Microchip Technology MCP1825S-3002E/EB

Overview

MCP1825S-3002E/EB from Microchip Technology is a 3-pin fixed-output 3.0V, 500 mA low-dropout (LDO) linear regulator in TO-263-3 (DDPAK-3) package. It operates from 2.1V to 6.0V input, delivers ±0.5% output voltage tolerance at 500 mA load, and maintains stability with only 1.0 µF ceramic output capacitance - enabling compact, low-noise power rails for portable computing and networking subsystems.

For engineers reviewing the MCP1825S-3002E/EB datasheet, MCP1825S-3002E/EB pinout, MCP1825S-3002E/EB application, or MCP1825S-3002E/EB equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage at full load (210 mV typ.), quiescent current (120 µA typ.), thermal shutdown behavior (150°C), compatibility with ceramic capacitors, and absence of enable/shutdown or power-good pins due to its 3-pin fixed-voltage architecture.

Technical Context

The MCP1825S-3002E/EB implements a PMOS pass transistor architecture with internal voltage reference and error amplifier, delivering fast transient response and stable regulation without external compensation. Its fixed 3.0V output is internally trimmed and does not require external feedback resistors - distinguishing it from the adjustable MCP1825 or 5-pin fixed variants with SHDN/PWRGD functionality.

Unlike the MCP1825 family's 5-pin versions, this device omits shutdown control and power-good signaling; its simplified 3-pin interface (VIN, GND, VOUT) targets cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications where always-on operation and minimal BOM count are prioritized over system-level monitoring or sequencing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-263-3 (DDPAK-3) with exposed tab electrically connected to GND - provides low thermal resistance (θJC = 3.0°C/W) and supports surface-mount soldering with thermal pad anchoring.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP1700-3002E/TO and TPS7A2030PDBVR, the MCP1825S-3002E/EB uniquely balances 500 mA capability, 210 mV dropout, and TO-263-3 thermal performance - making it irreplaceable in applications demanding high-current, low-VIN operation without enable or PWRGD overhead.

Availability

MCP1825S-3002E/EB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for networking backplane cards, notebook computer subsystems, and palmtop computers requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term industrial availability.

Supply support for MCP1825S-3002E/EB 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

Microchip Technology is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and power management ICs, serving automotive, industrial, and consumer markets with vertically integrated silicon and software solutions.

The MCP1825S series was designed specifically for high-current, low-dropout regulation in space-constrained portable and embedded systems - emphasizing ceramic-capacitor compatibility, thermal robustness, and precision output voltage without complex external circuitry.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for MCP1825S-3002E/EB?

The MCP1825S-3002E/EB has an absolute maximum input voltage rating of 6.5V, but its specified operating range is 2.1V to 6.0V. Exceeding 6.0V may cause permanent damage or violate safety margins defined in Microchip's DS22056B datasheet. For reliable operation, VIN should remain within 2.1V–6.0V, with minimum VIN ≥ 3.21V (3.0V + 210 mV dropout) at 500 mA load.

Does MCP1825S-3002E/EB include a shutdown pin or power-good output?

No, the MCP1825S-3002E/EB is a 3-pin fixed-output variant and does not include a shutdown (SHDN) pin or power-good (PWRGD) output. These features are exclusive to the 5-pin MCP1825 family. The MCP1825S-3002E/EB operates continuously when powered - making it appropriate for always-on rails where sequencing or status monitoring is handled externally.

What output capacitor value and type are required for stable operation of MCP1825S-3002E/EB?

The MCP1825S-3002E/EB requires a minimum of 1.0 µF X7R or X5R ceramic capacitor on the VOUT pin for stability. Aluminum-electrolytic and tantalum capacitors are acceptable if ESR ≤ 1 Ω, but ceramic types are strongly preferred due to smaller size, lower ESR (~50 mΩ), and wider temperature stability. Place the capacitor as close as possible to the VOUT and GND pins.

Can MCP1825S-3002E/EB be used with input voltages below 3.0V?

Yes - the MCP1825S-3002E/EB supports input voltages as low as 2.1V, but regulation is only guaranteed when VIN ≥ (VOUT + VDROPOUT). At 500 mA, dropout is 210 mV typical, so minimum functional VIN is ~3.21V. Below that, output voltage sags proportionally; however, the device remains safe and operational down to 2.1V with reduced output.

What thermal considerations apply to MCP1825S-3002E/EB in TO-263-3 package?

The MCP1825S-3002E/EB in TO-263-3 has θJC = 3.0°C/W and θJA = 31.4°C/W on a 4-layer JEDEC board. To maintain TJ ≤ 125°C at 500 mA with 3.3V input (power dissipation ≈ 0.15W), a minimum 100 mm² copper pour under the exposed tab is recommended. Thermal shutdown activates at 150°C, but sustained operation above 125°C degrades long-term reliability.