Texas Instruments TPS73615DBVRG4

Overview

TPS73615DBVRG4 from Texas Instruments is a capacitor-free, NMOS-based low-dropout linear regulator delivering 400mA output current with 1.5V fixed output, 75mV typical dropout at full load, 30μVRMS output noise (10Hz–100kHz), and reverse current protection. It operates from 1.7V to 5.5V input and powers noise-sensitive VCOs in portable RF modules.

For engineers reviewing the TPS73615DBVRG4 datasheet, TPS73615DBVRG4 pinout, TPS73615DBVRG4 application, or TPS73615DBVRG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include ultra-low-noise regulation without output capacitance, thermal shutdown behavior, EN pin logic thresholds, and NR pin noise-reduction capability for sub-15μVRMS performance.

Technical Context

The TPS73615DBVRG4 employs an NMOS pass transistor with integrated 4MHz charge pump to maintain gate drive above VOUT, enabling stable operation with zero output capacitance. Its voltage-follower topology decouples stability from ESR/size of COUT while delivering near-constant ground pin current across 0–400mA load range.

It integrates a precision 1.204V bandgap reference, noise-reduction (NR) pin with internal 27kΩ series resistor for external CNR filtering, and foldback current limiting that reduces output current to ~0mA when VOUT drops below –0.2V-preventing startup failure under negative forcing conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-23-5 (DBV) package: 2.9mm × 2.8mm footprint with exposed pad not present; suitable for space-constrained PCB layouts and reflow assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPL730F15 and TPS7A2015PDBVR, the TPS73615DBVRG4 uniquely combines 400mA capability, 75mV dropout, and user-tunable NR pin for sub-15μVRMS noise-making it the only choice for high-current, ultra-low-noise 1.5V regulation where capacitor-free stability is mandatory.

Availability

TPS73615DBVRG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable RF transceivers, industrial sensor nodes, FPGA I/O banks, and VCO power supplies requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle designs.

Supply support for TPS73615DBVRG4 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 LDO design expertise and broad automotive/industrial qualification.

The TPS736 product line targets ultra-low-noise, capacitor-free regulation for battery-powered and RF-sensitive applications-designed specifically to eliminate output capacitor dependencies while maintaining robust thermal and fault protection.

FAQ

Does TPS73615DBVRG4 require an output capacitor for stability?

No, the TPS73615DBVRG4 is explicitly designed to operate stably with zero output capacitance due to its NMOS voltage-follower topology and internal compensation. Adding 0.1μF–10μF COUT is optional and improves transient response but is not required for loop stability per TI SBVS038X datasheet Section 6.1.

What is the purpose of the NR pin on TPS73615DBVRG4?

The NR (Noise Reduction) pin on TPS73615DBVRG4 connects internally to the bandgap reference through a 27kΩ resistor. Adding a 0.01μF capacitor from NR to GND reduces output noise from 30μVRMS to 12.75μVRMS (10Hz–100kHz), making TPS73615DBVRG4 suitable for powering VCOs and other noise-critical analog circuits.

Can TPS73615DBVRG4 be used with input voltages below 1.7V?

No-TPS73615DBVRG4 has a specified minimum input voltage of 1.7V per Section 5.3 Recommended Operating Conditions. Operation below 1.7V may result in unregulated output or latch-up. For sub-1.7V inputs, consider alternative regulators such as TPS7A05 or TPS7A16A with lower VIN minima.

How does reverse current protection work in TPS73615DBVRG4?

TPS73615DBVRG4 uses an NMOS pass transistor architecture that inherently blocks reverse current flow. When VIN < VOUT, reverse leakage is limited to ≤10μA (Section 5.6 Electrical Characteristics), preventing backfeed into upstream supplies-a critical feature in multi-rail systems and hot-swap applications.

What is the maximum junction temperature and thermal shutdown behavior of TPS73615DBVRG4?

TPS73615DBVRG4 features thermal shutdown at 160°C (trip) with hysteresis; it resets at 140°C (Section 5.6). The SOT-23-5 package has RθJA = 185.2°C/W (new silicon), so continuous 400mA operation at 1.7V input requires careful thermal design-derating is recommended above 85°C ambient.