Texas Instruments LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB

Overview

LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB from Texas Instruments is an adjustable 1.5-A ultra-low-dropout linear regulator with PMOS pass transistor, operating from 2.7 V to 5.5 V input and delivering 0.6 V to 5 V output. It features FlexCap compensation for stability with ceramic/tantalum/aluminum capacitors, 275 mV dropout at 1.5 A, ±1.5% V_ADJ accuracy (A grade), and integrated enable control - used in FPGA core power, DSP supply rails, and precision ASIC voltage regulation.

For engineers reviewing the LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB datasheet, LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB pinout, LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB application, or LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout performance at full load, ESR-insensitive stability, shutdown quiescent current (25 nA), thermal shutdown threshold (170°C), and WSON-8 package thermal resistance (R_θJA = 52.5°C/W).

Technical Context

The LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB uses a CMOS-based PMOS pass transistor architecture with internal feed-forward loop enhancement to achieve fast load transient response (<40 mV deviation at 0.1 A → 1.5 A step) while maintaining ≥40° phase margin across capacitor types. Its unique FlexCap compensation eliminates ESR dependency, enabling stable operation with X5R/X7R ceramics, low-ESR tantalums, or aluminum electrolytics.

It integrates enable logic (VIH = 1.4 V, VIL = 0.65 V), overcurrent protection (3.6 A peak), and thermal shutdown (170°C with 10°C hysteresis). The ADJ pin sets output via external resistor divider with 605 mV nominal reference and ≤750 nA bias current, supporting precise low-voltage regulation down to 0.6 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB uses the NGS (WSON-8) package: 3.00 mm × 2.50 mm body, exposed thermal pad (DAP) electrically connected to GND, requiring soldered thermal vias for optimal junction-to-board conduction (R_θJB = 26.1°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPL7407LPGEDR and TPS7A4701RGWR, LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB uniquely balances 1.5-A capability, WSON-8 footprint, FlexCap stability, and 25-nA shutdown - making it optimal for high-density digital power rails where adjustability, thermal efficiency, and capacitor flexibility are jointly required.

Availability

LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA core power, DSP voltage rails, and ASIC I/O regulation requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across manufacturing lots.

Supply support for LP38502SD-ADJ/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 power management ICs, with decades of LDO design expertise and broad automotive/industrial qualification.

The LP3850x series was developed specifically for high-current, low-dropout applications in space-constrained digital systems - emphasizing capacitor flexibility, fast transient response, and robust thermal protection in WSON and DDPAK packages.

FAQ

What is the minimum output capacitor value required for stable operation of LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB?

The LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB requires a minimum 10-µF output capacitor located within 1 cm of the device. Unlike conventional LDOs, it imposes no ESR restrictions - ceramic (X5R/X7R), tantalum, or aluminum electrolytic capacitors are all acceptable. Larger values improve load transient response but are not mandatory for stability.

Does LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB support adjustable output voltages below 1.0 V?

Yes, LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB supports output voltages from 0.6 V to 5 V using an external resistor divider on the ADJ pin. With a 605 mV nominal reference voltage and ≤750 nA ADJ pin bias current, it achieves accurate low-voltage regulation - verified down to 0.6 V in TI's characterization data and typical application circuits.

How does the enable functionality of LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB differ from LP38500-ADJ?

LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB includes an EN pin (Pin 2) for active-high enable control, while LP38500-ADJ lacks this feature and operates continuously when powered. The EN pin requires either a 10-kΩ pull-up to VIN or active CMOS-level drive; floating the pin is prohibited. This allows precise power sequencing in multi-rail systems using LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB.

What thermal considerations apply to LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB in the WSON-8 package?

LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB in WSON-8 has R_θJA = 52.5°C/W (with thermal vias under DAP) and R_θJB = 26.1°C/W. To maintain T_J ≤125°C at 1.5 A, ambient must stay ≤85°C with adequate copper area and ≥6 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) connecting DAP to inner ground planes. Derating is required above 85°C ambient.

Can LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB be used with Z5U or Y5F ceramic capacitors?

No - LP38502SD-ADJ/NOPB datasheet explicitly prohibits Z5U and Y5F dielectrics due to severe capacitance loss (>50% at 85°C, >60% at 50% rated voltage). Only X5R or X7R ceramics are recommended to ensure the minimum 10-µF output capacitance remains valid across temperature and bias conditions.