Texas Instruments TPS7B92120DBVR

Overview

TPS7B92120DBVR from Texas Instruments is a 300mA, 40V-input, ultra-low-quiescent-current (1.8μA) LDO linear regulator with 12V fixed output, stable with ≥1.0μF output capacitance, and optimized for battery-powered microcontroller systems in industrial and automotive environments.

For engineers reviewing the TPS7B92120DBVR datasheet, TPS7B92120DBVR pinout, TPS7B92120DBVR application, or TPS7B92120DBVR equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage at 300mA (≤3.7V), thermal shutdown threshold (160°C), PSRR at 100kHz (43dB), output accuracy over temperature (±5.75%), and SOT-23-5 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The TPS7B92120DBVR implements a CMOS pass transistor architecture with leakage-null control circuitry to maintain output accuracy across –40°C to +125°C junction temperature and wide input headroom (up to 40V). Its foldback current limiting activates at 50% of nominal output voltage (6V), transitioning from brick-wall (ICL = 320–740mA) to short-circuit mode (ISC = 75–290mA).

It features internal soft-start (400μs typical startup time), undervoltage lockout (UVLO rising threshold 1.72–2.12V), and high PSRR (70dB @ 1kHz) enabled by low-noise bandgap reference and precision error amplifier-critical for powering noise-sensitive MCU peripherals from noisy 12–40V rails.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TPS7B92120DBVR is housed in a 2.9mm × 2.8mm, 5-pin SOT-23 (DBV) package with exposed pad for thermal enhancement on standard PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS7B92120DBVR, TPS7B8712QKVURQ1 adds automotive qualification at the cost of higher quiescent current, while TLV71212PDQNR trades input voltage range and output current capability for nanoscale IQ-neither offers drop-in replacement without design revision.

Availability

TPS7B92120DBVR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial sensor networks, and smart grid infrastructure requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for TPS7B92120DBVR 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 delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The TPS7B92 product line targets high-reliability, wide-input-voltage LDO regulation for battery-backed and harsh-environment systems-designed specifically for microcontroller, sensor, and communication interface power domains where ultra-low IQ and thermal robustness are non-negotiable.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for the TPS7B92120DBVR?

The TPS7B92120DBVR has an absolute maximum input voltage rating of 42V, with recommended continuous operation up to 40V. Exceeding 42V risks permanent damage. The device maintains regulation across its full 2.5V–40V operating range, making it suitable for 24V industrial buses and automotive applications subject to load-dump transients. Always observe derating guidelines per JEDEC JESD78 for reliability assurance in high-temperature environments.

Does the TPS7B92120DBVR require an external output capacitor, and what value is recommended?

Yes, the TPS7B92120DBVR requires an external output capacitor for stability and transient response. It is stable with ceramic capacitors ranging from 1.0μF to 47μF-no ESR requirements. A 2.2μF X7R ceramic capacitor is commonly used to balance size, cost, and performance. The 1.0μF minimum enables compact designs in space-constrained applications like wearables or modular sensors, while larger values improve load-step immunity.

How does the foldback current limiting function in the TPS7B92120DBVR during a short-circuit event?

In a short-circuit event, the TPS7B92120DBVR transitions from brick-wall current limiting (320–740mA) to foldback mode when output voltage falls below 6V (50% of 12V nominal). This reduces output current to 75–290mA, lowering power dissipation [(VIN – VOUT) × ISC] and delaying thermal shutdown activation. The foldback behavior prevents destructive latch-up and enables safe auto-recovery once the fault clears-critical for unattended remote equipment.

What is the thermal performance of the TPS7B92120DBVR in the SOT-23-5 (DBV) package?

The TPS7B92120DBVR in the DBV package has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (RθJA) of 207.0°C/W under JEDEC 2s2p PCB conditions. With thermally optimized layout (e.g., GND-connected NC pins, 2oz copper, thermal vias), RθJA improves by 35–55%. At 300mA load and 25°C ambient, junction temperature rise is ~64°C-well below the 125°C max operating limit. Derate output current above 85°C ambient per the thermal information table.

Can the TPS7B92120DBVR be used in automotive applications, and what qualifications does it meet?

The TPS7B92120DBVR is not AEC-Q100 qualified. For automotive applications requiring functional safety compliance, TI recommends the pin-compatible TPS7B8712QKVURQ1 (AEC-Q100 Grade 1, –40°C to +125°C). However, TPS7B92120DBVR is widely deployed in non-safety-critical automotive subsystems (e.g., infotainment accessories, lighting controls) due to its 40V input rating, thermal shutdown, and robust ESD protection (±1000V HBM). Always validate against vehicle-specific EMC and environmental test plans.