory is limited at 1,491 pcs.

TL1431CLP (Texas Instruments) provides ±0.4% tolerance with 2.5V output. Operating temperature is 0°C ~ 70°C. This option is appropriate for controlled-environment applications. Inventory is 5,458 pcs.

Compliance Considerations:

All recommended substitutes are ROHS3 compliant, addressing environmental regulatory requirements that the obsolete NJM431L does not meet. For applications requiring RoHS compliance certification, any of the active alternatives satisfy this requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can TL431AIZ directly replace NJM431L in existing circuit designs?

A: Yes. TL431AIZ maintains the critical electrical parameters: 2.495V output, 100 mA output current, 36V maximum voltage, and TO-92-3 package. The ±1% tolerance is tighter than the NJM431L ±2.2%, making it functionally compatible. The extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 105°C) provides additional margin beyond the NJM431L specification (-40°C ~ 85°C). No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the difference between 2.495V and 2.5V output specifications?

A: Both specifications are functionally equivalent for adjustable shunt reference applications. The 2.495V specification is the minimum guaranteed output voltage, while 2.5V represents a nominal or typical value. In adjustable reference circuits, the output voltage is set by external resistor networks, so the base specification difference does not affect circuit operation. Either specification is acceptable for NJM431L replacement.

Q: Why do some substitutes have lower cathode current specifications?

A: Cathode current (minimum operating current) varies by device design. AS431IAZTR-G1 specifies 50 µA minimum cathode current, compared to 1 mA for NJM431L. Lower cathode current requirements reduce power consumption in the reference circuit. If the original design sources sufficient current to the cathode, lower-current alternatives operate identically. If the design relies on minimum cathode current specifications, verify that the substitute's requirement is met by the circuit topology.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same package?

A: All substitutes use TO-92-3 or TO-92-2 through-hole packages, which are pin-compatible. TO-92-3 and TO-92-2 differ in lead configuration (3-lead vs. 2-lead variants), but for shunt reference applications using the standard 3-pin configuration, all listed substitutes are mechanically compatible. Verify specific lead configuration in the application circuit before selection.

Q: Which substitute offers the best tolerance specification?

A: TL1431ACZ provides ±0.25% tolerance, the tightest specification among all alternatives. This device is suitable for precision voltage reference applications. However, operating temperature range is limited to -20°C ~ 70°C, and inventory is lower (1,881 pcs). For applications requiring both tight tolerance and extended temperature range, TL1431IZ (±0.4%, -40°C ~ 105°C) is recommended.

Q: What is the advantage of selecting AS431 series parts over TL431 series?

A: AS431 series parts (Diodes Incorporated) support operating temperatures to 125°C, compared to 105°C maximum for most TL431 variants. This extended range is beneficial for high-temperature applications. AS431 parts also feature low typical temperature coefficient (20 ppm/°C), providing stable performance across temperature variations. Inventory availability is generally higher for AS431 variants. TL431 series offers tighter tolerance options (down to ±0.25%) for precision applications.

Q: Is RoHS compliance mandatory for substitute selection?

A: RoHS compliance is mandatory for applications subject to environmental regulations in the European Union and equivalent jurisdictions. All active substitute parts listed are ROHS3 compliant. The original NJM431L is non-compliant. If the application requires RoHS certification, any of the recommended substitutes satisfies this requirement. Verify specific regulatory requirements for your application region.

Q: Can I use TL1431CLP or TL1431ACZ if my application operates below 0°C?

A: No. TL1431CLP specifies 0°C ~ 70°C operating range, and TL1431ACZ specifies -20°C ~ 70°C. If your application requires operation at -40°C, select TL431AIZ, TL431IZ, TL1431IZ, or AS431 series parts, all of which support -40°C minimum operating temperature. Verify the complete operating temperature range required by your application before final selection.

Q: What inventory considerations should influence my selection?

A: TL431AIZ offers the highest inventory availability at 389,850 pcs, ensuring long-term supply security. AS431BZTR-G1 provides 314,400 pcs. If supply continuity is critical, these high-inventory options are preferred. Lower-inventory parts (KA431AZBU at 1,491 pcs, TL1431ACZ at 1,881 pcs) may face future availability constraints. For production planning, prioritize parts with inventory levels exceeding 5,000 pcs.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message