Texas Instruments LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB

Overview

LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a 5.0-V, 0.8-A ultra-low-dropout linear regulator in DDPAK/TO-263-5 package, featuring 240 mV dropout at full load, ±1.5% output voltage accuracy, and integrated ERROR flag and remote SENSE functionality for precision point-of-load regulation.

For engineers reviewing the LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB datasheet, LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB pinout, LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB application, or LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout performance under 0.8-A load, shutdown quiescent current (10 nA), SENSE-enabled remote regulation capability, thermal derating in TO-263, and ERROR flag threshold hysteresis (5% typical).

Technical Context

The LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB uses a CMOS-based PMOS pass element enabling ultra-low dropout (24 mV @ 80 mA; 240 mV @ 0.8 A) and load-independent quiescent current. Its dedicated SENSE pin closes the feedback loop at the remote load, decoupling regulation accuracy from PCB trace resistance-critical for GTL/SSTL bus terminators and DSP core supplies.

It integrates overtemperature and overcurrent protection with thermal shutdown, short-circuit limiting (2.3 A peak), and an open-drain ERROR flag that asserts low when output drops >10% below nominal. Shutdown is controlled via TTL/CMOS-compatible SD pin with 20 µs turnoff delay and 25 µs turnon delay.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB is housed in a thermally enhanced DDPAK/TO-263-5 (KTT) package (10.16 mm × 8.42 mm), with exposed thermal pad soldered to PCB ground plane for R_θJA = 40.3°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 TPS7A4700RGWR and LT1763CS8-5, LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB uniquely combines SENSE-based point-of-load regulation, ERROR flag diagnostics, and sub-250-mV dropout at 0.8 A - making it optimal for space-constrained, high-integrity digital bus and microprocessor I/O applications where trace resistance and fault visibility matter.

Availability

LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microprocessor power supplies, GTL+/SSTL bus terminators, and battery-powered post-regulators requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for LP3874EMP-5.0/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 and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in power management ICs, precision analog, and high-reliability interface solutions.

The LP387x series was designed specifically for low-voltage, high-current linear regulation in space-constrained digital systems - targeting microprocessor I/O, memory bus termination, and battery-powered instrumentation where ultra-low dropout and remote sensing are essential.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB?

The absolute maximum input voltage for LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB is 7.5 V, but the recommended operating range is 2.5 V to 7 V. Exceeding 7 V risks violating the recommended conditions and may accelerate parametric drift over temperature and time. The device's internal PMOS pass element includes a body diode rated for 200 mA DC reverse current if output is forced above input - a design consideration for hot-swap or back-drive scenarios.

Does LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB require an external capacitor on the SENSE pin?

No, LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB does not require an external capacitor on the SENSE pin. The SENSE pin is a high-impedance feedback input that must be connected directly to the remote load point using a dedicated trace - no bypass or filter capacitor is needed or recommended. Adding capacitance to SENSE would destabilize the control loop and potentially cause oscillation. The output capacitor (minimum 10 µF, ESR 100 mΩ–4 Ω) remains mandatory at the OUT pin for loop stability.

How does the ERROR flag behave during shutdown mode of LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB?

During shutdown mode (SD pin pulled low), the ERROR flag output of LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB is forced invalid and electrically disconnected - it neither asserts nor reflects output status. This behavior conserves power and avoids false fault reporting. The ERROR pin resumes normal operation only after SD returns high and the device completes its 25-µs turnon delay. System designers must ensure ERROR is pulled high via a 10-kΩ resistor and grounded if unused, per TI's application guidance.

Can LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB be used with ceramic output capacitors?

Yes, LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB supports ceramic output capacitors, but only X7R or X5R dielectrics are recommended due to their stable capacitance vs. voltage and temperature. Z5U/Y5V ceramics are unsuitable - they can lose >60% capacitance at half-rated voltage and >50% across −40°C to +125°C, risking instability. Minimum 10-µF ceramic capacitance is acceptable if ESR falls within the stable region (100 mΩ–4 Ω), verified via TI's ESR curve (Figure 13 in SNVS225H).

What thermal derating applies to LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB in a 4-layer PCB with 2-in² copper pour?

With a 4-layer PCB and 2-in² internal copper pour connected to the DDPAK thermal pad, LP3874EMP-5.0/NOPB achieves R_θJA ≈ 40.3°C/W (per datasheet). At ambient 70°C and max junction 125°C, allowable power dissipation is (125−70)/40.3 ≈ 1.36 W. For 5.0-V output at 0.8-A load, dropout loss is 0.24 V × 0.8 A = 0.192 W - well within limit. No derating is needed unless ambient exceeds 100°C or copper area is reduced below 1 in².