Texas Instruments LP3962ESX-2.5/NOPB

Overview

LP3962ESX-2.5/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a 2.5V fixed-output, 1.5A ultra-low-dropout linear regulator in SOT-223-5 package, featuring 38mV dropout at 150mA, ±1.5% output voltage accuracy, and integrated error flag for output monitoring - designed for microprocessor core power in space-constrained embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the LP3962ESX-2.5/NOPB datasheet, LP3962ESX-2.5/NOPB pinout, LP3962ESX-2.5/NOPB application, or LP3962ESX-2.5/NOPB equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout performance under 1.5A load, error flag timing behavior, thermal shutdown threshold (165°C), ground pin current vs. load, and compatibility with 33µF/0.2–5Ω output capacitor networks.

Technical Context

The LP3962ESX-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% undervoltage threshold and 5% hysteresis, asserting low when regulation fails due to input collapse, overcurrent, or thermal shutdown.

It operates from 2.5V to 7.0V input, delivers up to 1.5A DC output, and maintains stability with 33µF output capacitance (ESR 0.2–5Ω) and 68µF input capacitance (ESR <100mΩ). Shutdown mode draws only 15µA, and ground pin current remains ≤15mA at full load.

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; pins 1 and 2 are SD and VIN respectively). 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 TSS721AIDR and TPS7A4701RGWR, LP3962ESX-2.5/NOPB uniquely combines fixed 2.5V output, 1.5A delivery, integrated error flag, and sub-400mV dropout at full load in SOT-223 - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained digital power where fault visibility is mandatory.

Availability

LP3962ESX-2.5/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microprocessor core power, GTL bus termination, and SCSI terminator applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for LP3962ESX-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 expertise in precision power management ICs.

The LP3962 series belongs to TI's ultra-low-dropout linear regulator product line, engineered specifically for high-current, low-voltage digital loads including microprocessors, FPGAs, and memory interfaces where minimal dropout and fast transient response are essential.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for LP3962ESX-2.5/NOPB to regulate 2.5V output?

The LP3962ESX-2.5/NOPB requires VIN ≥ VOUT + V_DROPOUT. At 1.5A load, dropout is 380mV, so minimum VIN is 2.88V. However, per datasheet Operating Ratings, the absolute minimum VIN is 2.5V - meaning LP3962ESX-2.5/NOPB can operate down to 2.5V only if load current is sufficiently low to maintain dropout below 0V (not physically possible), thus practical minimum is 2.5V + worst-case dropout. For guaranteed 2.5V regulation at 1.5A, VIN must be ≥2.88V.

Does LP3962ESX-2.5/NOPB require an external resistor network to set output voltage?

No. LP3962ESX-2.5/NOPB is a fixed-output device with factory-trimmed 2.5V regulation. Unlike the adjustable LP3965 variant, it contains no ADJ or SENSE pin functionality - the fourth pin is ERROR, not an adjustment terminal. No external resistors are needed or supported for output voltage configuration.

Can the ERROR pin of LP3962ESX-2.5/NOPB drive a microcontroller GPIO directly?

Yes - the ERROR pin is an open-drain output capable of sinking up to 1mA. When pulled up with a 10kΩ resistor to 3.3V or 5V, it delivers a clean logic-low signal (<0.1V) during fault conditions. This allows direct connection to most MCU GPIOs configured as interrupt inputs, provided the MCU's input leakage and pull-up strength are compatible with the 10kΩ–1MΩ recommended pull-up range.

What output capacitor ESR range ensures stability for LP3962ESX-2.5/NOPB?

LP3962ESX-2.5/NOPB requires an output capacitor with ESR between 0.2Ω and 5Ω for guaranteed stability across temperature and load. A 33µF solid tantalum capacitor meeting this ESR window is the validated solution. Ceramic capacitors alone are unstable due to near-zero ESR; however, adding ~3µF ceramic in parallel with a 100µF tantalum may be acceptable if total equivalent ESR remains within bounds.

Is LP3962ESX-2.5/NOPB pin-compatible with other regulators in the LP396x family?

LP3962ESX-2.5/NOPB shares identical SOT-223-5 pinout with LP3962 variants (e.g., LP3962ESX-3.3/NOPB) and LP3965 fixed versions, but differs from LP3965-ADJ which substitutes SENSE/ADJ for ERROR on pin 4. Substituting LP3962ESX-2.5/NOPB for LP3965-ADJ would disconnect error reporting; substituting for LP3962ESX-3.3/NOPB would deliver incorrect voltage. Always verify both pin function and output voltage before replacement.