Texas Instruments LP3852ESX-3.3/NOPB

Overview

LP3852ESX-3.3/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a fixed-output, ultra-low dropout linear regulator delivering 3.3 V ±1.5% at up to 1.5 A DC, with 240 mV dropout at full load, 10 nA shutdown quiescent current, and an active ERROR flag for output fault detection. It operates from 2.5 V to 7 V input and targets microprocessor core and I/O rail regulation in space-constrained embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the LP3852ESX-3.3/NOPB datasheet, LP3852ESX-3.3/NOPB pinout, LP3852ESX-3.3/NOPB application, or LP3852ESX-3.3/NOPB equivalent, key selection considerations include dropout voltage at 1.5 A, ERROR flag timing behavior, ceramic capacitor stability requirements, thermal derating in SOT-223, and compatibility with 10 µF minimum C_OUT (tantalum or ceramic).

Technical Context

The LP3852ESX-3.3/NOPB uses a CMOS-based PMOS pass element enabling load-independent quiescent current (4 mA typical at 1.5 A) and ultra-low dropout-240 mV at 1.5 A, 26 mV at 150 mA. Its ERROR comparator monitors V_OUT with 10% threshold hysteresis and open-drain output requiring external pull-up.

It supports fast transient response (<2 µs turn-on delay, <1 µs ERROR flag reset) and integrates overtemperature/overcurrent protection. Unlike the LP3855, it lacks remote SENSE but includes dedicated ERROR signaling-making it suitable for local regulation with fault reporting rather than remote-load compensation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-223 (NDC) package: 6.50 mm × 3.56 mm body, surface-mount, thermally enhanced with exposed pad (internally connected to GND). Pin 1 = SD, Pin 2 = IN, Pin 3 = OUT, Pin 4 = ERROR, Pin 5 = GND.

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 TPS7A4701RGWR, LP3852ESX-3.3/NOPB uniquely combines 1.5 A capability, 10 nA shutdown IQ, and integrated ERROR flag in SOT-223 - making it optimal for microprocessor power with fault-aware system management.

Availability

LP3852ESX-3.3/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microprocessor core supplies, GTL+ bus terminators, FPGA I/O banks, post-regulation of switching converters, and battery-powered instrumentation requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence planning.

Supply support for LP3852ESX-3.3/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 technologies, with decades of LDO design heritage and automotive-grade reliability validation.

The LP385x series was engineered specifically for low-voltage, high-current microprocessor and DSP power delivery - emphasizing ultra-low dropout, fast transient response, and ceramic capacitor compatibility in compact packages.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for LP3852ESX-3.3/NOPB to regulate 3.3 V at 1.5 A?

The LP3852ESX-3.3/NOPB requires VIN ≥ VOUT + VDROPOUT = 3.3 V + 0.24 V = 3.54 V at 1.5 A load. Per datasheet Section 8.3, the absolute minimum operating VIN is 2.5 V, but actual regulation requires headroom defined by dropout voltage - which rises with load and temperature. At 150 mA, dropout is only 26 mV, allowing VIN as low as 3.326 V.

Can LP3852ESX-3.3/NOPB operate with ceramic output capacitors, and what are the stability limits?

Yes, LP3852ESX-3.3/NOPB is stable with ceramic output capacitors. Minimum COUT is 10 µF; maximum stable value depends on CIN - with 10 µF ceramic CIN, COUT may be up to 150 µF. Exceeding this risks oscillation. Layout must place COUT ≤1 cm from OUT/GND pins with low-inductance traces, per Figure 21 in SNVS174I.

How does the ERROR pin on LP3852ESX-3.3/NOPB behave during shutdown?

When the SD pin is driven low, the ERROR pin on LP3852ESX-3.3/NOPB becomes invalid (high-impedance) to conserve power - it does not assert or deassert. The ERROR function resumes only after SD returns high and VOUT stabilizes within regulation. During normal operation, ERROR pulls low when VOUT falls ≥10% below 3.3 V, with 5% hysteresis to prevent chatter.

What thermal derating applies to LP3852ESX-3.3/NOPB in SOT-223 at 85°C ambient?

With RθJA = 65.2°C/W (SOT-223, 0.5 in² copper), junction temperature rise at 1.5 A is ΔT = 1.5 A × 0.24 V × 65.2°C/W ≈ 23.5°C. At 85°C ambient, TJ ≈ 108.5°C - within the −40°C to 125°C limit. Derating begins above ~1.1 A at 85°C ambient to maintain TJ ≤125°C; forced air or larger copper improves usable current.

Is LP3852ESX-3.3/NOPB pin-compatible with other LP385x variants like LP3855 or LP3852-2.5?

No - LP3852ESX-3.3/NOPB (SOT-223, ERROR pin) is not pin-compatible with LP3855 (SENSE pin instead of ERROR) or TO-220/TO-263 LP3852 variants. Pin 4 is ERROR on SOT-223 LP3852, but SENSE on LP3855 and GND on TO-220/TO-263 LP3852. Board redesign is required for substitution; only same-package, same-voltage LP3852 variants (e.g., LP3852ESX-2.5/NOPB) are drop-in replacements.