Microchip Technology TC2186-3.3VCTTR

Overview

TC2186-3.3VCTTR from Microchip Technology is a 150 mA, 3.3 V fixed-output CMOS low-dropout (LDO) regulator in a 5-pin SOT-23A package, featuring ±0.4% output voltage accuracy, 140 mV typical dropout at 150 mA, and integrated ERROR flag for out-of-regulation detection-designed for battery-powered medical instruments and portable communication devices.

For engineers reviewing the TC2186-3.3VCTTR datasheet, TC2186-3.3VCTTR pinout, TC2186-3.3VCTTR application, or TC2186-3.3VCTTR equivalent, key selection criteria include shutdown current (≤0.5 µA), thermal shutdown at 160°C, fast 60 µs wake-up from shutdown, and compatibility with 1 µF ceramic output capacitors.

Technical Context

The TC2186-3.3VCTTR implements a CMOS-based LDO architecture optimized for ultra-low quiescent current (55 µA typical at full load), delivering stable 3.3 V output across –40°C to +125°C while maintaining regulation up to 150 mA. Its ERROR pin operates as an open-drain out-of-regulation indicator triggered when VOUT drops ~5% below nominal.

Unlike bipolar regulators, supply current remains nearly constant across load (0–150 mA), and it achieves 50 dB PSRR at ≤100 kHz. The device requires no external compensation and is stable with 1 µF ceramic output capacitance (ESR 0.01–5 Ω).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TC2186-3.3VCTTR is housed in a 5-pin SOT-23A (EIAJ SC-74A) surface-mount package with 0.95 mm pitch, 2.9 mm × 1.6 mm footprint, and exposed pad not connected internally. Thermal resistance θ_JA = 255°C/W on standard 2-layer FR4 PCB.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP1700-3302E/TO and TPS73133DBVR, TC2186-3.3VCTTR uniquely balances ultra-low I_Q, integrated ERROR flag with hysteresis, and 150 mA capability in a drop-in SOT-23A footprint-making it optimal for space-constrained, battery-sensitive designs requiring autonomous fault detection.

Availability

TC2186-3.3VCTTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, cellular modem power supplies, and handheld test equipment requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceability.

Supply support for TC2186-3.3VCTTR 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 is a global semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and timing solutions, with ISO/TS-16949:2002 certification across wafer fabrication and design centers.

The TC2054/TC2055/TC2186 family was designed as CMOS-based LDO upgrades for legacy bipolar regulators-targeting battery-operated systems demanding ultra-low I_Q, high accuracy, and integrated fault monitoring.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for TC2186-3.3VCTTR?

The absolute maximum input voltage for TC2186-3.3VCTTR is 6.5 V. Operation above this level risks permanent damage. For continuous reliable operation, the recommended input voltage range is 2.7 V to 6.0 V, with minimum VIN constrained by dropout: VIN ≥ 3.3 V + 140 mV = 3.44 V at 150 mA load. TC2186-3.3VCTTR must never be subjected to input transients exceeding 6.5 V, even briefly.

Does TC2186-3.3VCTTR require an external capacitor on the ERROR pin to function as a processor reset signal?

Yes-when using TC2186-3.3VCTTR's ERROR pin as a processor RESET signal, an external RC network (pull-up resistor R1 and timing capacitor C2) is required. Per Microchip's Figure 4-1, R1 × C2 must be selected to hold ERROR low for ≥200 ms after power-up to ensure proper system stabilization. TC2186-3.3VCTTR itself does not integrate timing capacitance; the external network defines reset pulse width and debounce behavior.

Can TC2186-3.3VCTTR operate with a 0.47 µF ceramic output capacitor?

No-TC2186-3.3VCTTR requires a minimum 1 µF ceramic output capacitor for guaranteed stability across all operating conditions. Using 0.47 µF violates the datasheet specification (DS21663D, Section 4.2) and may cause oscillation, poor load transient response, or output voltage overshoot. The 1 µF value is validated for ESR between 0.01 Ω and 5 Ω; lower capacitance risks instability, especially under dynamic load steps.

What is the thermal shutdown behavior of TC2186-3.3VCTTR?

TC2186-3.3VCTTR incorporates thermal shutdown that activates at approximately 160°C die temperature, disabling VOUT and ERROR while reducing supply current. It automatically recovers when die temperature cools to ~150°C. This hysteresis prevents cycling near the trip point. During shutdown, TC2186-3.3VCTTR draws ≤0.5 µA and asserts ERROR only if VOUT is already out-of-regulation-thermal fault is not signaled via ERROR but by loss of regulated output.

Is TC2186-3.3VCTTR pin-compatible with the TC2055-3.3VCTTR?

Yes-TC2186-3.3VCTTR shares identical 5-pin SOT-23A pinout, footprint, and terminal functions with TC2055-3.3VCTTR and TC2054-3.3VCTTR. All three devices use Pin 1=VIN, Pin 2=GND, Pin 3=SHDN, Pin 4=ERROR, Pin 5=VOUT. However, TC2186-3.3VCTTR delivers 150 mA vs. 100 mA for TC2055-3.3VCTTR, so PCB layout and thermal design must accommodate higher power dissipation in the same package.