What Is the LM2576? Buck (Step-Down) Regulator: Pinout and Uses
The LM2576 is a switching buck (step-down) regulator delivering up to 3 A. It is from the same family as the LM2596 but switches at ~52 kHz (needs a larger inductor). It is more efficient than the 7805 because it does not turn the difference into heat. Pinout: 1 INPUT, 2 OUTPUT, 3 GND, 4 FEEDBACK, 5 ON/OFF; needs an inductor + Schottky diode + capacitors.
The LM2576 is a switching buck (step-down) regulator that can deliver up to 3 A. It is from the same family as the LM2596 and runs at a lower switching frequency (~52 kHz). For the concept, see what is a voltage regulator.
What is the LM2576 used for?
Efficiently lowering a high input (e.g. 12–40 V) to a lower output like 5 V/3.3 V. Unlike linear regulators (the 7805), it does not turn the difference into heat → high efficiency, little heat.
LM2576 pinout (TO-220-5 / TO-263-5)
| Pin | Function |
|---|---|
| 1 | INPUT (Vin) |
| 2 | OUTPUT (switch) |
| 3 | GND |
| 4 | FEEDBACK |
| 5 | ON/OFF (enable) |
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Buck (step-down), switching |
| Input | up to ~40 V |
| Output current | ~3 A |
| Frequency | ~52 kHz |
| Output | Fixed (3.3/5/12/15 V) or ADJ |
External components
Being a buck it needs an inductor, a catch (Schottky) diode (e.g. the 1N5822) and input/output capacitors. Its low frequency (52 kHz) needs a larger inductor than the LM2596 (150 kHz).
Equivalents
- LM2596: the higher-frequency relative.
- LM2678: a more efficient buck.
- MP1584: a small, high-frequency buck.
Find it in our catalog
Use the LM2576 search.