Microchip Technology TC1173-5.0VOA

Overview

TC1173-5.0VOA from Microchip Technology Inc. is a fixed-output 5.0V CMOS low dropout linear regulator with 300mA output current, ±0.5% output voltage accuracy, and ultra-low 50µA typical supply current 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 portable electronics requiring stable, low-noise power.

For engineers reviewing the TC1173-5.0VOA datasheet, TC1173-5.0VOA pinout, TC1173-5.0VOA application, or TC1173-5.0VOA equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage (240mV at 300mA), thermal/overcurrent protection, MSOP-8 package compatibility, and use of ERROR as low-battery warning or processor reset signal.

Technical Context

The TC1173-5.0VOA employs CMOS pass transistor architecture enabling constant 50µA supply current across 0–300mA load range-unlike bipolar LDOs whose quiescent current rises with load. Its internal feed-forward compensation delivers fast transient response to step-load changes.

It integrates dual protection: thermal shutdown triggers at ~150°C junction temperature and auto-recovers at ~140°C; overcurrent limiting activates at ~550–650mA short-circuit output current. The ERROR output asserts low when VOUT drops >5% below 5.0V (i.e., ≤4.75V), with 50mV hysteresis referenced to nominal output.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TC1173-5.0VOA 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.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP1700-5002E/TO and TCS2117-5.0, TC1173-5.0VOA uniquely balances high output current (300mA), ultra-low noise (260nV/√Hz), and integrated system-level functions (ERROR flag, BYPASS, shutdown) in a compact MSOP-8 package-making it optimal for feature-rich portable instrumentation where both performance and intelligence are required.

Availability

TC1173-5.0VOA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-operated medical wearables, industrial handheld scanners, portable diagnostic instruments, and smart meter communication modules requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for TC1173-5.0VOA 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 fabrication and design operations.

The TC1173 family was engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, noise-sensitive portable electronics-emphasizing extended battery life, precision regulation, and integrated system supervision in minimal footprint packages.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TC1173-5.0VOA to maintain regulation at 300mA load?

The TC1173-5.0VOA requires VIN ≥ VOUT + dropout voltage. At 300mA, dropout is 240mV (typical), so minimum VIN = 5.0V + 0.24V = 5.24V. Datasheet Note 8 further specifies VIN must also be ≥2.7V, which is satisfied. Therefore, 5.24V is the functional minimum for full-load regulation.

Can TC1173-5.0VOA 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 TC1173-5.0VOA operates fully functional without it. However, connecting a 470pF capacitor from BYPASS to GND reduces output noise from 260nV/√Hz to lower levels-critical for precision analog or RF applications.

How does the ERROR output of TC1173-5.0VOA behave during shutdown?

During shutdown (SHDN = logic low), the TC1173-5.0VOA disables the ERROR output: VOUT falls to 0V, and ERROR becomes high-impedance (not actively driven). The ERROR pin only asserts low when the device is enabled (SHDN = high) and VOUT drops ≤4.75V (95% of 5.0V) due to low VIN, overload, or thermal limit.

Is TC1173-5.0VOA stable with a 1µF ceramic output capacitor?

Yes, the TC1173-5.0VOA is explicitly characterized and guaranteed stable with a minimum 1µF ceramic output capacitor (ESR 0.1Ω–5.0Ω). This low capacitance requirement simplifies layout and reduces cost versus traditional LDOs needing ≥10µF, especially beneficial in space-constrained portable designs.

What protection mechanisms are built into TC1173-5.0VOA?

The TC1173-5.0VOA integrates over-temperature shutdown (trips at ~150°C, recovers at ~140°C) and over-current limiting (~550–650mA short-circuit current). It does not include reverse-voltage or reverse-current protection-those must be implemented externally if required by the application.