Texas Instruments SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB

Overview

SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a micropower low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator delivering a precise 5.0 V ±1% output at up to 100 mA, with 75 µA typical quiescent current, 380 mV max dropout at full load, and 50 ppm/°C temperature coefficient. It is designed for battery-powered renewable energy systems, CMOS RAM keep-alive circuits, and low-power sensor nodes where ultra-low standby current and tight regulation are critical.

For engineers reviewing the SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB datasheet, SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB pinout, SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB application, or SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 100 mA output under dropout conditions, stability with 1 µF minimum output capacitance (including low-ESR tantalum), thermal/current limiting protection, and operation across −40°C to +125°C junction temperature.

Technical Context

The SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB employs a PNP pass transistor architecture enabling ultra-low quiescent current that rises only marginally in dropout-critical for extending battery life in intermittent-load applications. Its internal compensation relies on output capacitor ESR (10 mΩ to 6 Ω) to maintain phase margin, requiring careful capacitor selection to avoid oscillation.

It integrates current limiting (160 mA typ.), thermal shutdown, and operates without load-unlike many LDOs-making it suitable for always-on reference or memory backup rails. The device is specified for input voltages up to 30 V and maintains 0.05% typical line and load regulation over its full operating range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB is housed in a TO-252 (DPak) package (Package Drawing NDP, 3-pin, exposed thermal pad), optimized for high-power-density PCB layouts with integrated thermal management via soldered thermal pad.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLS850F0TES/V33 and MCP1703T-5002E/MB, SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB offers superior dropout performance at 100 mA (380 mV vs. ≥600 mV), integrated thermal/current protection, and guaranteed operation up to 30 V input-making it optimal for industrial and renewable energy systems where input voltage variation and fault robustness are critical.

Availability

SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for solar charge controllers, industrial backup rails, remote sensor nodes, and low-power medical wearables requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The SM72238 product line was developed specifically for micropower, high-accuracy regulation in renewable energy and battery-critical applications-emphasizing ultra-low IQ, low dropout, and reference-grade stability in ruggedized surface-mount packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB?

The SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB has an absolute maximum input supply voltage of +30 V and an operating maximum of 30 V. Exceeding this may cause permanent damage. The device is designed to operate reliably across the full −40°C to +125°C junction temperature range at up to 30 V input, making it suitable for variable-input renewable energy sources such as solar arrays or unregulated DC buses.

Does SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB require an output capacitor, and what type is recommended?

Yes, SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB requires a minimum 1.0 µF output capacitor for stability. Tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitors with ESR between 10 mΩ and 6 Ω are recommended. Ceramic capacitors must include a series resistor (0.1 Ω to 2 Ω) due to their ultra-low ESR; direct connection of ceramics <1000 pF is prohibited. This requirement is explicitly validated in the TI datasheet Figure 25 and APPLICATION HINTS section.

Can SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB be used as a precision voltage reference?

Yes, SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB is explicitly characterized for reference use: it features 0.5% typical initial tolerance, 50 ppm/°C temperature coefficient, and 0.05% typical load/line regulation. Its low 430 µV_rms output noise (10 Hz–100 kHz) and ability to operate with no load make SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB suitable as a 5 V reference in calibration circuits, ADC biasing, and sensor excitation-provided thermal design maintains junction temperature within spec.

What protection features does SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB include?

SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB integrates current limiting (160 mA typical) and thermal shutdown. The current limit activates when VOUT ≈ 0 V, preventing damage during short-circuit events. Thermal protection disables the output when junction temperature exceeds safe limits, re-enabling once cooled. These protections are fully characterized in the Electrical Characteristics table and Typical Performance Characteristics (Figures 11–12, 23–24).

Is SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB compatible with lead-free reflow processes?

Yes, SM72238TDE-5.0/NOPB is RoHS-compliant and rated for lead-free reflow per JEDEC MSL Level-2-260°C-1 year. Its package (TO-252, NDP drawing) supports peak reflow temperatures up to 260°C with 1-minute duration, as confirmed in TI's PACKAGE OPTION ADDENDUM. The "NOPB" suffix denotes lead-free finish, and the device uses Sn (tin) lead/ball finish with green halogen-free materials.