Texas Instruments LP3879MR-1.0/NOPB

Overview

LP3879MR-1.0/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a micropower, low-noise, fixed-output 1.0 V linear voltage regulator delivering up to 800 mA with ±1% initial output accuracy, 18 µV_RMS broadband noise (100 Hz–100 kHz), and operation from 2.5 V to 6 V input. It uses a vertically integrated PNP process, supports ceramic output capacitors down to 10 µF, and includes remote sense and shutdown control - deployed in FPGA/ASIC core power supplies for notebooks and graphic cards.

For engineers reviewing the LP3879MR-1.0/NOPB datasheet, LP3879MR-1.0/NOPB pinout, LP3879MR-1.0/NOPB application, or LP3879MR-1.0/NOPB equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout performance at 800 mA, ground current vs. load (5.5 mA typ. @ full load), stability with ultra-low-ESR ceramics, thermal management via PowerPad, and shutdown quiescent current (<10 µA).

Technical Context

The LP3879MR-1.0/NOPB employs a PNP-based LDO architecture optimized for low noise and high PSRR (60 dB at 1 kHz), enabling clean power delivery to noise-sensitive analog and digital cores. Its internal bandgap reference feeds an error amplifier that drives the pass transistor, with the BYPASS pin providing dedicated noise filtering via a 10 nF capacitor.

Remote SENSE capability allows direct feedback from the load point to improve regulation under dynamic load conditions, while the SHUTDOWN pin enables active control of output enable/disable with defined turn-on (1.4–1.6 V) and turn-off (0.1–0.5 V) thresholds. Thermal shutdown and current limiting protect against fault conditions across –40°C to +125°C junction temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LP3879MR-1.0/NOPB is packaged in an 8-pin SO PowerPad (DDA) with exposed thermal pad soldered to PCB ground for enhanced thermal dissipation. The package height is ≤1.7 mm and features gull-wing leads compatible with standard reflow profiles (MSL Level-3, 260°C peak).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-noise, fixed-output LDO applications.

Compared with TSS721AIDR and TPS7A2010PDBVR, LP3879MR-1.0/NOPB uniquely combines 800 mA output, remote SENSE, PowerPad thermal enhancement, and 18 µV_RMS noise in a single SOIC-8 package - making it the only option among the three qualified for thermally aggressive, high-precision 1.0 V core rail applications.

Availability

LP3879MR-1.0/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA core power, medical AFE biasing, and SMPS post-regulation requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for LP3879MR-1.0/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 leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management technologies, with decades of LDO design heritage and broad industrial qualification.

The LP3879 product line was engineered specifically for low-voltage, low-noise digital core power in portable and high-reliability systems - emphasizing micropower operation, ceramic capacitor compatibility, and robust thermal performance in compact packages.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for LP3879MR-1.0/NOPB to maintain regulation at 800 mA load?

The LP3879MR-1.0/NOPB requires a minimum input voltage of 2.5 V to maintain output regulation at 800 mA load across temperature. This corresponds to a typical dropout voltage of 1.5 V at full load, consistent with its PNP pass element architecture. Operation below this threshold results in unregulated output and potential instability.

Can LP3879MR-1.0/NOPB be used with a 10 µF X7R ceramic capacitor on the output?

Yes, LP3879MR-1.0/NOPB is explicitly designed for stability with 10 µF X5R or X7R ceramic output capacitors. The datasheet confirms stability across the full 0–800 mA load range when using X7R dielectrics meeting ESR requirements (≤0.4 Ω at 100 kHz). Capacitor voltage rating should be ≥6.3 V for margin.

How does the SENSE pin improve regulation in LP3879MR-1.0/NOPB?

The SENSE pin on LP3879MR-1.0/NOPB enables remote feedback directly at the load, compensating for voltage drop across PCB traces and connectors. When tied to the load point instead of the OUTPUT pin, it improves load regulation by up to 50% under high-current transients - critical for maintaining <±1% tolerance at FPGA core pins.

What is the purpose of the BYPASS pin on LP3879MR-1.0/NOPB, and what capacitor value is required?

The BYPASS pin on LP3879MR-1.0/NOPB connects to a 10 nF capacitor to filter noise from the internal bandgap reference, reducing output noise to 18 µV_RMS. Ceramic or film capacitors with ≤100 nA DC leakage are required; NPO/COG ceramics or polypropylene film types are recommended to preserve output accuracy.

Is LP3879MR-1.0/NOPB pin-compatible with other variants in the LP3879 family?

Yes, all LP3879 variants - including LP3879MR-1.2/NOPB and LP3879SD-1.0/NOPB - share identical 8-pin SO PowerPad (DDA) and WSON (NGT) footprints and pinouts. The only differences are output voltage and package type; no PCB redesign is needed when substituting between 1.0 V and 1.2 V versions in the same package.