LM2576 vs LM2596: How to differentiate?

    The LM2576 series of monolithic integrated circuits provide all the active functions for a step-down (buck) switching regulator. Fixed versions are available with a 3.3V, 5V, or 12V fixed output. Adjustable versions have an output voltage range from 1.23V to 37V. Both versions are capable of driving a 3A load with excellent line and load regulation.

    These regulators are simple to use because they require a minimum number of external components and include internal frequency compensation and a fixed-frequency oscillator.

    The LM2576 series offers a high-efficiency replacement for popular three-terminal adjustable linear regulators. It substantially reduces the size of the heat sink, and in many cases, no heat sink is required.

    The LM2596 series regulator is a monolithic integrated circuit with all the functions of a step-down switching regulator, capable of driving a 3A load through the excellent line and load regulation. These devices provide fixed output voltages of 3.3V, 5V, and 12V. These regulators require a minimum number of external components, are easy to use, and have internal frequency compensation and a fixed-frequency oscillator.

    The LM2596 series operates at a switching frequency of 150kHz and requires fewer filter components than low-frequency switching regulators. Available in a standard 5-pin TO-220 package with several different lead bend options, and a 5-pin TO-263 surface-mount package.

LM2576 Pinout

LM2596 Pinout

LM2576 Datasheet

LM2596 Datasheet

LM2576 Features

• This voltage regulator includes fixed frequency voltage with 52kHz of the internal oscillator of frequency.

• Available packages are TO-220 &TO-263

• This voltage regulator provides permanent o/p voltages like 3.3V, 5V, 12V & 15V.

• In-built current limit protection & thermal shutdown

• The o/p voltage can be changed from 1.23V to 37V by connecting exterior components.

• Input voltage max is 40V

• It can resist a ±4% of tolerance on o/p voltage once the i/p voltage is in the specified range & output load conditions are satisfied & ±10% tolerance on the frequency of the oscillator.

• For variable type voltage regulator, output voltage ranges from 1.23V – 37V

• The specified output current is up to 3A

• It includes an under-voltage lockout circuit that maintains the i/p voltage within a range & maintains the regulator off till it reaches a fixed threshold level.

LM2596 Features

• 3A Step Down Voltage Regulator IC

• Available as 3.3V regulator, 5V Regulator, 12V Regulator, and Variable regulator

• Input Supply Voltage: 4.5V to 40V

• Minimum Output Voltage: 3.16V

• Continuous Output Current: 3A

• Peak Output Current: 6.9A

• Switching Frequency: 150KHz

• Available in To-220 and To-263 Package

lm2576 block diagram and circuit

lm2596 block diagram and circuit

LM2576 Alternatives

LM2677, LM2575, lm2576hvt-5.0

LM2596 Alternatives

XL6009, TPS5430, MC34063

LM2576 Equivalents

LM1117, CS51411, LM723, LM7912

LM2596 Equivalents

LM2576, BD9876, ACT4523.

LM2576 Applications

• Used in battery circuits since they have high efficiency

• Step-down Linear regulators

• Used in small SMPS circuits

• Can also be used to source negative voltage.

LM2596 Applications

• Used in battery circuits since they have high efficiency

• Step-down Linear regulators

• Used in small SMPS circuits

• Battery Operated Applications

• Variable Voltage generators

• Miniature RPS Circuits 

LM2576 Manufacturer

Microchip Technology Inc. is a leader that provides microcontroller and analog semiconductors. The microchip was headquartered in Chandler, Arizona. We are dedicated to offering low-risk product development, reducing total system cost, and accelerating time to market. We mainly serve different fields of customer applications around the world. To provide prominent technical support along with reliable delivery and quality is our goal.

LM2596 Manufacturer

Texas Instruments founders had the foresight to know that building a great company required a special culture to thrive in the long term. At TI, we refer to this as Living Our Values, and it’s how we operate daily. Learn more by downloading "Living our values: TI’s ambitions, values, code of conduct and policies."

If you keep looking on the datasheet, you will find the main difference between them seems to be:

1. The LM2596 series operates at a switching frequency of 150kHz, thus allowing smaller-sized filter components than what would be required with lower frequency switching regulators.

2. This is as opposed to the 52-kHz fixed-frequency Internal Oscillator of the LM2576. The higher internal frequency allows the use of a smaller inductor and capacitor on the output reduces the size and weight of your passives.

3. The newer also LM2596 also has a low power idle mode.

4. However, the LM2576 has a variant available for higher input voltages.

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