Texas Instruments TPS73230DCQG4

Overview

TPS73230DCQG4 from Texas Instruments is a capacitor-free, NMOS-based low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator delivering 250mA output current with 40mV typical dropout at full load, 30μVRMS output noise (10kHz–100kHz), and reverse current protection. It operates from 1.7V to 5.5V input and provides a fixed 3.0V output, targeting noise-sensitive analog circuitry in portable and battery-powered systems.

For engineers reviewing the TPS73230DCQG4 datasheet, TPS73230DCQG4 pinout, TPS73230DCQG4 application, or TPS73230DCQG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include ultra-low-noise regulation without output capacitance, thermal shutdown and foldback current limiting, NMOS topology for <10µA shutdown IQ, and SOT-223-6 package compatibility with high-power-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The TPS73230DCQG4 uses an NMOS pass transistor driven by an integrated 4MHz charge pump to maintain gate drive above VOUT - enabling stable operation down to 1.7V input and eliminating output capacitor requirements. Its servo-loop architecture includes a precision 1.204V bandgap reference and error amplifier with feedback via internal resistor divider for fixed 3.0V output.

Reverse current protection is implemented through NMOS topology and gate control logic that blocks conduction when VOUT > VIN, while the NR pin (not used in fixed-output versions like TPS73230DCQG4) is omitted - simplifying layout versus adjustable variants. Thermal shutdown triggers at 160°C junction temperature with 20°C hysteresis.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS73230DCQG4 is housed in a thermally enhanced 6-pin SOT-223 (DCQ) package measuring 6.5mm × 7.06mm, with exposed thermal pad connected to GND for improved power dissipation (R_θJB = 18.1°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS73230DBVT, TPS73230DCQG4 delivers 67% higher thermal power handling and full 250mA capability in industrial ambient; versus MCP1700T-3002E/MB, it achieves 74% lower noise and eliminates capacitor dependency - making it uniquely suitable for analog/RF co-location and battery endpoint longevity.

Availability

TPS73230DCQG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, battery-powered IoT nodes, post-regulation for DC/DC outputs, and noise-sensitive RF front ends requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for TPS73230DCQG4 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 decades of LDO design heritage focused on precision, efficiency, and reliability.

The TPS732 family was engineered for ultra-low-noise, capacitor-free regulation in space- and power-constrained applications - specifically targeting portable instrumentation, RF subsystems, and battery-operated edge devices demanding high accuracy and minimal external components.

FAQ

Does TPS73230DCQG4 require an output capacitor for stability?

No, TPS73230DCQG4 is explicitly designed for capacitor-free operation due to its NMOS pass transistor topology and internal compensation. Stability is maintained across zero to unlimited output capacitance values and types, including ceramic, tantalum, or polymer. Adding a 1–10µF ceramic capacitor improves load transient response but is never required for loop stability.

What is the maximum junction temperature and thermal protection behavior of TPS73230DCQG4?

TPS73230DCQG4 features thermal shutdown at 160°C junction temperature with automatic recovery at 140°C (20°C hysteresis). Its SOT-223-6 package has R_θJB = 18.1°C/W, enabling 250mA continuous operation at up to 85°C ambient when mounted on 1-in² 2-oz copper. Exceeding power dissipation limits triggers foldback current limiting before thermal shutdown activates.

How does reverse current protection work in TPS73230DCQG4?

TPS73230DCQG4 implements reverse current blocking via its NMOS pass transistor architecture and gate-drive control logic. When VOUT exceeds VIN, the gate-source voltage collapses, turning off the NMOS device and limiting reverse leakage to ≤10µA across temperature - preventing backfeed into upstream supplies and protecting battery-backed systems during hot-swap events.

Can TPS73230DCQG4 be used with input voltages below 3.0V?

Yes, TPS73230DCQG4 operates from 1.7V to 5.5V input. With a 3.0V output and 40mV typical dropout, it regulates down to 3.04V input at full 250mA load. At lighter loads, dropout decreases further - enabling functional operation from as low as 3.01V input, making it viable for single-cell Li-ion (2.7–4.2V) and Li-poly (2.5–4.35V) applications throughout discharge.

Is the NR (Noise Reduction) pin accessible on TPS73230DCQG4?

No, the NR pin is not present on fixed-output variants like TPS73230DCQG4. It is only available on adjustable versions (e.g., TPS73201) for external noise-filtering capacitor connection. TPS73230DCQG4 achieves its specified 30μVRMS noise using internal bandgap optimization and charge-pump noise suppression - no external NR capacitor is needed or supported.