Diodes Incorporated PAM3101AAA280

Overview

PAM3101AAA280 from Diodes Incorporated is a 2.8V fixed-output, 300mA low-dropout linear regulator with 65µA quiescent current, 180mV dropout at 300mA, and 70dB PSRR at 1kHz-designed for power rail regulation in battery-powered portable electronics such as Bluetooth earphones and digital cameras.

For engineers reviewing the PAM3101AAA280 datasheet, PAM3101AAA280 pinout, PAM3101AAA280 application, or PAM3101AAA280 equivalent, key selection criteria include output voltage accuracy (±2%), shutdown current (0.5µA), thermal shutdown threshold (+150°C), EN pin logic (active-high), and compatibility with 2.2µF ceramic output capacitors.

Technical Context

The PAM3101AAA280 integrates a P-channel MOSFET pass transistor (R_DS(on) ≈ 0.75Ω) enabling ultra-low ground current across load conditions. Its internal bandgap reference and error amplifier deliver ±2% output voltage accuracy over line, load, and temperature.

It features active-high enable control, a dedicated BYP pin for 10nF noise-filtering capacitor connection, and built-in protections including thermal shutdown (+150°C trip, +120°C hysteresis), current limiting (~400mA), and short-circuit protection-ensuring robust operation in compact, thermally constrained layouts.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: SOT-23-3 (JEDEC MO-178AA), 2.92mm × 1.3mm × 1.0mm body, surface-mount, lead-free.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-dropout linear regulator applications.

Compared with AP2125K-2.8TRG1 and MCP1700T-2802E/TT, the PAM3101AAA280 delivers superior combination of low dropout (180mV), high PSRR (70dB), and moderate I_Q (65µA)-making it optimal for portable systems demanding both runtime and noise-sensitive analog performance.

Availability

PAM3101AAA280 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for Bluetooth earphones, digital cameras, and portable medical sensors requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for PAM3101AAA280 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

Diodes Incorporated is a global semiconductor company specializing in discrete, analog, and mixed-signal solutions for consumer, computing, communications, industrial, and automotive markets.

The PAM3101 belongs to Diodes' high-PSRR, low-I_Q LDO family-engineered specifically for noise-sensitive, battery-constrained portable electronics where clean, efficient voltage regulation is critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for PAM3101AAA280 to maintain regulation at 300mA load?

The minimum input voltage is determined by V_IN(MIN) = V_OUT + V_DROP. With V_OUT = 2.8V and typical dropout of 230mV at 300mA (per datasheet Table 1, VO ≥ 3.3V row extrapolated to 2.8V), V_IN(MIN) ≈ 3.03V. At worst-case 2.8V output and 450mV dropout (for 2.5V ≤ VO < 3.3V), V_IN(MIN) = 3.25V.

Can PAM3101AAA280 operate without the BYP capacitor?

Yes-it will regulate correctly without the 10nF BYP capacitor, but PSRR degrades significantly above 100Hz and output noise increases from 50µV_RMS to >100µV_RMS. The BYP pin is optional for basic regulation but mandatory for noise-sensitive analog circuits like audio codecs or precision ADCs.

Is the EN pin internally pulled up or does it require external biasing?

The PAM3101AAA280 uses Type A pin configuration (per Ordering Information table), which has no EN pin. This variant is permanently enabled-VIN, VOUT, and GND only. EN functionality exists only in B-, D-, E-, and F-type variants (e.g., PAM3101BAB280). No external biasing is needed or possible on AAA280.

What thermal derating applies when using PAM3101AAA280 in SOT-23-3 at 300mA with 3.3V input?

At I_O = 300mA and V_IN = 3.3V, V_OUT = 2.8V, power dissipation is ~150mW. With θ_JA = 250°C/W (SOT-23), junction rise is 37.5°C. At T_A = 85°C, T_J = 122.5°C-within the +125°C max operating limit. Derating begins above 85°C ambient; full 300mA load is not recommended above 75°C ambient without PCB copper thermal relief.