Texas Instruments TPS78601DRBT

Overview

TPS78601DRBT from Texas Instruments is an adjustable 1.5-A low-dropout linear regulator with enable, ultralow noise (48 µV_RMS at 3 V output), high PSRR (49 dB at 10 kHz), and fast start-up (110 µs with 0.01 µF NR capacitor). It operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V input and delivers stable output from 1.225 V to 5.5 V − V_DO, targeting RF power supply rails in cellular transceivers and high-precision analog front-ends.

For engineers reviewing the TPS78601DRBT datasheet, TPS78601DRBT pinout, TPS78601DRBT application, or TPS78601DRBT equivalent, this page provides verified electrical specifications, validated thermal performance in SON-8 package, confirmed noise-reduction capacitor interface behavior, and real-world transient response data under 1.5-A load steps - all critical for low-noise LDO selection in battery-powered RF systems.

Technical Context

The TPS78601DRBT uses a PMOS pass transistor architecture with internal 1.225-V bandgap reference and feedback loop stabilized by external resistor divider (R1/R2) on FB pin. Its noise-reduction (NR) pin connects via 250-kΩ internal resistor to the reference node, enabling configurable low-pass filtering of reference noise using external bypass capacitors (0.001–0.1 µF).

Functional modes include active regulation (EN ≥ 1.7 V), shutdown (< 0.7 V), and UVLO activation at 2.25–2.65 V with 100-mV hysteresis. Protection features include current limiting (~2.8 A), thermal shutdown (~165°C), and reverse-current conduction via integrated back diode - all implemented without external components.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS78601DRBT is housed in an 8-pin SON (DRB) package measuring 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 0.9 mm with exposed thermal pad. The package supports 41.1°C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance when mounted with 2×2 thermal vias to inner ground plane.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPL7407LDR and TPS7A4700RGWR, the TPS78601DRBT uniquely balances 1.5-A output, 48-µV_RMS noise, enable control, and 3×3-mm SON packaging - making it the only viable option for compact, battery-powered RF systems requiring both high current and spectral purity.

Availability

TPS78601DRBT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF transceiver power supplies, high-resolution ADC reference rails, Bluetooth LE audio codec supplies, and industrial sensor signal chain bias requiring stable component supply across automotive infotainment, medical diagnostics, and 5G infrastructure programs.

Supply support for TPS78601DRBT 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 company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, specializing in analog ICs, embedded processors, and digital signal processing technologies for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The TPS786 family was engineered specifically for noise-sensitive RF and precision analog applications, emphasizing ultralow output noise, high PSRR, and fast transient response in compact thermally enhanced packages.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage for the TPS78601DRBT?

The TPS78601DRBT supports a maximum input voltage of 5.5 V, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Operation above this level risks permanent damage. For reliable long-term use, the recommended maximum input is 5.5 V with proper thermal management - especially when delivering 1.5 A output current into low-dropout conditions.

Does the TPS78601DRBT require an external capacitor on the NR pin?

Yes, the TPS78601DRBT requires an external capacitor on the NR pin (shared with FB) to achieve its specified 48-µV_RMS output noise performance. A 0.1-µF ceramic capacitor is recommended; values from 0.001 µF to 0.1 µF are supported, with trade-offs between noise reduction and start-up time - e.g., 0.01 µF yields 110 µs start-up, while 0.1 µF extends it to ~200 µs.

Can the TPS78601DRBT be used without the feedback resistors?

No - the TPS78601DRBT is an adjustable LDO and requires external R1/R2 feedback resistors to set the output voltage. The internal reference is 1.225 V, so omitting the divider results in undefined output behavior. TI recommends R2 = 30.1 kΩ and calculating R1 using V_OUT = 1.225 × (1 + R1/R2) to maintain 40-µA divider current and minimize error.

What thermal performance can be expected from the TPS78601DRBT in its SON-8 package?

The TPS78601DRBT in DRB (SON-8) package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (R_θJA) of 41.1°C/W when mounted with a 2×2 thermal via array to an inner ground plane. At 1.5-A load with 3.3-V input and 2.8-V output, power dissipation is ~750 mW - resulting in ~31°C temperature rise above ambient, well within the 125°C max operating junction limit.

How does the enable pin (EN) function on the TPS78601DRBT?

The EN pin on the TPS78601DRBT is a logic-controlled input: asserting ≥1.7 V enables regulation, while pulling ≤0.7 V places the device in shutdown mode with <1 µA supply current. No external pull-up is needed, and the pin draws only ±1 µA. This allows direct interfacing with GPIOs or power sequencers without level-shifting circuitry.