Texas Instruments LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1

Overview

LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 from Texas Instruments is a fixed-output 3.3 V, 100 mA micropower low-dropout (LDO) linear voltage regulator in TO-252 (NDP) package. It delivers ±1% output accuracy over temperature, features 75 µA typical quiescent current, 380 mV dropout at 100 mA, and operates from 2.3 V to 30 V input - optimized for battery-powered instrumentation and portable industrial sensors.

For engineers reviewing the LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 datasheet, LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 pinout, LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 application, or LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 100 mA output under low VIN margin, minimal quiescent current in dropout, stability with 2.2 µF low-ESR ceramic output capacitors, and compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts requiring surface-mount thermal performance.

Technical Context

The LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 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 trimming yield 0.5% typical initial tolerance and 20 ppm/°C temperature coefficient.

Unlike the LP2951-N family, this variant lacks shutdown, error flag, feedback, or sense pins: it is a 3-pin fixed-output regulator with IN, OUT, and GND terminals only. Thermal protection and foldback current limiting are integrated, with R_θJA = 51.3°C/W on high-K PCB per JEDEC JESD51-7.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 uses the 3-pin TO-252 (NDP) surface-mount package (9.91 mm × 6.58 mm body), with exposed thermal pad connected internally to GND for enhanced heat transfer.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLV70033DDCT and TPS76333QDBVRQ1, LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 offers superior thermal performance in TO-252 (51.3°C/W vs. ~120°C/W for SOT-23), proven long-term stability in industrial deployments, and lower cost for non-automotive 100 mA applications - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, thermally demanding embedded systems.

Availability

LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical devices, industrial process transmitters, smart utility meters, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply with consistent parametric performance across production lots.

Supply support for LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 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 delivering analog and embedded processing solutions, with leadership in power management ICs since the 1980s.

LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 belongs to TI's LP295x-N series of micropower LDOs, designed specifically for battery longevity and precision regulation in space- and energy-constrained industrial and instrumentation systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1?

The absolute maximum input voltage for LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 is 30 V, as specified in Section 7.1 of the TI SNVS764Q datasheet. Operation above this level risks permanent damage. Recommended maximum continuous input is 30 V, with derating advised above 25 V in high-temperature environments to maintain thermal safety margins within the TO-252 package's 51.3°C/W R_θJA.

Does LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 support ceramic output capacitors?

Yes, LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 is explicitly characterized for stability with ceramic output capacitors ranging from 2.2 µF to 100 µF and ESR between 10 mΩ and 6 Ω. The datasheet confirms no minimum ESR requirement - unlike older LDOs - enabling compact, high-reliability designs without tantalum or aluminum electrolytics.

Is LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 pin-compatible with standard TO-92 3.3 V regulators?

No - LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 uses the TO-252 (NDP) surface-mount package, not TO-92. While both are 3-pin fixed-output regulators, TO-252 has different mechanical dimensions (9.91 mm × 6.58 mm), thermal pad grounding, and land pattern requirements. Direct replacement would require PCB redesign and requalification.

What is the output voltage tolerance of LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 over temperature?

LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 guarantees ±1% output voltage tolerance across its full operating junction temperature range of –40°C to +125°C, as documented in Table 7.6 of SNVS764Q. This includes contributions from initial trim, line/load regulation (0.04% typ.), and temperature coefficient (20 ppm/°C).

Can LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 be used as a precision voltage reference?

Yes - LP2950CZ-3.3/LFT1 is explicitly noted in the datasheet as suitable for use as a low-power voltage reference due to its tight 0.5% typical initial tolerance, 20 ppm/°C temperature coefficient, and 0.04% typical load regulation. Its 3.3 V output can serve as a stable reference for ADCs, comparators, or sensor excitation circuits where 100 mA drive capability is beneficial.