Texas Instruments TPS73201DCQRG4

Overview

TPS73201DCQRG4 from Texas Instruments is a capacitor-free, NMOS-based low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator delivering up to 250mA output current with ultra-low 40mV typical dropout at full load, 1.204V internal reference, and reverse current protection. It operates from 1.7V to 5.5V input and targets noise-sensitive analog circuitry such as VCOs in portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the TPS73201DCQRG4 datasheet, TPS73201DCQRG4 pinout, TPS73201DCQRG4 application, or TPS73201DCQRG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its no-output-capacitor stability, sub-1μA shutdown current, 30μVRMS output noise (10kHz–100kHz), ±0.5% initial accuracy, and SOT-223-6 package thermal performance.

Technical Context

The TPS73201DCQRG4 uses an NMOS pass transistor with integrated 4MHz charge pump to drive the gate above VOUT, enabling stable regulation without output capacitance and achieving <150mV dropout across temperature and load. Its voltage-follower topology ensures near-constant ground pin current regardless of output current.

It features a dedicated feedback (FB) pin for adjustable operation (TPS73201 is the adjustable variant), no NR pin, and relies on external R1/R2 divider (80kΩ total) to set output from 1.2V to 5.5V. Thermal shutdown triggers at 160°C with 20°C hysteresis, and foldback current limiting activates below 0.9×VOUT.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-223-6 package (DCQ): 6.5mm × 7.06mm body with exposed thermal pad (TAB = GND); optimized for PCB heat dissipation in high-current LDO applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS73201DBVR, the TPS73201DCQRG4 offers 4.3× lower junction-to-board thermal resistance (18.1 vs 53.1°C/W), enabling reliable 250mA operation in thermally dense layouts; versus MCP1826T-2502E/DB, it delivers 2.2× lower dropout and eliminates mandatory output capacitance - critical for miniaturized, high-reliability systems.

Availability

TPS73201DCQRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, VCO power supplies, FPGA core regulation, and industrial PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and lifecycle demands.

Supply support for TPS73201DCQRG4 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 LDO design expertise and automotive-grade reliability validation.

The TPS732 product line was engineered for ultra-low-noise, capacitor-free linear regulation in battery-powered and RF-sensitive applications - emphasizing dropout minimization, reverse leakage suppression, and thermal robustness in compact packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum output current capability of the TPS73201DCQRG4?

The TPS73201DCQRG4 delivers up to 250mA continuous output current under recommended operating conditions (TJ ≤ 125°C, VIN ≥ VOUT + VDO). Its foldback current limit activates at ~250mA under normal conditions but reduces to ~300mA during short-circuit events to protect the device. Derating is required above 85°C ambient due to SOT-223 thermal limits.

Does the TPS73201DCQRG4 require an output capacitor for stability?

No - the TPS73201DCQRG4 is explicitly designed for stable operation with zero output capacitance, thanks to its NMOS pass transistor and charge-pump architecture. This eliminates ESR sensitivity, capacitor aging effects, and board space for bulk capacitance. An optional 0.1μF–10μF ceramic capacitor may improve transient response but is never required.

What is the purpose of the NR/FB pin on the TPS73201DCQRG4?

On the TPS73201DCQRG4 (adjustable version), Pin 4 functions solely as FB (feedback input) - not NR. It connects to the resistor divider (R1 + R2 = 80kΩ) that sets VOUT = 1.204V × (1 + R1/R2). Unlike fixed-output variants, this part has no noise-reduction (NR) functionality; output noise reduction relies on feedback capacitor CFB from FB to OUT.

How does reverse current protection work in the TPS73201DCQRG4?

The TPS73201DCQRG4 uses an NMOS pass transistor topology that inherently blocks reverse current flow. When EN is low or VIN drops below VOUT, reverse leakage (IREV) is limited to ≤10μA across –40°C to +125°C - preventing backfeed into upstream supplies or battery drain in multi-rail systems. This is confirmed in Electrical Characteristics Table 5.6.

What thermal performance can be expected from the TPS73201DCQRG4 in SOT-223 package?

The TPS73201DCQRG4 in DCQ (SOT-223-6) package achieves RθJB = 18.1°C/W when the exposed thermal pad is soldered to a 2-layer PCB ground plane using a 3×2 thermal via array. At 250mA and 1.7V dropout, power dissipation is ~425mW; with 25°C ambient, junction temperature rises ~7.7°C - well within the 125°C operating limit.