Microchip Technology TC1173-2.5VOATR

Overview

TC1173-2.5VOATR from Microchip Technology is a fixed-output CMOS low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator delivering 2.5 V ±0.5% at up to 300 mA, with ultra-low 50 µA typical supply current, 240 mV typical dropout at full load, and integrated ERROR flag for low-battery detection or processor reset generation. It serves as a precision post-regulator in battery-powered portable electronics requiring stable, low-noise power.

For engineers reviewing the TC1173-2.5VOATR datasheet, TC1173-2.5VOATR pinout, TC1173-2.5VOATR application, or TC1173-2.5VOATR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.5 V fixed output, MSOP-8 package, shutdown control (SHDN), bypass input for noise reduction, and error output with 5% hysteresis-critical for medical instruments, GSM phones, and linear post-regulation of SMPS outputs.

Technical Context

The TC1173-2.5VOATR employs CMOS pass transistor architecture enabling constant 50 µA supply current across 0–300 mA load, unlike bipolar regulators whose quiescent current rises with load. Its internal feed-forward compensation ensures fast transient response to step-load changes.

It integrates dual protection: thermal shutdown at 150°C and current limiting with 550–650 mA short-circuit output capability. The ERROR open-drain output asserts low when VOUT drops >5% below 2.5 V due to low VIN, overload, or thermal foldback-configurable as battery warning or RESET signal via external RC network.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TC1173-2.5VOATR is housed in an 8-pin MSOP package (3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.1 mm), optimized for space-constrained portable designs. Thermal resistance θ_JA is 200°C/W, requiring PCB copper pour under exposed pad for high-current operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP1700-2502E/TO and TPS76325DBVR, TC1173-2.5VOATR uniquely combines 300 mA drive, ERROR flag with hysteresis, bypass-enabled ultra-low noise, and MSOP-8 footprint-making it optimal for high-integrity portable power where regulation status visibility and spectral purity are non-negotiable.

Availability

TC1173-2.5VOATR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-operated systems, medical instrumentation, and cellular phone designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TC1173-2.5VOATR 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 Inc. is a U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and power management ICs, with ISO/TS-16949 certified wafer fabrication and design facilities.

The TC1173 product line was designed specifically for ultra-low-power, high-accuracy voltage regulation in portable and battery-critical applications-emphasizing CMOS efficiency, integrated diagnostics, and minimal external component count.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TC1173-2.5VOATR to maintain regulation at 300 mA?

The TC1173-2.5VOATR requires a minimum input voltage of 2.74 V to sustain 2.5 V output at 300 mA, based on its 240 mV typical dropout voltage. This allows direct operation from a single Li-ion cell down to ~2.7 V, extending usable battery capacity. Input below 2.7 V triggers the ERROR output and eventual dropout.

How does the ERROR output of TC1173-2.5VOATR function as a processor reset signal?

The ERROR output of TC1173-2.5VOATR is an open-drain flag that pulls low when VOUT falls below 2.375 V (95% of 2.5 V). When used as a reset, a pull-up resistor and timing capacitor (e.g., 1 MΩ + 0.2 µF) generate a >200 ms active-low pulse, meeting typical processor RESET hold-time requirements. TC1173-2.5VOATR's 50 mV hysteresis prevents oscillation during marginal input conditions.

Can TC1173-2.5VOATR operate without the optional 470 pF bypass capacitor?

Yes, TC1173-2.5VOATR operates fully functional without the 470 pF bypass capacitor on the Bypass pin. However, omitting it increases output noise from 260 nV/√Hz to higher levels-potentially affecting noise-sensitive circuits like precision ADCs or RF synthesizers. The capacitor is optional but recommended for applications demanding ultra-low noise.

What thermal considerations apply when using TC1173-2.5VOATR at 300 mA with 3.3 V input?

With VIN = 3.3 V and VOUT = 2.5 V at 300 mA, TC1173-2.5VOATR dissipates ~240 mW. In its MSOP-8 package (θ_JA ≈ 200°C/W), this raises junction temperature by ~48°C above ambient. To stay within the -40°C to +125°C range, ambient must remain ≤77°C. Use PCB copper pour under the exposed pad and minimize trace resistance to manage thermal rise effectively.

Is TC1173-2.5VOATR compatible with ceramic output capacitors?

Yes, TC1173-2.5VOATR is stable with ceramic output capacitors ≥1 µF, provided their effective series resistance (ESR) is between 0.1 Ω and 5.0 Ω. Standard X5R/X7R ceramics meet this requirement. Avoid ultra-low-ESR types (e.g., specialty polymer or certain C0G) unless verified, as they may induce instability per the datasheet's stability criteria.