Texas Instruments TPS73730DRBR

Overview

TPS73730DRBR from Texas Instruments is a 1A, 3.0V fixed-output low-dropout (LDO) regulator with NMOS pass transistor topology, reverse current protection, and ultra-low dropout voltage of 122mV typical at 1A (new silicon). It operates from 2.2V to 5.5V input, achieves ±1.5% overall output accuracy over line/load/temperature, and stabilizes with only 1μF ceramic output capacitor - ideal for point-of-load regulation in FPGA and microprocessor power rails.

For engineers reviewing the TPS73730DRBR datasheet, TPS73730DRBR pinout, TPS73730DRBR application, or TPS73730DRBR equivalent, this device delivers verified low-noise performance (27 × VOUT µVRMS), sub-20nA shutdown current, thermal shutdown/foldback current limit, and compatibility with compact 3mm × 3mm VSON-8 packaging for space-constrained portable and battery-powered designs.

Technical Context

The TPS73730DRBR uses an NMOS pass transistor in voltage-follower configuration, enabling reverse current blocking and insensitivity to output capacitor ESR - allowing stable operation with 1μF ceramic capacitors. Its BiCMOS process yields high precision while maintaining low ground current (880µA at 1A, new silicon) and low dropout.

It integrates an internal 4MHz charge pump to drive the NMOS gate above VOUT, delivering fast load transient response (<600µs startup) and excellent PSRR (58dB at 100Hz, 37dB at 10kHz). The DRB package features an exposed thermal pad connected to GND for enhanced thermal dissipation (RθJA = 49.4°C/W).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

VSON-8 (DRB) package: 3mm × 3mm body with exposed thermal pad (connected to GND), optimized for thermal performance and board space efficiency in high-density layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS73730DRBR, TPS73733DRBR offers identical performance at 3.3V without design changes, while TPS7A3701DRBR trades higher dropout and ground current for tighter output accuracy - making it appropriate only when ±1% absolute regulation is non-negotiable.

Availability

TPS73730DRBR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for FPGA power delivery, portable medical devices, and battery-powered IoT sensor nodes requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle availability, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TPS73730DRBR 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 power management technologies, with decades of LDO design expertise and broad automotive/industrial qualification.

The TPS737 family was engineered for portable and battery-sensitive applications, emphasizing ultra-low dropout, reverse current blocking, and minimal external component count - targeting space-constrained, high-efficiency power rails in consumer, industrial, and medical electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage for the TPS73730DRBR?

The TPS73730DRBR supports an absolute maximum input voltage of 6V, but its recommended operating range is 2.2V to 5.5V. Operating within this range ensures compliance with specified electrical characteristics including dropout, accuracy, and thermal performance. Exceeding 5.5V may trigger overvoltage protection or cause permanent damage per Absolute Maximum Ratings.

Does the TPS73730DRBR require an external capacitor on the NR pin?

Yes - the TPS73730DRBR is a fixed-output version and includes an NR (noise reduction) pin. Connecting a capacitor (e.g., 10nF) from NR to GND reduces output noise by ~3.2× (to ≈8.5 × VOUT µVRMS). Omitting CNR results in higher baseline noise (27 × VOUT µVRMS), which may impact noise-sensitive analog circuits powered by the TPS73730DRBR.

Is the TPS73730DRBR pin-compatible with other packages in the TPS737 family?

No - the TPS73730DRBR uses the DRB (VSON-8) package, which has a distinct 8-pin layout and 3mm × 3mm footprint. It is not pin-compatible with the DCQ (SOT-223-6) or DRV (WSON-6) variants. Pin mapping differs significantly: DRB assigns IN to Pin 6, OUT to Pin 1, and GND to Pin 4 + exposed pad, whereas DCQ places IN on Pin 1 and GND on Pins 3 & 6.

What thermal performance can be expected from the TPS73730DRBR in a standard PCB layout?

In a JEDEC-standard high-K board with 2×2 thermal vias under the exposed pad, the TPS73730DRBR (DRB package) achieves RθJA = 49.4°C/W. At 1A load and 3.0V output with 3.3V input, power dissipation is ~330mW - resulting in ~16°C junction-to-ambient rise. Adequate copper area and thermal vias are essential to maintain TJ ≤ 125°C in continuous operation.

How does reverse current protection work in the TPS73730DRBR?

The TPS73730DRBR uses an NMOS pass transistor in voltage-follower configuration, which inherently blocks reverse current flow from OUT to IN. When VOUT exceeds VIN (e.g., during battery backup or hot-swap events), the NMOS channel remains off, limiting reverse leakage to ≤0.1µA. This eliminates need for external blocking diodes and prevents unintended discharge of backup sources connected to the TPS73730DRBR output.