Texas Instruments TPS7201QDR

Overview

TPS7201QDR from Texas Instruments is an adjustable micropower low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator featuring a 1.188 V internal reference, PMOS pass element, 180 µA typical quiescent current, <0.5 µA sleep-state current, and power-good (PG) status output. It operates with input voltages from 3 V to 10 V and supports programmable output voltages from 1.2 V to 9.75 V via external resistor divider - ideal for battery-powered portable systems requiring precise, stable rail generation under light-to-moderate load.

For engineers reviewing the TPS7201QDR datasheet, TPS7201QDR pinout, TPS7201QDR application, or TPS7201QDR equivalent, key selection criteria include its adjustable output architecture, ultra-low quiescent current across full load range (0–250 mA), dropout performance governed by r_DS(on) (e.g., 0.8 Ω at V_I = 5.9 V), PG threshold tracking 95% of V_FB, and SOIC-8 packaging with thermal derating considerations.

Technical Context

The TPS7201QDR uses a PMOS pass transistor driven by an error amplifier referenced to a precision 1.188 V bandgap, enabling dropout voltage directly proportional to load current (V_DO = I_O × r_DS(on)). Its feedback (FB) pin accepts external resistor dividers to set output voltage, while the PG pin asserts low when V_FB falls below 95% of nominal reference, with 12 mV hysteresis.

It integrates logic-controlled enable (EN) with 0.5 V logic-low threshold and 2 V/2.7 V logic-high thresholds depending on input voltage, supporting active-mode operation down to 1.9 V input and valid PG reporting above 1.1 V input. Thermal shutdown activates at 165°C junction temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS7201QDR is housed in an 8-pin SOIC (D) package with standard 1.27 mm pitch, 6.2 mm × 3.91 mm footprint, and 1.75 mm maximum height. Thermal resistance is R_θJA = 172°C/W (free-air).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLC7701CDR and LP2985AIM5-3.3/NOPB, the TPS7201QDR uniquely combines adjustability, sub-µA sleep current, and integrated PG in SOIC-8 - making it optimal for multi-rail, battery-sensitive, and fault-aware embedded systems where flexibility and reliability are prioritized over minimal footprint or lowest unit cost.

Availability

TPS7201QDR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable health monitors, industrial sensor nodes, portable medical infusion pumps, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for TPS7201QDR 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 expertise in power management IC design.

The TPS72xx family was engineered for portable and battery-operated systems demanding micropower efficiency, low dropout, and small-footprint regulation - targeting laptops, cellular phones, and handheld instrumentation where battery life and board space are critical constraints.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TPS7201QDR to regulate a 3.3 V output at 200 mA?

The minimum input voltage depends on dropout: V_IN(min) = V_OUT + I_O × r_DS(on). For 3.3 V output at 200 mA, r_DS(on) ≈ 1.0 Ω (per datasheet at V_I = 3.9 V), yielding V_IN(min) ≈ 3.3 V + 0.2 V = 3.5 V. The TPS7201QDR datasheet specifies absolute minimum VI = 3 V, but regulation requires sufficient headroom per calculated dropout.

How does the power-good (PG) output of TPS7201QDR behave during startup and fault conditions?

The PG pin is an open-drain output that remains high-impedance until V_FB reaches 95% of 1.188 V (≈1.129 V), then pulls low if V_FB drops below that threshold. During startup, PG stays high until regulation is established; during overcurrent or input brownout, PG asserts low with 12 mV hysteresis to prevent chatter. The TPS7201QDR PG function requires an external pull-up resistor to a valid logic rail.

Can TPS7201QDR be used with ceramic output capacitors, and what is the minimum recommended value?

Yes, the TPS7201QDR is stable with ceramic output capacitors. The datasheet specifies 4.7 µF minimum capacitance with total series resistance (CSR) ≤1 Ω - including capacitor ESR, PCB trace resistance, and any added series resistor. Using 10 µF or 100 µF ceramic capacitors further reduces output noise (to 190 µVrms or 125 µVrms respectively), as verified in TPS7201QDR electrical characteristics tables.

What is the thermal performance limitation of TPS7201QDR in SOIC-8 package at 250 mA load?

In SOIC-8 (D) package, TPS7201QDR has R_θJA = 172°C/W. At 250 mA and 3.3 V output from 5 V input, power dissipation is (5 V – 3.3 V) × 0.25 A = 0.425 W, causing ~73°C rise above ambient. Derating begins above 25°C ambient; maximum continuous dissipation is 725 mW at 25°C, dropping to 145 mW at 125°C. Adequate copper pour and airflow are essential for sustained 250 mA operation.

Does TPS7201QDR support reverse-voltage protection or current limiting, and how are these implemented?

The TPS7201QDR includes foldback current limiting with a threshold of 0.6–1.5 A (depending on temperature) and thermal shutdown at 165°C, but no dedicated reverse-voltage protection. Its absolute maximum input rating is –0.3 V - meaning brief negative transients below ground may cause damage. External protection (e.g., series Schottky diode) is required for reverse-polarity scenarios. Current limit behavior is documented in TPS7201QDR electrical characteristics under "Output current limit threshold".