Microchip Tech Introduces 16V, 250 mA LDO in 3-pin SOT-223 and Other Packages
Microchip Technology Inc. announced the MCP1703 Low Dropout Regulator (LDO) –a 250mA LDO with low quiescent current, high input voltage, over-voltage protection and thermal shutdown on a single chip. The new LDO is available in a 3-pin SOT-223 and other packages, and is suitable for applications requiring long battery run-times and high tolerance for input-voltage variations, such as smoke detectors, fire alarms and thermostats.
With a low quiescent current of 2µA, the MCP1703 requires only a small amount of current to maintain regulation, thereby decreasing wasted energy. It supports input voltages of up to 16V, meaning it can be used in a variety of high-voltage dc and multi-cell alkaline or Li-Ion battery applications. The LDO also features device- and circuit-protection capabilities, such as overcurrent protection and thermal shutdown, enabling users to more effectively avoid system failures. Additionally, with highly accurate output-voltage regulation, including +/- 2% over-temperature accuracy, the MCP1703 is said to help ensure smooth, reliable system operation.
"With the ever-increasing use of multi-cell batteries and higher dc voltages in electronic devices, our customers need LDOs that work at higher voltages, with low quiescent current and high tolerance for input-voltage variations," said Bryan Liddiard, vice president of marketing with Microchip’s Analog and Interface Products Division.
Mikhail Voroniouk, Product Marketing Engineer with Microchip’s Analog and Interface Products Division, continued, "The MCP1703 LDO was designed to meet these needs, and provide additional benefits, such as ceramic output-capacitor stability and availability in the thermally-capable, SOT-223 power package. All of these features enable smaller, more cost-effective designs."
Applications that can benefit from the MCP1703 LDO include those requiring long battery run-times (smoke detectors, life-support devices); those with high input-voltage variations (fire alarms, commercial and residential thermostats); and battery-powered portable devices (digital cameras and camcorders, notebook computers).
The MCP1703 LDO is available in the 3-pin SOT-223 package for $0.49 each in 10,000-unit quantities. It is also available in small, 3-pin SOT-89 and SOT-23A packages, both for $.43 each in 10,000-unit quantities.
