Texas Instruments TPS73118DBVRG4

Overview

TPS73118DBVRG4 from Texas Instruments is a capacitor-free, NMOS-based 150mA low-dropout linear regulator with reverse current protection and fixed 1.8V 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 - enabling stable power for noise-sensitive analog circuits in space-constrained portable systems.

For engineers reviewing the TPS73118DBVRG4 datasheet, TPS73118DBVRG4 pinout, TPS73118DBVRG4 application, or TPS73118DBVRG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include capacitor-less stability, sub-1µA shutdown current, 30µV_RMS output noise (10kHz–100kHz), reverse leakage <10µA, and SOT-23-5 package compatibility with high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The TPS73118DBVRG4 employs an NMOS pass transistor driven by a 4MHz integrated charge pump, enabling gate drive above V_OUT without external components and delivering <100mV dropout across 150mA load. Its voltage-follower topology eliminates output capacitor stability requirements while maintaining near-constant ground pin current (400–750µA) over load and temperature.

It integrates thermal shutdown (160°C trip), foldback current limiting (150–500mA), and active reverse current blocking via NMOS gate control - activated only when EN is driven low before VIN removal. The NR pin supports 0.01µF bypassing to reduce output noise to ~12.75µV_RMS for VCO biasing.

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 high-density routing.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS73118DBVRG4, TPS73218DBVR trades capacitor-free stability and reverse blocking for slightly lower cost and legacy compatibility, while MCP1700T-1802E/MB offers broader input range but sacrifices dropout performance and noise floor - making TPS73118DBVRG4 optimal for space-constrained, battery-critical, noise-sensitive applications.

Availability

TPS73118DBVRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical wearables, smart grid sensors, and wireless infrastructure equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TPS73118DBVRG4 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 digital signal technologies with over 90 years of innovation in power management ICs.

The TPS731 family was designed specifically for portable, battery-powered, and noise-sensitive applications - delivering capacitor-free stability, ultra-low dropout, and integrated reverse current protection in miniature SOT-23 packages.

FAQ

Does TPS73118DBVRG4 require an output capacitor for stability?

No, TPS73118DBVRG4 is explicitly designed for capacitor-free operation due to its NMOS pass transistor topology and internal compensation. Stability is maintained with 0µF output capacitance across all load conditions and temperatures. An output capacitor may be added to improve load transient response or further reduce noise, but it is never required for loop stability - a key differentiator from conventional LDOs.

What is the maximum input voltage for TPS73118DBVRG4?

The absolute maximum input voltage for TPS73118DBVRG4 is 6.0V, but the recommended operating range is 1.7V to 5.5V. Operating continuously above 5.5V violates the Recommended Operating Conditions and risks reliability degradation. Transient spikes exceeding 6.0V - even briefly - may cause permanent damage, so input filtering or clamping is advised in noisy environments.

How does the NR pin on TPS73118DBVRG4 reduce output noise?

The NR pin connects internally to the bandgap reference node. Adding a 0.01µF capacitor from NR to GND forms a low-pass filter with an internal 27kΩ resistor, reducing reference noise contribution. This lowers total output noise from 30µV_RMS to ~12.75µV_RMS (10kHz–100kHz), making TPS73118DBVRG4 suitable for powering VCOs and high-resolution ADCs where phase noise or SNR is critical.

Can TPS73118DBVRG4 block reverse current without using the EN pin?

No - effective reverse current blocking in TPS73118DBVRG4 requires driving the EN pin low *before* removing input voltage. The NMOS pass transistor's gate charge must be actively discharged via the EN control path. If EN remains high when VIN drops, residual gate charge allows reverse conduction. Therefore, proper sequencing (EN↓ before VIN↓) is mandatory to achieve <10µA reverse leakage - no passive blocking occurs otherwise.

What is the thermal performance of TPS73118DBVRG4 in SOT-23-5 package?

In the DBV (SOT-23-5) package, TPS73118DBVRG4 has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 185.2°C/W. At 150mA load and 1.8V output, power dissipation is ~45mW - resulting in ~8.3°C junction rise above ambient. With adequate PCB copper (≥1in² 2oz copper pour), it operates reliably up to +125°C ambient, supported by internal thermal shutdown at 160°C.