Texas Instruments TPS72012YZUR

Overview

TPS72012YZUR from Texas Instruments is a 350 mA ultra-low VIN, RF-grade low-dropout linear regulator with dedicated BIAS pin architecture for dual-rail efficiency optimization. It delivers 1.2 V output at ±2% accuracy over –40°C to 125°C, achieves 110 mV dropout at full load, and maintains 48 μV_RMS output noise (10 Hz–100 kHz) - enabling use in RF power amplifiers and high-sensitivity analog signal chains.

For engineers reviewing the TPS72012YZUR datasheet, TPS72012YZUR pinout, TPS72012YZUR application, or TPS72012YZUR equivalent, key selection criteria include its bias-supplied control rail (VBIAS ≥ VOUT + 1.4 V), ultra-low 38 μA quiescent current, monotonic 140 μs startup with 100 mA + I_LOAD inrush limiting, and stable operation with only 2.2 μF ceramic output capacitance.

Technical Context

The TPS72012YZUR implements a dual-rail NMOS LDO architecture where the main power path flows through IN (minimum VIN = VOUT + 0.5 V), while the control circuitry is powered separately via BIAS (minimum VBIAS = VOUT + 1.4 V or 2.5 V). This decoupling enables high PSRR (80 dB at 10 kHz on VIN, 70 dB on VBIAS) and allows IN to be supplied by an efficient DC-DC converter operating near minimum headroom.

It features a novel light-load regulation mode: when IN is floating, the device sustains regulated 1.2 V output up to 500 μA sourced entirely from VBIAS - critical for system-level power gating where core logic remains active but primary supply is disabled. Thermal shutdown (160°C trip) and foldback current limiting (420–800 mA) provide robust fault protection.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS72012YZUR uses the 1.33 mm × 0.96 mm DSBGA-5 package with bottom-side solder balls. The package requires PCB thermal pad connection to GND per TI layout guidelines.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-noise, dual-rail LDO applications.

Compared with TPS72012YZUR, TPS72015YZUR offers identical performance at 1.5 V output with zero layout impact, while TPS79512DRVR sacrifices bias-rail efficiency, noise performance, and light-load flexibility for simpler single-supply integration.

Availability

TPS72012YZUR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF power amplifier biasing, low-power microcontroller core supply, and wireless LAN baseband IC supply requiring stable component supply across automotive infotainment, industrial IoT, and portable medical device programs.

Supply support for TPS72012YZUR 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, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with decades of LDO design heritage and automotive-grade qualification expertise.

The TPS720 family was engineered for RF-sensitive, battery-constrained portable systems requiring dual-rail efficiency, ultra-low noise, and intelligent power-gating capability - targeting camera modules, wireless infrastructure, and next-gen wearables.

FAQ

What is the minimum required VBIAS voltage for TPS72012YZUR to operate correctly?

The TPS72012YZUR requires VBIAS ≥ VOUT + 1.4 V or 2.5 V, whichever is greater. Since VOUT is fixed at 1.2 V, minimum VBIAS is 2.6 V. Operation below this threshold triggers undervoltage lockout (UVLO), disabling regulation until VBIAS rises above 2.49 V (typical rising threshold). The UVLO hysteresis is 150 mV, ensuring stable turn-on/turn-off behavior.

Can TPS72012YZUR regulate output when the IN pin is disconnected?

Yes - the TPS72012YZUR supports light-load regulation with IN floating. When IN is left open, the device draws up to 500 μA from VBIAS to maintain 1.2 V output regulation. This feature is explicitly designed for power-gated systems where the upstream DC-DC converter is disabled but the LDO must sustain critical logic states. Load current beyond 500 μA requires IN to be connected.

What output capacitor value and type does TPS72012YZUR require for stability?

The TPS72012YZUR is stable with a minimum 2.2 μF X5R or X7R ceramic capacitor on the OUT pin. Maximum ESR must be <250 mΩ. TI validates stability with standard 0603 or 0805 case-size ceramics; tantalum or aluminum electrolytics are not recommended due to ESR and aging effects. No input capacitor is required for stability, though a 1 μF ceramic on IN improves transient immunity.

How does the enable pin (EN) behave during power sequencing?

The EN pin of TPS72012YZUR is active-high with VIH = 1.1 V (min) and VIL = 0.4 V (max). Driving EN below 0.4 V places the device in shutdown, reducing ground current to 0.5–2 μA. During startup, EN must remain high for ≥140 μs to achieve full 1.2 V output. TI recommends tying EN directly to IN if enable control is unnecessary - no external pull-up is required.

Is TPS72012YZUR compatible with automotive temperature requirements?

Yes - the TPS72012YZUR is fully specified over TJ = –40°C to +125°C and qualified per AEC-Q100 Grade 2 (ambient –40°C to +105°C) when used within its thermal limits. Its RθJA of 144.9°C/W (DSBGA-5) and integrated thermal shutdown (160°C trip) support reliable operation in under-hood and infotainment applications when mounted on thermally optimized PCBs with GND-connected thermal pad.