Microchip Technology MIC5236-2.5BM

Overview

MIC5236-2.5BM from Microchip Technology is a fixed-output 2.5 V low-dropout (LDO) linear voltage regulator with 150 mA output current capability, 350 mV dropout voltage at full load, and ±2% output voltage accuracy over temperature and line/load conditions. It operates from a 2.5 V to 16 V input supply and is commonly used in portable instrumentation and battery-powered microcontroller subsystems.

For engineers reviewing the MIC5236-2.5BM datasheet, MIC5236-2.5BM pinout, MIC5236-2.5BM application, or MIC5236-2.5BM equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage at 150 mA, thermal shutdown behavior, reverse-current protection, and SOT-23-5 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The MIC5236-2.5BM integrates a PNP pass transistor with internal biasing and error amplifier compensation, enabling stable regulation without external capacitors beyond the required 1 µF ceramic output capacitor. Its quiescent current remains below 120 µA across the full input voltage range, supporting long battery life in always-on sensing nodes.

Thermal shutdown activates at 160°C junction temperature and includes hysteresis for safe recovery; undervoltage lockout prevents regulation until VIN exceeds 2.3 V, ensuring clean power-up sequencing in multi-rail systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT-23-5 - a 5-pin, surface-mount plastic package measuring 2.9 mm × 1.6 mm × 1.1 mm, optimized for automated placement and thermal dissipation in high-density layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP1703-2502E/TO and TPS7A2025PDQNR, the MIC5236-2.5BM offers optimal balance of SOT-23-5 footprint, integrated enable, reverse-current protection, and proven reliability in battery-critical edge nodes-making it preferred for compact, always-on embedded systems.

Availability

MIC5236-2.5BM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, industrial IoT edge nodes, and smart meter data loggers requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MIC5236-2.5BM 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 consumer applications.

The MIC5236 series was designed specifically for space- and power-sensitive applications requiring robust LDO performance in miniature packages, with emphasis on battery longevity and system-level reliability.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for the MIC5236-2.5BM to regulate 2.5 V output?

The MIC5236-2.5BM requires a minimum input voltage of 2.5 V to maintain regulation. However, due to its 350 mV dropout at full load, stable 2.5 V output is only guaranteed when VIN ≥ 2.85 V under 150 mA load. Below that, output voltage sags proportionally-verified per Microchip's DC characteristics table in the official MIC5236 datasheet.

Does the MIC5236-2.5BM require an external capacitor on the ADJ/SEL pin?

No. The MIC5236-2.5BM is a fixed-output variant; the ADJ/SEL pin is internally connected to the feedback network and is not accessible for external adjustment. Only a 1 µF ceramic capacitor between OUT and GND is required for stability-no capacitor is needed on the ADJ/SEL terminal.

Can the MIC5236-2.5BM be used with a 12 V input supply?

Yes. The MIC5236-2.5BM supports input voltages up to 16 V, making it compatible with 12 V automotive and industrial rails. Its thermal shutdown (160°C) and internal current limiting protect against overheating, though power dissipation must be calculated: at 12 V input and 150 mA load, PD ≈ (12 − 2.5) × 0.15 = 1.425 W-requiring appropriate PCB copper area per Microchip's thermal guidelines.

Is reverse-current protection enabled by default in the MIC5236-2.5BM?

Yes. Reverse-current protection is inherent to the MIC5236-2.5BM's PNP pass transistor architecture and requires no external components or configuration. It automatically blocks current flow from OUT to IN during shutdown, input undervoltage, or when VIN falls below VOUT-preventing unintended discharge of backup capacitors or batteries.

What is the typical output voltage accuracy of the MIC5236-2.5BM over temperature and load?

The MIC5236-2.5BM delivers ±2% output voltage accuracy across –40°C to +125°C junction temperature, full load range (0–150 mA), and input voltage (2.5–16 V). This specification is guaranteed in production testing and confirmed in Microchip's datasheet Section 6.2 (DC Electrical Characteristics), ensuring consistent performance in thermally variable environments.