Microchip Technology TC1173-3.3VOATR

Overview

TC1173-3.3VOATR from Microchip Technology Inc. is a fixed-output CMOS low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator delivering 3.3V ±0.5% at up to 300mA, with ultra-low 50µA typical supply current and 240mV typical dropout at full load. It features an open-drain ERROR flag for out-of-regulation detection, shutdown control (SHDN), and Bypass input for noise reduction-designed for battery-powered medical instruments, portable computers, and GSM/PHS phones.

For engineers reviewing the TC1173-3.3VOATR datasheet, TC1173-3.3VOATR pinout, TC1173-3.3VOATR application, or TC1173-3.3VOATR equivalent, key selection considerations include its 300mA output capability, 0.05µA shutdown current, ±0.5% output accuracy, 260nV/√Hz output noise, and MSOP-8 package compatibility with space-constrained portable designs.

Technical Context

The TC1173-3.3VOATR uses a CMOS pass element enabling stable regulation across 0–300mA load without supply current increase-unlike bipolar LDOs. Its internal feed-forward compensation ensures fast transient response to load steps, while the ERROR output asserts low when VOUT drops >5% below nominal (e.g., <3.135V), supporting low-battery warning or processor reset generation via external RC timing.

It operates over –40°C to +125°C with thermal shutdown at ~150°C and incorporates over-current protection. Stability requires only a 1µF output capacitor (ESR 0.1–5.0Ω), and the Bypass pin accepts a 470pF capacitor to reduce reference noise and lower output noise to 260nV/√Hz at 1kHz.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TC1173-3.3VOATR is packaged in an 8-pin MSOP (Mini Small Outline Package), measuring 3.0mm × 3.0mm × 1.1mm, with exposed pad not electrically connected. Pin 1 is marked by a dot or beveled corner; the package is RoHS-compliant and rated for –40°C to +125°C junction temperature.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP1700-3302E/TO and NCP1117ST33T3G, TC1173-3.3VOATR uniquely balances 300mA output, 50µA operating current, ERROR flag, and shutdown control in a space-saving MSOP-8 package-making it optimal for battery-powered systems requiring both efficiency and supervisory intelligence.

Availability

TC1173-3.3VOATR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical devices, GSM/PHS handsets, and industrial portable instruments requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for TC1173-3.3VOATR 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 and ISO 9001 certifications.

The TC1173 product line delivers precision, low-noise, low-quiescent-current LDO regulators targeting battery-operated and portable electronics where runtime, reliability, and compact footprint are essential design constraints.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage for TC1173-3.3VOATR?

The absolute maximum input voltage for TC1173-3.3VOATR is 6.5V, but the recommended operating range is 2.7V to 6.0V per the datasheet's electrical specifications. Exceeding 6.0V may compromise long-term reliability, and operation below 2.7V risks dropout unless the load current is very low. The minimum valid input depends on load: for 300mA output, VIN must be ≥3.54V (3.3V + 240mV dropout).

Does TC1173-3.3VOATR require an external pull-up resistor on the ERROR pin?

Yes, TC1173-3.3VOATR features an open-drain ERROR output and requires an external pull-up resistor to a valid logic supply (e.g., VOUT, VIN, or another rail ≤VIN + 0.3V). Typical values range from 10kΩ to 1MΩ depending on speed and drive strength needs; the datasheet example uses 1MΩ for battery-low detection with RC timing.

Can TC1173-3.3VOATR be used without connecting the Bypass pin?

Yes, TC1173-3.3VOATR functions correctly with the Bypass pin (Pin 4) left unconnected. The 470pF capacitor is optional and only needed when ultra-low output noise (e.g., <260nV/√Hz) is required for sensitive analog circuits. Leaving it unconnected increases output noise but simplifies layout and reduces component count.

What is the thermal shutdown behavior of TC1173-3.3VOATR?

TC1173-3.3VOATR activates thermal shutdown when die temperature exceeds approximately 150°C, disabling the output and reducing supply current. The device remains latched off until the junction cools to ~140°C, at which point regulation resumes automatically. This protects against sustained overload or poor PCB thermal design, especially in the MSOP-8 package (θ_JA ≈ 200°C/W).

Is TC1173-3.3VOATR stable with ceramic output capacitors?

Yes, TC1173-3.3VOATR is stable with ceramic output capacitors meeting the datasheet's ESR requirement of 0.1Ω to 5.0Ω. Standard X5R/X7R 1µF ceramics typically fall within this range. Avoid ultra-low-ESR types (e.g., specialty polymer or certain C0G/NP0) unless verified, as excessively low ESR may degrade phase margin and cause instability.