Texas Instruments LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB

Overview

LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a 3A ultra-low-dropout linear regulator in DDPAK/TO-263 package, delivering a fixed 1.8V output with ±1.5% accuracy at room temperature and ±3.0% over full operating conditions (−40°C to +125°C junction), 800mV dropout at 3A load, and 6mA ground pin current - designed for microprocessor core power supplies where tight regulation and fast transient response are critical.

For engineers reviewing the LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB datasheet, LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB pinout, LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB application, or LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB equivalent, key selection considerations include remote sense capability (SENSE pin), error flag monitoring (±10% output deviation detection), shutdown quiescent current (1µA), minimum 10µF output capacitance requirement, and thermal derating in TO-263 package (θ_jA = 60°C/W with 0.5in² copper).

Technical Context

The LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB uses a CMOS-based PMOS pass transistor architecture enabling ultra-low dropout voltage and load-independent quiescent current. Its internal error amplifier compares feedback from the SENSE pin (or VOUT if SENSE is shorted) against a precision bandgap reference, driving the pass element to maintain regulation under dynamic load steps up to 3A.

It integrates overtemperature and overcurrent protection with automatic foldback, plus an open-drain ERROR flag that asserts low when output drops >10% below nominal - hysteresis ensures clean recovery. Shutdown control is CMOS-compatible, requiring active pull-up (10kΩ typical) and enabling <1µA quiescent operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB is housed in a thermally enhanced 5-pin DDPAK/TO-263 surface-mount package (KTT0005B), with exposed thermal pad soldered to PCB copper for improved heat dissipation. The package supports ≥3A continuous operation with proper board layout and copper area (0.5in², 1oz).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS75718KTTT and MCP1826T-1802E/DC, LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB uniquely combines remote sense capability, integrated error flag, and guaranteed 3A operation across −40°C to +125°C - making it the only option among the three qualified for industrial and automotive point-of-load applications requiring both precision and fault visibility.

Availability

LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microprocessor core power, GTL bus termination, and DSP supply applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing from authorized channels.

Supply support for LP3876ESX-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 leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management ICs, with decades of expertise in high-reliability linear regulators and power solutions.

The LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB belongs to TI's LP387x ultra-low-dropout regulator family, engineered specifically for high-current, low-voltage digital loads demanding fast transient response, remote sensing, and robust protection in space-constrained industrial and computing environments.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB to regulate 1.8V output?

The LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB requires a minimum input voltage equal to the sum of its nominal output voltage and dropout voltage under load. At 3A, dropout is 800mV, so minimum VIN = 1.8V + 0.8V = 2.6V. However, the absolute minimum specified operating input is 2.5V - meaning LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB can sustain regulation down to 2.5V only at lighter loads where dropout is lower (e.g., 80mV at 300mA). For full 3A operation, 2.6V is the practical minimum.

Can LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB be used without connecting the SENSE pin?

Yes - LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB operates correctly with the SENSE pin tied directly to the VOUT pin. In this configuration, it regulates voltage at the VOUT terminal (not the load), resulting in standard load regulation performance (0.08% typical). The SENSE pin is optional and only required when trace resistance between VOUT and the actual load introduces unacceptable voltage drop - for example, >15mΩ at 3A would cause >45mV error, exceeding ±1.5% tolerance.

How does the ERROR flag on LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB behave during shutdown?

When the SD pin is pulled low to activate shutdown mode, the ERROR flag on LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB is forced invalid - it no longer reflects output status and may float or remain latched. This is intentional power-saving behavior documented in the datasheet. To monitor output health, the ERROR flag must only be read during normal operation (SD pin high). If fault monitoring is needed during standby, an external supervisor circuit is required.

What output capacitor is required for stable operation of LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB?

LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB requires a minimum 10µF output capacitor with ESR within the stable region shown in Figure 22 of the datasheet (typically 10mΩ to 300mΩ). Solid tantalum or POSCAP capacitors are recommended for optimal stability and low ESR across temperature. Ceramic capacitors may be used if ESR is boosted with a small series resistor (e.g., 22mΩ) to meet stability criteria - X7R/X5R dielectrics are preferred over Z5U/Y5V due to voltage/temperature coefficient limitations.

Is LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB RoHS-compliant and lead-free?

Yes - LP3876ESX-1.8/NOPB carries the "/NOPB" suffix, which Texas Instruments designates as lead-free and RoHS-compliant per J-STD-609. The device uses matte tin (Sn) lead finish, meets JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 3 (MSL-3), and is qualified for reflow soldering per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020 standards. Full compliance documentation is available in TI's official product change notices and material declarations.