Texas Instruments TPS78930DBVR

Overview

TPS78930DBVR from Texas Instruments is an ultralow-power, low-noise 100-mA low-dropout linear regulator with fixed 3.0-V output, 115 mV typical dropout at 100 mA, 56 µV_RMS output noise (with 0.01 µF bypass + 10 µF output capacitors), and 17 µA quiescent current in active mode. It employs a PMOS pass element and features logic-enabled shutdown (1 µA standby current) for battery-powered portable systems.

For engineers reviewing the TPS78930DBVR datasheet, TPS78930DBVR pinout, TPS78930DBVR application, or TPS78930DBVR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 3.0-V precision output voltage (±3% over –40°C to 125°C), SOT-23-5 package footprint, enable-input threshold (≈1.5 V), bypass-pin noise-filtering architecture, and thermal/current protection for robust micropower operation.

Technical Context

The TPS78930DBVR uses a PMOS pass transistor instead of a conventional PNP, enabling dropout voltage directly proportional to load current and eliminating drive-current dependency on output load. Its internal 150-kΩ resistor paired with an external bypass capacitor forms a low-pass filter that suppresses voltage-reference noise, reducing output spectral noise density significantly.

It integrates overcurrent limiting (~350 mA trip), thermal shutdown (~165°C trip, ~140°C recovery), and reverse-current protection via the PMOS body diode. The EN pin accepts TTL/CMOS-compatible logic levels (low-enable, <0.9 V active), with no built-in hysteresis and a nominal switching threshold near 1.5 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS78930DBVR is housed in a 5-pin SOT-23 (DBV) package - a surface-mount, JEDEC MO-178-compliant plastic small-outline IC with 0.95 mm pitch, 2.80 × 2.90 mm body, and 1.45 mm max height. Thermal resistance is R_θJA = 259°C/W (low-K board) or 180°C/W (high-K board).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPL720F30DBVR and MCP1703T-3002E/MB, the TPS78930DBVR uniquely balances ultralow noise (56 µV_RMS), moderate IQ (17 µA), and enable-controlled shutdown-making it optimal for battery-powered systems needing both runtime and signal integrity.

Availability

TPS78930DBVR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless sensor nodes, portable medical devices, and industrial IoT edge controllers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for TPS78930DBVR 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 connectivity technologies, with decades of expertise in power management ICs.

The TPS789xx family was designed specifically for battery-operated portable electronics-prioritizing ultralow quiescent current, low output noise, and minimal dropout to maximize runtime and signal fidelity in space-constrained systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TPS78930DBVR to maintain regulation at full 100 mA load?

The minimum input voltage for TPS78930DBVR is calculated as VO(typ) + VDO(max). With a 3.0-V nominal output and 230 mV maximum dropout (over temperature), the minimum input is 3.23 V. Per datasheet recommendations, VI must also be ≥ VO + 1 V (i.e., ≥4.0 V) for guaranteed performance across all conditions-so 4.0 V is the practical minimum for full-spec operation at 100 mA.

How does the BYPASS pin on TPS78930DBVR reduce output noise, and what capacitor value is recommended?

The BYPASS pin connects internally to the voltage reference through a 150-kΩ resistor; adding an external ceramic capacitor (e.g., 0.01 µF) forms an RC low-pass filter that attenuates reference noise before it modulates the output. The datasheet confirms 56 µV_RMS noise with 0.01 µF bypass + 10 µF output caps. Larger values (up to 0.1 µF) further reduce noise but increase startup time due to the RC time constant.

Does TPS78930DBVR support reverse current protection, and what happens if VIN falls below VOUT?

Yes-TPS78930DBVR's PMOS pass element includes an intrinsic back-gate diode that conducts reverse current from OUT to IN when VIN drops below VOUT (e.g., during power-down). This is not current-limited internally. If uncontrolled reverse conduction could damage upstream circuitry or drain backup sources, an external Schottky diode in series with IN is recommended to block reverse flow.

What are the thermal limitations and power dissipation constraints for continuous operation of TPS78930DBVR?

TPS78930DBVR has a maximum junction temperature of 125°C for continuous operation and thermal shutdown at ~165°C. On a standard JEDEC low-K board, R_θJA = 259°C/W. At TA = 70°C, maximum allowable power dissipation is 212 mW. For example, with VI = 4.0 V, VO = 3.0 V, and IO = 100 mA, PD = (4.0 − 3.0) × 0.1 = 100 mW-well within safe limits. Derating is required above 25°C ambient.

Can TPS78930DBVR be used with ceramic output capacitors smaller than 4.7 µF?

No-4.7 µF is the minimum recommended output capacitance for stability. Lower values require precise ESR tuning (0.2–10 Ω) and risk oscillation. The datasheet explicitly states capacitors <4.7 µF are "not recommended" due to control-loop instability. Multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs) with very low ESR may need a small series resistor (e.g., 0.5 Ω) to meet the ESR requirement when using ≥4.7 µF values.