Compact, low noise, high ripple rejection LDO regulator series delivers enhanced power rail stabilization in space-constrained designs

Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH (“Toshiba”) today announced the TCR3RM series of low noise ultra-compact low dropout (LDO) voltage regulators. Constructed in a plastic DFN4C package measuring 1.00 mm x 1.00 mm x 0.38 mm, the TCR3RM series comprises 32 product variants with fixed single output voltages in the range 0.9 VDC to 4.5 VDC.

The regulators are suitable for use in a wide variety of portable and wearable devices, such as sensors, RF devices and IoT applications or any applications where the available board space is at a premium and high-density mounting is required.

The TCR3RM series features a high ripple rejection ratio characteristic of, typically, 100 dB at 1 kHz measured with a 2.8 V output. Unlike other LDO regulators where the ripple rejection ratio usually drops 20 dB every 10-fold increase in frequency, the TCR3RM falls significantly less. The rejection ratio at 1 MHz and a 2.8 V output is 68 dB. Electrical noise is an increasing challenge for many designs, particularly DC/DC converters where higher switching frequencies are used to improve conversion efficiency. The ripple rejection attributes of the TCR3RM series coupled with its low noise credentials, typically 5 µVrms at 10 Hz ≤ f ≤ 100 kHz, contribute to a high degree of power supply line stability and voltage accuracy.

With a maximum output current of 300 mA, the TCR3RM series employs a bandgap circuit, a low pass filter, and a low-noise, high speed operational amplifier to provide the regulator with excellent ripple rejection and output noise specifications.

The dropout voltage is typically 130 mV at 2.8 V / 300 mA output. Across the series the input voltage range is from 1.8 V to 5.5 V. The regulator includes overcurrent protection, auto discharge, and thermal shutdown safety features.