Texas Instruments TPS72115DBVT

Overview

TPS72115DBVT from Texas Instruments is a 150-mA, fixed 1.5-V low-dropout linear regulator in a 5-pin SOT-23 (DBV) package, featuring 200-mV typical dropout at full load, 0.1-µF ceramic output capacitor support, and <1 µA shutdown current. It enables dual-rail power for microcontroller core voltage (V_CORE) in battery-powered portable electronics using two AAA cells.

For engineers reviewing the TPS72115DBVT datasheet, TPS72115DBVT pinout, TPS72115DBVT application, or TPS72115DBVT equivalent, key selection criteria include minimum input voltage (1.8 V), thermal shutdown threshold (170°C), EN logic-level compatibility (VIH = 1.4 V), and stability with ultra-small 0.1-µF output capacitance.

Technical Context

The TPS72115DBVT employs a PMOS pass element to achieve low dropout and operation down to 1.8 V input-enabling direct use of two aging AAA batteries. Its internal compensation eliminates need for ≥1-µF output capacitors, stabilizing regulation across 1.8–5.5 V input and 0–150 mA load.

Enable control supports system-level power sequencing: logic-low EN disables output and reduces ground current to <1 µA, while built-in current limiting (~350 mA) and thermal protection (trip at 170°C, hysteresis 20°C) prevent fault damage without external circuitry.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS72115DBVT uses the 5-pin SOT-23 (DBV) package - 2.9 mm × 1.6 mm footprint, 1.45 mm max height, JEDEC MO-178 compliant. Pin 1 is marked by index area; device orientation follows Q3 quadrant assignment per tape-and-reel standard.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS72115DBVR, the TPS72115DBVT offers identical performance in a smaller reel format ideal for design validation; versus TPS71515DRVR, it delivers 85× lower quiescent current and 0.7-V lower minimum input-critical for extending runtime in compact battery-powered devices.

Availability

TPS72115DBVT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable communication devices, battery-powered medical sensors, and PCMCIA card power management requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant SOT-23 packaging.

Supply support for TPS72115DBVT 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 power management ICs, with decades of expertise in precision voltage regulation and low-power system design.

The TPS721xx family was engineered specifically for space-constrained, battery-operated applications demanding ultra-low input voltage operation and minimal external components - targeting DSP/microcontroller core rails in portable electronics.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for stable operation of the TPS72115DBVT?

The TPS72115DBVT operates stably down to 1.8 V input - the absolute minimum specified in its Absolute Maximum Ratings and confirmed across load and temperature in Electrical Characteristics tables. This enables direct use of two AAA alkaline cells throughout their full discharge curve (1.8–3.0 V), unlike regulators requiring ≥2.5 V input.

Can the TPS72115DBVT be used with a 0.1-µF output capacitor, and why is this significant?

Yes, the TPS72115DBVT is explicitly characterized and guaranteed stable with a 0.1-µF ceramic output capacitor - a key differentiator from most LDOs requiring ≥1 µF. This reduces PCB area, lowers BOM cost, improves transient response, and simplifies layout, especially in ultra-compact portable designs where space is at a premium.

Does the TPS72115DBVT have built-in protection features, and how do they function?

Yes, the TPS72115DBVT integrates thermal shutdown (trips at 170°C, resumes at ~150°C) and current limiting (~350 mA foldback). During overload, output voltage collapses linearly instead of sustaining excessive current; thermal protection disables regulation until junction temperature falls sufficiently - both features operate autonomously without external components.

What is the role of the NC pin (Pin 4) on the TPS72115DBVT, and how should it be handled?

Pin 4 on the TPS72115DBVT is designated NC (No Connect) - it is not internally bonded and must remain unconnected in the circuit. The datasheet explicitly warns against tying it to GND or FB, as doing so may compromise regulation stability or cause undefined behavior. Leaving it floating is mandatory for proper operation.

How does the enable (EN) functionality of the TPS72115DBVT impact system power management?

The EN pin provides active-high logic control: applying ≥1.4 V enables regulation and draws 85 µA quiescent current, while ≤0.4 V disables output and reduces supply current to <1 µA. This allows precise system-level power gating - for example, synchronizing MCU wake-up with LDO activation - significantly extending battery life in duty-cycled applications.