Is it possible to use LDO regulators at low supply voltage? What is the minimum voltage required for their proper operation?

Figure 1 Relationship among input voltage (VIN), output voltage (VOUT), and dropout voltage (VDO)
Figure 1 Relationship among input voltage (VIN), output voltage (VOUT), and dropout voltage (VDO)

LDO regulators provide a regulated output voltage (VOUT) when the input voltage (VIN) is higher than the specified output voltage by at least the minimum dropout voltage (VDO). Therefore, an LDO regulator with a typical VOUT of 1.1 V and a typical VDO of 120 mA can regulate VOUT to 1.1 V when VIN = 1.22 V.

VDO is dependent on output current. As output current increases, VDO increases.

To ensure that LDO regulators operate properly, care should be exercised as to variations in VIN, temperature characteristics of VDO, and output current characteristics.

For operation at low supply voltage, select LDO regulators with low output voltage (VOUT) and low dropout voltage (VDO).

Click the following links to view our lineup of LDO regulators with low dropout voltage.

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