Texas Instruments LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB

Overview

LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a 3.3V, 1.5A ultra-low-dropout linear regulator in SOT-223-5 package, featuring 38 mV dropout at 150 mA, ±1.5% output voltage accuracy, and integrated 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-3.3/NOPB datasheet, LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB pinout, LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB application, or LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB equivalent, key selection considerations include its CMOS-based low-quiescent-current architecture (15 µA shutdown), 10% error flag threshold, SOT-223 thermal performance (θ_jA = 90°C/W), and absence of remote sense capability-distinguishing it from the LP3965 family variant.

Technical Context

The LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB uses a PMOS pass element with 240 mΩ typical R_ds(on), enabling ultra-low dropout operation down to 38 mV at light load. Its CMOS process ensures ground pin current remains low and load-independent-5 mA at full 1.5 A load-and quiescent current stays at 15 µA in shutdown mode.

It integrates an open-drain ERROR flag that asserts low when V_OUT drops ≥10% below nominal (3.3 V → ≤2.97 V), with 5% hysteresis and <1 µs reset delay. Unlike the LP3965, it lacks SENSE/ADJ functionality and is fixed-output only.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-223-5 surface-mount package with exposed thermal pad (pin 3 is V_OUT, pin 5 is GND); θ_jA = 90°C/W on 0.5 in² 1 oz copper-requires minimal PCB copper area for thermal management in space-constrained applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TSS721AIPW and TPS76333QDBVRQ1, the LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB uniquely combines 1.5 A output, ultra-low dropout, and integrated error flag in SOT-223-making it the sole option among these three for high-current, fault-aware 3.3 V regulation in industrial and computing applications.

Availability

LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microprocessor core supplies, GTL bus termination, DSP power rails, and SCSI interface termination requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for LP3962EMP-3.3/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 expertise in high-reliability linear regulators and power solutions.

The LP3962 series belongs to TI's ultra-low-dropout LDO portfolio, engineered specifically for high-current, low-voltage digital systems-including microprocessors, DSPs, and bus-termination applications-where efficiency, accuracy, and fault visibility are essential.

FAQ

What is the dropout voltage specification for LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB at full 1.5 A load?

The LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB has a typical dropout voltage of 380 mV at 1.5 A load current, defined as the minimum VIN–VOUT differential required to maintain output regulation within 2% of 3.3 V. This value is confirmed across −40°C to +125°C junction temperature and enables operation from as low as 3.68 V input under worst-case conditions. The LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB achieves this using a 240 mΩ R_ds(on) PMOS pass device.

Does LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB support remote sensing or adjustable output voltage?

No, the LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB is a fixed-output 3.3 V regulator with no SENSE or ADJ pin functionality. Remote sensing and output adjust capability are exclusive to the LP3965 family variants (e.g., LP3965MP-3.3/NOPB). The LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB pinout includes SD, VIN, VOUT, ERROR, and GND only-no sense/adjust terminal is present or supported.

How does the ERROR flag on LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB operate, and what external components are required?

The ERROR pin on LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB is an open-drain output that pulls low when V_OUT falls ≥10% below 3.3 V (i.e., ≤2.97 V), with 5% hysteresis. It requires an external 10 kΩ pull-up resistor to VIN or another logic-high supply. If unused, the ERROR pin must be tied to GND. During shutdown (SD low), the ERROR flag is invalid-this behavior is inherent to the LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB design and documented in TI's SNVS066H datasheet.

What are the recommended input and output capacitors for stable operation of LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB?

TI specifies a minimum 68 µF input capacitor (ceramic or low-ESR tantalum, ESR <100 mΩ) placed within 1 cm of the LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB pins. For output stability, a minimum 33 µF capacitor with ESR between 0.2 Ω and 5 Ω is required-tantalum is recommended; ceramic alone is unstable due to insufficient ESR. The LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB datasheet explicitly prohibits ceramic-only output capacitors and defines stability boundaries based on C_OUT×ESR ≤1.5.

Is LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB suitable for automotive applications, and what is its temperature rating?

The LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB is rated for −40°C to +125°C junction temperature and meets industrial reliability standards, but it is not AEC-Q100 qualified. It lacks automotive-specific testing (e.g., HTOL, ESD robustness per ISO 10605) and is not marketed by TI for automotive use. For automotive applications requiring 3.3 V/1.5 A regulation, TI recommends qualified alternatives such as the TPS7B8733QKVURQ1. The LP3962EMP-3.3/NOPB remains appropriate for industrial, computing, and communications equipment operating within its specified thermal envelope.