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LM397: Minimum supply voltage clarification

Part Number: LM397

Hi,

The LM397 datasheet states "Wide Supply Voltage Range 5 V to 30 V" with the minimum voltage given as 5 V (no tolerance).

Our 5 V power rail has a tolerance of ± 5 - 10%, so I would like to know if I can use it to power this part.

Please advise if the minimum voltage of 5 V is an absolute minimum for the part to work within its specified performance, or if there is some tolerance on this supply voltage and we would be able to operate it from a 5 V ± 5 - 10% power supply.

Thanks!

  • Hello Vic,

    It If you look at Figure 1 (Supply Current vs Supply Voltage), the supply current is stable at about 4V.

    It will be "functional" at <5V, but specs such as the bias current (Fig 2) and offset Voltage (Fig 4) may be out of spec (table is at 5.0V). The lower bias current could translate to slightly slower response time.

    So as long as you are not pressing any particular specs too hard, it should be okay.