Microchip Technology MIC37150-2.5BR

Overview

MIC37150-2.5BR from Microchip Technology is a 3A low-dropout linear regulator (LDO) with fixed 2.5V output, 340mV dropout at full load, ±2% output voltage accuracy, and integrated thermal shutdown and current limiting. It powers FPGA core rails and high-speed ADC/DAC analog supplies in industrial data acquisition systems.

For engineers reviewing the MIC37150-2.5BR datasheet, MIC37150-2.5BR pinout, MIC37150-2.5BR application, or MIC37150-2.5BR equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage under 3A load, thermal performance in SOIC-8 packages, stability with 10µF ceramic output capacitors, and compatibility with low-noise analog subsystems.

Technical Context

The MIC37150-2.5BR uses a PNP pass transistor architecture enabling ultra-low dropout and high PSRR (>70dB at 1kHz). It operates over an input voltage range of 2.75V to 6V and maintains regulation down to 2.5V output with no minimum load requirement.

Internal circuitry includes undervoltage lockout (UVLO) that disables regulation below VIN = 2.5V, and a precision bandgap reference trimmed for ±2% output tolerance across temperature and line/load conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOIC-8 (3.9mm × 4.9mm, 1.27mm pitch), thermally enhanced with exposed pad tied to GND for improved heat dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC6219B251MR-G and NCP1117ST2.5T3G, the MIC37150-2.5BR uniquely delivers 3A output with sub-350mV dropout in SOIC-8, making it the only option among the three for high-current, low-headroom 2.5V regulation in industrial and test equipment.

Availability

MIC37150-2.5BR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC analog I/O modules, FPGA core power supplies, and medical imaging signal conditioning requiring stable component supply and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for MIC37150-2.5BR 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, and power management ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The MIC37xxx family delivers high-current, low-dropout linear regulators optimized for noise-sensitive analog and mixed-signal applications where PSRR, accuracy, and thermal performance are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for the MIC37150-2.5BR?

The MIC37150-2.5BR supports a maximum input voltage of 6V. Operation above this level risks permanent damage to the internal PNP pass transistor and protection circuitry. The device is designed for use with intermediate rails such as 3.3V, 5V, or boosted 2.85V sources - not primary battery or unregulated adapter inputs exceeding 6V. Always verify input transient margins in the final design.

Does the MIC37150-2.5BR require an external capacitor on the ADJ/SENSE pin?

No, the MIC37150-2.5BR does not require an external capacitor on the ADJ/SENSE pin. This pin is internally connected to the fixed 2.5V feedback divider and must be left unconnected per the datasheet. External components on this pin may disrupt regulation accuracy or cause instability. Only IN and OUT pins require external ceramic capacitors (1µF and ≥10µF respectively).

Can the MIC37150-2.5BR be used without the exposed thermal pad soldered to PCB ground?

No - the MIC37150-2.5BR's SOIC-8 package includes an exposed thermal pad that must be soldered to a PCB copper pour tied to GND. Omitting this connection severely limits thermal performance: junction-to-ambient resistance increases from 45°C/W to >100°C/W, risking thermal shutdown at ≤1.5A load. Proper pad layout and soldering are mandatory for full 3A operation.

What is the typical ground current of the MIC37150-2.5BR at 3A output and 25°C?

The typical ground current of the MIC37150-2.5BR at 3A output and 25°C is 12mA. This value includes bias current for the internal reference, error amplifier, and pass transistor drive circuitry. Ground current rises slightly with temperature and input voltage but remains below 15mA across full operating conditions - critical for low-quiescent-power system design.

Is the MIC37150-2.5BR compatible with ceramic output capacitors less than 10µF?

No - the MIC37150-2.5BR requires a minimum 10µF ceramic output capacitor for guaranteed stability across all load and temperature conditions. Using smaller values (e.g., 4.7µF) may cause oscillation or excessive overshoot during load transients. X5R or X7R dielectrics rated for ≥6.3V are recommended; avoid Y5V or Z5U due to capacitance loss under DC bias.