The MIC39300 and MIC39301 are 3.0A low-dropout linear
voltage regulators that provide a low voltage, high-current
output with a minimum of external components. Utilizing
Micrel’s proprietary Super βeta PNP™ pass element, the
MIC39300/1 offers extremely low dropout (typically 400mV at
3.0A) and low ground current (typically 36mA at 3.0A).
The MIC39300/1 is ideal for PC add-in cards that need to
convert from standard 5V or 3.3V down to new, lower core
voltages. A guaranteed maximum dropout voltage of 500mV
over all operating conditions allows the MIC39300/1 to provide 2.5V from a supply as low as 3V. The MIC39300/1 also
has fast transient response for heavy switching applications.
The device requires only 47µF of output capacitance to
maintain stability and achieve fast transient response
The MIC39300/1 is fully protected with overcurrent limiting,
thermal shutdown, reversed-battery protection, reversedleakage protection, and reversed-lead insertion. The
MIC39301 offers a TTL-logic compatible enable pin and an
error flag that indicates under voltage and over current
conditions. Offered in fixed voltages, the MIC39300/1 comes
in the TO-220 and TO-263 packages and is an ideal upgrade
to older, NPN-based linear voltage regulators.
Features
• 3.0A minimum guaranteed output current
• 500mV maximum dropout voltage over temperature
Ideal for 3.0V to 2.5V conversion
• 1% initial accuracy
• Low ground current
• Current limiting and Thermal shutdown
• Reversed-battery protection
• Reversed-leakage protection
• Fast transient response
• TO-263 and TO-220 packaging
• TTL/CMOS compatible enable pin (MIC39301 only)
• Error flag output (MIC39301 only)
Applications
• LDO linear regulator for PC add-in cards
• High-efficiency linear power supplies
• SMPS post regulator
• Multimedia and PC processor supplies
• Low-voltage microcontrollers
• StrongARM™ processor supply
Ordering Information
Part NumberVoltageJunction Temp. RangePackage
MIC39300-2.5BT2.5V–40°C to +125°C3-lead TO-220
MIC39300-2.5BU2.5V–40°C to +125°C3-lead TO-263
MIC39301-2.5BT2.5V–40°C to +125°C5-lead TO-220
MIC39301-2.5BU2.5V–40°C to +125°C5-lead TO-263
Typical Application
MIC39300-2.5
V
INOUT
IN
3.3V
GND
StrongARM is a trademark of Advanced RISC Machines, Ltd.
Micrel, Inc. • 1849 Fortune Drive • San Jose, CA 95131 • USA • tel + 1 (408) 944-0800 • fax + 1 (408) 944-0970 • http://www.micrel.com
Note 1. Exceeding the absolute maximum ratings may damage the device.
Note 2. The device is not guaranteed to function outside its operating rating.
Note 3. Devices are ESD sensitive. Handling precautions recommended.
Note 4. P
Note 5. Output voltage temperature coefficient is ∆V
Note 6. VDO = VIN – V
Note 7. I
Note 8. VEN ≤ 0.8V, VIN ≤ 8V, and V
Note 9. For a 2.5V device, VIN = 2.250V (device is in dropout).
= (T
D(max)
is the quiescent current. IIN = I
GND
– TA) ÷θJA, where θJA depends upon the printed circuit layout. See “Applications Information.”
J(max)
when V
OUT
decreases to 99% of its nominal output voltage with VIN = V
OUT
GND
= 0V
OUT
OUT(worst case)
+ I
OUT
.
÷ (T
J(max)
– T
J(min)
) where T
is +125°C and T
J(max)
+ 1V.
OUT
J(min)
is 0°C.
MIC39300/393014March 2000
Page 5
MIC39300/39301Micrel
0
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
0100020003000
DROPOUT VOLTAGE (mV)
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2.0
2.2
2.4
2.6
2.8
1.2 1.6 2.0 2.4 2.8 3.2 3.6
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
0
10
20
30
40
50
0100020003000
GROUND CURRENT (mA)
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
024681012
GROUND CURRENT (mA)
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100120
GROUND CURRENT (mA)
TEMPERATURE (°C)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100120
SHORT CIRCUIT CURRENT (A)
TEMPERATURE (°C)
Typical Characteristics
Power Supply
vs. Ripple Rejection
50
40
30
V
= 2.5V
OUT
20
PSRR (dB)
= 3.3V
V
IN
= 47µF
C
OUT
10
I
= 3A
LOAD
0
1x1011x1021x1031x1041x1051x10
FREQUENCY (Hz)
Dropout Voltage
600
500
400
300
200
100
DROPOUT VOLTAGE (mV)
vs. Temperature
V
= 2.5V
OUT
= 3A
I
LOAD
0
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100120
TEMPERATURE (°C)
Power Supply
vs. Ripple Rejection
50
Dropout Voltage
vs. Output Current
40
30
V
= 2.5V
OUT
20
PSRR (dB)
= 3.3V
V
IN
C
= 100µF
OUT
10
= 3A
I
LOAD
6
0
1x1011x1021x1031x1041x1051x10
FREQUENCY (Hz)
6
Ground Current
Dropout Characteristics
I
= 100mA
LOAD
I
= 3A
LOAD
I
= 1.5A
LOAD
vs. Output Current
V
OUT
I
LOAD
= 2.5V
= 3A
10
8
6
4
2
GROUND CURRENT (mA)
0
024681012
25
20
15
March 20005MIC39300/39301
10
5
GROUND CURRENT (mA)
0
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100120
Ground Current
vs. Supply Voltage
I
= 100mA
LOAD
I
= 10mA
LOAD
SUPPLY VOLTAGE (V)
Ground Current
vs. Temperature
V
= 2.5V
OUT
= 1.5A
I
LOAD
TEMPERATURE (°C)
Ground Current
vs. Supply Voltage
I
= 3000mA
LOAD
I
= 1500mA
LOAD
I
=
LOAD
1000mA
Ground Current
vs. Temperature
60
50
40
30
20
10
GROUND CURRENT (mA)
0
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100120
TEMPERATURE (°C)
V
I
LOAD
OUT
= 2.5V
= 3A
Ground Current
vs. Temperature
V
= 2.5V
OUT
= 100mA
I
LOAD
Short Circuit vs.
Temperature
VIN = 3.5V
(typical 2.5V device)
Page 6
MIC39300/39301Micrel
y
Output Voltage vs.
2.60
2.58
2.56
2.54
2.52
2.50
2.48
2.46
2.44
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
2.42
2.40
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100120
Temperature
I
= 10mA
LOAD
pical 2.5V device)
(t
TEMPERATURE (°C)
Flag-Low Voltage
250
200
150
100
FLAG VOLTAGE (mV)
vs. Temperature
FLAG-LOW
VOLTAGE
VIN = 2.25V
= 22kΩ
R
PULL-UP
50
0
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100120140
TEMPERATURE (°C)
Error Flag
Pull-Up Resistor
6
5
FLAG HIGH
4
3
2
FLAG VOLTAGE (V)
1
0
0.01 0.1110 100 100010000
(OK)
RESISTANCE (kΩ)
VIN = 5V
FLAG LOW
(FAULT)
(50mV/div.)
Output Voltage
Enable Current
vs. Temperature
12
10
8
6
4
2
ENABLE CURRENT µA)
0
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100120140
VIN = V
V
EN
TEMPERATURE (°C)
Line Transient
Response
V
= 2.5V
OUT
= 10mA
I
L
= 47µF
C
OUT
OUT
= 2.4V
+ 1V
(200mV/div.)
Output Voltage
(1A/div.)
Load Current
Load Transient
Response
3A
TIME (500µs/div.)
VIN = 3.3V
= 2.5V
V
OUT
= 47µF
C
OUT
10mA
(2V/div.)
Input Voltage
(100mV/div.)
Output Voltage
(1A/div.)
Load Current
3.3V
5V
TIME (100µs/div.)
Load Transient
Response
3A
TIME (500µs/div.)
VIN = 3.3V
= 2.5V
V
OUT
= 100µF
C
OUT
100mA
MIC39300/393016March 2000
Page 7
MIC39300/39301Micrel
Ref.
18V
O.V.
I
LIMIT
Thermal
Shutdown
1.240V1.180V
EN*
IN
FLAG*
GND
OUT
* MIC39301 only
Functional Diagram
March 20007MIC39300/39301
Page 8
MIC39300/39301Micrel
Applications Information
The MIC39300/1 is a high-performance low-dropout voltage
regulator suitable for moderate to high-current voltage regulator applications. Its 500mV dropout voltage at full load
makes it especially valuable in battery-powered systems and
as a high-efficiency noise filter in post-regulator applications.
Unlike older NPN-pass transistor designs, where the minimum dropout voltage is limited by the base-to-emitter voltage
drop and collector-to-emitter saturation voltage, dropout performance of the PNP output of these devices is limited only
by the low VCE saturation voltage.
A trade-off for the low dropout voltage is a varying base drive
requirement. Micrel’s Super βeta PNP™ process reduces
this drive requirement to only 2% to 5% of the load current.
The MIC39300/1 regulator is fully protected from damage
due to fault conditions. Current limiting is provided. This
limiting is linear; output current during overload conditions is
constant. Thermal shutdown disables the device when the
die temperature exceeds the maximum safe operating temperature. Transient protection allows device (and load) survival even when the input voltage spikes above and below
nominal. The output structure of these regulators allows
voltages in excess of the desired output voltage to be applied
without reverse current flow.
MIC39300-x.x
V
IN
INOUT
C
IN
GND
Figure 1. Capacitor Requirements
Thermal Design
Linear regulators are simple to use. The most complicated
design parameters to consider are thermal characteristics.
Thermal design requires four application-specific parameters:
• Maximum ambient temperature (TA)
• Output Current (I
• Output Voltage (V
OUT
OUT
)
• Input Voltage (VIN)
• Ground Current (I
GND
Calculate the power dissipation of the regulator from these
numbers and the device parameters from this datasheet,
where the ground current is taken from the data sheet.
PD = (V
IN
– V
OUT
) I
OUT
The heat sink thermal resistance is determined by:
TT
θθθ
=
SA
where T
J (max)
−
J(max)A
P
D
−+
()
JCCS
≤ 125°C and θCS is between 0° and 2°C/W.
The heat sink may be significantly reduced in applications
where the minimum input voltage is known and is large
compared with the dropout voltage. Use a series input
)
)
+ VIN·I
V
OUT
C
OUT
GND
resistor to drop excessive voltage and distribute the heat
between this resistor and the regulator. The low dropout
properties of Micrel Super βeta PNP regulators allow significant reductions in regulator power dissipation and the associated heat sink without compromising performance. When
this technique is employed, a capacitor of at least 1.0µF is
needed directly between the input and regulator ground.
Refer to
Application Note 9
for further details and examples
on thermal design and heat sink specification.
Output Capacitor
The MIC39300/1 requires an output capacitor to maintain
stability and improve transient response. Proper capacitor
selection is important to ensure proper operation. The
MIC39300/1 output capacitor selection is dependent upon
the ESR (equivalent series resistance) of the output capacitor
to maintain stability. When the output capacitor is 47µF or
greater, the output capacitor should have less than 1Ω of
ESR. This will improve transient response as well as promote
stability. Ultralow ESR capacitors, such as ceramic chip
capacitors may promote instability. These very low ESR
levels may cause an oscillation and/or underdamped transient response. A low-ESR solid tantalum capacitor works
extremely well and provides good transient response and
stability over temperature. Aluminum electrolytics can also
be used, as long as the ESR of the capacitor is < 1Ω.
The value of the output capacitor can be increased without
limit. Higher capacitance values help to improve transient
response and ripple rejection and reduce output noise.
Input Capacitor
An input capacitor of 1µF or greater is recommended when
the device is more than 4 inches away from the bulk ac supply
capacitance, or when the supply is a battery. Small, surfacemount, ceramic chip capacitors can be used for the bypassing. Larger values will help to improve ripple rejection by
bypassing the input to the regulator, further improving the
integrity of the output voltage.
Transient Response and 3.3V to 2.5V Conversion
The MIC39300/1 has excellent transient response to variations in input voltage and load current. The device has been
designed to respond quickly to load current variations and
input voltage variations. Large output capacitors are not
required to obtain this performance. A standard 47µF output
capacitor, preferably tantalum, is all that is required. Larger
values help to improve performance even further.
By virtue of its low-dropout voltage, this device does not
saturate into dropout as readily as similar NPN-based designs. When converting from 3.3V to 2.5V, the NPN-based
regulators are already operating in dropout, with typical
dropout requirements of 1.2V or greater. To convert down to
2.5V without operating in dropout, NPN-based regulators
require an input voltage of 3.7V at the very least. The
MIC39300/1 regulator will provide excellent performance
with an input as low as 3.0V. This gives the PNP-based
regulators a distinct advantage over older, NPN-based linear
regulators.
MIC39300/393018March 2000
Page 9
MIC39300/39301Micrel
Minimum Load Current
The MIC39300/1 regulator is specified between finite loads.
If the output current is too small, leakage currents dominate
and the output voltage rises. A 10mA minimum load current
is necessary for proper regulation.
Error Flag
The MIC39301 version features an error flag circuit which
monitors the output voltage and signals an error condition
when the voltage drops 5% below the nominal output voltage.
The error flag is an open-collector output that can sink 10mA
during a fault condition.
Low output voltage can be caused by a number of problems,
including an overcurrent fault (device in current limit) or low
input voltage. The flag is inoperative during overtemperature
shutdown.
Enable Input
The MIC39301 version features an enable input for on/off
control of the device. Its shutdown state draws “zero” current
(only microamperes of leakage). The enable input is TTL/
CMOS compatible for simple logic interface, but can be
connected to up to 20V. When enabled, it draws approximately 15µA.
March 20009MIC39300/39301
Page 10
MIC39300/39301Micrel
Package Information
0.151 D ±0.005
0.108 ±0.005
(2.74 ±0.13)
0.818 ±0.005
(20.78 ±0.13)
(3.84 D ±0.13)
0.410 ±0.010
(10.41 ±0.25)
0.356 ±0.005
(9.04 ±0.13)
0.176 ±0.005
(4.47 ±0.13)
0.590 ±0.005
(14.99 ±0.13)
0.050 ±0.005
(1.27 ±0.13)
7°
0.050 ±0.003
(1.27 ±.08)
0.100 ±0.005
(2.54 ±0.13)
0.108 ±0.005
(2.74 ±0.13)
0.400 ±0.015
(10.16 ±0.38)
1.140 ±0.010
(28.96 ±0.25)
0.030 ±0.003
(0.76 ±0.08)
3-Lead TO-220 (T)
0.150 D ±0.005
(3.81 D ±0.13)
0.241 ±0.017
(6.12 ±0.43)
0.578 ±0.018
(14.68 ±0.46)
0.018 ±0.008
(0.46 ±0.020)
7°
3°
0.100 ±0.020
DIMENSIONS:
0.177 ±0.008
(4.50 ±0.20)
0.050 ±0.005
(1.27 ±0.13)
SEATING
PLANE
(2.54 ±0.51)
INCH
(MM)
7°
Typ.
0.550 ±0.010
(13.97 ±0.25)
0.067 ±0.005
(1.70 ±0.127)
0.268 REF
(6.81 REF)
0.032 ±0.005
(0.81 ±0.13)
0.018 ±0.008
(0.46 ±0.20)
Dimensions:
0.103 ±0.013
(2.62±0.33)
inch
(mm)
5-Lead TO-220-5 (T)
MIC39300/3930110March 2000
Page 11
MIC39300/39301Micrel
0.405±0.005
0.065±0.010
20°±2°
0.100 BSC 0.050
DIM. = INCH
0.405±0.005
0.065±0.010
20°±2°
0.050±0.005
0.360±0.005
0.600±0.025
0.015 ±0.002
3-Lead TO-263 (U)
0.050±0.005
0.360±0.005
8° MAX
0.176±0.005
0.050±0.005
SEATING PLANE
+0.004
0.004
–0.008
0.100±0.01
0.176±0.005
0.060±0.005
0.600±0.025
0.067±0.005 0.032 ±0.003
DIM. = INCH
5-Lead TO-263-5 (U)
8° MAX
0.015 ±0.002
SEATING PLANE
+0.004
0.004
–0.008
0.100±0.01
March 200011MIC39300/39301
Page 12
MIC39300/39301Micrel
MICREL INC. 1849 FORTUNE DRIVESAN JOSE, CA 95131 USA
TEL + 1 (408) 944-0800 FAX + 1 (408) 944-0970 WEB http://www.micrel.com
This information is believed to be accurate and reliable, however no responsibility is assumed by Micrel for its use nor for any infringement of patents or
other rights of third parties resulting from its use. No license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patent or patent right of Micrel Inc.