Texas Instruments TLV1117-15IKVURG3

Overview

TLV1117-15IKVURG3 from Texas Instruments is a fixed-output, 1.5 V, 800 mA low-dropout linear voltage regulator in TO-252 (KVU) package. It operates from 2.9 V to 15 V input, delivers ±1.0% output accuracy at 25°C, and features foldback current limiting, thermal shutdown, undervoltage lockout, and internal soft-start - used in HVAC control modules requiring stable 1.5 V rail for microcontroller I/O or sensor biasing.

For engineers reviewing the TLV1117-15IKVURG3 datasheet, TLV1117-15IKVURG3 pinout, TLV1117-15IKVURG3 application, or TLV1117-15IKVURG3 equivalent, key selection considerations include dropout voltage at full load (≤1.2 V), quiescent current (65–110 µA), UVLO thresholds (2.2 V rising / 1.9 V falling), and thermal performance (R_θJA = 67.2°C/W) in PCB-constrained industrial power designs.

Technical Context

The TLV1117-15IKVURG3 implements a CMOS-based LDO architecture with an internal 1.25 V reference and P-channel pass transistor. Its fixed 1.5 V output is trimmed at wafer level, eliminating external feedback components and enabling direct replacement of legacy 1.5 V regulators without circuit redesign.

This device belongs to TI's "new chip" generation: it integrates UVLO (2.2 V turn-on with 130 mV hysteresis), thermal shutdown (180°C trip, 160°C reset), output pulldown (0.7–1.1 mA), and foldback current limiting - distinguishing it from legacy TLV1117 variants that lack these protection features and require minimum load current.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TLV1117-15IKVURG3 uses the TO-252-3 (KVU) surface-mount package: 6.6 mm × 10.11 mm footprint, exposed thermal pad on bottom, rated R_θJA = 67.2°C/W with standard 2-layer PCB copper pour.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLV1117-15IKVURG3, TLV1117-15CDCY trades thermal performance and integrated protection for lower cost and smaller footprint, while MCP1700T-1502E/TT offers ultra-low IQ but lacks current capability, safety features, and input voltage range - making TLV1117-15IKVURG3 the sole fit for robust 800 mA industrial LDO needs.

Availability

TLV1117-15IKVURG3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for HVAC control systems, smart metering platforms, and home theater audio subsystems requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TLV1117-15IKVURG3 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with decades of expertise in power management ICs and industrial-grade reliability.

The TLV1117 family was designed for cost-sensitive, high-reliability industrial and consumer power rails - delivering robust fixed/adjustable LDO performance with integrated protection in compact packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for TLV1117-15IKVURG3?

The TLV1117-15IKVURG3 has an absolute maximum input voltage of 16 V, but its recommended operating range is 2.9 V to 15 V. Exceeding 15 V risks violating thermal limits under full load, especially in the TO-252 package where R_θJA = 67.2°C/W constrains power dissipation. Operation at 16 V is only permissible for brief transients per the Absolute Maximum Ratings table.

Does TLV1117-15IKVURG3 require an external capacitor on the ADJ pin?

No - TLV1117-15IKVURG3 is a fixed-output variant, so the ADJ pin is internally connected to ground and left unconnected externally. Unlike adjustable versions, it does not use external resistors or capacitors on the ADJ terminal. The pin serves solely as the ground reference node and must not be loaded or bypassed.

How does the foldback current limit behave during a short-circuit event on TLV1117-15IKVURG3?

During a short circuit, TLV1117-15IKVURG3 first limits output current to 1.1–1.6 A (brick-wall phase). As V_OUT drops below 0.75 V (50% of 1.5 V nominal), it transitions to foldback mode, reducing current to 150–350 mA. This lowers power dissipation in the pass transistor, delaying thermal shutdown and enabling safe recovery once the fault clears.

Can TLV1117-15IKVURG3 operate without a minimum load current?

Yes - TLV1117-15IKVURG3 (new chip generation) requires no minimum load current for regulation stability, unlike legacy TLV1117 variants. This eliminates the need for wasteful bleed resistors and simplifies design in low-power sleep modes, such as in smart meter real-time clock circuits where load may drop to near zero.

What is the purpose of the output pulldown feature in TLV1117-15IKVURG3?

The output pulldown in TLV1117-15IKVURG3 actively sinks 0.7–1.1 mA when VIN falls below the UVLO falling threshold (1.9 V), pulling V_OUT down to ~0.4 V. This prevents floating or undefined logic states in downstream circuitry during power-down sequences - critical for reliable reset behavior in HVAC controllers and metering SoCs.