Texas Instruments LP38692SD-5.0

Overview

LP38692SD-5.0 from Texas Instruments is a 1-A, 5.0 V fixed-output low-dropout CMOS linear regulator with enable control, designed for precision power regulation in space-constrained portable systems. It delivers ±2.5% output accuracy at 25°C, achieves 450 mV dropout at 1 A (V_OUT = 5 V), and operates across 2.7 V to 10 V input range - enabling direct use with single-cell Li-ion or multi-cell alkaline supplies in battery-powered instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the LP38692SD-5.0 datasheet, LP38692SD-5.0 pinout, LP38692SD-5.0 application, or LP38692SD-5.0 equivalent, key selection criteria include its enable functionality, ceramic-capacitor stability (1 µF min), thermal shutdown (160°C), foldback current limiting, and SOT-223-5 package compatibility with high-ambient industrial designs.

Technical Context

The LP38692SD-5.0 uses a PMOS pass transistor architecture, eliminating DC base drive current and maintaining ground pin current below 100 µA across load, input voltage, and temperature. Its internal trimmed bandgap reference and feedback loop ensure tight DC regulation and fast transient response under dynamic load steps.

It integrates functional blocks including enable logic with defined ON/OFF thresholds (VEN(MIN) = 0.4 V, VEN(MAX) = 4 V), foldback current limiting dependent on VIN–VOUT differential (450 mA limit at >5 V drop; 1500 mA at <4 V), and thermal shutdown with 10°C hysteresis (trip at 160°C, resume at ~150°C).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The LP38692SD-5.0 is packaged in a 5-pin SOT-223 (NDC) with exposed thermal pad, measuring 6.50 mm × 3.56 mm. The package provides low R_θJB = 13.0°C/W for efficient heat transfer to PCB copper planes.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLS850F0TLE and MCP1703T-5002E/MB, the LP38692SD-5.0 uniquely balances 1 A output, enable functionality, ceramic-capacitor stability, and industrial temperature range in a thermally robust SOT-223 package - making it optimal for portable industrial and medical systems requiring both performance and design flexibility.

Availability

LP38692SD-5.0 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for hard disk drives, notebook computers, battery-powered devices, portable instrumentation, and industrial embedded controllers requiring stable component supply across long product lifecycles.

Supply support for LP38692SD-5.0 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 and high-reliability signal chain solutions.

The LP38692SD-5.0 belongs to TI's LP3869x family of low-dropout CMOS regulators, engineered specifically for portable, battery-powered digital systems demanding accurate voltage regulation, fast start-up, and minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for LP38692SD-5.0 to regulate 5.0 V output?

The LP38692SD-5.0 requires VIN ≥ (VOUT + VDO) = 5.0 V + 0.45 V = 5.45 V to maintain regulation at 1 A load. At lighter loads, dropout decreases - e.g., 45 mV at 0.1 A - so minimum VIN can be as low as 5.045 V. However, the device's internal circuitry only becomes fully functional above 2.7 V, and regulation does not begin until VIN exceeds both VOUT + VDO and 2.7 V, whichever is greater. For reliable 5.0 V output, design with VIN ≥ 5.5 V under worst-case load and temperature.

Does LP38692SD-5.0 require an external resistor divider to set its output voltage?

No, LP38692SD-5.0 is a fixed-output regulator with internally trimmed 5.0 V reference. It contains no feedback pins or external resistor connections - the "SD-5.0" suffix explicitly denotes factory-set 5.0 V output. Unlike adjustable variants (e.g., LP38692SD-ADJ), this part eliminates resistor matching errors, layout sensitivity, and BOM overhead while guaranteeing ±2.5% accuracy at 25°C and ±5% over full temperature range.

Can LP38692SD-5.0 be used with only 1 µF ceramic capacitors on input and output?

Yes, LP38692SD-5.0 is explicitly characterized and guaranteed stable with 1 µF ceramic capacitors on both input and output - no minimum ESR requirement. This is enabled by its CMOS architecture and internal compensation. The datasheet confirms stability with 1 µF X7R/X5R ceramics (10 V rating recommended), reducing solution size and cost versus traditional LDOs requiring 10–22 µF tantalum or aluminum electrolytics with strict ESR windows.

What happens to LP38692SD-5.0 when the EN pin is left floating?

The EN pin has no internal pull-up or pull-down, so leaving it floating results in undefined operation - the device may power up unpredictably or fail to enable reliably. TI specifies that EN must be actively driven or passively terminated (e.g., tied to IN via resistor or directly to IN for always-on operation). For robust designs, connect EN to IN through a 100 kΩ resistor or directly if enable control is not needed; never leave unconnected in production hardware.

Is LP38692SD-5.0 compatible with reverse voltage conditions at its output pin?

LP38692SD-5.0 tolerates limited reverse voltage: when VIN is low or disabled, the internal PMOS pass transistor's body diode conducts if VOUT exceeds VIN by >500 mV, allowing up to 1 A continuous reverse current. To prevent damage or system upset, TI recommends adding an external Schottky diode from OUT to GND in dual-supply or hot-swap scenarios - especially where output capacitance exceeds 100 µF or alternate sources may back-drive the rail.