MIC29500-3.3WT: A High-Accuracy 150mA Low-Dropout Voltage Regulator

In the realm of power management, the demand for high-accuracy, low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulators is ever-increasing, especially for applications requiring stable and clean power from noisy or variable sources. The MIC29500-3.3WT stands out as a premier solution, delivering a precisely regulated 3.3V output at up to 150mA of current with exceptional performance and reliability.

A key feature of this LDO is its remarkably low dropout voltage. Typically, it requires only 350mV at full load (150mA) to maintain regulation, making it exceptionally efficient even as the input voltage approaches the output level. This characteristic is vital for battery-powered devices, where maximizing usable battery life is paramount, as it allows operation until the battery voltage dips very close to 3.3V.

Beyond its dropout performance, the MIC29500-3.3WT is renowned for its high accuracy and stability. It offers an initial accuracy of ±0.5% and maintains a tight line and load regulation, ensuring the output voltage remains constant despite fluctuations in input voltage or output current. This precision is critical for powering sensitive analog circuitry, microcontrollers, and sensors that cannot tolerate power supply variations.

The regulator incorporates essential protection features that enhance system robustness. It includes internal current limiting to safeguard both the IC and the load under fault conditions and thermal shutdown to prevent damage from overheating. Furthermore, it is designed to be stable with low-ESR ceramic capacitors, simplifying design and reducing bill-of-materials costs.

An invaluable feature for many applications is the enable/shutdown pin. This allows an external microcontroller or logic circuit to turn the regulator on or off, reducing its quiescent current to a mere trickle when idle. This capability is a significant advantage for power-sensitive portable and IoT devices, enabling sophisticated power-saving modes.

Housed in a space-efficient SOT-223 package, the MIC29500-3.3WT provides excellent thermal performance for its size, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including portable equipment, battery chargers, embedded systems, and automotive subsystems.

ICGOODFIND: The MIC29500-3.3WT is an exemplary LDO regulator, combining high accuracy, a low dropout voltage, and robust protection features in a compact package. Its ability to deliver a stable 3.3V from a variable input makes it an ideal, reliable choice for extending battery life and ensuring the proper operation of sensitive electronic systems.

Keywords: Low-Dropout (LDO) Regulator, High Accuracy, Low Dropout Voltage, Enable/Shutdown Pin, Thermal Protection.