Microchip Technology Introduces New 250 mA LDO

Microchip Technology Inc. announced the MCP1702 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 well-suited for applications requiring long battery run-times and high tolerance for input-voltage variations, such as smoke detectors, fire alarms, and commercial and residential thermostats.

With a low quiescent current of 2μA, the MCP1702 requires only a small amount of current to maintain regulation, thereby significantly extending battery run times. It supports input voltages up to 13.2V, meaning that standard 9V alkaline batteries can be used to help keep costs low. The MCP1702 LDO also features device- and circuit-protection capabilities such as overcurrent protection and thermal shutdown, enabling users to more effectively avoid system failures. With highly accurate output-voltage regulation, including +/- 2% over-temperature accuracy, the MCP1702 helps to ensure smooth, reliable system operation.

"With the ever-present need for longer battery run-times in battery-powered devices, our customers need LDOs 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. "The MCP1702 LDO was designed to meet these needs, plus provide additional benefits such as ceramic output-capacitor stability, which helps to reduce design size. With all of these features on one chip, the MCP1702 helps our customers to build in the performance that their designs demand, with minimal board space and low costs."

Applications that can benefit from the MCP1702 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 (personal media players, MP3 players).

Samples of the MCP1702 LDO are available today, and volume production orders can also be placed. The device is available in small, 3-pin SOT-89, SOT-23 and TO-92 packages, all of which provide superior thermal dissipation. It is priced at $.37 each in 10,000-unit quantities for all package types.