Texas Instruments TPS72116DBVR

Overview

TPS72116DBVR from Texas Instruments is a 1.6-V fixed-output, 150-mA low-dropout linear regulator in a 5-pin SOT-23 (DBV) package. It operates down to 1.8 V input, delivers 200 mV typical dropout at 150 mA, supports 0.1-µF ceramic output capacitance, and features <1 µA shutdown current-ideal for powering microcontroller core rails in dual-supply battery-powered systems.

For engineers reviewing the TPS72116DBVR datasheet, TPS72116DBVR pinout, TPS72116DBVR application, or TPS72116DBVR equivalent, key selection criteria include minimum input voltage (1.8 V), fixed 1.6-V output accuracy (±3% over load/temperature), thermal shutdown (170°C), enable logic interface, and compatibility with two AAA battery sources across full discharge range.

Technical Context

The TPS72116DBVR uses a PMOS pass element enabling ultra-low dropout and operation below 2.0 V input-critical for direct two-AAA-battery interfacing. Its internal compensation eliminates need for ≥1-µF output capacitors, stabilizing regulation with only 0.1 µF ceramic.

It integrates enable-controlled shutdown (<1 µA quiescent), thermal protection with 20°C hysteresis, and current limiting (~350 mA). The NC/FB pin is unconnected in fixed-output variants, distinguishing it from the adjustable TPS72101's feedback configuration.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS72116DBVR is housed in a 5-pin SOT-23 (DBV) package (3.0 × 1.75 × 1.45 mm, JEDEC MO-178 compliant), optimized for high-density portable layouts and reflow-compatible with standard PCB assembly processes.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS72115DBVR and TPS72118DBVR, the TPS72116DBVR provides the precise 1.6-V output required for emerging low-voltage microcontroller cores-offering optimal balance between process node voltage scaling and dropout headroom from two-AAA sources.

Availability

TPS72116DBVR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable communication devices, battery-powered medical sensors, and PCMCIA peripheral designs requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant SOT-23 packaging.

Supply support for TPS72116DBVR 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 power management IC design and manufacturing.

The TPS721xx family was engineered specifically for ultra-low-input-voltage, space-constrained portable applications-delivering regulated core power directly from primary batteries without intermediate conversion stages.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for stable operation of the TPS72116DBVR?

The TPS72116DBVR requires a minimum input voltage of 1.8 V or (V_OUT + V_DO), whichever is greater. At 150 mA load, its typical dropout is 200 mV, so 1.8 V input sustains regulation. Below 1.8 V, output voltage collapses-this enables full utilization of two AAA batteries from fresh (3.0 V) to depleted (1.8 V) states without external boost circuitry. The TPS72116DBVR is explicitly rated for this 1.8-V minimum per TI SLVS352C.

Does the TPS72116DBVR require an external feedback resistor network?

No, the TPS72116DBVR does not require external feedback resistors. It is a fixed-output variant with internal voltage reference and feedback divider. Pin 4 (NC/FB) is not connected internally and must remain unconnected-unlike the adjustable TPS72101, which uses that pin for external resistor programming. This simplifies design, reduces component count, and improves accuracy by eliminating resistor tolerance errors. The TPS72116DBVR delivers factory-trimmed 1.6 V ±3% without any external components beyond input/output capacitors.

Can the TPS72116DBVR be used with ceramic capacitors smaller than 1 µF?

Yes-the TPS72116DBVR is specifically designed for stability with only 0.1-µF ceramic output capacitance, as confirmed in TI's SLVS352C datasheet. This is enabled by internal compensation, eliminating the 1–10-µF requirement of legacy LDOs. Using 0.1 µF reduces PCB area, cost, and ESL-related noise-making it ideal for compact portable designs. Larger values improve transient response but are not required for basic stability.

What protection features are integrated into the TPS72116DBVR?

The TPS72116DBVR integrates three key protections: thermal shutdown (trips at 170°C, recovers at ~150°C), current limiting (~350 mA), and reverse-current protection via its PMOS pass transistor's intrinsic body diode. These prevent damage during overload, ambient overheating, or input voltage collapse (e.g., battery removal). Unlike discrete solutions, these functions require no external components and operate autonomously-ensuring robustness in unattended portable equipment. All protections are documented in the Electrical Characteristics and Application Information sections of the TPS72116DBVR datasheet.

Is the TPS72116DBVR pin-compatible with other members of the TPS721xx family?

Yes-the TPS72116DBVR shares identical 5-pin SOT-23 (DBV) package, pinout, and terminal functions with TPS72101DBVR, TPS72115DBVR, and TPS72118DBVR. Pin 1 (IN), Pin 2 (GND), Pin 3 (EN), Pin 4 (NC/FB), and Pin 5 (OUT) are functionally and physically identical across all variants. This allows drop-in replacement between 1.5-V, 1.6-V, 1.8-V, and adjustable versions-enabling design flexibility and simplified inventory management. Mechanical compatibility is verified in TI's DBV package drawings and tape-and-reel specifications.