Microchip Technology TC1173-5.0VUATR

Overview

TC1173-5.0VUATR from Microchip Technology is a fixed-output, CMOS low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator delivering 5.0 V ±0.5% at up to 300 mA with ultra-low dropout (240 mV typical at full load), 50 µA typical supply current, and an open-drain ERROR flag for low-voltage detection-designed for battery-powered medical instruments and portable computing systems.

For engineers reviewing the TC1173-5.0VUATR datasheet, TC1173-5.0VUATR pinout, TC1173-5.0VUATR application, or TC1173-5.0VUATR equivalent, key selection considerations include shutdown current (0.05 µA), Bypass-input noise reduction capability, thermal/overcurrent protection, and MSOP-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The TC1173-5.0VUATR uses CMOS pass transistor architecture to maintain stable output across 0–300 mA load without increasing quiescent current-unlike bipolar LDOs. Its internal feed-forward compensation enables fast transient response to step-load changes.

ERROR asserts low when VOUT drops ≥5% below nominal (i.e., ≤4.75 V for 5.0 V output), with 50 mV hysteresis; SHDN input accepts CMOS-level logic (VIH ≥45% VIN, VIL ≤15% VIN) to enable/disable regulation and reduce supply current to 0.05 µA.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TC1173-5.0VUATR is housed in an 8-pin MSOP package (3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 0.85 mm), optimized for high-density 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 NCP1117ST50T3G, TC1173-5.0VUATR uniquely balances 300 mA drive, 50 µA I_Q, and 240 mV dropout-making it optimal for compact, battery-operated systems requiring both runtime and transient robustness.

Availability

TC1173-5.0VUATR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical devices, battery-powered instrumentation, and cellular/GSM handhelds requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for TC1173-5.0VUATR 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 family was engineered specifically for battery-critical applications demanding ultra-low I_Q, precise output voltage, and integrated fault signaling-targeting portable computing, medical, and telecom end equipment.

FAQ

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

The TC1173-5.0VUATR requires VIN ≥ VOUT + dropout voltage. At 300 mA, dropout is 240 mV (typical), so minimum VIN = 5.0 V + 0.24 V = 5.24 V. The datasheet also specifies absolute minimum VIN = 2.7 V, but that applies only at light loads; for full-load regulation, 5.24 V is the practical minimum. TC1173-5.0VUATR will enter dropout or assert ERROR below this threshold.

How does the ERROR output of TC1173-5.0VUATR function, and what external components are needed to use it as a processor reset?

The ERROR output is an open-drain flag that goes low when VOUT falls ≥5% below 5.0 V (i.e., ≤4.75 V), with 50 mV hysteresis. To use it as a processor reset, connect a pull-up resistor (e.g., 10 kΩ to VOUT or VIN) and an RC network (e.g., 1 MΩ + 0.2 µF) to extend the active-low pulse beyond 200 ms. TC1173-5.0VUATR's ERROR timing ensures reliable system reset before brownout-induced corruption.

Can TC1173-5.0VUATR operate without the Bypass (Pin 4) capacitor, and what is the impact on noise performance?

Yes, TC1173-5.0VUATR operates fully functional without the Bypass capacitor. However, omitting the recommended 470 pF capacitor increases output noise from 260 nV/√Hz to higher baseline levels-critical in noise-sensitive applications like precision ADCs or RF receivers. TC1173-5.0VUATR's Bypass input is optional but delivers measurable noise reduction when implemented.

What thermal protection features are built into TC1173-5.0VUATR, and how do they behave under overload?

TC1173-5.0VUATR incorporates overtemperature shutdown (trip at ~150°C, resume at ~140°C) and overcurrent limiting (~550–650 mA short-circuit current). Under sustained overload, it cycles between regulation and thermal shutdown to prevent permanent damage. TC1173-5.0VUATR's 200°C/W θ_JA in MSOP-8 requires adequate copper pour for >150 mW dissipation-verified via Equation 4-1 in DS21362C.

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

Yes, TC1173-5.0VUATR is stable with ceramic output capacitors ≥1 µF, provided their effective series resistance (ESR) is between 0.1 Ω and 5.0 Ω. Standard X5R/X7R ceramics meet this range. TC1173-5.0VUATR does not require high-ESR tantalum or aluminum electrolytics, enabling smaller, more reliable, and temperature-stable designs.