Microchip TC1264-3VDBTR 3V Low-Dropout Voltage Regulator: Features and Applications

In the realm of power management, ensuring a stable and clean voltage supply is paramount for the reliable operation of modern electronic circuits. The Microchip TC1264-3VDBTR stands out as a robust and efficient solution, a 3V, 500mA low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator designed to meet the demanding requirements of a wide array of applications. This component is engineered to provide superior performance in a compact package, making it an ideal choice for space-constrained and power-sensitive designs.

Key Features of the TC1264-3VDBTR

The TC1264-3VDBTR is packed with features that distinguish it from basic linear regulators. Its most notable characteristic is its extremely low dropout voltage. Typically, it requires only 300mV at full load (500mA) to maintain regulation, which translates to higher efficiency and longer battery life in portable devices. This is a critical advantage when operating from batteries where the input voltage decays over time.

Furthermore, the regulator boasts very low quiescent current, which is the current the device consumes while operating with no load. This feature is essential for battery-powered applications, as it minimizes power drain during standby or sleep modes, thereby extending the operational life of the product.

Another significant feature is its high output accuracy, ensuring the 3V output remains stable and within a tight tolerance despite variations in input voltage or load current. The device also incorporates advanced protection circuits, including thermal shutdown and current limit protection. These safeguards prevent the IC from damage due to overheating or excessive load currents, enhancing the overall reliability of the end product.

Housed in a space-efficient 3-Pin SOT-223 package, the TC1264-3VDBTR offers a excellent balance of power handling capability and board space savings, suitable for automated assembly processes.

Primary Applications

The combination of its features makes the TC1264-3VDBTR exceptionally versatile. Its primary applications include:

Battery-Powered Devices: It is perfectly suited for portable electronics such as digital cameras, handheld scanners, GPS units, and wireless communication modules. Its low dropout and low quiescent current are pivotal for maximizing runtime from lithium-ion or alkaline battery packs.

Noise-Sensitive Systems: The LDO provides a quiet and stable voltage source, making it ideal for powering analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and sensitive sensors in medical instrumentation and audio equipment, where power supply noise can severely impact performance.

Post-Regulation for Switching Supplies: It is often used after a switching regulator (SMPS) to clean up high-frequency switching noise, creating a very low-noise rail for sensitive components while benefiting from the high efficiency of the SMPS upstream.

Microcontroller and Logic Power: The regulator provides a stable core voltage for microcontrollers (MCUs), FPGAs, and DSPs, ensuring reliable digital logic operation even as the input voltage from a battery or unregulated wall adapter fluctuates.

ICGOODFIND Summary

The Microchip TC1264-3VDBTR is a highly efficient and reliable 3V LDO voltage regulator, characterized by its low dropout voltage, low quiescent current, and integrated protection features. Its ability to deliver a stable, clean 500mA output from a minimally higher input voltage makes it an indispensable component for optimizing performance and battery life in a diverse range of portable and noise-sensitive electronic applications.

Keywords:

Low-Dropout (LDO) Regulator

Battery-Powered Devices

Quiescent Current

Thermal Shutdown

Voltage Regulation