Texas Instruments TPS73218DBVRG4

Overview

TPS73218DBVRG4 from Texas Instruments is a capacitor-free, NMOS-based low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator delivering up to 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 1.8V output for powering noise-sensitive VCOs, DSPs, and FPGA core rails in portable and battery-powered systems.

For engineers reviewing the TPS73218DBVRG4 datasheet, TPS73218DBVRG4 pinout, TPS73218DBVRG4 application, or TPS73218DBVRG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include ultra-low dropout under 250mA load, reverse current protection, no-output-capacitor stability, thermal shutdown behavior, and NR pin noise-reduction capability for sub-20μVRMS performance with CNR = 0.01µF.

Technical Context

The TPS73218DBVRG4 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. Its servo-loop error amplifier references a precision 1.204V bandgap and supports both fixed-output (1.8V) and adjustable configurations via FB/NR pins.

It features foldback current limiting (250–600mA range), thermal shutdown at 160°C, and active-high EN pin with <1μA shutdown IQ. Ground pin current remains nearly constant over load (400–950µA), and reverse leakage is limited to ≤10µA when EN is low and VIN ≤ VOUT.

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 minimal thermal mass.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLS850F0TESK and MCP1826T-1802E/DB, the TPS73218DBVRG4 uniquely combines capacitor-free stability, 40mV dropout, and NR-pin-enabled sub-20μVRMS noise-making it optimal for space- and noise-constrained portable and RF applications where those three attributes are simultaneously critical.

Availability

TPS73218DBVRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless sensor nodes, VCO bias supplies, FPGA I/O banks, and post-regulation of switching supplies requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.

Supply support for TPS73218DBVRG4 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 company specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management ICs, with leadership in high-reliability, low-noise, and energy-efficient solutions.

The TPS732 product line delivers capacitor-free, low-noise, low-dropout regulators optimized for battery-powered, RF, and portable electronics where size, efficiency, and signal integrity are critical design constraints.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for stable operation of the TPS73218DBVRG4?

The TPS73218DBVRG4 requires a minimum input voltage of 1.7V, but stable regulation at full 250mA load demands VIN ≥ VOUT + VDO = 1.8V + 0.04V = 1.84V. Below this, dropout behavior degrades transient response and may cause output sag during load steps. The device remains functional down to 1.7V, but output accuracy and regulation margin decrease as VIN approaches VOUT.

Does the TPS73218DBVRG4 require an output capacitor for stability?

No, the TPS73218DBVRG4 is explicitly designed for stable operation with zero output capacitance due to its NMOS pass transistor architecture and internal compensation. An optional COUT improves load transient response but is never required for loop stability. This eliminates capacitor aging, ESR sensitivity, and board space concerns common with traditional PMOS LDOs.

How does the NR pin on the TPS73218DBVRG4 reduce output noise?

The NR pin on the TPS73218DBVRG4 connects internally to the bandgap reference through a 27kΩ resistor. Adding a 0.01µF capacitor from NR to GND forms a low-pass filter that attenuates reference noise, reducing total output noise from 30μVRMS to approximately 15.3μVRMS (1.8V × 8.5) in the 10kHz–100kHz band. This is critical for VCO phase noise performance.

What is the reverse current protection behavior of the TPS73218DBVRG4?

The TPS73218DBVRG4 provides inherent reverse current protection via its NMOS pass transistor topology. When EN is low (shutdown), reverse leakage is limited to ≤10µA across 0V ≤ VIN ≤ VOUT. In active mode, reverse current is blocked unless VIN exceeds VOUT by >VGS(threshold); measured reverse leakage is typically <0.1µA under normal operating conditions.

Can the TPS73218DBVRG4 be used in automotive applications?

The TPS73218DBVRG4 is not AEC-Q100 qualified and lacks automotive-specific features such as extended temperature grade (–40°C to +125°C is supported, but not validated per automotive stress tests), watchdog timers, or fault reporting. For automotive use, TI recommends alternatives like the TLS850F0TESK. The TPS73218DBVRG4 is intended for industrial, portable, and consumer applications meeting standard JEDEC reliability requirements.