National Semiconductor - LM34 Precision Fahrenheit Temperature Sensors User Guide
Summary
The LM34 series is a high-precision integrated circuit temperature sensor designed specifically for accurate Fahrenheit measurement. Offering linear output directly calibrated in °F, it eliminates the need for complex Kelvin conversions. This technical guide provides comprehensive documentation covering electrical characteristics, accuracy specifications, multiple packages (TO-46, TO-92, SO-8), and detailed application parameters for engineers designing industrial or remote temperature monitoring systems requiring reliable performance from -50°F to +300°F.
Page 1 Text Content
November
LM recision Fahrenheit Tem perature ensors
LM34 Precision Fahrenheit Temperature Sensors
hermetic TO-46 transistor packages, while the LM34C,
General Description
LM34CA and LM34D are also available in the plastic TO-92
The LM34 series are precision integrated-circuit temperature
transistor package. The LM34D is also available in an 8-lead
sensors, whose output voltage is linearly proportional to the
surface mount small outline package. The LM34 is comple-
Fahrenheit temperature. The LM34 thus has an advantage
ment to the LM35 (Centigrade) temperature sensor.
over linear temperature sensors calibrated in degrees Kelvin, as the user is not required to subtract large con-
Features
stant voltage from its output to obtain convenient Fahrenheit
scaling. The LM34 does not require any external calibration Calibrated directly in degrees Fahrenheit or trimming to provide typical accuracies of ±1⁄2˚F at room Linear +10.0 m V/˚F scale factor
temperature and ±11⁄2˚F over full −50 to +300˚F tempera- 1.0˚F accuracy guaranteed (at +77˚F)
ture range. Low cost is assured by trimming and calibration Rated for full −50˚ to +300˚F range at the wafer level. The LM34’s low output impedance, linear
Suitable for remote applications
output, and precise inherent calibration make interfacing to
Low cost due to wafer-level trimming
readout or control circuitry especially easy. It can be used
Operates from to volts
with single power supplies or with plus and minus supplies.
Less than µA current drain
As it draws only µA from its supply, it has very low
Low self-heating, 0.18˚F in still air
self-heating, less than 0.2˚F in still air. The LM34 is rated to
operate over −50˚ to +300˚F temperature range, while the Nonlinearity only ±0.5˚F typical
LM34C is rated for −40˚ to +230˚F range (0˚F with im- Low-impedance output, 0.4Ω for m A load proved accuracy). The LM34 series is available packaged in
Connection Diagrams
TO-46
Metal Can Package TO-92
(Note 1) Plastic Package
Small Outline Molded Package
DS006685-1 DS006685-2
Order Numbers LM34H, Order Number LM34CZ, LM34AH, LM34CH, LM34CAZ or LM34DZ
DS006685-20
LM34CAH or LM34DH See NS Package
N.C. No Connection
See NS Package Number Z03A Number H03H View
Order Number LM34DM See NS Package Number M08A
Note 1: Case is connected to negative pin (GND).
National Semiconductor Corporation DS006685 www.national.com
Page Summary Contents For National Semiconductor - LM34 Precision Fahrenheit Temperature Sensors User Guide
Manual Details
| Brand | National |
|---|---|
| Pages | 12 |
| File Size | 251.21 KB |
| Published | July 16, 2026 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the temperature range for the different LM34 packages?
The LM34A/LM34 supports -50˚F to +300˚F; LM34C/LM34CA supports -40˚F to +230˚F; and LM34D supports +32˚F to +212˚F.
Does the LM34 require external calibration?
No, the LM34 does not require any external calibration or trimming for accurate use in Fahrenheit units.
What kind of power supply voltage can the LM34 operate from?
It operates from 5 to 30 volts, compatible with both single and dual power supplies (plus/minus).