Texas Instruments TPS71401DRVRM3

Overview

TPS71401DRVRM3 from Texas Instruments is an adjustable-output, 80-mA low-dropout linear regulator with 3.2 μA quiescent current, 2.5 V to 10 V input range, and 1.205 V to 8.8 V programmable output voltage-designed for battery-powered microcontroller systems such as MSP430-based sensing nodes in industrial automation.

For engineers reviewing the TPS71401DRVRM3 datasheet, TPS71401DRVRM3 pinout, TPS71401DRVRM3 application, or TPS71401DRVRM3 equivalent, key selection criteria include ultra-low IQ stability across 0–80 mA load, WSON-6 thermal performance (RθJA = 69.5°C/W), dropout voltage ≤900 mV at 80 mA, and internal soft-start for inrush control in space-constrained portable designs.

Technical Context

The TPS71401DRVRM3 implements a CMOS pass transistor architecture with a 1.205-V internal bandgap reference and leakage-null control circuit active below 5 μA load. Its brick-wall overcurrent protection triggers at 160–500 mA depending on VIN, and it operates in normal regulation or dropout mode based on VIN relative to VOUT + VDO.

Unlike legacy variants, the new-chip TPS71401DRVRM3 integrates internal soft-start, exhibits lower ground current drift over temperature (±0.1 μA from –40°C to 125°C), and achieves 425 μV_RMS output noise (200 Hz–100 kHz) with 10-μF C_OUT, while maintaining stability with ≥0.47 μF ceramic output capacitance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS71401DRVRM3 is housed in a thermally enhanced 2-mm × 2-mm WSON-6 package (DRV) with exposed thermal pad. The package supports high-power-density layouts and requires PCB copper pour under the pad for optimal thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS7A0220PDBVR and MCP1703T-3302E/MB, the TPS71401DRVRM3 uniquely balances ultra-low IQ, wide 2.5–10 V input, adjustable output, and WSON-6 thermal capability-making it the only choice for long-life, multi-rail, industrial-grade battery systems requiring design flexibility and reliability.

Availability

TPS71401DRVRM3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for home automation sensor nodes, industrial wireless gateways, medical wearable monitors, and smart lighting controllers requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for TPS71401DRVRM3 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 delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The TPS714 family is engineered for ultra-low-power, wide-input-voltage LDO regulation in battery-operated and energy-harvesting systems-emphasizing longevity, thermal efficiency, and design adaptability across MSP430 and other low-power MCU platforms.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage supported by the TPS71401DRVRM3?

The TPS71401DRVRM3 supports a maximum input voltage of 10 V for both legacy and new-chip versions. Absolute maximum rating is 30 V for the new chip, but recommended operating condition is strictly capped at 10 V to ensure parametric compliance and long-term reliability per TI SBVS116D datasheet Section 5.3.

Does the TPS71401DRVRM3 require an external capacitor on the FB pin?

No, the TPS71401DRVRM3 does not require an external capacitor on the FB pin. Its feedback node draws only ≤2 nA bias current, and stability is maintained solely through proper selection of R1/R2 values and the output capacitor (≥0.47 μF effective). Adding capacitance to FB would degrade regulation accuracy and transient response.

How does the TPS71401DRVRM3 behave during input voltage dropout?

When VIN falls below VOUT + VDO (≤900 mV at 80 mA), the TPS71401DRVRM3 enters dropout mode: the pass transistor operates in ohmic region, causing VOUT to track VIN minus a small resistive drop. Line transient response degrades significantly, and output voltage may sag sharply during fast transients-requiring careful system-level margining per Section 6.4.2 of the datasheet.

Can the TPS71401DRVRM3 be used with ceramic capacitors smaller than 1 μF?

Yes-the TPS71401DRVRM3 is stable with output capacitance as low as 0.47 μF (nominal), provided the effective capacitance at the pin remains ≥0.47 μF after DC bias and temperature derating. TI recommends ≥1 μF nominal X7R/X5R ceramic capacitors to guarantee margin, but 0.47 μF is the validated minimum per Section 5.3 and Figure 5-2.

Is the TPS71401DRVRM3 pin-compatible with other TPS714 variants in WSON-6?

Yes, all TPS714 variants in DRV (WSON-6) package-including TPS71433DRVR, TPS71450DRVR, and TPS71401DRVRM3-share identical pinout, footprint, and thermal pad layout per TI Mechanical Drawing SLVU207. This enables single-PCB designs supporting multiple output voltages via firmware or BOM variation.