Texas Instruments LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB

Overview

LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a micropower, 200-mA ultra-low-dropout linear voltage regulator in SOIC-8 package, delivering fixed 3.0 V output with ±0.5% accuracy (A grade), 180 mV typical dropout at 200 mA, and <1 µA quiescent current in shutdown - deployed in battery-powered portable electronics requiring precision, low-noise, and thermal robustness.

For engineers reviewing the LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB datasheet, LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB pinout, LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB application, or LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, validated pin functions, confirmed thermal performance for SOIC-8, real-world load/line regulation data, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative regulators for 3.0 V LDO replacement scenarios.

Technical Context

The LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB uses a vertically integrated PNP (VIP) bipolar process to achieve ultra-low dropout and high PSRR (65 dB at 1 kHz), with an internal 1.23 V reference and error amplifier enabling precise fixed-output regulation. Its architecture integrates remote sensing via SENSE pin and supports both fixed-mode (via TAP–FEEDBACK tie) and adjustable-mode configurations.

It implements active protection including overcurrent limiting (400 mA peak), thermal shutdown, and an open-collector ERROR flag that asserts low when VOUT falls >5% below nominal - all operating across −40°C to +125°C junction temperature range with input supply up to 16 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB is housed in an 8-pin SOIC package (4.90 mm × 3.91 mm body), optimized for thermal dissipation with R_θJA = 114.4°C/W on standard JEDEC High-K board - compatible with automated PCB assembly and reflow profiles.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 3.0 V LDO regulator applications.

Compared with LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB, TLS850F0TES/V33 offers higher current and automotive qualification but sacrifices dropout performance and adds complexity; MCP1703T-3002E/MB reduces size and cost but cannot sustain 200 mA from 3.3 V input due to its 600 mV dropout - making LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB uniquely balanced for precision, efficiency, and thermal resilience in portable industrial designs.

Availability

LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, industrial PLC I/O modules, automotive infotainment accessories, and handheld test equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed parametric performance.

Supply support for LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB 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 focused on precision, reliability, and power efficiency.

The LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB belongs to TI's micropower LDO family engineered for battery-powered and thermally constrained applications - emphasizing ultra-low dropout, sub-µA shutdown, and integrated fault monitoring without external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB?

The LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB has an absolute maximum input voltage rating of 16 V, with recommended operating range from 2.1 V to 16 V. Exceeding 16 V risks permanent damage. This rating allows safe operation from 12 V automotive systems, industrial 24 V rails with pre-regulation, and legacy 5 V/3.3 V backplanes - provided transient suppression is implemented per TI Application Note SLVA224.

Does LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB require external capacitors, and what values are recommended?

Yes, LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB requires both input and output capacitors for stability. A minimum 2.2 µF ceramic capacitor is required on the IN pin, placed ≤0.5 inch from the pin and connected to clean analog ground. A minimum 4.7 µF ceramic output capacitor is required on the OUT pin, with ESR selected per TI's published stability curves (Figure 31/32) - tantalum alternatives are acceptable if ESR remains within the stable zone across temperature.

How does the ERROR pin on LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB function, and what external components are needed?

The ERROR pin on LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB is an active-low, open-collector output that pulls low when VOUT drops >5% below 3.0 V nominal - signaling undervoltage due to input sag, overload, or thermal shutdown. It requires an external pull-up resistor to VOUT (or another supply ≤16 V) and can sink up to 300 µA. If unused, the pin may be left floating per TI datasheet Section 5.

Can LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB be used in adjustable-output mode, or is it fixed-only?

LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB is factory-configured for fixed 3.0 V output and is not user-adjustable. Its internal resistive divider is permanently strapped to deliver 3.0 V with 0.5% accuracy. While the LP2986 family supports adjustable mode via external resistors on other variants (e.g., LP2986IMX-ADJ), the -3.0 suffix denotes fixed-output functionality - attempting external feedback will not alter the regulated voltage.

What thermal performance can be expected from LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB in SOIC-8 package at 200 mA load?

In SOIC-8 package, LP2986AIMX-3.0/NOPB has R_θJA = 114.4°C/W on JEDEC High-K board. At 200 mA load with 3.3 V input (180 mV dropout), power dissipation is ~36 mW, resulting in ~4.1°C junction-to-ambient rise above ambient - well within safe limits even at +85°C ambient. No heatsink is required for typical use, but thermal vias under GND pad further improve performance.