Texas Instruments LP5952LC-1.2

Overview

LP5952LC-1.2 from Texas Instruments is a dual-rail linear regulator designed for ultralow-voltage post-regulation in battery-powered systems, delivering a fixed 1.2 V output at up to 350 mA. It operates from two independent rails: VBATT (2.5 V–5.5 V) powers internal circuitry, while VIN (0.7 V–4.5 V) supplies the regulated output path. Its 100 µV_RMS output noise, ±15 mV load transient response, and 0.1 µA shutdown current make it suitable for powering sensitive RF or analog baseband circuits in mobile handsets.

For engineers reviewing the LP5952LC-1.2 datasheet, LP5952LC-1.2 pinout, LP5952LC-1.2 application, or LP5952LC-1.2 equivalent, key selection considerations include dual-supply sequencing constraints (VIN ≤ VBATT), dropout voltage under 350 mA load (≤150 mV), thermal shutdown threshold (165°C), USON-6 package footprint (2.0 mm × 2.0 mm), and compatibility with ceramic output capacitors as low as 2.2 µF.

Technical Context

The LP5952LC-1.2 implements a dual-bias architecture: VBATT powers control logic and reference circuitry, while VIN feeds an NFET pass device regulating the 1.2 V output. This separation enables stable operation even when VIN drops below typical LDO input thresholds-critical for post-DC/DC regulation where VIN may be as low as 0.7 V. The device enforces strict rail sequencing: VIN must never exceed VBATT to prevent latch-up or undefined behavior.

Its fast turn-on (70–150 µs startup time) and no-load stability support always-on memory retention and burst-mode power delivery. Internal protection includes thermal shutdown (165°C trip, 20°C hysteresis), short-circuit current limiting, and undervoltage lockout-ensuring robustness across –40°C to +125°C junction temperature range without external supervision circuitry.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LP5952LC-1.2 is packaged in a 6-pin USON (NKH) package measuring 2.00 mm × 2.00 mm with 0.5-mm pitch, optimized for space-constrained mobile PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-rail linear regulator applications.

Compared with TPL7407LPGEDR and TPS7A1633DRVR, the LP5952LC-1.2 uniquely supports ultralow VIN (0.7 V) via dedicated VBATT bias, enabling true post-DC/DC regulation in space-constrained portable designs where other LDOs fail to start or regulate.

Availability

LP5952LC-1.2 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile handsets, wearable health monitors, portable medical instruments, and industrial handheld terminals requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LP5952LC-1.2 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 company specializing in analog and embedded processing solutions, with leadership in power management ICs for portable and industrial applications.

The LP5952 product line targets ultralow-voltage, dual-rail regulation in battery-powered systems-designed specifically to extend runtime and simplify power architecture in next-generation mobile and IoT edge devices.

FAQ

What is the minimum required input voltage on the IN pin for LP5952LC-1.2 to regulate properly?

The LP5952LC-1.2 requires a minimum VIN of 0.7 V to maintain regulation. However, for full 350 mA output capability at 1.2 V, VIN must be ≥1.35 V (VOUT + dropout). At 25°C and 350 mA load, typical dropout is 128 mV in USON package-so VIN ≥1.328 V ensures specification compliance. Operation below 0.7 V is not guaranteed and may result in loss of regulation or increased noise.

Can the EN pin of LP5952LC-1.2 be left floating, or does it require a pull-up?

The EN pin of LP5952LC-1.2 must not be left floating-it is an active-high logic input with VIH ≥1 V and VIL ≤0.4 V. If enable functionality is unused, TI specifies tying EN directly to VBATT to ensure reliable turn-on. A floating EN pin may cause erratic output behavior due to noise susceptibility or undefined logic state, risking intermittent regulation or unintended shutdown.

What is the maximum allowable voltage difference between VBATT and VIN on LP5952LC-1.2?

The LP5952LC-1.2 datasheet mandates that VIN must never exceed VBATT under any condition. While absolute maximum ratings list "BATT pin to IN pin" as 0.2 V, TI's functional specification explicitly requires VIN ≤ VBATT at all times-including during power-up, transient events, and fault conditions. Exceeding this violates the dual-rail architecture and may cause permanent damage or unpredictable regulation failure.

Does LP5952LC-1.2 require external capacitors, and what are the recommended values?

Yes, LP5952LC-1.2 requires external capacitors for stability. A minimum 2.2 µF X7R ceramic capacitor with ≤300 mΩ ESR is required on OUT; 1 µF is recommended on IN if used standalone (not post-DC/DC). Capacitors must be placed within 1 cm of their respective pins and connected to a clean analog ground. No capacitor is required on VBATT unless trace length exceeds 5 cm from battery source.

How does thermal shutdown behave on LP5952LC-1.2 during sustained overload?

When junction temperature reaches 165°C (typical), LP5952LC-1.2 triggers thermal shutdown, turning off the NFET pass device. After cooling by 20°C (hysteresis), it automatically resumes regulation-resulting in pulsed output during continuous overload. This self-recovering behavior protects the device without external intervention, but sustained operation above 125°C junction temperature degrades reliability and is outside recommended conditions.