Texas Instruments LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB

Overview

LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a micropower, low-noise, fixed 1.0 V LDO voltage regulator delivering up to 800 mA output current with 1% initial accuracy, 18 µV_RMS broadband noise (100 Hz–100 kHz), and operation from 2.5 V to 6 V input. It employs a vertically integrated PNP pass element and is optimized for ceramic-stable operation in FPGA, ASIC, and DSP core power supplies.

For engineers reviewing the LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB datasheet, LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB pinout, LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB application, or LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB equivalent, key selection criteria include its ultra-low ground current (200 µA at 100 µA load), remote sense capability for improved load regulation, shutdown quiescent current <10 µA, and WSON-8 package thermal performance.

Technical Context

The LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB uses a VIP (Vertically Integrated PNP) architecture enabling high peak current capability (1200 mA), low dropout behavior, and inherent stability with ceramic output capacitors ≥10 µF. Its internal bandgap reference feeds an error amplifier that drives the PNP pass transistor via a dedicated bypass pin requiring a 10 nF low-leakage capacitor for noise reduction and loop stability.

Remote sensing (SENSE pin) allows direct feedback at the load point to compensate for PCB trace IR drop, improving regulation accuracy under dynamic load conditions. The shutdown control pin enables active-low enable/disable with defined turn-on/turn-off thresholds (1.4–1.6 V ON, 0.1–0.5 V OFF) and sub-1 µA leakage in disabled state.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB is packaged in an 8-pin WSON (NGT) surface-mount package with exposed thermal pad, measuring 4.0 mm × 4.0 mm × 0.8 mm max height. The thermal pad must be soldered to a PCB ground plane for thermal management and mechanical reliability.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPL7407LDR and TPS7A2010PDQNR, LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB uniquely combines 800 mA output, remote sense, and 10 nF-bypassed 18 µV_RMS noise-making it the only option among the three qualified for high-performance FPGA core rails demanding both current headroom and analog-grade cleanliness.

Availability

LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA core power supplies, ASIC I/O regulation, medical imaging sensor biasing, industrial PLC digital modules, and SMPS post-regulation requiring stable component supply across automotive-qualified temperature ranges and long-lifecycle production programs.

Supply support for LP3879SDX-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 connectivity technologies, with decades of expertise in power management IC design and manufacturing.

The LP3879 series was developed specifically for low-noise, micropower, ceramic-capacitor-compatible LDO regulation in advanced digital systems-targeting FPGA, ASIC, and DSP core voltage domains where precision, stability, and minimal board area are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum continuous output current of the LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB?

The LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB delivers up to 800 mA continuous output current while maintaining regulation and thermal safety under specified conditions. Peak current capability reaches 1200 mA for short-duration transients, as confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table of the SNVS396B datasheet. Derating is required above 85°C ambient per thermal resistance values for the WSON package.

Does the LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB require external capacitors, and what types are recommended?

Yes, the LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB requires three external capacitors: a minimum 4.7 µF X5R/X7R ceramic input capacitor, a minimum 10 µF X5R/X7R ceramic output capacitor, and a 10 nF NPO/COG ceramic or film capacitor on the BYPASS pin. These values are mandatory for stability, noise reduction, and transient response-per TI Application Information section and Figure 19's ESR stability region.

How does the SENSE pin improve regulation in the LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB?

The SENSE pin on the LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB enables remote voltage sensing at the load point rather than at the regulator output pin. This compensates for voltage drop across PCB traces and interconnects, improving load regulation accuracy to typically ±0.1% across 0–800 mA-critical for high-precision core rails where even 10 mV deviation affects timing margins.

What is the shutdown current specification for the LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB?

The LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB draws less than 10 µA quiescent current when the SHUTDOWN pin is pulled low, as specified in the Features list and Electrical Characteristics table (IS/D = 0.02 µA typ. at VS/D = 0). This ultra-low shutdown current supports energy-sensitive applications such as battery-backed real-time clocks and always-on sensor hubs.

Is the LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB compatible with ceramic output capacitors, and why is this important?

Yes, the LP3879SDX-1.0/NOPB is explicitly designed for ceramic output capacitors (≥10 µF, X5R/X7R dielectric), unlike many older LDOs requiring higher-ESR tantalum or aluminum electrolytics. Ceramic compatibility reduces board area, cost, and failure risk while enabling superior high-frequency noise filtering-directly enabled by the LP3879's internal compensation architecture.