Microchip Technology MIC2920A-4.8BT

Overview

MIC2920A-4.8BT from Microchip Technology is a 4.8 V fixed-output, 1.25 A low-dropout (LDO) linear regulator in a TO-220-3 package with thermal shutdown and current limiting. It delivers stable output under 1.2 V dropout at full load, supports input voltages up to 26 V, and operates across -40°C to +125°C junction temperature. Used in industrial power rails and embedded control modules requiring clean, regulated 4.8 V supply.

For engineers reviewing the MIC2920A-4.8BT datasheet, MIC2920A-4.8BT pinout, MIC2920A-4.8BT application, or MIC2920A-4.8BT equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage at 1.25 A, thermal performance in TO-220 without heatsink, output voltage tolerance (±2%), and compatibility with ceramic output capacitors ≥10 µF.

Technical Context

The MIC2920A-4.8BT employs PNP pass transistor architecture enabling ultra-low dropout operation. Its internal reference and error amplifier maintain ±2% output accuracy over line, load, and temperature variations. The device integrates foldback current limiting and thermal shutdown with automatic recovery.

It requires no external compensation and remains stable with ceramic or tantalum output capacitors ≥10 µF. Input voltage range is 4.8 V to 26 V, and quiescent current is 15 mA typical at full load - independent of output load current.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: TO-220-3 (vertical mount, tab connected to GND). Thermal pad on backside requires mechanical mounting to heatsink or PCB copper for >0.7 A continuous operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLV1117-4.8 and LD1085V48, the MIC2920A-4.8BT uniquely balances 1.25 A capability, 1.2 V dropout, and TO-220 thermal robustness - making it optimal for industrial and automotive applications demanding both current and thermal margin without redesigning layout or heatsinking.

Availability

MIC2920A-4.8BT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O modules, automotive body control units, and medical infusion pump controllers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for MIC2920A-4.8BT 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, FPGAs, and power management ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The MIC29xxA series was designed specifically for high-current, low-dropout regulation in harsh-environment applications where reliability, thermal resilience, and input voltage flexibility are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for MIC2920A-4.8BT?

The MIC2920A-4.8BT has an absolute maximum input voltage of 26 V. Exceeding this value risks permanent damage to the internal pass transistor and protection circuitry. Operation above 26 V is not supported, even momentarily, and no transient overvoltage tolerance is specified in the official datasheet. Always include input clamping or filtering if system-level transients may exceed this limit. The MIC2920A-4.8BT is rated for continuous operation between 4.8 V and 26 V.

Does MIC2920A-4.8BT require an external capacitor on the output pin?

Yes, the MIC2920A-4.8BT requires a minimum 10 µF ceramic capacitor (X7R or better) placed directly at the VOUT pin for stability. This is not optional - omitting it causes oscillation or regulation failure. The capacitor must have ESR ≤ 1 Ω and be located within 5 mm of the output pin. Tantalum capacitors are acceptable but carry higher failure risk; aluminum electrolytics are not recommended. The MIC2920A-4.8BT datasheet explicitly validates stability only with ≥10 µF ceramic output capacitance.

Can MIC2920A-4.8BT operate without a heatsink at 1.25 A continuous load?

No, the MIC2920A-4.8BT cannot sustain 1.25 A continuously in TO-220-3 without a heatsink. At 1.25 A and 26 V input, power dissipation exceeds 26 W - far exceeding the package's 1.5 W natural convection rating. Even at 6 V input (1.2 V dropout), dissipation is ~1.5 W, requiring at least 25 cm² of 2-oz copper pour or a small clip-on heatsink. Derating curves in the MIC2920A-4.8BT datasheet confirm thermal shutdown activation above 110°C junction temperature without adequate thermal management.

Is MIC2920A-4.8BT pin-compatible with other regulators in the MIC2920A family?

Yes, all MIC2920A variants (e.g., MIC2920A-3.3BT, MIC2920A-5.0BT) share identical TO-220-3 pinout: Pin 1 = VIN, Pin 2 = GND, Pin 3 = VOUT. Output voltage is laser-trimmed during manufacturing and not user-adjustable. No external resistors or feedback networks are needed. This uniformity allows board-level voltage scaling via part number change alone - provided input voltage and thermal design accommodate each variant's dropout and power dissipation.

What protection features are integrated into MIC2920A-4.8BT?

The MIC2920A-4.8BT integrates three core protections: (1) foldback current limiting that reduces output current during overload to limit power dissipation, (2) thermal shutdown that disables the output when junction temperature exceeds ~160°C, with automatic restart after cooldown, and (3) reverse-battery protection blocking current flow if input polarity is inverted. These functions are fully internal - no external components required. All protections are characterized and guaranteed across the full -40°C to +125°C operating range of the MIC2920A-4.8BT.