Texas Instruments TPS72201DBVRG4

Overview

TPS72201DBVRG4 from Texas Instruments is an adjustable low-dropout linear regulator (LDO) in a 5-pin SOT-23 package, delivering up to 50 mA output current with 50 mV typical dropout at full load, 1.22 V reference voltage, and stable operation down to 1.8 V input voltage. It enables compact, battery-powered power management for microcontrollers and DSPs requiring precise core voltage regulation.

For engineers reviewing the TPS72201DBVRG4 datasheet, TPS72201DBVRG4 pinout, TPS72201DBVRG4 application, or TPS72201DBVRG4 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed key specifications including dropout voltage, quiescent current, and output voltage range, and real-world application guidance for portable and low-voltage embedded systems.

Technical Context

The TPS72201DBVRG4 uses a PMOS pass element enabling ultra-low dropout (50 mV at 50 mA) and operation from as low as 1.8 V input-supporting direct two-AAA-battery operation. Its internal compensation allows stable regulation with only 0.1 µF ceramic output capacitance, eliminating need for larger, costly capacitors.

It integrates enable control (EN), thermal shutdown (170°C trip, 20°C hysteresis), and current limiting (~350 mA), with <1 µA shutdown current and 85 µA typical quiescent current during operation. The FB pin enables adjustable output from 1.22 V to 2.5 V via external resistor divider, while NC/FB pin must remain unconnected in fixed-output variants-but is functional as feedback input in TPS72201.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23 (DBV) package: 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm footprint, 1.45 mm max height, 5-terminal surface-mount device with exposed pad not present (standard DBV).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS72215DBVR, the TPS72201DBVRG4 offers design flexibility through adjustable output but adds two external resistors; compared with MCP1700T-1202E/TT, it uniquely supports true 1.8 V input operation critical for deep-discharge battery use-making it irreplaceable in ultra-low-voltage portable designs.

Availability

TPS72201DBVRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable communication devices, battery-powered sensor nodes, and PCMCIA card power management requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for TPS72201DBVRG4 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 technologies, with decades of expertise in high-reliability, low-power linear regulators.

The TPS722xx family was designed specifically for space-constrained, battery-operated applications demanding ultra-low input voltage operation, minimal external components, and robust thermal/current protection-targeting portable DSPs, microcontrollers, and peripheral interfaces.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TPS72201DBVRG4 to regulate a 1.8 V output?

The minimum input voltage for TPS72201DBVRG4 to regulate 1.8 V is determined by dropout voltage plus output voltage: at 50 mA load, typical dropout is 50 mV, so minimum VI = 1.8 V + 0.05 V = 1.85 V. Per datasheet Figure 15, the absolute minimum VI is 1.8 V-validating reliable operation across full two-AAA battery discharge (1.8–3.0 V). TPS72201DBVRG4 maintains regulation even at edge-case conditions where input dips to 1.8 V.

Can TPS72201DBVRG4 be used with a 0.1 µF output capacitor only, or is additional capacitance required?

Yes-TPS72201DBVRG4 is explicitly characterized and guaranteed stable with only a 0.1 µF ceramic output capacitor, per datasheet Section "External Capacitor Requirements" and Figure 16. Larger capacitors improve transient response and noise rejection but are optional. Using 0.1 µF meets all stability criteria across 1.8–5.5 V input and 0–50 mA load, making TPS72201DBVRG4 ideal for space-constrained designs.

How does the EN pin function on TPS72201DBVRG4, and what logic levels activate it?

The EN pin on TPS72201DBVRG4 is an active-high enable input with V_IH = 1.4 V (min) and V_IL = 0.4 V (max). Driving EN ≥1.4 V enables regulation; pulling EN ≤0.4 V disables output and reduces quiescent current to <1 µA. It is compatible with 1.8 V CMOS logic and may be tied directly to IN if always-on operation is needed. TPS72201DBVRG4's EN threshold ensures robust noise immunity in noisy portable environments.

What is the purpose of the NC/FB pin on TPS72201DBVRG4, and how should it be connected?

On TPS72201DBVRG4, pin 4 is FB (feedback), not NC-it is the adjustable output voltage sense node. It must be connected to the external resistor divider (R1/R2) per Equation 1 in the datasheet. Leaving it floating or connecting it to GND will cause regulation failure. This differs from fixed-output variants (e.g., TPS72215), where pin 4 is NC and must remain unconnected. For TPS72201DBVRG4, correct FB connection is essential to achieve target output voltage.

Does TPS72201DBVRG4 include reverse-current protection, and how does it behave during input brownout?

Yes-TPS72201DBVRG4 integrates a back diode within its PMOS pass element that safely conducts reverse current when input voltage falls below output voltage (e.g., during battery removal or power-down). Unlike external diode solutions, this feature imposes no forward voltage drop during normal operation and requires no additional components. However, reverse current is not internally limited, so external current limiting may be needed for sustained reverse-voltage conditions. This behavior is intrinsic to TPS72201DBVRG4's architecture.