Component Comparison: TCR2EF33,LM(CT) vs MCP1700T-3302E/MAY
Quick verdict
For low quiescent current and extended battery life applications, the MCP1700T-3302E/MAY is the clear choice due to its 4 µA IQ and higher max output current of 250 mA. Conversely, for designs requiring an enable pin for power gating and better PSRR at 1 kHz, the TCR2EF33,LM(CT) offers advantages despite its higher quiescent current and lower max output current.
Spec comparison table
| Spec | TCR2EF33,LM(CT) | MCP1700T-3302E/MAY | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control features | Enable | None | Enable pin on TCR2EF33 allows software-controlled power gating, useful for power management. |
| Quiescent current (Iq) | 60 µA | 4 µA | MCP1700 consumes 15x less current, crucial for battery-powered designs. |
| Max input voltage | 5.5 V | 6 V | MCP1700 supports slightly higher input voltage margin. |
| Mounting type | Surface mount | Surface mount | Equivalent. |
| Number of regulators | 1 | 1 | Equivalent. |
| Operating temperature range | -40°C to 85°C | -40°C to 125°C | MCP1700 supports wider industrial temperature range, suitable for harsher environments. |
| Output configuration | Positive | Positive | Equivalent. |
| Max output current | 200 mA | 250 mA | MCP1700 supports 25% higher max output current. |
| Output type | Fixed 3.3 V | Fixed 3.3 V | Equivalent. |
| Package | SC-74A (SOT-753) | 6-DFN (2x2) with exposed pad | MCP1700’s exposed pad improves thermal dissipation in a smaller footprint. |
| Protection features | Over current | Over current, over temperature, short circuit | MCP1700 offers more comprehensive protection, improving robustness. |
| PSRR | 73 dB @ 1 kHz | 44 dB @ 100 Hz | TCR2EF33 has better PSRR at 1 kHz, beneficial in noisy analog/RF applications. |
| Voltage dropout | 0.2 V @ 150 mA | 0.35 V @ 250 mA | TCR2EF33 has lower dropout at moderate load but MCP1700 supports higher load current. |
Design trade-offs
The MCP1700T-3302E/MAY’s standout feature is its ultra-low quiescent current of 4 µA, which is an order of magnitude lower than the 60 µA of the TCR2EF33,LM(CT). For battery-powered or energy-harvesting systems where every microamp counts, this can extend operational lifetime significantly. However, this comes with a trade-off in dropout voltage; at its max output current of 250 mA, the MCP1700 drops out at 0.35 V compared to 0.2 V at 150 mA for the Toshiba part. In practice, this means the TCR2EF33 can maintain regulation at lower input voltages under moderate loads, which may be critical in some low-voltage rail designs.
Thermally, the MCP1700’s 6-DFN package with an exposed pad offers superior heat dissipation in a smaller footprint compared to the SC-74A package of the TCR2EF33. This allows the MCP1700 to safely handle its higher current rating with less derating or need for additional thermal management. The TCR2EF33’s simpler package may require more conservative layout or copper area to manage heat at its rated current.
The TCR2EF33 includes an enable pin, which is absent on the MCP1700. This can be a significant factor in designs requiring precise power sequencing or shutdown capabilities controlled by firmware or external logic. The MCP1700’s lack of enable means it is always on when powered, which could complicate power management in multi-rail systems.
Regarding protection features, the MCP1700 offers over-temperature and short-circuit protection in addition to over-current, increasing reliability in fault conditions. The TCR2EF33 only lists over-current protection, which may limit robustness in harsh or fault-prone environments.
The PSRR difference is notable but frequency-dependent: the Toshiba device’s 73 dB at 1 kHz outperforms the MCP1700’s 44 dB at 100 Hz. If the primary noise concern is in the kHz range (e.g., switching power supply noise), the TCR2EF33 provides better line ripple rejection, improving analog and RF performance.
Cost-wise, the MCP1700 is commonly used in mass-market portable electronics and is typically available at lower unit cost in high volumes. The Toshiba part may be slightly more expensive due to its less common package and feature set but pricing will vary by supplier and quantity.
Use-case fit
Choose TCR2EF33,LM(CT) when:
- You need an enable pin for power gating or sequencing controlled by firmware or external signals.
- Your design requires superior PSRR at 1 kHz to suppress switching noise affecting sensitive analog or RF circuits.
- Your load current rarely exceeds 150 mA, and you want the lowest dropout voltage under moderate load.
- Operating temperature stays within -40°C to 85°C, typical for commercial electronics.
- Package footprint constraints are relaxed, or you prefer a SOT-753 style package for manual handling or prototyping.
Choose MCP1700T-3302E/MAY when:
- Ultra-low quiescent current (4 µA) is critical to maximize battery life in always-on or low-power systems.
- Your output current demands up to 250 mA, with some margin over the Toshiba’s 200 mA max rating.
- You require over-temperature and short-circuit protection for improved fault tolerance.
- The design must operate reliably in extended temperature ranges up to 125°C (industrial environments).
- PCB space is limited and thermal dissipation is important; the exposed pad 6-DFN footprint enables tighter layouts and better heat sinking.
Drop-in compatibility
There is no indication from the provided data that these parts share pin or footprint compatibility. The TCR2EF33 is in a SC-74A (SOT-753) package, while the MCP1700 is in a 6-DFN (2x2 mm) with exposed pad package. The pinouts and mechanical footprints differ significantly. Substituting one for the other would require board layout changes, and possibly different supporting components due to different maximum currents and dropout voltages. Enable control on the Toshiba device would need to be managed or left unconnected if replaced by the MCP1700, which lacks this feature.
Alternatives to consider
- TLV70333 (Texas Instruments): Ultra-low IQ LDO with enable pin, suitable for ultra-low power designs with power gating.
- MIC5504-3.3YM5 (Microchip): 300 mA LDO with low dropout and enable pin, offering higher current and flexibility.
- NCP1117ST33T3G (ON Semiconductor): Higher current linear regulator with a TO-252 package, suitable for applications requiring more than 250 mA.