Texas Instruments LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB

Overview

LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a fixed-output, ultra-low dropout linear regulator delivering 2.5 V at up to 1.5 A DC with ±1.5% output voltage accuracy at room temperature. It features an ERROR flag pin, 24 mV typical dropout at 150 mA, and stable operation with ceramic or tantalum output capacitors - designed for microprocessor core and I/O power supplies where fast transient response and low quiescent current are critical.

For engineers reviewing the LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB datasheet, LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB pinout, LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB application, or LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB equivalent, key selection considerations include dropout performance under 1.5-A load, ERROR flag timing behavior, shutdown threshold hysteresis (none), thermal derating in SOT-223, and compatibility with low-ESR ceramic output capacitors up to 150 µF when paired with 10 µF ceramic input capacitance.

Technical Context

The LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB uses a CMOS-based PMOS pass transistor architecture enabling load-independent quiescent current (4 mA typical at 1.5 A) and ultra-low dropout - 24 mV at 150 mA and 260 mV at 1.5 A in SOT-223 package. Its ERROR pin provides open-drain fault indication when VOUT drops >10% below nominal, with built-in 5–16% hysteresis over temperature.

It operates across −40°C to +125°C junction temperature, supports input voltages from 2.5 V to 7 V, and integrates overtemperature and short-circuit protection. The device requires no external compensation and achieves stable regulation with ≥10 µF output capacitance, including ceramic types - enabled by internal frequency compensation optimized for low-ESR capacitors.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-223 (NDC) package: 6.50 mm × 3.56 mm body, thermally enhanced with exposed pad (not electrically connected); suitable for high-density PCB layouts with moderate power dissipation (R_θJA = 65.2°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TSS721AIDR, LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB delivers 260 mV lower dropout at 1.5 A and integrated ERROR monitoring; versus TPS7A4701RGWR, it trades 4.7 µV_RMS noise for guaranteed 1.5-A delivery and real-time output health reporting - making it optimal for digital load supervision rather than ultra-low-noise analog biasing.

Availability

LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microprocessor core supplies, GTL+ bus terminators, and post-regulator applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for industrial and embedded programs.

Supply support for LP3852ESX-2.5/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 designing analog ICs, embedded processors, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The LP385x series was developed specifically for high-current, ultra-low-dropout linear regulation in space-constrained digital systems - emphasizing fast transient response, ceramic capacitor compatibility, and integrated fault reporting for microprocessor power domains.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB to regulate 2.5 V at 1.5 A?

The LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB requires a minimum input voltage of 2.76 V to maintain regulation at 1.5 A, based on its 260 mV dropout specification in the SOT-223 package. At lighter loads (e.g., 150 mA), dropout drops to 24 mV, allowing operation down to 2.524 V. Input must remain ≥2.5 V regardless of load per recommended operating conditions.

Does LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB support ceramic output capacitors, and what are the stability limits?

Yes, LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB is explicitly characterized for stability with ceramic output capacitors. With a 10 µF ceramic input capacitor and 1.5 A load, it remains stable with ceramic COUT values from 10 µF up to approximately 150 µF. Total ceramic COUT includes all parallel ceramics on the output node - exceeding this limit risks oscillation.

How does the ERROR pin on LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB behave during shutdown?

When the SD pin is pulled low, the ERROR pin on LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB becomes invalid and is disabled to conserve power - it does not reflect output status during shutdown. The ERROR function resumes only after SD returns high and the device exits shutdown, typically within 25 µs turn-on delay.

What thermal derating applies to LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB in SOT-223 package at 70°C ambient?

In SOT-223 (NDC), LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB has R_θJA = 65.2°C/W. At 70°C ambient and 125°C max junction temperature, allowable power dissipation is (125 − 70)/65.2 ≈ 0.84 W. With 2.76 V input and 2.5 V output at 1.5 A, power dissipation is (0.26 V)(1.5 A) = 0.39 W - well within safe margin without heatsinking.

Is LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB pin-compatible with LP3855ESX-2.5/NOPB?

No - LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB (ERROR pin) and LP3855ESX-2.5/NOPB (SENSE pin) are not pin-compatible. In SOT-223, LP3852 uses Pin 4 for ERROR, while LP3855 uses Pin 4 for SENSE. Swapping them without PCB modification will cause functional failure: ERROR signal will be unconnected, and SENSE will be shorted to OUT.