Texas Instruments LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB

Overview

LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a 2.5V fixed-output, 1.5A ultra-low-dropout linear regulator in SOT-223-5 package. It delivers ±1.5% output voltage accuracy at room temperature, achieves 38mV dropout at 150mA and 380mV at 1.5A, and features an active error flag for output monitoring-designed for microprocessor core power supplies where tight regulation and fast transient response are critical.

For engineers reviewing the LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB datasheet, LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB pinout, LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB application, or LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout performance under full load, error flag behavior during undervoltage, ground current vs. load, thermal shutdown threshold (165°C), and compatibility with low-ESR tantalum output capacitors (0.2–5Ω).

Technical Context

The LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB uses a CMOS-based PMOS pass element with 240mΩ typical R_DS(on), enabling ultra-low dropout and load-independent quiescent current. Its error flag comparator monitors V_OUT with 10% threshold hysteresis and open-drain output requiring external 10kΩ pull-up.

It operates from 2.5V to 7.0V input, supports 1.5A DC output with peak current capability up to 2.5A, and integrates overtemperature (165°C shutdown) and overcurrent protection. Shutdown mode draws only 15µA, and line/load regulation are specified at 0.06% and 0.04%, respectively.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-223-5 surface-mount package with exposed thermal pad (pin 3 is VOUT; pin 5 is GND; pin 4 is ERROR; pin 1 is SD; pin 2 is VIN). Thermal resistance θ_JA = 90°C/W with 0.5in² 1oz copper area.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB, TSS721AIPW offers lower cost but forfeits fault reporting, while TPS76325QDBVRQ1 meets automotive qualification yet cannot support 1.5A loads - making LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB the sole option for industrial 2.5V/1.5A applications requiring error flag supervision.

Availability

LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microprocessor core supplies, GTL bus terminators, and DSP power management requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for LP3962EMP-2.5/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 LDO design heritage and broad industrial qualification.

The LP3962 series belongs to TI's ultra-low-dropout linear regulator product line, engineered specifically for high-current, low-voltage microprocessor and bus-termination applications demanding fast transient response and integrated fault monitoring.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB to regulate at 2.5V?

The LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB requires a minimum input voltage equal to V_OUT + V_DROPOUT. At 1.5A load, dropout is 380mV, so minimum VIN is 2.88V. However, the absolute operating minimum is 2.5V per datasheet - meaning it can sustain regulation down to 2.5V only at very light loads where dropout falls below 0V (limited by internal architecture). For full 1.5A operation, VIN ≥ 2.88V is mandatory. The LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB datasheet specifies 2.5V as the lower bound of the input supply voltage operating range, but practical design requires margin above dropout.

Does LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB require an external resistor divider for output voltage setting?

No. LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB is a fixed-output variant with internally trimmed 2.5V regulation - no external resistors are needed. Unlike the adjustable LP3965-ADJ, this part integrates the feedback network on-die. The "EMP" suffix denotes SOT-223-5 packaging and "-2.5" explicitly confirms the factory-set 2.5V output. Using LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB simplifies layout and eliminates resistor tolerance errors affecting accuracy.

How should the ERROR pin of LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB be interfaced in a system?

The ERROR pin is an open-drain output that sinks current when V_OUT drops >10% below 2.5V. It must be pulled high via a 10kΩ–1MΩ resistor to VIN or another logic supply. Do not leave floating. If unused, connect ERROR directly to GND to disable the function. During shutdown (SD = low), ERROR becomes invalid and high-impedance - so supervision is only active in normal operation. This behavior is documented in the LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB datasheet Section 8.3.7.

Can LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB be used with ceramic output capacitors?

No - the LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB requires an output capacitor with ESR between 0.2Ω and 5Ω for loop stability, and standard ceramic capacitors have ESR <10mΩ, causing instability. Tantalum (33µF, 0.5–2Ω ESR) is recommended. If ceramics are needed for high-frequency bypass, place them in parallel with a compliant tantalum, ensuring total equivalent ESR stays within spec. This constraint is explicitly stated in the LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB Applications Information section.

What thermal derating applies to LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB in SOT-223 package?

In SOT-223-5 package, LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB has θ_JA = 90°C/W with 0.5in² 1oz copper. At ambient 70°C, maximum allowable power dissipation before reaching 125°C T_J is (125−70)/90 = 0.61W. With 2.5V output and 1.5A load, worst-case dropout (380mV) yields P_D = 0.38V × 1.5A = 0.57W - within limit *only* with adequate copper. Without thermal relief, full load may trigger thermal shutdown. Always verify board layout per LP3962EMP-2.5/NOPB PCB Layout guidelines.