Microchip Technology TC1173-5.0VUA

Overview

TC1173-5.0VUA from Microchip Technology Inc. is a fixed-output 5.0V CMOS low dropout (LDO) regulator in an 8-pin MSOP package, delivering up to 300mA output current with ±0.5% output voltage accuracy, 240mV typical dropout at full load, and 50μA typical supply current - designed for battery-powered medical instruments, portable computers, and GSM/PHS phones.

For engineers reviewing the TC1173-5.0VUA datasheet, TC1173-5.0VUA pinout, TC1173-5.0VUA application, or TC1173-5.0VUA equivalent, key selection considerations include its ERROR open-drain flag for low-battery detection or processor reset generation, shutdown mode reducing supply current to 0.05μA, and Bypass input supporting ultra-low-noise operation with optional 470pF capacitor.

Technical Context

The TC1173-5.0VUA implements a CMOS-based LDO architecture with internal feed-forward compensation for fast transient response to step-load changes, stable operation with only 1μF output capacitance, and integrated over-current and over-temperature protection triggering thermal shutdown above 150°C.

Its ERROR output asserts low when VOUT drops >5% below nominal (e.g., <4.75V for 5.0V output), with 50mV hysteresis referenced to VR; SHDN input enables logic-level control (VIH ≥45% VIN, VIL ≤15% VIN), and Bypass pin reduces reference noise when decoupled with 470pF to GND.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TC1173-5.0VUA is housed in an 8-pin MSOP package (3.0mm × 3.0mm × 1.1mm height), with exposed pad not electrically connected. Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner; leads are gull-wing, lead-free, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP1700-5002E/TO and TPS76350DBVR, TC1173-5.0VUA uniquely combines 300mA drive, 240mV dropout, ERROR flag with hysteresis, and Bypass-enabled ultra-low noise - making it optimal for high-integrity portable systems requiring both performance and diagnostics.

Availability

TC1173-5.0VUA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-operated medical instruments, portable communications devices, and industrial handheld test equipment requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for TC1173-5.0VUA 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 company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and power management ICs, with ISO/TS-16949 certified manufacturing and global technical support.

The TC1173 family was engineered for ultra-low-power, high-accuracy linear regulation in portable and battery-critical applications - emphasizing extended runtime, noise immunity, and system-level fault awareness via the ERROR output.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TC1173-5.0VUA to regulate at full 300mA load?

The TC1173-5.0VUA requires VIN ≥ VOUT + dropout voltage. With a typical dropout of 240mV at 300mA, the minimum input is 5.24V. However, the absolute minimum specified VIN is 2.7V - meaning regulation is only guaranteed when VIN meets both constraints: VIN ≥ 5.24V and VIN ≤ 6.0V. Below 5.24V, TC1173-5.0VUA enters dropout and VOUT declines proportionally.

Can the ERROR output of TC1173-5.0VUA be used directly as a microcontroller RESET signal?

Yes, but only with external conditioning: ERROR is an open-drain output requiring a pull-up resistor (to VIN, VOUT, or another valid supply ≤VIN+0.3V) and an RC timing network (e.g., 1MΩ + 0.2μF) to generate a clean, debounced reset pulse ≥200ms. The TC1173-5.0VUA ERROR threshold is 4.75V (–5% of 5.0V) with 50mV hysteresis, ensuring robust brownout detection before system failure.

Does TC1173-5.0VUA require an input capacitor, and if so, what value is recommended?

The TC1173-5.0VUA does not mandate an input capacitor for stability, but Microchip recommends a 1μF capacitor from VIN to GND when powered from batteries or when >10 inches of wire separates the regulator from the AC filter capacitor. This improves transient response and reduces noise coupling. For most PCB-mounted SMPS-derived inputs, the output capacitor alone (≥1μF) suffices - the TC1173-5.0VUA remains stable without input capacitance.

How does the Bypass pin on TC1173-5.0VUA affect noise performance, and what capacitor value is optimal?

Connecting a 470pF capacitor from the Bypass pin to GND reduces internal reference noise, lowering TC1173-5.0VUA's output noise from ~260nV/√Hz to <100nV/√Hz at 1kHz. Larger values (e.g., 1nF) further reduce noise but increase startup time to rated VOUT. Microchip specifies 470pF as the optimal trade-off between noise suppression and power-on settling time - values outside 330–680pF offer diminishing returns.

Is TC1173-5.0VUA compatible with ceramic output capacitors, and what ESR range is acceptable?

Yes, TC1173-5.0VUA is fully compatible with ceramic output capacitors. Microchip specifies an effective series resistance (ESR) between 0.1Ω and 5.0Ω for optimal stability and transient response. Standard X7R or X5R 1μF ceramics typically fall within this range (0.02–0.1Ω), and adding a small series resistor (e.g., 0.5Ω) can adjust ESR if needed. Stability is maintained down to 1μF minimum capacitance regardless of dielectric type.