Texas Instruments LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB

Overview

LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a fixed-output 1.8 V, 1.5 A ultra-low dropout linear regulator in SOT-223 package, featuring 24 mV dropout at 150 mA, ±1.5% output voltage accuracy at 25°C, and an active ERROR flag for output fault detection. It operates from 2.5 V to 7 V input and supports ceramic or tantalum output capacitors as low as 10 µF - ideal for powering low-voltage microprocessor cores and DSP I/O rails.

For engineers reviewing the LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB datasheet, LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB pinout, LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB application, or LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB equivalent, key selection considerations include dropout performance at light-to-full load, ERROR pin hysteresis behavior, shutdown threshold tolerance, thermal derating in SOT-223, and stability with ceramic output capacitance up to 150 µF when paired with ≥10 µF ceramic input capacitance.

Technical Context

The LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB uses a CMOS-based PMOS pass transistor architecture enabling load-independent quiescent current (typically 4 mA at 1.5 A), ultra-low dropout (24 mV at 150 mA), and fast transient response. Its ERROR pin implements an open-drain comparator with 5–16% hysteresis referenced to VOUT, asserting low when output drops >10% below nominal.

Unlike the LP3855 variant, LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB lacks a SENSE pin and regulates voltage at the OUT pin only - making it suitable for local regulation where PCB trace resistance is negligible. Shutdown is controlled via a logic-compatible SD pin with 0.3–2.0 V threshold and <25 µs turn-on delay.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-223 (NDC) package: 6.50 mm × 3.56 mm body, thermally enhanced with exposed pad (not electrically connected); 5-pin configuration with IN, OUT, GND, SD, and ERROR terminals.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ultra-low dropout linear regulator applications.

Compared with TSS721AIDR and TPS7A2018PDBVR, LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB uniquely delivers 1.5 A output with <260 mV dropout in SOT-223 while integrating a diagnostic ERROR flag - making it irreplaceable in high-current, fault-aware 1.8 V applications where thermal and layout constraints favor compact surface-mount packages.

Availability

LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microprocessor core supplies, GTL+ bus terminators, DSP I/O rails, battery-powered sensor nodes, and industrial embedded controllers requiring stable component supply with long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for LP3852ES-1.8/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 company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management ICs, with decades of leadership in high-reliability linear regulators and power solutions.

The LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB belongs to TI's LP385x ultra-low dropout regulator family, designed specifically for low-voltage, high-current digital system rails where fast transient response, ceramic capacitor compatibility, and fault visibility are essential.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB to regulate 1.8 V output?

The LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB requires VIN ≥ VOUT(NOM) + VDROPOUT. At 150 mA load, dropout is 24 mV, so minimum VIN is 1.824 V - but per datasheet, absolute minimum operating VIN is 2.5 V regardless of load. Therefore, LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB must be supplied with ≥2.5 V to ensure guaranteed regulation across all conditions, including temperature and process variation.

Can LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB operate stably with only ceramic capacitors?

Yes - LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB is explicitly characterized for stability with ceramic output capacitors. With a 10 µF ceramic input capacitor, it remains stable with ceramic output capacitance up to 150 µF at 1.5 A load. The device does not require ESR for stability, unlike older LDO architectures, enabling smaller, lower-ESR, and more reliable ceramic-only designs.

How does the ERROR pin behave during shutdown of LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB?

When the SD pin is pulled low to enter shutdown, the ERROR pin of LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB becomes invalid and is not actively driven - its state is undefined. The datasheet explicitly states that ERROR functionality is disabled during shutdown to conserve power. To monitor output health, LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB must be operating in normal mode with SD held high.

What thermal derating applies to LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB in SOT-223 package?

In SOT-223 (NDC) package, LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB has RθJA = 65.2°C/W (with 0.5 in², 1-oz copper). At ambient 70°C and 1.5 A load, junction temperature rise is ~98°C - exceeding the 125°C max. Derating is required: maximum continuous current drops to ~1.1 A at 70°C ambient, or full 1.5 A only if ambient stays ≤55°C with adequate copper pour and airflow.

Is LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB pin-compatible with other LP385x variants like LP3855?

No - LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB (ERROR pin) and LP3855 (SENSE pin) have different pin functions on pin 4 and pin 5 in SOT-223. In LP3852ES-1.8/NOPB, pin 4 is ERROR (output) and pin 5 is GND; in LP3855, pin 4 is SENSE (input) and pin 5 is GND. Swapping them causes functional failure - they are not pin-compatible and require separate PCB layouts.