Texas Instruments

LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB-Q1 - 3A 150kHz Buck Regulator | TI

MPN: LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB-Q1 βœ“ Active
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1.23 V to 37 V Vdss 3 A Id TO-263-6, D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab), KTT Package 150 kHz (fixed) Speed
From $1.02 USD / Unit
MOQ: 1 |
Price updated: 2026-08-28
Volume Pricing
Qty Unit Price Extended
1 $2.1 $2.10
10 $1.89 $18.90
100 $1.55 $155.00
500 $1.25 $625.00
1,000 $1.02 $1,020.00
ℹ️ All prices are in USD

Drop-in alternatives for LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB-Q1 β€” same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.

Quick Comparison Tool β€” Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:

LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB

βœ… Drop-In
Texas Instruments
πŸ“¦ TO-263-5 (D2PAK)
Step-Down (Buck) Β· Adjustable Β· 1.2 V to 37 V Β· 3 A Β· 4.5 V to 40 V Β· 150 kHz (nominal) Β· 110 kHz to 173 kHz Β· 5 mA

βœ“ In Stock

$1.82 / Unit

View Datasheet β†’

LM2596SX-12/NOPB

βœ… Drop-In
πŸ“¦ TO-263-5 (D2PAK)
fixed 12V output version, pin-compatible, no feedback divider needed

πŸ“‹ Reference alternative (not in catalog)

LM2596S-ADJ/NOPB

βœ… Drop-In
πŸ“¦ TO-263-5 (D2PAK)
same adjustable 3A buck, TO-263 outline, older ordering suffix

πŸ“‹ Reference alternative (not in catalog)

XL2596-ADJ

βœ… Drop-In
πŸ“¦ TO-263-5
cross-brand pin-compatible clone, 180 kHz switching frequency vs 150 kHz, lower cost

πŸ“‹ Reference alternative (not in catalog)

ℹ️ 1 cross-package part(s) hidden β€” different package requires PCB rework and is not a true drop-in replacement. Contact us if you need cross-package suggestions.

LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB-Q1 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics

Topology Step-Down (Buck) Switching Regulator
Output Type Adjustable
Output Voltage Range 1.23 V to 37 V
Input Voltage Range 4.5 V to 40 V
Maximum Output Current 3 A
Switching Frequency 150 kHz (fixed)
Quiescent Current [DATA_NEEDED: quiescent current]
Efficiency [DATA_NEEDED: typical efficiency]
Reference Voltage 1.23 V
Operating Temperature -40C to +125C (TJ)
Package TO-263-6, D2PAK (5 Leads + Tab), KTT
Mounting Type Surface Mount
Protection Features Current limit, thermal shutdown
Number of Outputs 1
Polarity Positive
RoHS Status Compliant (NOPB)

LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB-Q1 Pin Configuration

TO-220 Package Pinout Diagram TO-220 3-pin vertical mount with tab, JEDEC. 1 2 3 TO-220
Pin 1 VIN β€” Positive input supply, 4.5V to 40V
Pin 2 Output (Switch) β€” Switching node to inductor and catch diode
Pin 3 Ground β€” Ground (also exposed tab)
Pin 4 Feedback (ADJ) β€” Feedback input, 1.23V reference; tie to divider for adjustable output
Pin 5 ON/OFF β€” TTL-compatible shutdown; ground or low for normal operation
Pin Tab Ground (Tab) β€” Exposed tab connected to ground for thermal dissipation

Safe Operating Area (SOA) & Thermal Characteristics

Safe Operating Area Chart Default safe operating area chart for LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB-Q1 Drain-to-Source Voltage (Vds) Drain Current (Id)

No official SOA curve available for this component. Always operate within absolute maximum ratings specified in the datasheet. Ensure adequate cooling and derate as needed.

Typical Applications

LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB-Q1 is suitable for 6 applications: Automotive Auxiliary Power Rails, Industrial 24V Bus Point-of-Load Conversion, Microcontroller and Logic Board Supplies, Battery-Powered and Portable Equipment, LED Lighting Drivers and Fixture Power, Test Benches, Hobby, and Prototyping Supplies.

πŸš—

Automotive Auxiliary Power Rails

The LM2596 converts 12V/24V automotive battery rails to 5V or 3.3V for ECUs, infotainment, and sensor clusters. Its 40V input ceiling provides margin for load-dump and cranking transients, and the -Q1 grade supports automotive quality flows. Placed upstream of LDOs for noise-sensitive loads, it delivers bulk current at up to 3A with high efficiency, reducing heat in sealed enclosures. The fixed 150 kHz switching frequency keeps EMI out of the AM band when using spread filtering and short input loops. A Schottky catch diode and low-ESR output capacitor complete a four-component external BOM.

🏭

Industrial 24V Bus Point-of-Load Conversion

Industrial PLCs, motor drives, and instrumentation commonly distribute 24V, which the LM2596 steps down to 5V or 12V auxiliary rails. The wide 4.5V-40V input tolerates bus sag and surges, while cycle-by-cycle current limiting protects against shorts in long field wiring. At 3A output it powers relays, displays, and microcontroller boards directly. The TO-263 tab soldered to a ground pour dissipates switching losses without a heatsink at moderate loads, and the adjustable version lets one design cover multiple rail voltages by changing only the feedback divider resistors.

⚑

Microcontroller and Logic Board Supplies

Buck-derived 5V or 3.3V rails feed MCUs such as the TMS320F2800x and MSPM0 families. The LM2596's 150 kHz operation and low external component count make it a forgiving first switching design, and its 1.23V reference supports outputs down to logic levels. Output ripple of a few tens of millivolts with a 220 uF low-ESR capacitor is acceptable for digital loads, while analog sections should add an LDO post-regulator. The enable-free, fixed-frequency behavior simplifies power sequencing relative to controllers requiring external compensation design.

πŸ“±

Battery-Powered and Portable Equipment

For 12V lead-acid or multi-cell lithium packs, the LM2596 regulates down to system rails with efficiency that extends battery runtime versus linear solutions. Its low component count suits hand-built and serviceable equipment, and thermal shutdown plus current limit protect against abuse. The 5 mA quiescent-class overhead means it is best for devices drawing hundreds of milliamps to amps, not ultra-low-power sleep designs - newer parts like the TPS62840 suit nanoamp standby. Output regulation remains stable across the discharge curve thanks to the wide input range.

πŸ’‘

LED Lighting Drivers and Fixture Power

The LM2596 regulates constant-voltage buses feeding LED strings through current-limiting circuitry in signage, architectural, and task lighting. Its 40V input handles 24V fixture supplies with margin, and 3A output supports multi-watt LED loads. Efficiency around 90% keeps fixture enclosures cool, extending LED and driver lifetime. Fixed-frequency operation avoids visible flicker and audible noise when paired with adequate output capacitance. For precise current regulation, pair the LM2596 voltage rail with a dedicated LED driver such as the LP8860-Q1 for dimming and fault diagnostics.

πŸ”§

Test Benches, Hobby, and Prototyping Supplies

Because it needs only four external components, the LM2596 is the classic choice for DIY bench supplies, module boards, and prototype power stages. The adjustable version spans 1.23V-37V from a single design, and the TO-263 package is hand-solderable on adapter boards. Current limit and thermal shutdown make it forgiving of beginner wiring errors. Designers should still follow datasheet layout rules - short input capacitor loops and a solid ground - to avoid instability. When moving to production, the same schematic can be migrated to higher-efficiency TI bucks if size or efficiency demands it.

What is the input voltage range of LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB-Q1?
The LM2596 operates from a 4.5V to 40V input supply and produces an adjustable output of 1.23V to 37V at up to 3A. According to TI product information, the 40V input ceiling makes it suitable for 24V industrial buses and 12V automotive rails with transient headroom.
What package does the LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB use?
It is supplied in a TO-263 (KTT / D2PAK) surface-mount package with 5 leads plus a tab, per TI product pages. The exposed tab is connected to ground and soldered to a copper pour for thermal dissipation at full 3A load.
What is the difference between LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB and the -Q1 variant?
The -Q1 suffix denotes an AEC-Q100 qualified automotive-grade version with extended screening, while the standard NOPB part targets industrial and commercial use. Electrically both deliver 3A, 150 kHz buck conversion from 4.5V-40V in TO-263; always verify the exact Q1 ordering PN against current TI ordering information before automotive release.
How do I set the output voltage of the LM2596 adjustable version?
The output is set by a two-resistor divider to the ADJ pin using VOUT = 1.23V x (1 + R2/R1), where 1.23V is the internal reference. TI datasheet LM2596 (42 pages) recommends keeping divider current low and using 1% resistors for output accuracy.
What are the key specifications of the LM2596 that engineers should know?
Key specs: 4.5V-40V input, adjustable 1.23V-37V output, 3A maximum load current, fixed 150 kHz switching frequency, -40C to +125C junction range, TO-263-5 (D2PAK) package, internal current limit and thermal shutdown, and only four external components required. Source: TI LM2596 product page and 42-page datasheet.
What is the best drop-in replacement for LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB?
The closest drop-in replacements are TI's own LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB (identical die, same TO-263-5 footprint) and LM2596S-ADJ/NOPB (same die in TO-263 marking). Cross-brand, the XLSEMI XL2596-ADJ is marketed as pin-compatible in the same TO-263-5 outline, but verify datasheet parameters before production.
Can I use a lower-frequency or higher-frequency alternative like TPS5430 instead?
TPS5430 is a 500 kHz 3A buck regulator, but it comes in an SO-8 package, so it is NOT drop-in compatible with the TO-263 LM2596 - PCB rework is required. Choose TPS5430 for smaller size and better efficiency in new designs; keep LM2596 when the existing TO-263 footprint must be retained.
LM2596 vs LM2596-Q1: which should I choose for automotive?
Choose the -Q1 (AEC-Q100 qualified) version for automotive production programs requiring qualified supply chains. For industrial, prototyping, or cost-sensitive designs, the standard LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB is electrically equivalent and typically lower cost and more widely stocked.
Where to buy LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB-Q1 and what is the price?
The part is available from DigiKey, Mouser, Newark, LCSC, and Arrow, with LCSC listing the standard version from about $1.02 at volume (14,812 in stock as of 2026-08). Pricing varies by quantity; check XAIPART for current tiers as of 2026-08-29.
Is the LM2596 still in production?
Yes, the LM2596 family remains active per TI.com product pages and is in stock at major distributors. Its longevity since the 1990s and continued availability make it a safe choice for long-lifecycle industrial and automotive designs, though newer TI parts offer better efficiency and size.
What output capacitor and diode should I use with the LM2596?
TI recommends a low-ESR output capacitor in the 100-470 uF range with adequate ripple-current rating, and a Schottky catch diode (e.g., 3A-rated, such as a 40V-60V Schottky) rated for the peak switch current. According to the TI LM2596 datasheet, low-ESR output capacitors are critical for minimizing output ripple.
Why is my LM2596 running hot at 3A output?
Heat is usually caused by insufficient copper area on the ground tab, excessive input-output differential, or a high-ESR output capacitor. The TO-263 tab must solder to at least 1 square inch of copper; dissipation equals input current minus output current times input voltage, so consider a higher-efficiency newer buck for large step-down ratios.
Is the LM2596 a linear or switching regulator?
The LM2596 is a step-down switching (buck) regulator operating at a fixed 150 kHz, not a linear regulator. Switching topology gives it efficiencies far above linear alternatives, which is why it delivers 3A without the massive heatsinking a linear regulator would need at similar voltage drops.
What is the TI equivalent for cross-brand LM2596 clones?
If you are migrating from a cross-brand LM2596 clone back to the original, the TI LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB is the pin- and footprint-identical original. For a modern redesign with better efficiency, consider TI's TPS5450 or TPS54360 families from the XAIPART catalog, though these use different packages.

Engineering reference data for LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB-Q1 β€” comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.

Selection Guide

Choose the LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB-Q1 when you need a proven 3A buck for 12V/24V automotive or industrial rails with maximum design simplicity and a large hand-workable TO-263 footprint. Choose the standard LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB for industrial/consumer builds where AEC-Q100 is not required - it is the same die at lower cost. Choose the fixed-output LM2596SX-12/NOPB to eliminate the feedback divider when a 12V rail is all you need. For new compact designs at 500 kHz, prefer the 5A TPS5450QDDARQ1 (SO-8, requires PCB redesign). Avoid the LM2596 for ultra-low standby power or sub-1A space-constrained rails; modern TPS62xxx parts fit better there. The XL2596 suits cost-driven non-automotive builds where datasheet traceability is secondary.

Comparison with Alternatives

Parameter This Product LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB LM2596SX-12/NOPB LM2596S-ADJ/NOPB XL2596-ADJ TPS5450QDDARQ1
Package TO-263-5 (D2PAK, KTT) TO-263-5 - same TO-263-5 - same TO-263-5 - same TO-263-5 - same SO-8 (DDA) - different
Brand Texas Instruments Texas Instruments Texas Instruments Texas Instruments XLSEMI Texas Instruments
Output Current 3 A 3 A 3 A 3 A 3 A 5 A
Input Voltage Range 4.5 V to 40 V 4.5 V to 40 V 4.5 V to 40 V 4.5 V to 40 V [DATA_NEEDED] [DATA_NEEDED]
Output Voltage Adjustable 1.23 V to 37 V Adjustable 1.23 V to 37 V Fixed 12 V Adjustable 1.23 V to 37 V Adjustable Adjustable 0.8 V+
Switching Frequency 150 kHz 150 kHz 150 kHz 150 kHz 180 kHz 500 kHz
Automotive Grade (Q1) Yes (per -Q1 suffix; verify ordering PN) No (standard grade) No (standard grade) No (standard grade) No Yes (AEC-Q100)
Output Type Adjustable Adjustable Fixed Adjustable Adjustable Adjustable

Key Differentiators

  • Only four external components required (vs TPS5450QDDARQ1)
  • Wider 40V input headroom in a 3A part (vs XL2596-ADJ)
  • Adjustable output covers 1.23V-37V from one design (vs LM2596SX-12/NOPB)

Design Notes

Keep the loop from VIN capacitor, the internal power switch, catch diode, and inductor as short and wide as possible - this high-di/dt loop dominates radiated EMI at 150 kHz harmonics. Solder the TO-263 exposed tab to at least 1 square inch of ground copper; the tab is the primary heat-removal path and the IC ground reference. Place the feedback divider close to the ADJ pin and route the sense trace away from the switch node and inductor to prevent offset errors.

Use a Schottky catch diode rated at least 1.2x the maximum input voltage and the full peak switch current (e.g., 40V-60V, 3A class such as SR340/SS34 types). The diode reverse recovery and forward drop directly set efficiency; standard silicon diodes cause significant losses and possible thermal runaway. Input capacitor should be a low-ESR electrolytic or ceramic combination sized for the RMS ripple current per TI datasheet LM2596 Figure tables.

The ON/OFF pin (pin 5) must be grounded or pulled low for normal operation - a floating pin can shut the regulator down. Do not exceed 40V input including transients. Note that verified distributor listings confirm the standard LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB; if your BOM requires AEC-Q100 qualification, confirm the exact -Q1 ordering part number with TI before release, as ordering suffixes differ.

Compliance Information

RoHS
Compliant
REACH
Unknown
AEC-Q100
Qualified
Lead Free
Yes
Halogen Free
Unknown
Conflict Minerals
Unknown

NOPB suffix indicates lead-free/RoHS-compliant plating. -Q1 suffix denotes AEC-Q100 automotive qualification per TI naming; exact qualification level should be confirmed on TI.com product page.

Related Searches

LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB-Q1 datasheet LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB-Q1 buy price Texas Instruments LM2596 3A buck regulator LM2596 adjustable step-down 4.5V 40V 150kHz LM2596 TO-263 D2PAK pinout LM2596 automotive 24V to 5V converter LM2596 vs TPS5450 which is better LM2596 drop-in replacement XL2596 what can replace LM2596SX-ADJ is LM2596 still in production LM2596SX-ADJ in stock DigiKey Mouser best LM2596 alternative pin compatible

Related Components & Terms

Texas Instruments LM2596 LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB-Q1 LM2596SX-ADJ/NOPB LM2596SX-12/NOPB TPS5450QDDARQ1 XL2596-ADJ SIMPLE SWITCHER buck converter step-down switching regulator DC-DC converter voltage regulator TO-263 D2PAK AEC-Q100 RoHS 150 kHz switching frequency load dump transient Schottky catch diode feedback divider
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