Microchip Technology TC1173-2.5VUATR

Overview

TC1173-2.5VUATR from Microchip Technology is a precision CMOS low-dropout linear regulator delivering 2.5V ±0.5% output at up to 300mA, with 240mV typical dropout at full load, 50µA typical supply current, and an open-drain ERROR flag for low-voltage detection in battery-powered medical instruments.

For engineers reviewing the TC1173-2.5VUATR datasheet, TC1173-2.5VUATR pinout, TC1173-2.5VUATR application, or TC1173-2.5VUATR equivalent, key selection considerations include its MSOP-8 package, shutdown current of 0.05µA, Bypass input for ultra-low-noise operation (260nV/√Hz), and integrated over-temperature/over-current protection.

Technical Context

The TC1173-2.5VUATR uses CMOS pass transistor architecture enabling stable regulation from 0mA to 300mA without supply current increase, unlike bipolar LDOs. Its internal feed-forward compensation ensures fast transient response to load steps.

It features a dedicated Bypass pin accepting a 470pF capacitor to reduce reference noise and achieve 260nV/√Hz output noise, and an ERROR output asserting low when VOUT drops >5% below 2.5V - configurable as either low-battery warning or processor RESET with external RC timing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TC1173-2.5VUATR is housed in an 8-pin MSOP package (3.0mm × 3.0mm × 1.1mm height), optimized for space-constrained portable designs. Thermal resistance θ_JA is 200°C/W, requiring minimal PCB copper for thermal management at ≤155mW dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP1700-2502E/TO and TPS7A2025PDQNR, TC1173-2.5VUATR uniquely combines 300mA capability, ERROR flag, Bypass-enabled ultra-low noise, and MSOP-8 thermal performance - making it the only choice when all three functions are mandatory in compact battery systems.

Availability

TC1173-2.5VUATR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical instruments, battery-powered data loggers, and handheld diagnostic tools requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for TC1173-2.5VUATR 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-precision regulation in battery-operated systems - emphasizing minimal quiescent current, low dropout, and integrated supervision features like ERROR flag and shutdown control.

FAQ

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

The TC1173-2.5VUATR requires a minimum input voltage of 2.7V to sustain regulation at full load, based on its 240mV typical dropout at 300mA. At light loads (0.1mA), dropout drops to 20mV, allowing operation down to 2.52V - but 2.7V is the guaranteed minimum per datasheet Note 8 to ensure performance across temperature and process variation. This makes TC1173-2.5VUATR compatible with single-cell Li-ion and Li-poly batteries throughout their discharge curve.

How does the ERROR output of TC1173-2.5VUATR function in a battery-monitoring system?

The ERROR output of TC1173-2.5VUATR is an open-drain flag that pulls low when VOUT falls below 95% of nominal (2.375V), with 50mV hysteresis to prevent chatter. In battery systems, this directly indicates end-of-life voltage for a 2.5V rail - for example, triggering a low-battery LED or initiating controlled shutdown. When used as a processor RESET, an external RC network (e.g., 1MΩ + 0.2µF) extends the low pulse to >200ms, ensuring reliable reset assertion. TC1173-2.5VUATR's ERROR behavior is fully specified and tested across -40°C to +125°C.

Can TC1173-2.5VUATR be used without the Bypass capacitor, and what is the impact on noise performance?

Yes, TC1173-2.5VUATR operates stably without the Bypass capacitor connected to Pin 4. However, omitting the 470pF capacitor increases output noise from 260nV/√Hz to approximately 1.2µV/√Hz (inferred from typical characteristics curves). The Bypass pin is optional but critical for applications demanding ultra-low-noise power - such as precision ADC references or RF synthesizer supplies. TC1173-2.5VUATR's internal reference remains stable without it, so regulation accuracy and load/line transient response are unaffected.

What thermal considerations apply to TC1173-2.5VUATR in a 300mA continuous load application?

At 300mA output with 2.7V input and 2.5V output, TC1173-2.5VUATR dissipates ~60mW (PD ≈ (VIN – VOUT) × IOUT). With its MSOP-8 θ_JA of 200°C/W, this yields ~12°C junction-to-ambient rise - well below the 150°C thermal shutdown threshold. To maintain reliability, keep ambient temperature ≤113°C (125°C – 12°C). Layout best practices - including wide GND traces, thermal vias under the exposed pad (if present), and minimal trace length on VIN/VOUT - further reduce effective θ_JA. TC1173-2.5VUATR incorporates thermal shutdown as a fail-safe.

Is TC1173-2.5VUATR pin-compatible with other variants in the TC1173 family, such as TC1173-3.3VUATR?

Yes, TC1173-2.5VUATR is fully pin-compatible with all TC1173-x.xVUATR variants (e.g., 3.3V, 5.0V) in the same MSOP-8 package. The only difference is the factory-trimmed output voltage; all electrical characteristics - pin functions, shutdown behavior, ERROR threshold scaling (95% of VOUT), dropout, noise, and protection features - are identical. This allows drop-in replacement during design iteration or voltage optimization without PCB changes. TC1173-2.5VUATR shares identical thermal, layout, and decoupling requirements with other TC1173 MSOP variants.