Overview
The TPS74401RGWR, produced by Texas Instruments, is a 3-A, low-VIN (0.8-V), low-noise, high-PSRR, adjustable ultra-low-dropout voltage regulator. This device provides a robust power-management solution for a wide variety of applications, including those requiring precise voltage regulation and sequencing capabilities. The TPS74401 features a user-programmable soft-start, which minimizes stress on the input power source by reducing capacitive inrush current on start-up. This makes it particularly suitable for powering processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and digital signal processors (DSPs).
Key Specifications
| Specification | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 1.1 to 5.5 | V |
| Output Voltage Range | 0.8 to 3.6 | V |
| Output Current | 3.0 | A |
| Dropout Voltage (Typical) | 115mV (legacy), 120mV (new) | mV |
| Accuracy over Line, Load, and Temperature | 1% | % |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 to 125 | °C |
| Package Type | VQFN (RGW), DDPAK-7 (legacy) | - |
| Package Size (VQFN) | 5mm × 5mm × 1mm | - |
| Pins | 20 | - |
Key Features
- Adjustable start-up in-rush control to minimize stress on the input power source.
- User-programmable soft-start to control the startup time of the LDO output.
- 1% accuracy over line, load, and temperature.
- VBIAS permits low VIN operation with good transient response.
- Ultra-low dropout voltage: 115mV (typical) for legacy chips and 120mV (typical) for new chips at 3.0A.
- Stable with any or no output capacitor (legacy chip) or with any output capacitor ≥ 2.2µF (new chip).
- Power-good (PG) output for supply monitoring or sequencing signal.
- Enable input and power-good output for easy sequencing with external regulators.
Applications
- Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and digital signal processors (DSPs).
- Network attached storage - enterprise and rack servers.
- Network interface cards (NIC).
- Merchant network and server power supply units (PSU).
- Post-regulation applications.
- Hot-swap and inrush control applications.
Q & A
- What is the input voltage range of the TPS74401RGWR?
The input voltage range is from 1.1V to 5.5V.
- What is the typical dropout voltage of the TPS74401RGWR?
The typical dropout voltage is 115mV for legacy chips and 120mV for new chips at 3.0A.
- Is the TPS74401RGWR stable without an output capacitor?
Yes, the device is stable without an output capacitor (legacy chip) or with any output capacitor ≥ 2.2µF (new chip).
- What is the purpose of the power-good (PG) output?
The power-good output allows supply monitoring or provides a sequencing signal for other supplies.
- What is the operating temperature range of the TPS74401RGWR?
The operating temperature range is from -40°C to 125°C.
- What types of packages are available for the TPS74401?
The device is available in 5mm × 5mm × 1mm VQFN (RGW), 3.5mm × 3.5mm VQFN (RGR), and DDPAK-7 (legacy chip only).
- How does the user-programmable soft-start feature work?
The user-programmable soft-start minimizes stress on the input power source by reducing capacitive inrush current on start-up. The soft-start time can be 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 TPS74401 be used in applications requiring specific start-up sequencing?
Yes, the device allows easy sequencing with external regulators through its enable input and power-good output, making it suitable for applications with specific start-up requirements.
- What types of applications are the TPS74401 typically used in?
The TPS74401 is typically used in applications such as FPGAs, DSPs, network attached storage, rack servers, network interface cards, and merchant network and server PSUs.
