Renesas UPC29M08HF-2-AZ

Overview

UPC29M08HF-2-AZ from Renesas Electronics is a three-terminal low dropout linear voltage regulator delivering 1 A output current with a fixed 2.5 V output voltage, using a PNP output stage to achieve 0.7 V typical dropout at full load, and featuring on-chip thermal shutdown, over-current limiting, and safe operating area protection for use in industrial power rails and embedded system core supplies.

For engineers reviewing the UPC29M08HF-2-AZ datasheet, UPC29M08HF-2-AZ pinout, UPC29M08HF-2-AZ application, or UPC29M08HF-2-AZ equivalent, key selection considerations include dropout voltage at 1 A, thermal resistance (7°C/W junction-to-case), Pb-free TO-220 isolation, ±2% output voltage accuracy, and startup quiescent current behavior under low-input-voltage conditions.

Technical Context

This regulator employs a PNP pass transistor architecture enabling low dropout operation without requiring an external NPN driver or bootstrap circuit. Its internal error amplifier compares output voltage against a precision bandgap reference, driving the PNP transistor via a dedicated drive circuit with saturation protection activated when input voltage falls near V_OUT.

The device integrates multiple protection layers: an over-current limiter triggers before bondwire fusing, thermal shutdown activates at 150°C junction temperature, and safe operating area (SOA) protection prevents secondary breakdown during transient overload. All protections are fully self-contained-no external components required for basic fault response.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

UPC29M08HF-2-AZ uses the isolated TO-220 (MP-45G) package with metal tab electrically isolated from all pins. The package features four terminals: Pin 1 (INPUT), Pin 2 (GND), Pin 3 (OUTPUT), and Pin 4 (GND fin), where Pins 2 and 4 share the same ground potential but provide separate thermal and electrical paths.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-dropout linear regulator applications.

Compared with TLV1117-25CDCYR and LD1086D2M50TR, UPC29M08HF-2-AZ offers superior thermal performance (7°C/W vs. >50°C/W in SOT-223), integrated SOA protection for rugged industrial use, and guaranteed Pb-free compliance per -AZ suffix-making it optimal for through-hole, heatsink-compatible, safety-critical 2.5 V regulation.

Availability

UPC29M08HF-2-AZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, embedded microcontroller systems, audio signal processing boards, and medical diagnostic sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for UPC29M08HF-2-AZ 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

Renesas Electronics Corporation is a global semiconductor leader specializing in microcontrollers, analog power devices, and embedded solutions for industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets.

UPC29M08HF-2-AZ belongs to Renesas' legacy bipolar LDO regulator family designed for cost-sensitive, high-reliability linear regulation in standard-grade applications including industrial automation and consumer electronics.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for UPC29M08HF-2-AZ?

The absolute maximum input voltage for UPC29M08HF-2-AZ is 20 V, but the recommended operating range is 3.5 V to 16 V. Exceeding 16 V risks exceeding internal power dissipation limits, especially at elevated ambient temperatures. Operation above 20 V may cause permanent damage to the PNP pass transistor or internal protection circuitry.

Does UPC29M08HF-2-AZ require external capacitors, and what values are specified?

Yes, UPC29M08HF-2-AZ requires both input and output capacitors: C_IN ≥ 0.1 µF (film or high-quality ceramic) placed within 1–2 cm of the INPUT pin to prevent parasitic oscillation, and C_OUT ≥ 10 µF (low-impedance electrolytic) placed adjacent to the OUTPUT pin to ensure stability and improve load regulation. These values are mandatory per the datasheet's Typical Connection diagram.

How does the saturation protection in UPC29M08HF-2-AZ function during low-input-voltage startup?

When input voltage drops below ~3.5 V during startup, UPC29M08HF-2-AZ's on-chip saturation protector limits quiescent current to ≤80 mA to prevent input supply collapse. This feature avoids latch-up while allowing the regulator to remain functional until VIN rises into the normal operating range, as verified in the I_BIAS(S) vs. V_IN curves in the datasheet.

Can UPC29M08HF-2-AZ be used in parallel to increase output current?

No-UPC29M08HF-2-AZ is not designed for parallel operation. Its output voltage tolerance (±2%) and lack of current-sharing control circuitry make load imbalance likely, risking thermal runaway in one unit. For >1 A requirements, select a higher-current regulator or redesign with a switching pre-regulator followed by UPC29M08HF-2-AZ for low-noise post-regulation.

What is the thermal performance of UPC29M08HF-2-AZ when mounted on a standard FR-4 PCB without a heatsink?

With no heatsink, UPC29M08HF-2-AZ has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of 65°C/W. At 1 A output and 2.5 V output, power dissipation is ~1.2 W (assuming 3.7 V input), resulting in ~78°C junction rise above ambient-exceeding the 125°C max operating junction temperature if ambient exceeds 47°C. A minimum 25 cm² copper pour or small heatsink is strongly recommended for full-load operation.