Texas Instruments TPS73730DRBRM3

Overview

TPS73730DRBRM3 from Texas Instruments is a 1A low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator with NMOS pass transistor topology, reverse current protection, and 3.0V fixed output. It operates from 2.2V to 5.5V input, delivers 122mV typical dropout at 1A (new silicon), achieves ±1.5% overall accuracy over line/load/temperature, and stabilizes with ≥1μF ceramic output capacitor. It serves as point-of-load regulator for FPGA core supplies in portable industrial controllers.

For engineers reviewing the TPS73730DRBRM3 datasheet, TPS73730DRBRM3 pinout, TPS73730DRBRM3 application, or TPS73730DRBRM3 equivalent, key selection criteria include ultra-low dropout under full load, sub-20nA shutdown current, thermal foldback protection, and compatibility with minimal 1μF ceramic output capacitance in space-constrained battery-powered designs.

Technical Context

The TPS73730DRBRM3 uses an NMOS pass transistor in voltage-follower configuration, enabling reverse current blocking and insensitivity to output capacitor ESR. Its BiCMOS process delivers high precision while maintaining low ground pin current-880µA at 1A load (new silicon) and <20nA in shutdown.

It integrates a 4MHz internal charge pump to drive the NMOS gate above VOUT, ensuring stable regulation even with low VIN–VOUT headroom. Protection includes thermal shutdown (160°C trip) and foldback current limiting, where short-circuit current drops to ~510mA (new silicon) as VOUT falls below 0.5V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS73730DRBRM3 is housed in a 6-pin WSON package (DRV variant), 2mm × 2mm body with exposed thermal pad (GND-connected). The package supports high thermal performance (R_θJB = 33.7°C/W) and compact PCB layout.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS73730DRBRM3, TPS73730DRVR offers identical electrical performance in a thermally less capable package, while TPS79930DDCR trades 5× lower output current and higher dropout for 40% smaller footprint-making neither a drop-in replacement for 1A, thermally demanding, or MSL1-compliant designs.

Availability

TPS73730DRBRM3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O modules, portable FPGA-based test equipment, battery-powered medical sensors, and automotive body control sub-rails requiring stable component supply with MSL1 handling and thermal reliability.

Supply support for TPS73730DRBRM3 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 designing analog ICs, embedded processors, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The TPS737 family is engineered as high-accuracy, reverse-current-protected LDOs for portable and thermally constrained applications-emphasizing ultra-low dropout, 1µF ceramic stability, and sub-20nA shutdown to maximize battery life and simplify power design.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage for TPS73730DRBRM3?

The absolute maximum input voltage for TPS73730DRBRM3 is 6V, but the recommended operating range is 2.2V to 5.5V. Exceeding 5.5V may cause permanent damage or degrade long-term reliability. For stable 3.0V output, minimum input is 3.122V (3.0V + 122mV dropout), making it compatible with single-cell Li-ion and 3.3V/5V intermediate rails.

Does TPS73730DRBRM3 require an external feedback resistor network?

No, TPS73730DRBRM3 does not require external feedback resistors because it is a fixed 3.0V output version. The feedback node (FB) is internally connected to generate the precise output; the NR pin is used instead for optional noise reduction with a 10nF capacitor to ground. External resistors are only needed for adjustable versions like TPS73701.

How does the enable pin (EN) function on TPS73730DRBRM3?

The EN pin on TPS73730DRBRM3 is active-high with TTL/CMOS-compatible thresholds: logic high (>1.7V) enables regulation, while logic low (<0.5V) forces shutdown with <20nA ground current. EN must never float-it can be tied to IN if unused. Driving EN low fully discharges the pass transistor gate, ensuring true reverse-current isolation during standby.

Can TPS73730DRBRM3 be used with a 1μF ceramic output capacitor?

Yes, TPS73730DRBRM3 is explicitly designed to be stable with 1μF or larger ceramic output capacitors-no ESR requirements or damping networks needed. This simplifies layout, reduces cost, and improves reliability versus older LDOs requiring 10–22μF tantalum capacitors. TI validates stability across temperature and load with 1μF X7R/X5R types.

What thermal performance can be expected from TPS73730DRBRM3 in its WSON package?

TPS73730DRBRM3 in the 2mm × 2mm WSON (DRV) package achieves R_θJB = 33.7°C/W (junction-to-board) and R_θJA = 67.3°C/W (junction-to-ambient) when mounted per JEDEC standards with a 2×2 thermal via array under the exposed GND pad. At 1A load and 25°C ambient, junction temperature rise is ~33.7°C-well within the 125°C max rating.