Texas Instruments TPS7A1509PYCKR

Overview

TPS7A1509PYCKR from Texas Instruments is a 400-mA ultra-low-dropout linear regulator (LDO) designed for LILO (low-input, low-output) applications requiring sub-1-V operation. It delivers 0.9 V output with ±1% accuracy over load, line, and temperature; supports input as low as 0.7 V (VIN ≥ VOUT + 100 mV); achieves 80 mV max dropout at 400 mA; and features active output discharge. It is used in camera modules and wearable power rails where compact size and fast transient response are critical.

For engineers reviewing the TPS7A1509PYCKR datasheet, TPS7A1509PYCKR pinout, TPS7A1509PYCKR application, or TPS7A1509PYCKR equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, package-specific pin functions, real-world design meaning of key specs, and two validated alternative parts for low-voltage portable system power management.

Technical Context

The TPS7A1509PYCKR uses a dual-rail architecture: the IN pin carries the main power path (0.7–2.2 V), while the BIAS pin (2.2–5.5 V) powers internal reference and control circuitry-enabling stable regulation even when VIN is only 100 mV above VOUT. Its feedback loop includes SENSE for remote voltage sensing to compensate PCB trace resistance.

It implements hybrid foldback current limiting (brick-wall to foldback transition at 60% × VOUT), global UVLO (AND-gated on IN and BIAS), and active overshoot pulldown to suppress post-transient voltage spikes. Thermal shutdown (165°C trip, 140°C reset) and active discharge (via internal MOSFET + 36 Ω pulldown resistor) ensure safe sequencing and known power-down states.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS7A1509PYCKR is packaged in a 6-bump, 0.71 mm × 1.0 mm DSBGA (WCSP) with 0.35-mm pitch. The package is optimized for space-constrained portable devices and requires no thermal pad soldering.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS7A1509PYCKR, TPS7A1601DQNR trades LILO capability and 400 mA drive for simpler single-rail operation, while NCP163AMX090TBG offers cost advantage but compromises on dropout, PSRR, and sensing-making TPS7A1509PYCKR uniquely suited for next-gen ultra-low-voltage portable power rails.

Availability

TPS7A1509PYCKR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for camera modules, wireless earbuds, and smart watches requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability and TI-qualified wafer lots.

Supply support for TPS7A1509PYCKR 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 power management ICs, with decades of LDO innovation and automotive-grade reliability validation.

The TPS7A15 family was engineered specifically for battery-powered portable electronics needing ultra-low VIN, sub-1-V VOUT, and exceptional transient performance-targeting camera, audio, and wearable subsystems where efficiency and size are non-negotiable.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for TPS7A1509PYCKR to regulate 0.9 V output?

The TPS7A1509PYCKR requires VIN ≥ VOUT + 100 mV for full specification compliance, meaning a minimum of 1.0 V input is needed to guarantee ±1% accuracy, 80 mV dropout, and 84 dB PSRR. Operation down to 0.7 V is possible but degrades performance-e.g., dropout increases and PSRR drops below datasheet limits. Always verify stability with recommended 0.75 µF IN capacitor.

Does TPS7A1509PYCKR require an external BIAS supply, and what happens if it's omitted?

Yes-TPS7A1509PYCKR requires a 2.2–5.5 V BIAS supply on the C2 pin to power its internal reference and control circuitry. Omitting BIAS prevents regulation entirely: the device remains in UVLO-latched disable state, even if IN and EN are valid. BIAS must exceed 1.15 V to exit UVLO, and ≥2.2 V or VOUT + 1.4 V for full-spec operation per datasheet Section 6.3.

How does the SENSE pin improve regulation accuracy in TPS7A1509PYCKR designs?

The SENSE pin on TPS7A1509PYCKR closes the feedback loop directly at the load, compensating for voltage drop across PCB traces or connectors between OUT and the powered device. For example, with 100 mΩ trace resistance and 400 mA load, SENSE eliminates ~40 mV error-ensuring the load receives true 0.9 V instead of 0.86 V. This is essential for precision analog blocks like camera ISPs or medical sensor front-ends.

Can TPS7A1509PYCKR be used without the EN pin connected, and what is the default state?

Yes-TPS7A1509PYCKR can operate without external EN control. Per datasheet Section 5.1, if enable functionality is not required, the EN pin (B2) must be tied to either IN or BIAS to assert logic high and enable regulation. Leaving EN floating is undefined and risks erratic behavior; tying to IN is preferred for simplicity in always-on applications like camera sensor rails.

What is the purpose of the active discharge feature in TPS7A1509PYCKR, and how fast does it discharge?

The active discharge feature in TPS7A1509PYCKR uses an internal MOSFET and 36 Ω pulldown resistor to rapidly discharge the output capacitor when disabled (EN low, UVLO, or thermal shutdown). Discharge time depends on COUT and parallel load resistance-for example, with 10 µF COUT and no load, discharge to 10% VOUT takes ~180 µs. This ensures predictable power-down sequencing and prevents backfeed into upstream supplies.