Texas Instruments LP2986AIMX-3.3

Overview

LP2986AIMX-3.3 from Texas Instruments is a micropower, 200-mA ultra-low-dropout linear voltage regulator in SOIC-8 package, delivering fixed 3.3 V output with ±0.5% accuracy (A grade), 180 mV dropout at 200 mA, and <1 µA shutdown quiescent current. It serves as a precision power supply for low-power microcontrollers, portable sensors, and battery-backed subsystems requiring stable 3.3 V rail under variable load and input conditions.

For engineers reviewing the LP2986AIMX-3.3 datasheet, LP2986AIMX-3.3 pinout, LP2986AIMX-3.3 application, or LP2986AIMX-3.3 equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 200-mA output capability, −40°C to +125°C junction temperature operation, integrated ERROR flag with 5% undervoltage detection, remote sensing via SENSE pin, and compatibility with ceramic output capacitors ≥4.7 µF.

Technical Context

The LP2986AIMX-3.3 uses a vertically integrated PNP (VIP) bipolar process to achieve ultra-low dropout and high PSRR (65 dB at 1 kHz). Its internal 1.23-V reference enables tight regulation, while the error comparator monitors VOUT against nominal with 5% hysteresis and open-collector ERROR output.

It supports two configuration modes: fixed-output mode (via TAP–FEEDBACK and OUT–SENSE ties) and adjustable mode (external resistor divider on FEEDBACK). Shutdown control is active-high, with defined turn-on/turn-off thresholds (VH = 1.4 V, VL = 0.55 V) and minimum 40 mV/µs slew rate requirement.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LP2986AIMX-3.3 is housed in an 8-pin SOIC (D package), body size 4.90 mm × 3.91 mm, with standard gull-wing leads and exposed pad not present (WSON variant has DAP; SOIC does not).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LP2985AIMX-3.3 and MCP1703T-3302E/MB, the LP2986AIMX-3.3 uniquely combines 200 mA capability, sub-200 mV dropout, open-collector ERROR flag, and remote SENSE functionality in a single SOIC-8 package - enabling robust, space-constrained power design where both performance and fault awareness are critical.

Availability

LP2986AIMX-3.3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, industrial PLC I/O modules, automotive body control units, and test & measurement instrumentation requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle programs.

Supply support for LP2986AIMX-3.3 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 portable applications.

The LP2986AIMX-3.3 belongs to TI's LP2986 family of micropower LDOs designed for battery-powered and thermally constrained systems demanding high accuracy, ultra-low dropout, and integrated fault monitoring.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for LP2986AIMX-3.3?

The LP2986AIMX-3.3 has an absolute maximum input voltage rating of 16 V, with recommended operating range from 2.1 V to 16 V. This allows direct use with 12-V industrial rails, automotive systems (including load-dump tolerant designs), and multi-cell battery packs - while maintaining safe operation well above its 3.3 V output.

Does LP2986AIMX-3.3 require an external capacitor for stability?

Yes, LP2986AIMX-3.3 requires a minimum 4.7 µF ceramic output capacitor and a ≥2.2 µF input capacitor for stable operation. The device is optimized for ceramic capacitors and does not require ESR tuning - simplifying layout and reducing bill-of-materials cost compared to older LDO architectures.

How does the ERROR pin on LP2986AIMX-3.3 function?

The ERROR pin on LP2986AIMX-3.3 is an open-collector output that goes low when VOUT drops more than approximately 5% below nominal (e.g., below 3.135 V for 3.3 V output). It sinks up to 300 µA and requires an external pull-up resistor to VOUT or another supply ≤16 V - enabling direct interface to microcontroller GPIO or watchdog circuits.

Can LP2986AIMX-3.3 be used in adjustable-output configurations?

No - LP2986AIMX-3.3 is a fixed-output variant configured internally for 3.3 V. While the base LP2986 family supports adjustable outputs via external resistors on the FEEDBACK pin, the AIMX-3.3 suffix denotes factory-trimmed fixed 3.3 V operation with TAP and SENSE pins pre-configured for that voltage; using it in adjustable mode is not supported or characterized.

What thermal performance can be expected from LP2986AIMX-3.3 in SOIC-8 package?

In the SOIC-8 (D) package, LP2986AIMX-3.3 has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 114.4°C/W on a high-K test board. At 200 mA load with 5 V input, power dissipation is ~340 mW, resulting in ~39°C junction rise above ambient - well within the −40°C to +125°C operating range without forced airflow or heatsinking.