Microchip Technology MIC5206-3.3BM5-TR

Overview

MIC5206-3.3BM5-TR from Micrel is a 150mA fixed-output low-dropout linear regulator delivering 3.3V with ±2% output voltage accuracy, 165mV dropout at 150mA load, and 600µA ground current at 100mA - optimized for battery-powered handheld devices requiring stable, ultra-low-noise power in space-constrained SOT-23-5 layouts.

For engineers reviewing the MIC5206-3.3BM5-TR datasheet, MIC5206-3.3BM5-TR pinout, MIC5206-3.3BM5-TR application, or MIC5206-3.3BM5-TR equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 150mA output capability, logic-compatible enable/shutdown control, open-collector error flag for undervoltage monitoring, reversed-battery protection, and compatibility with ceramic output capacitors down to 1.0µF (no BYP) or 2.2µF (with 470pF BYP).

Technical Context

The MIC5206-3.3BM5-TR uses a PNP pass transistor architecture enabling ultra-low dropout (17mV typical at light loads), while its internal undervoltage monitor triggers an open-collector FLAG output when VOUT drops >5% below nominal. It integrates reversed-battery protection and thermal shutdown without external components.

Its enable input accepts CMOS/TTL logic levels (VIH ≥ 2.0V, VIL ≤ 0.4V), and quiescent current drops to <5µA in shutdown - critical for standby power budgets. The SOT-23-5 package supports thermal resistance of 220°C/W on FR4 PCBs, limiting max continuous power dissipation to ~380mW at 40°C ambient.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 5-pin SOT-23 (M5), surface-mount, JEDEC MO-178AA compliant, 2.9mm × 1.6mm footprint, 1.1mm height.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP1700T-3302E/MB and TPS76333DBVR, the MIC5206-3.3BM5-TR delivers superior low-dropout performance (165mV vs. ≥300mV), built-in reversed-battery tolerance, and system-level fault signaling via FLAG - making it uniquely suited for ruggedized, battery-critical portable designs where input polarity risk and brownout visibility matter.

Availability

MIC5206-3.3BM5-TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular telephony, notebook subsystems, and PCMCIA power management requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle continuity, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MIC5206-3.3BM5-TR 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

Micrel Inc. was a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in analog, power management, and timing solutions before its acquisition by Microchip Technology in 2015.

The MIC5206 family was designed specifically for ultra-low-noise, low-dropout regulation in space- and power-constrained portable electronics - emphasizing battery longevity, fault visibility, and robustness against reverse polarity and thermal overload.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for MIC5206-3.3BM5-TR to maintain regulation?

The MIC5206-3.3BM5-TR maintains regulation as long as VIN ≥ VOUT + dropout voltage. At 150mA load, dropout is 165mV, so minimum input is 3.3V + 0.165V = 3.465V. At lighter loads (e.g., 100µA), dropout drops to 17mV, allowing operation down to 3.317V. Input must remain within 2.5V–16V absolute rating.

Does MIC5206-3.3BM5-TR support ceramic output capacitors, and what is the minimum value?

Yes, MIC5206-3.3BM5-TR is stable with ceramic output capacitors. Minimum value is 1.0µF when the BYP pin is left unconnected; if a 470pF reference bypass capacitor is used (not applicable to SOT-23-5), minimum rises to 2.2µF. Ceramic, tantalum, or aluminum electrolytic types with ESR ≤5Ω and resonance >1MHz are acceptable.

How does the FLAG pin function on MIC5206-3.3BM5-TR, and what external components are needed?

The FLAG pin is an open-collector output that pulls low when VOUT falls >5% below 3.3V (~3.135V). It requires an external pull-up resistor - typically 47kΩ to IN or 100kΩ to VCC - to provide a logic-high state when healthy. If undervoltage indication is unused, FLAG may be left floating and the pull-up omitted.

Can MIC5206-3.3BM5-TR be used without connecting the EN pin, and what is the default state?

Yes - if enable functionality is not required, connect EN (pin 3) directly to IN (pin 1). This configures MIC5206-3.3BM5-TR for always-on operation. Leaving EN floating is prohibited; it must be actively driven high or tied to IN to prevent indeterminate behavior and potential FLAG glitches during power transitions.

What thermal derating applies to MIC5206-3.3BM5-TR in a standard SOT-23-5 layout on FR4 PCB?

On a single-layer FR4 PCB with minimal copper, MIC5206-3.3BM5-TR has θJA = 220°C/W. At 40°C ambient, maximum safe power dissipation is (125°C − 40°C) / 220°C/W ≈ 386mW. For 3.3V output at 150mA, power dissipation is (VIN − 3.3V) × 0.15A - so VIN must stay ≤ 5.9V to remain within thermal limit at 40°C ambient.