Overview
The TPS74401RGRT, produced by Texas Instruments, is a 3.0-A ultra-low dropout (LDO) linear regulator. This device is designed to provide a robust power-management solution for a wide range of applications, including those requiring precise voltage regulation and sequencing. The TPS74401 features a user-programmable soft-start, which minimizes stress on the input power source by reducing capacitive inrush current during start-up. This regulator is fully specified over the junction temperature range of –40°C to 125°C, ensuring reliable operation in various environmental conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Min | Typ | Max | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 1.1 | 5.5 | V | |
| Output Voltage Range | 0.8 | 3.6 | V | |
| Output Current | 3.0 | A | ||
| Dropout Voltage (VQFN, IOUT = 3A) | 115 | 195 | mV | |
| Dropout Voltage (DDPAK, IOUT = 3A) | 120 | 240 | mV | |
| Accuracy over Line, Load, and Temperature | 1% | |||
| Operating Junction Temperature | –40 | 125 | °C | |
| Thermal Shutdown Temperature | 155 (legacy), 165 (new) | °C | ||
| Package Options | 5mm × 5mm VQFN, 3.5mm × 3.5mm VQFN, DDPAK-7 |
Key Features
- Programmable Soft-Start: Minimizes stress on the input power source by reducing capacitive inrush current during start-up.
- Adjustable Output Voltage: Output voltage can be adjusted from 0.8V to 3.6V.
- Ultra-Low Dropout Voltage: Typical dropout voltage of 115mV (VQFN) and 120mV (DDPAK) at 3.0A.
- Stability with Any Output Capacitor: Stable without an output capacitor (legacy chip) or with any type of capacitor ≥ 2.2µF (new chip).
- Power-Good (PG) Output: Allows supply monitoring or provides a sequencing signal for other supplies.
- Enable Input and Sequencing: Enables easy sequencing with external regulators, suitable for FPGAs, DSPs, and other applications with specific start-up requirements.
- Precision Reference and Error Amplifier: Delivers 1% accuracy over load, line, temperature, and process.
Applications
- Network Attached Storage - Enterprise: Suitable for high-reliability storage solutions.
- Rack Servers: Ideal for powering components in server environments.
- Network Interface Cards (NIC): Provides stable power for network interface cards.
- Merchant Network and Server PSU: Used in power supply units for merchant and server applications.
- FPGA and DSP Applications: Supports the power requirements of field-programmable gate arrays and digital signal processors.
- Post-Regulation Applications: Suitable for applications requiring additional power dissipation and sequencing.
- Hot-Swap and Inrush Controls: Useful in applications that require controlled start-up and inrush current management.
Q & A
- What is the input voltage range of the TPS74401RGRT?
The input voltage range is from 1.1V to 5.5V.
- What is the maximum output current of the TPS74401RGRT?
The maximum output current is 3.0A.
- What is the typical dropout voltage of the TPS74401RGRT?
The typical dropout voltage is 115mV for VQFN packages and 120mV for DDPAK packages at 3.0A.
- Does the TPS74401RGRT require an output capacitor for stability?
No, the device is stable without an output capacitor (legacy chip) or with any type of capacitor ≥ 2.2µF (new chip).
- What is the purpose of the power-good (PG) output?
The PG output allows supply monitoring or provides a sequencing signal for other supplies.
- What is the operating junction temperature range of the TPS74401RGRT?
The operating junction temperature range is from –40°C to 125°C.
- What are the available package options for the TPS74401RGRT?
The available packages are 5mm × 5mm VQFN, 3.5mm × 3.5mm VQFN, and DDPAK-7.
- How does the programmable soft-start feature work?
The programmable soft-start minimizes stress on the input power source by reducing capacitive inrush current during start-up, controlled by a capacitor connected to the SS pin.
- What is the accuracy of the output voltage over line, load, and temperature?
The output voltage accuracy is 1% over line, load, and temperature.
- Can the TPS74401RGRT be used in hot-swap applications?
Yes, the device is suitable for hot-swap and inrush control applications due to its programmable soft-start and sequencing capabilities.
