Texas Instruments TPS7A1012PYKAR

Overview

TPS7A1012PYKAR from Texas Instruments is a 300-mA ultra-low-dropout linear regulator (LDO) with dual-rail architecture (VIN + VBIAS), supporting input as low as 0.75 V and fixed 1.2 V output. It delivers 1.5% output accuracy over –40°C to +125°C, 70 mV max dropout at 300 mA (YKA package), and 1.6 µA VIN quiescent current-enabling high-efficiency power delivery in space-constrained, battery-powered wearable sensors.

For engineers reviewing the TPS7A1012PYKAR datasheet, TPS7A1012PYKAR pinout, TPS7A1012PYKAR application, or TPS7A1012PYKAR equivalent, key selection criteria include its LILO (low-input/low-output) capability, BIAS-rail dependency for sub-1-V operation, active output discharge (P-version), and 0.74 mm × 1.09 mm DSBGA-5 footprint-critical for smartwatch PMU and ultra-thin camera module designs.

Technical Context

The TPS7A1012PYKAR employs a dual-supply architecture: VIN supplies the pass element while VBIAS powers internal control circuitry, enabling stable regulation when VIN is only 70 mV above VOUT. Its global UVLO requires both VIN ≥ 675 mV (rising) and VBIAS ≥ 1.54 V (rising) before enabling regulation.

It integrates an active pull-down circuit (120 Ω pulldown resistor) for monotonic shutdown discharge, supports 2.2 µF–22 µF ceramic COUT, and achieves 60 dB PSRR at 1 kHz on both VIN and VBIAS rails-optimized for noise-sensitive analog sensor biasing in portable medical devices.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS7A1012PYKAR uses the 5-pin DSBGA (YKA) package: 0.74 mm × 1.09 mm, 0.35-mm pitch, bottom-side solder balls. Package is moisture-sensitive level 1 (MSL-1), compatible with standard reflow.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS7A1012PYKAR, TPS7A1112PYKAR trades 100 mA output and slightly higher IQ for cost reduction, while MCP1804T-1202I/OT lacks dual-rail architecture and active discharge-making it incompatible with modern ultra-low-voltage wearable power architectures.

Availability

TPS7A1012PYKAR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart watches, wireless earbuds, and portable medical devices requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing for FDA-regulated designs.

Supply support for TPS7A1012PYKAR 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 specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in power management ICs for portable and industrial applications.

The TPS7A10 family was designed specifically for ultra-low-input-voltage, ultra-low-dropout applications in space-constrained, battery-powered systems-emphasizing LILO operation, nanoscale packaging, and multi-rail coordination.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TPS7A1012PYKAR to regulate 1.2 V output?

The TPS7A1012PYKAR requires VIN ≥ 1.27 V (1.2 V + 70 mV dropout) for full 300 mA regulation. However, due to its dual-rail architecture, it can maintain regulation even when VIN drops below 1.2 V-as long as VBIAS remains within 1.7–5.5 V and the global UVLO conditions are met. This LILO capability is confirmed in the datasheet's recommended operating conditions and dropout curves for the YKA package.

Does TPS7A1012PYKAR require external capacitors, and what are the minimum values?

Yes, TPS7A1012PYKAR requires three external ceramic capacitors: ≥2.2 µF on IN, ≥0.1 µF on BIAS, and ≥2.2 µF on OUT (up to 22 µF recommended for improved transient response). All capacitors must be placed as close as possible to their respective pins, with low-ESR types (≤250 mΩ) specified in the datasheet's Recommended Operating Conditions table.

Is active output discharge available on TPS7A1012PYKAR, and how does it function?

Yes, TPS7A1012PYKAR includes active output discharge as part of the "P" version designation (confirmed by the "PYKAR" suffix). When EN is driven low or thermal shutdown activates, a 120 Ω internal pulldown resistor connects OUT to GND, discharging COUT with a time constant of τ ≈ 120·RL/(120+RL)·COUT. This ensures predictable shutdown behavior critical for system-level sequencing.

What is the purpose of the BIAS pin on TPS7A1012PYKAR, and can it be omitted?

The BIAS pin powers the internal control circuitry independently of VIN, enabling stable regulation when VIN is extremely low (e.g., near VOUT). It cannot be omitted: the device will not enable unless VBIAS is ≥1.54 V (rising threshold) and VIN is ≥675 mV. The BIAS rail must be supplied with 1.7–5.5 V and decoupled with ≥0.1 µF ceramic capacitance per the datasheet's Pin Functions section.

How does the global UVLO work on TPS7A1012PYKAR, and why is it important?

The TPS7A1012PYKAR implements two independent UVLO circuits-one on VIN (675 mV rising) and one on VBIAS (1.54 V rising)-connected via an internal AND gate. Both rails must exceed their thresholds before regulation begins. This prevents partial or unstable startup during battery ramp-up or rail sequencing, ensuring robust power-on behavior in multi-source systems like wearables with separate battery and backup rails.