Texas Instruments TPS79912QDRVRQ1

Overview

TPS79912QDRVRQ1 from Texas Instruments is an AEC-Q100 qualified automotive-grade 200-mA low-dropout linear regulator with fixed 1.2 V output, 40 μA quiescent current, 100 mV typical dropout at full load, 29.5 μV_RMS output noise, and 66 dB PSRR at 1 kHz. It delivers ultra-low-noise power for precision analog and RF circuits in infotainment and ADAS modules.

For engineers reviewing the TPS79912QDRVRQ1 datasheet, TPS79912QDRVRQ1 pinout, TPS79912QDRVRQ1 application, or TPS79912QDRVRQ1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification (–40°C to +125°C), WSON-6 package compatibility with 2-μF ceramic output capacitance, fast 45-μs startup, and 2% total output accuracy across load, line, and temperature.

Technical Context

The TPS79912QDRVRQ1 employs a PMOS pass transistor architecture enabling low dropout and high PSRR at minimal headroom. Its high-gain, high-bandwidth error amplifier supports stable regulation with 2-μF ceramic output capacitors while maintaining 66 dB PSRR at 1 kHz and 51 dB at 10 kHz under 100 mA load.

A dedicated noise-reduction (NR) pin accepts a 0.01-μF bypass capacitor to suppress bandgap reference noise, achieving 29.5 μV_RMS integrated noise (10 Hz–100 kHz). An active pulldown circuit limits output overshoot to ≤5% during enable transitions, and UVLO with 70 mV hysteresis ensures clean startup above 1.9 V input.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS79912QDRVRQ1 is packaged in a thermally enhanced 2-mm × 2-mm WSON-6 (DRV) package with an exposed thermal pad tied to GND. The 0.5-mm pitch, 6-pin layout supports high-density automotive PCB routing and efficient heat dissipation via the bottom-side thermal pad.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS79912QDRVRQ1, TPS79912DRVR omits automotive qualification and thermal robustness, while TLV73312PDPWR trades noise/PSRR performance for smaller size and lower IQ-making TPS79912QDRVRQ1 the sole choice for AEC-Q100-compliant, ultra-low-noise 1.2 V core regulation.

Availability

TPS79912QDRVRQ1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for infotainment systems, ADAS camera modules, radar transceivers, and automotive Ethernet gateways requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for TPS79912QDRVRQ1 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 designing analog and embedded processing chips for automotive, industrial, and communications markets, with leadership in power management and signal chain technologies.

The TPS799-Q1 product line delivers AEC-Q100 qualified, ultra-low-noise LDOs optimized for powering sensitive analog and RF circuits in automotive infotainment, ADAS, and connectivity systems where PSRR, noise, and thermal reliability are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for TPS79912QDRVRQ1?

The absolute maximum input voltage for TPS79912QDRVRQ1 is 7 V, but the recommended operating range is 2.7 V to 6.5 V. Exceeding 7 V risks permanent damage per the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. For reliable 1.2 V output, minimum input is 1.3 V (1.2 V + 100 mV dropout), though the device requires ≥2.7 V to ensure internal circuitry functions correctly across temperature.

Does TPS79912QDRVRQ1 require an external noise-reduction capacitor to achieve its specified 29.5 μV_RMS noise?

Yes, TPS79912QDRVRQ1 achieves 29.5 μV_RMS output noise only when a 0.01-μF ceramic capacitor is connected between the NR pin and GND. Without this capacitor, noise rises to ~94×V_OUT μV_RMS. The NR pin is specific to fixed-output versions like TPS79912QDRVRQ1 and is not present on adjustable variants.

Can TPS79912QDRVRQ1 operate with less than 2 μF output capacitance?

No-TPS79912QDRVRQ1 is designed and characterized for stability with ≥2 μF ceramic output capacitance (X5R/X7R). Using smaller values risks oscillation, degraded transient response, and failure to meet PSRR/noise specifications. The datasheet specifies 2.2 μF as typical, and minimum ESR must remain below 1 Ω.

What is the shutdown current of TPS79912QDRVRQ1, and how is it enabled?

TPS79912QDRVRQ1 draws 150 nA typical shutdown current when EN is driven below 0.4 V. This ultra-low state is achieved via internal circuitry that disconnects bias networks and disables the error amplifier. Driving EN ≥1.2 V exits shutdown, initiating the 45-μs startup sequence with NR capacitor precharge.

Is the thermal pad on the TPS79912QDRVRQ1 WSON-6 package required to be connected to ground?

Yes-the exposed thermal pad on the TPS79912QDRVRQ1 DRV package must be soldered to a PCB ground plane. It serves as both the primary thermal conduction path (R_θJC(bot) = 7.2°C/W) and the electrical GND connection. Leaving it unconnected degrades thermal performance by >100°C/W and violates TI's mechanical recommendations, risking premature thermal shutdown.