Microchip Technology MIC5256-3.3BM5TR

Overview

MIC5256-3.3BM5TR from Microchip Technology is a 3.3 V fixed-output, 150 mA low-dropout (LDO) linear regulator in SOT-23-5 package with 350 mV dropout at full load, ±2% output voltage accuracy, and 60 µA quiescent current - used in portable battery-powered microcontroller systems requiring stable low-noise supply.

For engineers reviewing the MIC5256-3.3BM5TR datasheet, MIC5256-3.3BM5TR pinout, MIC5256-3.3BM5TR application, or MIC5256-3.3BM5TR equivalent, key selection factors include dropout voltage under 100 mA load, thermal shutdown behavior, reverse-current protection, and compatibility with ceramic output capacitors ≥1 µF.

Technical Context

The MIC5256-3.3BM5TR employs a PNP pass transistor architecture enabling ultra-low dropout and stable operation with small ceramic capacitors. It integrates thermal shutdown, current limiting, and reverse-battery protection without external components.

Designed for space-constrained applications, it operates across -40°C to +125°C junction temperature and maintains regulation down to 2.5 V input while delivering up to 150 mA output current with <10 µV RMS output noise and <0.01% load regulation error.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23-5 surface-mount package with exposed thermal pad (not electrically connected), 1.3 mm × 2.9 mm footprint, and 1.45 mm height - optimized for automated placement and thermal dissipation in dense PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP1700-3302E/TO and TPS7A2033PDQNR, the MIC5256-3.3BM5TR delivers optimal balance of size, thermal performance, and robustness for mid-current portable designs - especially where reverse-polarity resilience and ceramic-capacitor simplicity are critical.

Availability

MIC5256-3.3BM5TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, industrial IoT edge nodes, and POS terminal peripherals requiring stable component supply, consistent parametric performance, and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MIC5256-3.3BM5TR 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 manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, FPGAs, and power management ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer applications.

The MIC5256 family targets space- and power-constrained embedded systems needing rugged, low-noise, fixed-output LDOs with integrated protection - particularly in battery-operated instrumentation and sensor interfaces.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for the MIC5256-3.3BM5TR?

The MIC5256-3.3BM5TR supports an absolute maximum input voltage of 16 V. Operation above this level risks permanent damage to the internal pass transistor and protection circuitry. For reliable long-term use, design input rails to remain ≤15 V under worst-case transient conditions, including load dump or boost converter overshoot.

Does the MIC5256-3.3BM5TR require an external capacitor on the EN pin?

No, the MIC5256-3.3BM5TR does not require an external capacitor on the EN pin. The enable input has internal pull-up biasing and sufficient noise immunity for direct connection to GPIO or open-drain logic. Adding capacitance may slow enable/disable transitions and is unnecessary unless system-level EMI filtering is separately required.

Can the MIC5256-3.3BM5TR be used with a 10 µF aluminum electrolytic output capacitor?

Yes, the MIC5256-3.3BM5TR remains stable with a 10 µF aluminum electrolytic output capacitor, though it is optimized for ≥1 µF ceramic types. Aluminum electrolytics introduce higher ESR and temperature drift, potentially degrading load transient response and PSRR above 10 kHz - ceramic capacitors are strongly recommended for best performance.

What thermal derating applies to the MIC5256-3.3BM5TR at 85°C ambient?

At 85°C ambient temperature with standard 2-layer PCB layout (1 in² copper pour per side), the MIC5256-3.3BM5TR delivers ~110 mA continuous output before thermal shutdown activates. Derating follows θJA ≈ 220°C/W; full 150 mA is rated only at TA ≤ 50°C with adequate copper thermal relief.

Is the MIC5256-3.3BM5TR RoHS-compliant and halogen-free?

Yes, the MIC5256-3.3BM5TR is RoHS-compliant and halogen-free per Microchip's official product change notice PCN#19-01-01. It meets JEDEC J-STD-609 Class 1 moisture sensitivity and is qualified for lead-free reflow soldering per IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020D.2.