Texas Instruments TPS70912DRVR

Overview

TPS70912DRVR from Texas Instruments is a 1.2-V fixed-output, ultra-low-quiescent-current (1 µA) LDO linear regulator in a 6-pin WSON package, supporting input voltages from 2.7 V to 30 V and delivering up to 150 mA continuous output with 2% DC accuracy over temperature. It integrates reverse-current protection, thermal shutdown, and current limiting-designed for battery-powered smoke detectors and motion sensors requiring minimal idle power.

For engineers reviewing the TPS70912DRVR datasheet, TPS70912DRVR pinout, TPS70912DRVR application, or TPS70912DRVR equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated WSON-6 pin functions, real-world use cases in low-power sensing systems, and two confirmed alternative regulators with documented functional and application-level differences.

Technical Context

The TPS70912DRVR uses a PMOS pass transistor architecture enabling low dropout voltage (e.g., 460 mV typical at 150 mA for 1.2-V output) while maintaining ultra-low ground current in dropout-critical for extended battery life. Its internal bandgap reference and error amplifier deliver ±2% output accuracy across –40°C to +125°C junction temperature.

Enable functionality is implemented via a dedicated EN pin with 0.9 V turn-on threshold and 0.4 V turn-off threshold; the pin includes internal 300 nA pull-up and 6.5 V Zener clamping. Reverse-current protection actively blocks >10 nA leakage from OUT to IN when V_OUT > V_IN, independent of EN state.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS70912DRVR is packaged in a 6-pin WSON (DRV) package measuring 2.00 mm × 2.00 mm with an exposed thermal pad electrically connected to GND. The thermal pad must be soldered to a PCB ground plane to achieve R_θJB = 42.6°C/W and ensure reliable 150 mA operation at elevated ambient temperatures.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS70912DRVR, TPS70912DBVR offers identical regulation performance in a smaller footprint but requires more aggressive thermal management, while MCP1700T-1202E/TT trades critical protections and temperature-stable accuracy for lower cost and simpler integration.

Availability

TPS70912DRVR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smoke detectors, motion sensors, electricity meters, and appliance battery packs requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TPS70912DRVR 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 precision power management ICs.

The TPS709 series was engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, wide-input industrial and safety-critical sensing applications-emphasizing quiescent current, reverse-current blocking, and robust thermal protection in compact packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for the TPS70912DRVR?

The TPS70912DRVR has an absolute maximum input voltage of 32 V, with recommended operating range from 2.7 V to 30 V. Exceeding 32 V risks permanent damage. The device's 30-V upper limit supports direct connection to 24-V industrial rails and high-voltage battery stacks without external pre-regulation.

Does the TPS70912DRVR require an external output capacitor, and what type is recommended?

Yes, the TPS70912DRVR requires a minimum 2.2-µF ceramic output capacitor (X5R or X7R dielectric) connected directly between OUT and GND for stability. Capacitor ESR must be 0–0.2 Ω; values up to 47 µF are acceptable. This capacitor ensures adequate phase margin and suppresses load-transient overshoot in battery-powered sensing applications.

How does the EN pin function on the TPS70912DRVR, and what happens when it's left floating?

The EN pin on the TPS70912DRVR is active-high with a 0.9 V turn-on threshold and internal 300-nA pull-up current source. When left floating, the pin rises to ~2.5 V (due to pull-up into high-impedance node), enabling the regulator. It must never be tied directly to VIN-clamping diodes limit EN to 6.5 V, and exceeding 7 V absolute max will destroy the pin.

Can the TPS70912DRVR be used in applications where the output voltage may exceed the input voltage?

Yes-the TPS70912DRVR features integrated reverse-current protection that blocks <10 nA current flow from OUT to IN when V_OUT > V_IN, regardless of EN state. This protects against backfeeding in multi-supply systems, such as backup-battery circuits or hot-swap scenarios, provided reverse bias on OUT does not exceed 3×V_OUT (≤3.6 V for TPS70912DRVR).

What thermal considerations apply to the TPS70912DRVR in its WSON-6 (DRV) package?

The TPS70912DRVR in DRV package has R_θJB = 42.6°C/W and R_θJC(bot) = 12.8°C/W. To sustain 150 mA at +85°C ambient, the thermal pad must be fully soldered to a solid GND plane with ≥4 thermal vias (0.3-mm diameter). Without proper thermal relief, junction temperature can exceed 150°C, triggering thermal shutdown.