LP2950*/2951

100mA Low-Dropout Voltage Regulator

General Description Features

The LP2950 and LP2951 are micropower voltage • High accuracy 5V, guaranteed 100mA output
regulators with very low dropout voltage (typically 40mV at • Extremely low quiescent current
light loads and 380mV at 100mA), and very low quiescent • Low-dropout voltage
current (75A typical). The quiescent current of the LP2950
• Extremely tight load and line regulation
/LP2951 increases only slightly in dropout, thus prolonging
battery life. This feature, among others, makes the LP2950 • Very low temperature coefficient
and LP2951 ideally suited for use in battery-powered • Use as regulator or reference
systems. • Needs only 1µF for stability
Available in a 3-pin TO-92 package, the LP2950 is pin- LP2951 Versions Only
compatible with the older 5V regulators. Additional system
• Current and thermal limiting
functions, such as programmable output voltage and logic-
controlled shutdown, are available in the 8-pin DIP and 8- • Error flag warns of output dropout
pin SOIC versions of the LP2951. • Logic-controlled electronic shutdown
Data sheets and support documentation can be found on • Output programmable from 1.24 to 29V
Micrel’s web site at: www.micrel.com.
Applications
• Automotive electronics
• Voltage reference
• Avionics

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Block Diagram

LP2590 and LP2951 Block Diagram

(Pin Numbers Refer to LP2591)

* LP2950 Discontinuance September 2007.

Micrel Inc. • 2180 Fortune Drive • San Jose, CA 95131 • USA • tel +1 (408) 944-0800 • fax + 1 (408) 474-1000 • http://www.micrel.com

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Additional features available with the LP2951 also temperatures from –40°C to +125°C; the -02 version has
include an error flag output that warns of a low output a tighter output and reference voltage specification
voltage, which is often due to failing batteries on the range over temperature. The LP2951 is available as an
input. This may also be used as a power-on reset. A -02 or -03 version.
logic-compatible shutdown input is also available which The LP2950 and LP2951 have a tight initial tolerance
enables the regulator to be switched on and off. This (0.5% typical), a very low output voltage temperature
part may also be pin-strapped for a 5V output, or coefficient which allows use as a low-power voltage
programmed from 1.24V to 29V with the use of two reference, and extremely good load and line regulation
external resistors. (0.05% typical). This greatly reduces the error in the
The LP2950 is available as either a -02 or -03 version. overall circuit, and is the result of careful design
The -02 and -03 versions are guaranteed for junction techniques and process control.

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Ordering Information
Part Number Voltage Accuracy Junction Package Lead Finish
Temperature Range
LP2950-02BZ* 5.0V 0.5% –40° to +125°C 3-Pin TO-92 Plastic Standard
LP2950-03BZ* 5.0V 1.0% –40° to +125°C 3-Pin TO-92 Plastic Standard
LP2951-02BM 5.0V 0.5% –40° to +125°C 8-Pin SOIC Standard
LP2951-03BM 5.0V 1.0% –40° to +125°C 8-Pin SOIC Standard
LP2951-02BN 5.0V 0.5% –40° to +125°C 8-Pin Plastic DIP Standard
LP2951-03BN** 5.0V 1.0% –40° to +125°C 8-Pin Plastic DIP Standard
LP2951-02YM 5.0V 0.5% –40° to +125°C 8-Pin SOIC Pb-Free
LP2951-03YM 5.0V 1.0% –40° to +125°C 8-Pin SOIC Pb-Free
LP2951-02YN 5.0V 0.5% –40° to +125°C 8-Pin Plastic DIP Pb-Free
Note:
* TO-92 Package discontinuance notification issued September 2007. End-of-life-buy offer thru December 31, 2007. Contact factory for
additional information.
** Contact factory for Pb-Free version.

Pin Configuration

TO-92 (Z) DIP (N) and SOIC (M)

(Bottom View)
See MIC2950 for a part with: 1) higher output (150mA), 2) transient protection (60V), and 3) reverse input protection to –20V.

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Absolute Maximum Ratings(1)

If Military/Aerospace specified devices are required,
contact your local Micrel representative/distributor for
availability and specifications.
Power Dissipation .....................................Internally Limited
Lead Temperature (soldering, 5 sec.)........................ 260°C
Storage Temperature ................................–65°C to +150°C
Operating Junction Temperature Range(8)
LP2950, LP2951 .................................–40°C to +125°C
Input Supply Voltage ........................................–0.3 to +30V
Feedback Input Voltage(9, 10) ............................–1.5 to +30V
Shutdown Input Voltage(9) ................................–0.3 to +30V
Error Comparator Output Voltage(9) .................–0.3 to +30V
ESD Rating is to be determined

Electrical Characteristics(1)
TA = 25°C except as noted.
Parameter Condition Min Typ Max Units
Output Voltage LP295x-02 (±0.5%) 4.975 5.000 5.025 V
TJ = 25°C
LP295x-03 (±1%) 4.950 5.000 5.050 V
LP2951-4.8 (±1%) 4.802 4.850 4.899 V
Output Voltage LP295x-02 (±0.5%) 4.950 5.050 V
–25°C ≤ TJ ≤ +85°C
LP295x-03 (±1%) 4.925 5.075 V
LP2951-4.8 (±1%) 4.777 4.872 V
Output Voltage LP295x-02 (±0.5%) 4.940 5.060 V
Over Full Temperature Range
LP295x-03 (±1%) 4.900 5.100 V
–40°C to +125°C
LP2951-4.8 (±1%) 4.753 4.947 V
Output Voltage LP295x-02 (±0.5%), 100µA ≤ IL ≤ 100mA, TJ ≤ TJ(max) 4.930 5.070 V
Over Load Variation
LP295x-03 (±1%), 100µA ≤ IL ≤ 100mA, TJ ≤ TJ(max) 4.880 5.120 V
LP2951-4.8 (±1%), 100µA ≤ IL ≤ 100mA, TJ ≤ TJ(max) 4.733 4.967 V
Output Voltage LP295x-02 (±0.5%), Note 12 20 100 ppm/°C
Temperature Coefficient LP295x-03 (±1%), Note 12 50 150 ppm/°C
LP2951-4.8 (±1%), Note 12 50 150 ppm/°C
Line Regulation LP295x-02 (±0.5%), Notes 14, 15 0.03 0.10 %
0.20 %
LP295x-03 (±1%), Notes 14, 15 0.04 0.20 %
0.40 %
LP2951-4.8 (±1%), Notes 14, 15 0.04 0.20 %
0.40 %
Load Regulation LP295x-02 (±0.5%), Note 14, 100µA ≤ IL ≤ 100mA 0.04 0.10 %
0.20 %
LP295x-03 (±1%), Note 14, 100µA ≤ IL ≤ 100mA 0.10 0.20 %
0.30 %
LP2951-4.8 (±1%), Note 14, 100µA ≤ IL ≤ 100mA 0.10 0.20 %
0.30 %

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Parameter Condition Min Typ Max Units

Dropout Voltage Note 5, IL = 100µA 50 80 mV
150 mV
Note 5, IL = 100mA 380 450 mV
600 mV
Ground Current IL = 100µA 100 150 µA
200 µA
IL = 100mA 8 12 mA
14 mA
Dropout Current VIN = 4.5V, IL = 100µA 180 250 µA
310 µA
Current Limit VOUT = 0V 160 220 mA
220 mA
Thermal Regulation Note 13 0.05 0.20 %/W
Output Noise 10Hz to 100kHz, CL = 1µF 430 µVRMS
10Hz to 100kHz, CL = 200µF 160 µVRMS
10Hz to 100kHz, CL = 3.3µF, 100 µVRMS
0.01µF bypass Feedback to Output
Reference Voltage LP295x-02 (±0.5%) 1.220 1.235 1.250 V
1.200 1.260 V
LP295x-03 (±1%) 1.210 1.235 1.260 V
1.200 1.270 V
LP2951-4.8 (±1%) 1.210 1.235 1.260 V
1.200 1.270 V
Reference Voltage LP295x-02 (±0.5%), Note 7 1.190 1.270 V
LP295x-03 (±1%), Note 7 1.185 1.285 V
LP2951-4.8 (±1%), Note 7 1.185 1.285 V
Feedback Bias Current 20 40 nA
60 nA
Reference Voltage LP295x-02 (±0.5%), Note 12 20 ppm/°C
LP295x-03 (±1%), Note 12 50 ppm/°C
LP2951-4.8 (±1%), Note 12 50 ppm/°C
Feedback Bias Current 0.1 nA/°C
Temperature Coefficient
Output Leakage Current VOH = 30V 0.01 1.00 µA
2.00 µA
Output Low Voltage (Flag) VIN = 4.5V, IOL = 200µA 150 250 mV
400 mV
Upper Threshold Voltage Note 6 40 60 mV
25 mV
Lower Threshold Voltage Note 6 75 95 mV
140 mV
Hysteresis Note 6 15 mV

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Parameter Condition Min Typ Max Units

Input Logic Voltage LP295x-02 (±0.5%) 1.3 V
Low 0.7 V
High 2.0 V
LP295x-03 (±1%) 1.3 V
Low 0.7 V
High 2.0 V
LP2951-4.8 (±1%) 1.3 V
Low 0.7 V
High 2.0 V
Shutdown Input Current VSHUTDOWN = 2.4V 30 50 µA
100 µA
VSHUTDOWN = 30V 450 600 µA
700 µA
Regulator Output Current Note 11 3 10 µA
in Shutdown 20 µA
Notes:
1. Boldface limits apply at temperature extremes.
2. Unless otherwise specified all limits guaranteed for TJ = 25°C, VIN = 6V, IL = 100µA and CL = 1µF. Additional conditions for the 8-pin versions are
Feedback tied to 5V Tap and Output tied to Output Sense (VOUT = 5V) and VSHUTDOWN ≤ 0.8V.
3. Guaranteed and 100% production tested.
4. Guaranteed but not 100% production tested. These limits are not used to calculate outgoing AQL levels.
5. Dropout voltage is defined as the input to output differential at which the output voltage drops 100mV below its nominal value measured at 1V
differential. At very low values of programmed output voltage, the minimum input supply voltage of 2V (2.3V over temperature) must be taken into
account.
6. Comparator thresholds are expressed in terms of a voltage differential at the Feedback terminal below the nominal reference voltage measured at
6V input. To express these thresholds in terms of output voltage change, multiply by the error amplifier gain = VOUT /VREF =(R1 + R2)/R2. For
example, at a programmed output voltage of 5V, the Error output is guaranteed to go low when the output drops by 95mV x 5V/1.235V = 384mV.
Thresholds remain constant as a percent of VOUT as VOUT is varied, with the dropout warning occurring at typically 5% below nominal, 7.5%
guaranteed.
7. VREF ≤ VOUT ≤ (VIN – 1 V), 2.3V ≤ VIN ≤ 30V, 100µA < IL ≤ 100mA, TJ ≤ TJMAX.
8. The junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of the TO-92 package is 180°C/W with 0.4” leads and 160°C/W with 0.25” leads to a PC board. The
thermal resistance of the 8-pin DIP package is 105°C/W junction-to-ambient when soldered directly to a PC board. Junction-to-ambient thermal
resistance for the SOIC (M) package is 160°C/W.
9. May exceed input supply voltage.
10. When used in dual-supply systems where the output terminal sees loads returned to a negative supply, the output voltage should be diode-clamped
to ground.
11. VSHUTDOWN ≥ 2V, VIN ≤ 30 V, VOUT = 0, with Feedback pin tied to 5V Tap.
12. Output or reference voltage temperature coefficient is defined as the worst case voltage change divided by the total temperature range.
13. Thermal regulation is defined as the change in output voltage at a time T after a change in power dissipation is applied, excluding load or line
regulation effects. Specifications are for a 50mA load pulse at VIN = 30V (1.25W pulse) for t = 10ms.
14. Regulation is measured at constant junction temperature, using pulse testing with a low duty cycle. Changes in output voltage due to heating
effects are covered in the specification for thermal regulation.
15. Line regulation for the LP2951 is tested at 150°C for IL = 1mA. For IL = 100µA and TJ = 125°C, line regulation is guaranteed by design to 0.2%. See
Typical Performance Characteristics for line regulation versus temperature and load current.

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Typical Characteristics

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Typical Characteristics (continued)

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Typical Characteristics (continued)

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Application Information Figure 1 is a timing diagram depicting the /ERROR

signal and the regulated output voltage as the LP2951
External Capacitors input is ramped up and down. The /ERROR signal
A 1.0µF (or greater) capacitor is required between the becomes valid (low) at about 1.3V input. It goes high at
LP2950/LP2951 output and ground to prevent about 5V input (the input voltage at which VOUT = 4.75V).
oscillations due to instability. Most types of tantalum or Since the LP2951’s dropout voltage is load-dependent
aluminum electrolytics will be adequate; film types will (see curve in Typical Performance Characteristics), the
work, but are costly and therefore not recommended. input voltage trip point (about 5V) will vary with the load
Many aluminum electrolytics have electrolytes that current. The output voltage trip point (approximately
freeze at about –30°C, so solid tantalum capacitors are 4.75V) does not vary with load.
recommended for operation below –25°C. The important The error comparator has an open-collector output which
parameters of the capacitor are an effective series requires an external pull-up resistor. Depending on
resistance of about 5 or less and a resonant frequency system requirements, this resistor may be returned to
above 500kHz. The value of this capacitor may be the 5V output or some other supply voltage. In
increased without limit. determining a value for this resistor, note that while the
At lower values of output current, less output output is rated to sink 400µA, this sink current adds to
capacitance is required for output stability. The capacitor battery drain in a low battery condition. Suggested
can be reduced to 0.33µF for current below 10mA or values range from 100k to 1MΩ. The resistor is not
0.1µF for currents below 1mA. Using the 8-pin versions required if this output is unused.
at voltages below 5V runs the error amplifier at lower
gains so that more output capacitance is needed. For Programming the Output Voltage (LP2951)
the worst-case situation of a 100mA load at 1.23V output The LP2951 may be pin-strapped for 5V using its
(Output shorted to Feedback) a 3.3µF (or greater) internal voltage divider by tying Pin 1 (output) to Pin 2
capacitor should be used. (SENSE) and Pin 7 (FEEDBACK) to Pin 6 (5V TAP).
The LP2950 will remain stable and in regulation with no Alternatively, it may be programmed for any output
load in addition to the internal voltage divider, unlike voltage between its 1.235V reference and its 30V
many other voltage regulators. This is especially maximum rating. An external pair of resistors is required,
important in CMOS RAM keep-alive applications. When as shown in Figure 2.
setting the output voltage of the LP2951 version with The complete equation for the output voltage is:
external resistors, a minimum load of 1µA is recomm-
⎧ R ⎫
ended. VOUT = VREF × ⎨1 + 1 ⎬ + IFB R 2
A 0.1µF capacitor should be placed from the ⎩ R2 ⎭
LP2950/LP2951 input to ground if there is more than 10 where VREF is the nominal 1.235 reference voltage and
inches of wire between the input and the AC filter IFB is the feedback pin bias current, nominally 20nA. The
capacitor or if a battery is used as the input. minimum recommended load current of 1µA forces an
Stray capacitance to the LP2951 Feedback terminal (pin upper limit of 1.2MΩ on the value of R2, if the regulator
7) can cause instability. This may especially be a must work with no load (a condition often found in
problem when using high value external resistors to set CMOS in standby), IFB will produce a 2% typical error in
the output voltage. Adding a 100pF capacitor between VOUT which may be eliminated at room temperature by
Output and Feedback and increasing the output trimming R1. For better accuracy, choosing R2 = 100kΩ
capacitor to at least 3.3µF will remedy this. reduces this error to 0.17% while increasing the resistor
program current to 12µA. Since the LP2951 typically
Error Detection Comparator Output draws 60µA at no load with Pin 2 open-circuited, this is a
A logic low output will be produced by the comparator small price to pay.
whenever the LP2951 output falls out of regulation by
more than approximately 5%. This figure is the Reducing Output Noise
comparator’s built-in offset of about 60mV divided by the In reference applications it may be advantageous to
1.235V reference voltage. (Refer to the block diagram on reduce the AC noise present at the output. One method
Page 1). This trip level remains “5% below normal” is to reduce the regulator bandwidth by increasing the
regardless of the programmed output voltage of the size of the output capacitor. This is the only method by
LP2951. For example, the error flag trip level is typically which noise can be reduced on the 3-pin LP2950 and is
4.75V for a 5V output or 11.4V for a 12V output. The out relatively inefficient, as increasing the capacitor from 1µF
of regulation condition may be due either to low input to 220µF only decreases the noise from 430µV to
voltage, current limiting, or thermal limiting. 160µVrms for a 100kHz bandwidth at 5V output.

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Noise can be reduced fourfold by a bypass capacitor

across R1, since it reduces the high frequency gain from
4 to unity. Pick:
1
C BYPASS ≅
2πR 1 • 200Hz
or about 0.01µF. When doing this, the output capacitor
must be increased to 3.3µF to maintain stability. These
changes reduce the output noise from 430µV to
100µVrms for a100kHz bandwidth at 5V output. With the
bypass capacitor added, noise no longer scales with
output voltage so that improvements are more dramatic
at higher output voltages.

Figure 1. ERROR Output Timing

Figure 2. Adjustable Regulator

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Typical Applications

Wide Input Voltage Range Current Limiter 5V Regulator with 2.5V Sleep Function

Low Drift Current Source 5V Current Limiter

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Typical Applications

Regulator with Early Warning and Auxiliary Output

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Typical Applications

Latch Off When Error Flag Occurs Open Circuit Detector for 4mA to 20mA Current Loop

Regulator with State-of-Charge Indicator

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Typical Applications

Low Battery Disconnect

System Over Temperature Protection Circuit

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Schematic Diagram

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Package Information

8-Pin SOIC (M)

PIN 1

DIMENSIONS:
INCH (MM)

0.380 (9.65) 0.255 (6.48)

0.370 (9.40) 0.245 (6.22)
0.135 (3.43)
0.125 (3.18) 0.300 (7.62)

0.013 (0.330)
0.010 (0.254)

0.018 (0.57) 0.130 (3.30) 0.380 (9.65)

0.320 (8.13)
0.100 (2.54) 0.0375 (0.952)

8-Pin Plastic DIP (N)

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0.090 (2.286) Radius, t yp.

2

1 3

0.145 (3.683)
0.135 (3.429)
0.055 (1.397)
0.045 (1.143)

10° typ.
BOTTOM VIEW
0.085 (2.159) Diam.
0.185 (4.699)
0.175 (4.445)

5° typ.

0.185 (4.699)
0.175 (4.445)
0.090 (2.286) typ.

5° t yp.
Seat ing Plane

0.025 (0.635) Max

Uncont rolled
Lead Diamet er

0.500 (12.70) Min.

0.016 (0.406)
0.014 (0.356)
0.0155 (0.3937)
0.055 (1.397) 0.0145 (0.3683)
0.045 (1.143)

0.105 (2.667)
0.095 (2.413)

TO-92 (Z)

MICREL, INC. 2180 FORTUNE DRIVE SAN JOSE, CA 95131 USA

TEL +1 (408) 944-0800 FAX +1 (408) 474-1000 WEB http://www.micrel.com

The information furnished by Micrel in this data sheet is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by Micrel for its
use. Micrel reserves the right to change circuitry and specifications at any time without notification to the customer.

Micrel Products are not designed or authorized for use as components in life support appliances, devices or systems where malfunction of a product
can reasonably be expected to result in personal injury. Life support devices or systems are devices or systems that (a) are intended for surgical implant
into the body or (b) support or sustain life, and whose failure to perform can be reasonably expected to result in a significant injury to the user. A
Purchaser’s use or sale of Micrel Products for use in life support appliances, devices or systems is a Purchaser’s own risk and Purchaser agrees to fully
indemnify Micrel for any damages resulting from such use or sale.

© 1999 Micrel, Incorporated.

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