Microchip Technology TC1174VUA

Overview

TC1174VUA from Microchip Technology is an adjustable-output CMOS low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator in an 8-pin MSOP package, delivering up to 300mA output current with typical supply current of 50μA, dropout voltage of 270mV at full load, and reference voltage of 1.20V - designed for battery-powered portable electronics requiring ultra-low-noise regulation and shutdown control.

For engineers reviewing the TC1174VUA datasheet, TC1174VUA pinout, TC1174VUA application, or TC1174VUA equivalent, key selection considerations include its adjustable output architecture, Bypass input for noise reduction, thermal/overcurrent protection, and compatibility with 1μF minimum output capacitance in space-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The TC1174VUA employs a CMOS pass element enabling supply current independent of load (50μA typ. across 0–300mA), unlike bipolar LDOs. Its internal feed-forward compensation ensures fast transient response to step-load changes, while the ADJ pin enables programmable output via resistor divider (VOUT = VREF × [R1/R2 + 1]).

It integrates dual protection: thermal shutdown activates at ~150°C junction temperature and auto-recovers at ~140°C; overcurrent limiting caps output short-circuit current at 550–650mA. The Bypass pin accepts a 470pF capacitor to reduce internal reference noise, lowering output noise to 260nV/√Hz at 10kHz.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TC1174VUA is housed in an 8-pin MSOP package (3.0mm × 3.0mm × 1.1mm height), optimized for high-density PCB layouts. Thermal resistance θ_JA is ~200°C/W, requiring adequate copper pour on GND pads for thermal management at >150mW dissipation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP1703T-3302E/MB and TPS7A2025PDQNR, the TC1174VUA uniquely combines adjustable output, 470pF Bypass noise suppression, and integrated thermal/overcurrent protection in an MSOP package - making it optimal for battery-powered, noise-sensitive, and fault-tolerant analog systems where programmability and robustness are required.

Availability

TC1174VUA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-operated systems, portable instrumentation, and medical devices requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for TC1174VUA 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 interface ICs, with ISO/TS-16949 certified wafer fabrication and design facilities.

The TC1174VUA belongs to Microchip's legacy CMOS LDO regulator product line, engineered for ultra-low-power, low-noise, and thermally robust operation in portable and medical electronics.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TC1174VUA to regulate at 3.0V output?

The TC1174VUA requires VIN ≥ VOUT + dropout voltage. At 300mA load, dropout is 270mV (typical), so minimum VIN = 3.0V + 0.27V = 3.27V. Per datasheet Note 6, VIN must also be ≥2.7V - thus 3.27V governs. The TC1174VUA will not maintain regulation below this threshold, and output voltage will drop proportionally.

Can TC1174VUA operate without the Bypass capacitor, and what is the impact?

Yes, the TC1174VUA functions without the 470pF Bypass capacitor on Pin 5. However, output noise increases from 260nV/√Hz to unspecified higher levels - potentially degrading performance in noise-sensitive applications like precision ADCs or RF bias. The Bypass pin may be left floating if noise is not critical; adding the capacitor is optional but recommended for best noise performance.

What is the maximum allowable power dissipation for TC1174VUA in the 8-pin MSOP package?

For the 8-pin MSOP package (θ_JA ≈ 200°C/W), maximum allowable power dissipation is calculated as P_DMAX = (T_JMAX – T_AMAX) / θ_JA. With T_JMAX = 125°C and T_AMAX = 55°C, P_DMAX = (125 – 55) / 200 = 350mW. Exceeding this risks thermal shutdown activation, which disables regulation until die temperature falls to ~140°C.

How does the ADJ pin leakage current affect resistor selection in the feedback divider?

The TC1174VUA ADJ pin exhibits ≤50pA leakage current, enabling use of high-value resistors (470kΩ to 3MΩ) in the R1/R2 divider. This minimizes current draw from VOUT, preserving efficiency - e.g., using 470kΩ/470kΩ yields 2.4V output with only ~2.5μA divider current, versus ~2.5mA with 4.7kΩ/4.7kΩ, directly improving battery life in always-on systems.

Is TC1174VUA pin-compatible with TC1174VOA, and what are the mechanical differences?

No, TC1174VUA (8-pin MSOP) and TC1174VOA (8-pin SOIC) are not pin-compatible. While both share identical pin functions, their physical layouts differ: TC1174VUA places SHDN at Pin 6 and VOUT at Pin 2, whereas TC1174VOA places SHDN at Pin 5 and VOUT at Pin 1. PCB layout, footprint, and thermal pad design must be specific to the MSOP package for TC1174VUA.