Texas Instruments TPS73115DBVRG4

Overview

TPS73115DBVRG4 from Texas Instruments is a capacitor-free, NMOS-based 150mA low-dropout linear regulator with reverse current protection and fixed 1.5V output. It operates from 1.7V to 5.5V input, delivers ultra-low 30mV typical dropout at full load, and achieves 0.5% initial accuracy and 30µV_RMS output noise (10kHz–100kHz) - enabling clean power for voltage-controlled oscillators in wireless infrastructure and test equipment.

For engineers reviewing the TPS73115DBVRG4 datasheet, TPS73115DBVRG4 pinout, TPS73115DBVRG4 application, or TPS73115DBVRG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its capacitor-free stability, sub-1µA shutdown current, reverse leakage <10µA, thermal-foldback current limit, and SOT-23-5 package compatibility with space-constrained portable and medical designs.

Technical Context

The TPS73115DBVRG4 uses an NMOS pass transistor with integrated 4MHz charge pump to drive the gate above V_OUT, enabling stable regulation without output capacitance and achieving <100mV dropout at 150mA. Its voltage-follower topology ensures near-constant ground pin current across load and supports operation down to 1.7V input.

It integrates reverse current blocking via NMOS gate control, requires no external compensation, and features a dedicated NR (noise reduction) pin - where a 0.01µF capacitor reduces output noise to 12.75µV_RMS - while maintaining ±1% overall accuracy over line, load, and temperature (–40°C to 125°C).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23-5 (DBV) package: 2.9mm × 2.8mm footprint, surface-mount, thermally enhanced with exposed pad (not electrically connected). Compatible with standard reflow profiles and automated assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS73115DBVRG4, TPS73118DBVR offers identical performance at 1.8V with zero layout change, while MCP1703T-1502E/MB sacrifices noise, dropout, and capacitor-free operation for lower unit cost - making it suitable only for non-critical digital rails.

Availability

TPS73115DBVRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless infrastructure, portable medical devices, test and measurement equipment, and smart grid sensors requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.

Supply support for TPS73115DBVRG4 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 delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions with emphasis on reliability, precision, and energy efficiency.

The TPS731 family was designed specifically for portable, battery-powered, and noise-sensitive applications requiring capacitor-free operation, ultra-low dropout, and robust reverse-current blocking - targeting RF, medical, and industrial edge devices.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage for the TPS73115DBVRG4?

The TPS73115DBVRG4 supports a maximum input voltage of 5.5V under recommended operating conditions. Exceeding this value risks permanent damage, as the absolute maximum rating is 6V - transient spikes above 5.5V must be suppressed using external clamping or filtering. The device is optimized for 1.7V–5.5V operation to maintain regulation and thermal safety across its full load range.

Does the TPS73115DBVRG4 require an output capacitor for stability?

No, the TPS73115DBVRG4 is explicitly designed to operate stably with zero output capacitance due to its NMOS pass transistor and charge-pump architecture. While optional output capacitors improve load transient response or PSRR, they are not required for loop stability - eliminating ESR constraints, aging effects, and board space usage associated with traditional LDOs.

How does the NR pin function on the TPS73115DBVRG4?

The NR (Noise Reduction) pin on the TPS73115DBVRG4 connects to an internal 27kΩ resistor in series with the bandgap reference. Adding a 0.01µF capacitor from NR to GND forms a low-pass filter that reduces reference noise contribution, lowering total output noise from 30µV_RMS to 12.75µV_RMS - critical for powering VCOs and precision analog circuits.

What is the reverse leakage current specification for the TPS73115DBVRG4?

The TPS73115DBVRG4 specifies reverse leakage current (IREV) of ≤10µA maximum when the EN pin is low and VIN ≤ VOUT. This NMOS-based reverse-current blocking prevents backfeed from the 1.5V output into a failing or disconnected input supply - eliminating the need for external Schottky diodes in multi-supply systems and improving system-level fault tolerance.

Can the TPS73115DBVRG4 be used in automotive applications?

The TPS73115DBVRG4 is rated for operation from –40°C to 125°C junction temperature and includes thermal shutdown and foldback current limiting - meeting baseline environmental requirements for under-hood and cabin electronics. However, it is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive-grade deployment, TI recommends verifying qualification status per manufacturer documentation and considering AEC-Q100-compliant alternatives like the TPS7B87xx series.