Texas Instruments TPS73201DBVTG4

Overview

TPS73201DBVTG4 from Texas Instruments is a capacitor-free, NMOS-based 250mA low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator with reverse current protection, 1.2V internal reference, 40mV typical dropout at 250mA, and 30μVRMS output noise (10kHz–100kHz). It operates from 1.7V to 5.5V input and delivers stable regulation without any output capacitor-ideal for space-constrained portable power rails feeding VCOs or FPGA core supplies.

For engineers reviewing the TPS73201DBVTG4 datasheet, TPS73201DBVTG4 pinout, TPS73201DBVTG4 application, or TPS73201DBVTG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include ultra-low-noise operation, zero-output-capacitor stability, NMOS reverse leakage performance (<10µA), thermal shutdown behavior, and SOT-23-5 package compatibility with high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The TPS73201DBVTG4 uses an NMOS pass transistor with integrated 4MHz charge pump to drive the gate above VOUT, enabling sub-150mV dropout across full load and temperature range. Its voltage-follower topology eliminates ESR dependency and supports true capacitor-free operation.

It features a dedicated NR/FB pin (functionally FB-only in this adjustable variant), ground pin current nearly constant over load (400–950µA), and foldback current limiting that reduces output current below 0.5V VOUT to protect during short-circuit faults.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23-5 (DBV) package: 2.9mm × 2.8mm footprint, no exposed thermal pad, suitable for high-density routing and reflow assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS73201DBVTG4, TPS73201DBVR offers identical functionality in tape-and-reel form for production lines, while MCP1826T-1202E/DB trades adjustability and capacitor-free operation for higher output current and lower cost-but mandates output capacitance and lacks reverse current blocking.

Availability

TPS73201DBVTG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable electronics, FPGA power sequencing, noise-sensitive RF supply, and post-regulation applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TPS73201DBVTG4 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 LDO design expertise and broad automotive/industrial qualification.

The TPS732 product line targets space- and noise-constrained applications demanding capacitor-free stability, ultra-low dropout, and robust protection - especially in battery-powered and RF-intensive systems.

FAQ

What is the function of the NR/FB pin on the TPS73201DBVTG4?

The NR/FB pin on the TPS73201DBVTG4 serves as the feedback input for the adjustable-output configuration. Unlike fixed-voltage variants, it does not support noise reduction (NR) functionality. Instead, it connects to an external resistor divider to set VOUT = 1.204V × (1 + R1/R2). The internal reference is trimmed to 1.204V ±0.5% at 25°C, and FB pin current is 0.1–0.3µA - enabling high-accuracy output programming with standard 1% resistors. This pin must never be left floating.

Does the TPS73201DBVTG4 require an output capacitor for stability?

No, the TPS73201DBVTG4 does not require any output capacitor for stability. Its NMOS voltage-follower architecture with integrated charge pump eliminates ESR dependency, allowing fully stable operation with zero output capacitance. This is confirmed in the datasheet's "Stable with no output capacitor" feature and Figure 5-35–5-36 transient response plots showing stable behavior with COUT = 0µF. Optional capacitors may improve transient response but are not necessary for loop stability.

What is the maximum junction temperature and thermal shutdown behavior of the TPS73201DBVTG4?

The TPS73201DBVTG4 has a maximum operating junction temperature of 125°C and triggers thermal shutdown at 160°C (rising) with hysteresis - resetting at 140°C (falling). This behavior is specified in Section 5.6 Electrical Characteristics (TSD parameter) and protects the device during sustained overload or inadequate PCB copper area. In SOT-23-5 (DBV) package, RθJA is 185.2°C/W (new silicon), meaning 100mW dissipation raises junction temperature by ~18.5°C above ambient - critical for layout thermal design.

How does reverse current protection work in the TPS73201DBVTG4?

The TPS73201DBVTG4 provides reverse current protection via its NMOS pass transistor topology and gate-drive architecture. When EN is low (≤0.5V), the pass transistor is fully turned off, limiting reverse leakage (IREV) to ≤10µA across –40°C to 125°C. This is measured as –IIN with VIN ≤ VOUT and VEN ≤ 0.5V. Unlike PNP or PMOS LDOs, this NMOS implementation inherently blocks reverse conduction without requiring external diodes or complex control circuitry - critical for battery backup and multi-rail sequencing.

Can the TPS73201DBVTG4 be used with input voltages below 1.7V?

No, the TPS73201DBVTG4 has a minimum recommended input voltage of 1.7V per Section 5.3 Recommended Operating Conditions. Below this, regulation is not guaranteed - dropout voltage increases sharply, output accuracy degrades, and startup may fail. The absolute minimum VIN is –0.3V (Section 5.1), but functional operation begins at 1.7V. For sub-1.7V inputs, consider TI's TPS7A05 (1.4V min) or TPS7A16 (1.5V min), which use different topologies and are explicitly rated for lower VIN.