Texas Instruments TPS73216DBVTG4

Overview

TPS73216DBVTG4 from Texas Instruments is a capacitor-free, NMOS-based low-dropout linear regulator delivering 250mA output current with 40mV typical dropout at full load, 0.5% initial accuracy, and 30μVRMS output noise (10kHz–100kHz). It operates from 1.7V to 5.5V input and provides fixed 1.6V output in SOT-23-5 package-ideal for powering noise-sensitive VCOs in portable RF modules.

For engineers reviewing the TPS73216DBVTG4 datasheet, TPS73216DBVTG4 pinout, TPS73216DBVTG4 application, or TPS73216DBVTG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include ultra-low-noise regulation without output capacitance, reverse-current protection, thermal shutdown, and compatibility with battery-powered systems requiring <1μA shutdown current and stable operation across –40°C to +125°C.

Technical Context

The TPS73216DBVTG4 uses an NMOS pass transistor with integrated 4MHz charge pump to drive the gate above VOUT, enabling stable regulation down to 1.7V input while maintaining sub-150mV dropout at 250mA. Its voltage-follower topology eliminates ESR dependency and permits zero-output-capacitor operation.

It features dedicated NR (noise-reduction) pin-bypassed with 0.01μF to GND-to reduce output noise to ~13.6μVRMS (1.6V × 8.5 μVRMS/V), and includes foldback current limiting, thermal shutdown at 160°C, and active-high EN pin with TTL/CMOS-compatible thresholds (VEN(H) ≥1.7V, VEN(L) ≤0.5V).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23-5 (DBV) package: 2.9mm × 2.8mm footprint, no exposed thermal pad, suitable for space-constrained PCB layouts with standard reflow profiles.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS73216DBVTG4, TPS73216DBVR offers identical performance in volume packaging, while MCP1826-1602E/DB trades capacitor-free operation and ultra-low noise for lower unit cost-making it viable only in non-noise-critical, capacitor-tolerant applications.

Availability

TPS73216DBVTG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable RF transceivers, VCO power supplies, and DSP/FPGA I/O rails requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term sourcing.

Supply support for TPS73216DBVTG4 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 connectivity technologies with over 50 years of power management innovation.

The TPS732 family was designed specifically for noise-sensitive, battery-constrained applications requiring capacitor-free stability, ultra-low dropout, and reverse-current blocking-targeting RF, portable medical, and precision instrumentation markets.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage for the TPS73216DBVTG4?

The TPS73216DBVTG4 supports an absolute maximum input voltage of 6V, but its recommended operating range is 1.7V to 5.5V. Operation above 5.5V risks permanent damage per Absolute Maximum Ratings. For reliable 1.6V output, VIN must exceed 1.64V (VOUT + VDO) - ensuring dropout margin across temperature and load.

Does the TPS73216DBVTG4 require an output capacitor for stability?

No, the TPS73216DBVTG4 is explicitly designed for capacitor-free operation and remains stable with zero output capacitance. This is enabled by its NMOS voltage-follower topology and internal compensation. Adding a capacitor (e.g., 1μF ceramic) improves transient response but is never required for stability-reducing BOM count and PCB area.

How does the NR pin on the TPS73216DBVTG4 reduce output noise?

The NR pin connects to the internal bandgap reference node. Adding a 0.01μF capacitor from NR to GND forms a low-pass filter with an internal 27kΩ resistor, reducing broadband noise by ~3×. For TPS73216DBVTG4, this lowers typical output noise from 30μVRMS to ~13.6μVRMS (1.6V × 8.5 μVRMS/V), directly enhancing phase-noise performance in VCO applications.

What is the shutdown current of the TPS73216DBVTG4, and how is it controlled?

The TPS73216DBVTG4 draws less than 1μA in shutdown mode when the EN pin is held ≤0.5V. This ultra-low quiescent current preserves battery life in always-on sensor nodes or standby systems. The EN pin is TTL/CMOS-compatible: driving it ≥1.7V enables regulation, and pulling it low disables the pass transistor and removes gate charge-ensuring true reverse-current blocking.

Is the TPS73216DBVTG4 pin-compatible with other TPS732 variants?

Yes, all TPS732 fixed-output versions in the DBV (SOT-23-5) package-including TPS73216DBVTG4, TPS73225DBVTG4, and TPS73233DBVTG4-share identical pinout, package dimensions, and thermal characteristics. This allows drop-in voltage scaling across designs without layout changes, provided input voltage and load requirements remain within spec.