Texas Instruments TPS73515DRBT

Overview

TPS73515DRBT from Texas Instruments is a 500-mA, low-noise, high-PSRR, low-dropout linear regulator with fixed 1.5-V output, designed for post-DC/DC ripple filtering and precision analog power rails. It operates from 2.7 V to 6.5 V input, delivers 2% output accuracy over load/line/temperature, achieves 280 mV dropout at 500 mA, and uses a 2.2-μF ceramic output capacitor for stability.

For engineers reviewing the TPS73515DRBT datasheet, TPS73515DRBT pinout, TPS73515DRBT application, or TPS73515DRBT equivalent, key selection criteria include its 45 μA quiescent current, 13.2 μV_RMS output noise (with 10 nF NR capacitor), 68 dB PSRR at 1 kHz, fast 45 μs start-up time, and WSON-6 package compatibility with space-constrained RF and IoT designs.

Technical Context

The TPS73515DRBT employs a PMOS pass transistor architecture enabling ultra-low dropout and high PSRR via a high-gain, high-bandwidth error amplifier. Its internal 1.208-V reference and precision feedback loop ensure ±1% DC accuracy across 10 mA–500 mA load range and –40°C to +125°C junction temperature.

Fixed-output versions feature an NR pin supporting feed-forward noise reduction: a 10 nF capacitor on NR reduces output noise to 13.2 μV_RMS and improves PSRR by >10 dB at 1 kHz. The EN pin provides active-high enable control with 1.2 V logic threshold and sub-1 μA shutdown current.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS73515DRBT is housed in a 2-mm × 2-mm WSON-6 package with exposed thermal pad (DRB suffix per TI documentation). The package supports high thermal efficiency (R_θJB = 34.7°C/W) and requires soldering the thermal pad to PCB ground for optimal power dissipation and EMI performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS73515DRBT, TPS79515DBVR trades noise performance and thermal robustness for smaller footprint, while MCP1703T-1502E/MB sacrifices feature set and current capability for lower unit cost - making TPS73515DRBT the optimal choice for thermally constrained, noise-sensitive 500-mA applications requiring EN and NR functionality.

Availability

TPS73515DRBT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for IP network cameras, macro base stations, thermostats, and post DC-DC ripple filtering applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for industrial and communications equipment.

Supply support for TPS73515DRBT 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 and embedded processing technologies, with decades of expertise in power management IC design and manufacturing.

The TPS735 family was engineered specifically for RF and precision analog systems demanding ultra-low noise, high PSRR, and low quiescent current in miniature packages - targeting wireless infrastructure, industrial sensing, and battery-powered edge devices.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for stable operation of the TPS73515DRBT?

The TPS73515DRBT requires a minimum input voltage of 2.7 V per its recommended operating conditions. At 500 mA load, its 280 mV dropout means it can regulate 1.5 V output down to 1.78 V input - but below 2.7 V, undervoltage lockout (UVLO) activates at 2.2 V (typical), disabling regulation. Always maintain VIN ≥2.7 V for guaranteed specification compliance across temperature.

Does the TPS73515DRBT require an external noise reduction capacitor, and what value is recommended?

Yes, the TPS73515DRBT's NR pin (Pin 2) is designed for a feed-forward noise reduction capacitor to achieve its specified 13.2 μV_RMS output noise. Texas Instruments recommends a 10 nF ceramic capacitor (e.g., X7R or C0G/NPO dielectric) between NR and GND. Larger values (up to 47 nF) yield marginal noise improvement but increase start-up time to ~50 μs; values above 100 nF are not supported and may destabilize regulation.

Can the TPS73515DRBT be used without connecting the EN pin, and what is the default state?

Yes, the TPS73515DRBT can operate without external EN control: connect EN directly to IN to enable the device permanently. The EN pin has a 1.2 V minimum high threshold and draws only 0.03 μA typical current. Leaving EN floating is not allowed - it must be pulled high (to IN or V_IN) or actively driven low to disable the regulator and reduce shutdown current to 0.15 μA.

What output capacitor is required for stability with the TPS73515DRBT, and why is ESR important?

The TPS73515DRBT requires a minimum 2.2-μF ceramic output capacitor with low ESR (≤50 mΩ) placed adjacent to the OUT and GND pins. Ceramic capacitors meet this requirement inherently; tantalum or aluminum electrolytics are not recommended due to higher ESR, which degrades transient response and may cause instability. The low-ESR requirement ensures adequate phase margin and prevents oscillation during fast load steps.

Is the TPS73515DRBT RoHS-compliant and lead-free, and what is its moisture sensitivity level?

Yes, the TPS73515DRBT is RoHS-compliant and lead-free per Texas Instruments' packaging standards. It carries a Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) of 2a per J-STD-020, meaning it must be assembled within 4 weeks of exposure to ambient conditions (30°C/60% RH) after opening the dry pack. Bake recommendations and floor life details are provided in TI's packaging documentation for the DRB (WSON-6) package variant.