Microchip Technology TC1173-2.5VUA

Overview

TC1173-2.5VUA from Microchip Technology Inc. is a fixed-output, CMOS low dropout linear regulator delivering 2.5V at up to 300mA with ±0.5% output accuracy, 240mV typical dropout at full load, and 50μA typical supply current. It integrates shutdown control (SHDN), open-drain ERROR flag for out-of-regulation detection, and Bypass input for ultra-low-noise operation-ideal for battery-powered medical instruments and portable computing.

For engineers reviewing the TC1173-2.5VUA datasheet, TC1173-2.5VUA pinout, TC1173-2.5VUA application, or TC1173-2.5VUA equivalent, key selection criteria include its MSOP-8 package footprint, 0.05μA shutdown current, 2.5V precision output stability across –40°C to +125°C, and ERROR threshold set at 95% of VOUT for low-battery or reset signaling.

Technical Context

The TC1173-2.5VUA employs CMOS pass transistor architecture enabling constant 50μA supply current independent of load-unlike bipolar LDOs-and maintains regulation from 0mA to 300mA without droop. Its internal feed-forward compensation ensures fast transient response to step-load changes.

It features dual protection circuitry: thermal shutdown activates at 150°C junction temperature with hysteresis (re-enable at ~140°C), and current limiting caps output at ~600mA short-circuit. The ERROR output asserts low when VOUT falls >5% below nominal (i.e., <2.375V for 2.5V version) due to input undervoltage, overload, or thermal foldback.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TC1173-2.5VUA is housed in an 8-pin MSOP package (3.0mm × 3.0mm × 1.1mm height), optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts and thermal performance (θ_JA ≈ 200°C/W). Pin 1 is marked by a dot; leads are gull-wing with 0.65mm pitch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP1700-2502E/TO and TCS2102-2.5V, TC1173-2.5VUA uniquely balances ultra-low IQ (50μA), low dropout (240mV), integrated ERROR signaling, and Bypass-enabled noise reduction-all in the same MSOP-8 footprint-making it optimal for high-integrity, battery-sensitive applications demanding both efficiency and reliability.

Availability

TC1173-2.5VUA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical instruments, battery-powered data loggers, and industrial handheld terminals requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for TC1173-2.5VUA 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 design and wafer fabrication facilities.

The TC1173 product line was engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, high-accuracy linear regulation in space- and battery-constrained systems-emphasizing minimal quiescent current, robust protection, and noise-sensitive analog compatibility.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TC1173-2.5VUA to maintain regulation?

The TC1173-2.5VUA requires VIN ≥ VOUT + dropout voltage. With a typical dropout of 240mV at 300mA, the minimum input is 2.74V. Per datasheet Note 8, absolute minimum VIN is 2.7V-so 2.74V is the practical lower bound under full load. At lighter loads, dropout drops to 20mV (0.1mA), allowing VIN as low as 2.52V while maintaining 2.5V output. TC1173-2.5VUA must never be operated below 2.7V to guarantee specification compliance across temperature and process variation.

Can TC1173-2.5VUA be used without connecting the Bypass pin?

Yes, the Bypass pin (Pin 4) may be left unconnected if ultra-low output noise is not required. The TC1173-2.5VUA remains fully functional and stable with only the mandatory 1μF output capacitor. However, omitting the 470pF Bypass capacitor increases output noise from 260nV/√Hz to approximately 750nV/√Hz at 1kHz, which may degrade performance in noise-sensitive applications like precision ADCs or RF synthesizers. TC1173-2.5VUA's specification guarantees 260nV/√Hz only when the Bypass capacitor is installed.

How does the ERROR output of TC1173-2.5VUA behave during shutdown?

During shutdown (SHDN pin driven low), the TC1173-2.5VUA disables its internal regulator core, causing VOUT to fall to 0V and supply current to drop to 0.05μA. Concurrently, the ERROR output is electrically disabled-its open-drain structure floats high-impedance and does not actively assert or de-assert. No pull-up resistor will register a logic state change on ERROR during shutdown. TC1173-2.5VUA's ERROR functionality is only active when SHDN is high and regulation is enabled.

Is TC1173-2.5VUA compatible with ceramic output capacitors?

Yes, TC1173-2.5VUA is explicitly designed for stability with ceramic output capacitors ≥1μF, as confirmed in Section 3.2 of the datasheet. It does not require ESR-based damping, unlike older LDO architectures. The device specifies ESR range of 0.1Ω to 5.0Ω, which aligns with typical X5R/X7R ceramics (0.01–0.1Ω ESR). Using a 1μF 0603 X5R capacitor with 0.03Ω ESR ensures robust phase margin and transient response. TC1173-2.5VUA's internal compensation eliminates need for external ESR tuning components.

What is the thermal shutdown hysteresis of TC1173-2.5VUA?

TC1173-2.5VUA initiates thermal shutdown when junction temperature exceeds 150°C and automatically recovers when die temperature cools to approximately 140°C-providing 10°C hysteresis to prevent oscillation near the trip point. This behavior is implemented in hardware and does not require external components. The thermal protection circuit remains active regardless of SHDN state. Under continuous overload, TC1173-2.5VUA cycles between regulation and shutdown until fault condition clears. Datasheet Section 4.1 confirms this hysteresis value applies across the full –40°C to +125°C operating range.