Texas Instruments LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1

Overview

LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1 from Texas Instruments is a fixed-output 5.0 V, 100 mA micropower low-dropout (LDO) linear voltage regulator in TO-92 package, featuring 75 µA typical quiescent current, 40 mV typical dropout at light load, and ±0.5% initial output voltage tolerance. It delivers stable regulation for battery-powered instrumentation, portable sensors, and low-power microcontroller supply rails where minimal standby current and tight voltage accuracy are critical.

For engineers reviewing the LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1 datasheet, LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1 pinout, LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1 application, or LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, package-validated terminal functions, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional and application differences.

Technical Context

The LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1 implements a PNP-based pass transistor architecture enabling ultra-low quiescent current (75 µA typ) that increases only marginally in dropout-critical for extending battery life. Its internal 1.235 V reference and precision error amplifier achieve 0.05% typical line and load regulation, with 20 ppm/°C max output voltage temperature coefficient.

This device lacks shutdown and error flag pins-distinguishing it from the 8-pin LP2951-N family-and operates as a simple 3-terminal regulator: IN, OUT, GND. It requires only 1 µF input and 2.2 µF output capacitance with ESR between 10 mΩ and 6 Ω for stability, supporting ceramic, tantalum, and aluminum electrolytic capacitors.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1 uses the 3-pin TO-92 (LP) package (4.30 mm × 4.30 mm body), pin-compatible with legacy 78L05 regulators. Mounting requires no thermal vias; PCB pad area alone provides adequate heat dissipation up to ~500 mW at ambient.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLV70550DBVR and TC1015-5.0VCT713, LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1 offers lowest component count (3-pin), proven TO-92 reliability in industrial environments, and superior dropout at light loads-making it optimal for space-constrained, maintenance-free, long-life applications where simplicity and ultra-low IQ dominate.

Availability

LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, industrial RTUs, smart meter backup supplies, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term continuity.

Supply support for LP2950CZ-5.0/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 leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with decades of LDO design heritage and automotive-grade process validation.

LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1 belongs to TI's LP295x-N micropower LDO family, engineered specifically for battery longevity and precision voltage regulation in safety-critical portable and industrial systems-prioritizing ultra-low IQ, tight DC accuracy, and robust thermal behavior over feature density.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1?

The absolute maximum input voltage for LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1 is 30 V, per TI's SNVS764Q datasheet Section 7.1. However, recommended operation limits input to ≤30 V under normal conditions, with thermal considerations becoming dominant above 15 V at full 100 mA load. The device remains functional and protected up to its 150°C junction limit, but sustained operation above 20 V requires careful PCB thermal design in the TO-92 package.

Does LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1 include a shutdown pin or error flag output?

No, LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1 does not include a shutdown pin or error flag output. It is a 3-terminal fixed-output variant of the LP295x-N family, distinct from the 8-pin LP2951-N which adds SHUTDOWN and ERROR pins. LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1 operates continuously when input voltage is applied-there is no logic-controlled disable function. This simplifies design but removes system-level power sequencing capability.

What output capacitor value and type are required for stable operation of LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1?

LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1 requires a minimum 2.2 µF output capacitor with ESR between 10 mΩ and 6 Ω for guaranteed stability, as specified in Section 9.1 of the datasheet. Ceramic (X5R/X7R), tantalum, and aluminum electrolytic capacitors meet this requirement. A 2.2 µF X5R 0805 ceramic capacitor is commonly used-low profile, no series resistor needed, and compatible with automated assembly.

Can LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1 be used as a precision voltage reference?

Yes, LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1 can serve as a 5 V precision reference due to its 0.5% initial tolerance, 0.05% load and line regulation, and 20 ppm/°C max temperature coefficient. When operated at light load (<1 mA) with low-noise bypassing, its output exhibits minimal drift-making it suitable for calibrating 12-bit ADCs or biasing precision op-amps where dedicated references are cost-prohibitive.

What is the thermal resistance (RθJA) of LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1 in its TO-92 package?

The junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) for LP2950CZ-5.0/LFT1 in the TO-92 (LP) package is 157.4°C/W, measured on a High-K test board per JESD51-7. In typical 2-layer PCB layouts with modest copper area, actual RθJA ranges from 180–220°C/W. At 100 mA and 12 V input, power dissipation reaches ~0.7 W-requiring derating to ~60 mA above 70°C ambient to stay within the 125°C max junction temperature.