Texas Instruments TPS78236DRVR

Overview

TPS78236DRVR from Texas Instruments is a fixed-output, 3.6-V ultra-low-quiescent-current LDO regulator in a 2-mm × 2-mm SON-6 (DRV) package. It delivers up to 150 mA with 500 nA quiescent current, 130 mV dropout at 150 mA and 25°C, ±3% output accuracy over load/line/temperature, and stable operation with only a 1.0-μF ceramic output capacitor. It is designed for battery-powered microcontroller systems requiring extended runtime and minimal standby power.

For engineers reviewing the TPS78236DRVR datasheet, TPS78236DRVR pinout, TPS78236DRVR application, or TPS78236DRVR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 500-nA IQ, thermal shutdown (160°C trip), CMOS-compatible enable pin (1.2 V turn-on threshold), 2.2–5.5 V input range, and compatibility with TI MSP430 and other ultra-low-power MCUs.

Technical Context

The TPS78236DRVR employs a PMOS pass transistor architecture enabling low dropout and inherent reverse-voltage protection via the body diode. Its internal active pulldown circuit discharges the output when disabled-provided VIN > 2.2 V-ensuring controlled power-down behavior in portable systems.

It operates across –40°C to +125°C junction temperature, integrates overcurrent limiting (150–400 mA), thermal shutdown (160°C trip / 140°C reset), and achieves 40 dB PSRR at 10 Hz. Startup time is 500 μs to 90% of nominal output, and shutdown current drops to 18 nA typical.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS78236DRVR uses the DRV (2-mm × 2-mm SON-6) package with exposed thermal pad. All ground pins must be connected to PCB ground plane; thermal pad must be soldered to ground for thermal performance and electrical integrity.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ultra-low-IQ LDO applications.

Compared with TPS78236DDCR, the TPS78236DRVR provides superior thermal performance and lower EMI due to its thermal pad and symmetric layout; compared with TPS78036DRVR, it delivers lower dropout and eliminates unnecessary DVS complexity in static-voltage applications.

Availability

TPS78236DRVR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless sensor nodes, portable medical devices, MSP430-based data loggers, and smart energy meter backup supplies requiring stable component supply across long product lifecycles.

Supply support for TPS78236DRVR 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 focused on analog and embedded processing technologies, with decades of LDO design expertise and broad automotive, industrial, and personal electronics portfolio.

The TPS782 family was engineered specifically for ultra-low-power battery-operated systems-prioritizing nanoscale IQ, miniaturized packaging, and seamless integration with TI's MSP430 and other low-power MCUs.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TPS78236DRVR to regulate 3.6 V at 150 mA?

The TPS78236DRVR requires VIN ≥ VOUT + VDO = 3.6 V + 0.13 V = 3.73 V at 25°C and 150 mA. At 85°C, dropout rises to 175 mV, so minimum VIN becomes 3.775 V. Below this, the device enters dropout mode and output tracks input.

Can TPS78236DRVR operate without an output capacitor?

No. The TPS78236DRVR requires a minimum 1.0-μF ceramic capacitor on the OUT pin to ensure stability across temperature and load. Omitting it risks oscillation, poor transient response, and potential damage under dynamic loads.

Is the thermal pad of TPS78236DRVR electrically connected, and how must it be handled on the PCB?

Yes-the thermal pad of TPS78236DRVR is internally connected to GND. It must be soldered to a dedicated PCB ground plane with ≥4 thermal vias (0.3-mm diameter) to achieve specified R_θJA = 65.9°C/W and prevent thermal shutdown under load.

Does TPS78236DRVR support reverse-voltage protection?

The TPS78236DRVR contains a PMOS pass transistor with an intrinsic body diode that conducts when VOUT > VIN. This provides passive reverse-current path-but no current limiting. External series resistance or diode is recommended if sustained reverse voltage >2.2 V is expected.

How does the enable pin (EN) behave during power-up, and what is its voltage threshold?

The EN pin of TPS78236DRVR is CMOS-compatible: regulator turns ON when EN ≥ 1.2 V (typical rising threshold) and turns OFF when EN ≤ 0.4 V (typical falling threshold). During startup, EN must not exceed VIN + 0.3 V to avoid overstress.