Texas Instruments LP2950CDT-3.0

Overview

LP2950CDT-3.0 from Texas Instruments is a fixed-output 3.0 V, 100 mA micropower low-dropout (LDO) linear voltage regulator in TO-252 (DPAK) package, featuring 75 µA typical quiescent current, 380 mV dropout at 100 mA, and ±0.5% output voltage accuracy at 25°C - designed for battery-powered instrumentation and portable medical devices requiring stable low-power bias.

For engineers reviewing the LP2950CDT-3.0 datasheet, LP2950CDT-3.0 pinout, LP2950CDT-3.0 application, or LP2950CDT-3.0 equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout performance under 100 mA load, thermal resistance (51.3°C/W in TO-252), stability with 2.2 µF low-ESR output capacitor, and absence of shutdown/error pins - distinguishing it from the 8-pin LP2951-N family.

Technical Context

The LP2950CDT-3.0 implements a PNP-based pass transistor architecture enabling ultra-low quiescent current (75 µA typ.) that increases only slightly in dropout - critical for extending battery runtime. Its internal 1.235 V reference and precision resistor network deliver tight initial tolerance (±0.5%) and low temperature coefficient (20 ppm/°C).

Unlike the LP2951-N, this 3-pin variant lacks feedback, shutdown, error, or sense terminals - resulting in simplified layout, no external resistors required, and no logic-controlled enable functionality. It operates across 2.3 V to 30 V input while maintaining regulation down to 3.0 V + 380 mV.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LP2950CDT-3.0 uses the TO-252-3 (DPAK) surface-mount package (9.91 mm × 6.58 mm body), with exposed thermal pad connected to GND for enhanced heat dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output LDO regulator applications.

Compared with LP2950CDT-3.0, LP2950ACDT-3.0 offers superior accuracy and temperature range at identical footprint, while MCP1700T-3002E/MB trades higher dropout and reduced thermal capability for extreme quiescent current reduction - making LP2950CDT-3.0 optimal for balanced performance in mid-power portable systems.

Availability

LP2950CDT-3.0 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered instrumentation, portable medical devices, and industrial process transmitters requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for LP2950CDT-3.0 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in power management ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The LP2950-N series was engineered specifically for micropower, low-dropout regulation in battery-critical systems - emphasizing quiescent current efficiency, output accuracy, and robustness without complex external circuitry.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for LP2950CDT-3.0?

The LP2950CDT-3.0 has an absolute maximum input voltage of 30 V, with recommended operating range from 2.3 V to 30 V. This wide input range allows direct use with unregulated wall adapters, multi-cell batteries, or industrial loop supplies - provided thermal limits (θ_JA = 51.3°C/W) are respected at high VIN–VOUT differentials.

Does LP2950CDT-3.0 include a shutdown pin or enable function?

No, LP2950CDT-3.0 is a 3-pin fixed-output regulator (IN, GND, OUT) with no shutdown, error, feedback, or sense pins. It remains continuously active when input voltage is applied. For logic-controlled on/off functionality, the LP2951-N series (e.g., LP2951CD-3.0) must be selected instead.

What output capacitor is required for stable operation of LP2950CDT-3.0?

LP2950CDT-3.0 requires a minimum 2.2 µF ceramic output capacitor with ESR between 10 mΩ and 6 Ω. TI's datasheet confirms stability with standard X5R/X7R types - no tantalum or electrolytic capacitors are needed, simplifying BOM and improving reliability in temperature-cycling environments.

How does the dropout voltage of LP2950CDT-3.0 vary with load current?

LP2950CDT-3.0 dropout voltage is 50 mV at 100 µA (light load) and rises to 380 mV at 100 mA full load. This near-linear increase reflects its PNP pass element characteristics. At 50 mA load, dropout is approximately 200 mV - enabling operation from 3.2 V input while delivering regulated 3.0 V output.

Is LP2950CDT-3.0 suitable as a precision voltage reference?

Yes, LP2950CDT-3.0 can serve as a low-power voltage reference due to its ±0.5% initial accuracy, 20 ppm/°C temperature coefficient, and 0.04% load regulation. Its 3.0 V output matches common ADC reference needs, though dedicated references (e.g., REF3030) offer lower noise and tighter drift specs for metrology-grade applications.