Key Specs
| Spec | Value | Condition | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control Features | Enable | Digi-Key | |
| Current Quiescent IQ | 3.5 µA | Digi-Key | |
| Current Supply (Max) | 200 µA | Digi-Key | |
| Grade | Automotive | Digi-Key | |
| Input Voltage (Max) | 40V | Digi-Key | |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount, Wettable Flank | Digi-Key | |
| Number Of Regulators | 1 | Digi-Key | |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C ~ 175°C (TJ) | Digi-Key | |
| Output Configuration | Positive | Digi-Key | |
| Output Current (Max) | 300mA | Digi-Key | |
| Output Type | Fixed | Digi-Key | |
| Output Voltage (Max) | - | Digi-Key | |
| Output Voltage (Min) | 5V | Digi-Key | |
| Package Case | 8-VFDFN Exposed Pad | Digi-Key | |
| Protection Features | Over Current, Over Temperature, Short Circuit | Digi-Key | |
| Psrr | 76dB (1kHz) | Digi-Key | |
| Qualification | AEC-Q100 | Digi-Key | |
| Supplier Device Package | 8-VFDFN (3x2) | Digi-Key | |
| Voltage Dropout (Max) | 1V @ 300mA | Digi-Key |
When To Use
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12V automotive rail → 5V @ 300mA: The 40V input rating covers common automotive rails including transient spikes, while the 300mA max output current suits moderate sensor or microcontroller loads. Using a linear regulator here would waste excessive power and risk thermal shutdown due to the 1V dropout voltage at max load.
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Battery-powered industrial sensor, always enabled: The ultra-low quiescent current of 3.5µA minimizes battery drain during standby, extending runtime without adding complexity. A synchronous buck controller would reduce quiescent current further but adds external components and complexity, risking shoot-through if not carefully designed.
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On-board 5V rail for ECU logic running up to 175°C junction: The automotive-grade qualification and guaranteed operation to 175°C junction temperature ensure reliable function in harsh engine compartments. A standard commercial LDO or regulator without this high-temperature rating would risk latch-up or early failure due to thermal stress.
When Not To Use
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High current load > 300mA, e.g. automotive LED driver: The 300mA max output current disqualifies this part; use a high-current synchronous buck with external FETs instead to handle the load safely and efficiently.
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Low dropout regulation with <1V input-output difference: The maximum 1V dropout voltage at 300mA means this device cannot regulate properly under low input-output differential. Use an LDO regulator optimized for ultra-low dropout in this scenario.
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High switching frequency > 500kHz needed for compact magnetics: This device is not specified for high-frequency operation and would cause instability or excessive switching losses. Use a high-frequency buck controller to meet size and EMI requirements.
Application Notes
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The exposed pad on the 8-VFDFN package must be soldered and connected to a solid thermal ground plane for optimal heat dissipation, especially at maximum load and elevated ambient temperatures.
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The enable pin is sensitive to noise; it should be routed away from high-current switching nodes to prevent false shutdowns or oscillations.
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The output capacitor ESR affects loop stability; use low-ESR ceramics close to the output pin to maintain the 76dB PSRR at 1kHz and avoid output voltage ripple.
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The device includes internal short-circuit and over-current protection; however, layout inductances on the input and output lines should be minimized to prevent false triggering during transient events.
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Ground routing should use a single-point star connection to the exposed pad to reduce ground bounce, especially important given the fast transient currents when switching loads on and off.
Gotchas
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[Misinterpreting dropout voltage at lower currents]: Engineers often assume the 1V dropout max applies across all load currents. In reality, dropout voltage decreases with load, and at light loads the device may enter dropout earlier than expected, causing output voltage to sag. Check dropout vs. load curves during bench characterization to confirm operation margin.
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[Enable pin noise coupling from switching node]: Routing the enable pin too close to the SW node induces voltage spikes that can cause intermittent enabling/disabling, seen as output voltage oscillations or glitches on the scope. Use a shielded or filtered trace for enable, and avoid parallel runs with switching lines.
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[Output capacitor ESR interaction]: Using only large electrolytic capacitors with high ESR can destabilize regulation and reduce PSRR, resulting in increased noise and ripple at the output despite meeting nominal capacitance. Always combine ceramic capacitors with low ESR near the output pin.
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[Startup sequencing with low input voltage margin]: If the input voltage rises slowly or is near the minimum operating voltage, the device may remain disabled or produce unstable output during ramp-up, observed as output voltage dips or oscillations on scope. Ensure input voltage ramps above the enable threshold cleanly and consider adding a supervisor or power-good signal for sequencing.