The MIC5256 is an efficient, precise CMOS voltage regulator. It offers better than 1% initial accuracy, extremely lowdropout voltage (typically 135mV at 150mA) and low ground
current (typically 90µA) over load. The MIC5256 features an
error flag that indicates an output fault condition such as
overcurrent, thermal shutdown and dropout.
Designed specifically for handheld and battery-powered devices, the MIC5256 provides a TTL-logic-compatible enable
pin. When disabled, power consumption drops nearly to zero.
The MIC5256 also works with low-ESR ceramic capacitors,
reducing the amount of board space necessary for power
applications, critical in hand-held wireless devices.
Key features include current limit, thermal shutdown, faster
transient response, and an active clamp to speed up device
turnoff. Available in the IttyBitty™ SOT-23-5 package and the
new Thin SOT-23-5, which offers the same footprint as the
standard IttyBitty™ SOT-23-5, but only 1mm tall. The MIC5256
offers a range of output voltages.
Features
• Input voltage range: 2.7V to 6.0V
• Thin SOT package: 1mm height
• Error flag indicates fault condition
• Stable with ceramic output capacitor
• Ultralow dropout: 135mV @ 150mA
• High output accuracy:
1.0% initial accuracy
2.0% over temperature
• Low quiescent current: 90µA
• Tight load and line regulation
• Thermal shutdown and current limit protection
•“Zero” off-mode current
• TTL logic-controlled enable input
Applications
• Cellular phones and pagers
• Cellular accesories
• Battery-powered equipment
• Laptop, notebook, and palmtop computers
• Consumer/personal electronics
T ypical Application
Ordering Information
Part NumberMarkingVoltageJunction Temp. RangePackage
MIC5256-2.6BM5LX262.6V–40°C to +125°CSOT-23-5
MIC5256-2.7BM5LX272.7V–40°C to +125°CSOT-23-5
MIC5256-2.8BM5LX282.8V–40°C to +125°CSOT-23-5
MIC5256-2.85BM5LX2J2.85V–40°C to +125°CSOT-23-5
MIC5256-3.0BM5LX303.0V–40°C to +125°CSOT-23-5
MIC5256-3.3BM5LX333.3V–40°C to +125°CSOT-23-5
MIC5256-2.85BD5NX2J2.85V–40°C to +125°CTSOT-23-5
Other voltages available. Contact Micrel for details.
MIC5256-x.xBM5
IN
15
2
34
V
OUT
C
= 1.0µF
OUT
Ceramic
FLG
= 1.0µF
C
IN
Ceramic
Enable
Shutdown
EN (pin 3) may be
connected directly
to IN (pin 1).
Low-Noise Regulator Application
V
EN
IttyBitty is a trademark of Micrel, Inc.
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 rating may damage the device.
Note 2. The device is not guaranteed to function outside its operating rating.
Note 3. The maximum allowable power dissipation of any TA (ambient temperature) is P
D(max)
= T
J(max)–TA/θJA
. Exceeding the maximum allowable
June 20033MIC5256
MIC5256Micrel
power dissipation will result in excessive die temperature, and the regulator will go into thermal shutdown. The θJA of the MIC5255-x.xBM5 (all
versions) is 235°C/W on a PC board (see “Thermal Considerations” section for further details).
Note 4. Devices are ESD sensitive. Handling precautions recommended.
Note 5. Regulation is measured at constant junction temperature using low duty cycle pulse testing. Parts are tested for load regulation in the load
Note 6. Dropout Voltage is defined as the input to output differential at which the output voltage drops 2% below its nominal value measured at 1V
Note 7. Ground pin current is the regulator quiescent current. The total current drawn from the supply is the sum of the load current plus the ground
range from 0.1mA to 150mA. Changes in output voltage due to heating effects are covered by the thermal regulation specification.
differential. For outputs below 2.7V, dropout voltage is the input-to-output voltage differential with the minimum input voltage 2.7V. Minimum
input operating voltage is 2.7V.
pin current.
MIC52564June 2003
MIC5256Micrel
)
)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
0200 400 600 800 1000
PSRR (dB)
VOLTAGE DROP (mV)
PSRR vs. Voltage Drop
I
LOAD
= 150mA
I
LOAD
= 100µA
C
OUT
= 1µF
95
100
105
110
115
120
125
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100120140
GROUND CURRENT (µA)
TEMPERATURE (°C)
Ground Pin Current
I
LOAD
= 150mA
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
Dropout Characteristics
I
LOAD
= 150mA
I
LOAD
= 100µA
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
DROPOUT VOLTAGE (mV)
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
Dropout Voltage
T = –40C
T = 25C
T = 125C
Typical Characteristics
Power Supply Rejection Ratio
70
60
50
100µA*
40
50mA*
30
PSRR (dB)
130
125
120
115
110
105
GROUND CURRENT (µA)
100
100mA*
150mA*
20
*I
LOAD
10
C
= 1.0µF Ceramic
OUT
0
10
100
1000
10000
FREQUENCY (Hz
Ground Pin Current
VIN = V
0.11101001000
OUTPUT CURRENT (mA)
OUT
+ 1V
100000
1000000
Power Supply Rejection Ratio
70
60
50
40
30
PSRR (dB)
20
10
115
113
111
109
107
105
103
101
99
GROUND CURRENT (µA)
97
95
100µA*
50mA*
100mA*
150mA*
*I
LOAD
C
= 4.7µF Ceramic
OUT
0
10
100
1000
10000
FREQUENCY (Hz
Ground Pin Current
I
= 100µA
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100120140
TEMPERATURE (°C)
LOAD
100000
1000000
June 20035MIC5256
Ground Pin Current
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
GROUND CURRENT (µA)
0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
0.14
0.12
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02
DROPOUT VOLTAGE (mV)
Dropout Voltage
0.1
0
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100120140
TEMPERATURE (°C)
I
LOAD
I
LOAD
= 100µA
= 100µA
Ground Pin Current
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
GROUND CURRENT (µA)
0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
180
160
140
120
100
DROPOUT VOLTAGE (mV)
Dropout Voltage
80
60
40
20
0
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100120140
TEMPERATURE (°C)
I
LOAD
I
LOAD
= 150mA
= 150mA
MIC5256Micrel
Short Circuit Current
600
500
400
300
200
100
SHORT CIRCUIT CURRENT (mA)
0
33.54 4.555.56
INPUT VOLTAGE (V)
1.25
1.15
1.05
0.95
0.85
ENABLE THRESHOLD VOLTAGE (V)
500
490
480
470
460
450
440
430
420
410
SHORT CIRCUIT CURRENT (mA)
400
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100120140
Enable Threshold
vs. Temperature
1.3
1.2
1.1
1
0.9
I
= 100µA
0.8
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100120140
TEMPERATURE (°C)
LOAD
Short Circuit Current
VIN = V
+ 1V
OUT
TEMPERATURE (°C)
3.05
3.04
3.03
3.02
3.01
3.00
2.99
2.98
2.97
OUTPUT VOLTAGE (V)
2.96
2.95
-40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100120140
Error Flag Pull-Up Resistor
4.5
Power Good
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
FLAG VOLTAGE (V)
0.5
0
0.1110100 1000 10000
RESISTANCE (kΩ)
VIN = 4V
Power Fail
Output Voltage vs.
Temperature
I
= 100µA
LOAD
TEMPERATURE (°C)
Test Circuits
1.0µF*
Ceramic
0V
* CIN = C
ON
OFF
OUT
= 1µF
MIC5256
47k
0.01µF
Figure 1. Test Circuit
1.0µF*
Ceramic
Error Flag Output
MIC52566June 2003
MIC5256Micrel
Functional Characteristics
(50mV/div)
Output Voltage
100µA
(100mA/div)
Output Current
(1V/div)
Enable Voltage
Load Transient Response
CIN = 1µF Ceramic
C
OUT
150mA
TIME (4µs/div)
Enable Pin Delay
CIN = 1µF Ceramic
= 1µF Ceramic
C
OUT
I
OUT
= 1µF Ceramic
V
= 100µA
IN
= 4V
(1V/div)
Input Voltage
(50mV/div)
Output Voltage
(1V/div)
Enable Voltage
Line Transient Response
C
IN
C
OUT
TIME (400µs/div)
Shutdown Delay
CIN = 1µF Ceramic
= 1µF Ceramic
C
OUT
= 1µF Ceramic
= 1µF Ceramic
= 100µA
I
OUT
= 100µA
I
L
(1V/div)
Output Voltage
TIME (10µs/div)
(1V/div)
Output Voltage
Error Flag Start-up*
(2V/div)
Enable Voltage
(2V/div)
Output Voltage
(2V/div)
Error Flag
TIME (400µs/div)
(2V/div)
Enable Voltage
(2V/div)
Output Voltage
(2V/div)
Error Flag
* See Test Circuit Figure 1* See Test Circuit Figure 1
TIME (400µs/div)
Error Flag Shutdown*
TIME (400µs/div)
June 20037MIC5256
MIC5256Micrel
Block Diagram
IN
EN
Reference
Voltage
Thermal
Sensor
Under-
voltage
Lockout
Overcurrent
Dropout
Detection
Startup/
Shutdown
Control
FAULT
Quickstart
Error
Amplifier
Current
Amplifier
ACTIVE SHUTDOWN
Out of
Regulation
Detection
OUT
FLG
GND
MIC52568June 2003
MIC5256Micrel
P
TT
D(max)
J(max)A
JA
=
−
θ
Applications Information
Enable/Shutdown
The MIC5256 comes with an active-high enable pin that
allows the regulator to be disabled. Forcing the enable pin low
disables the regulator and sends it into a “zero” off-modecurrent state. In this state, current consumed by the regulator
goes nearly to zero. Forcing the enable pin high enables the
output voltage. This part is CMOS and the enable pin cannot
be left floating; a floating enable pin may cause an indeterminate state on the output.
Input Capacitor
The MIC5256 is a high performance, high bandwidth device.
Therefore, it requires a well-bypassed input supply for optimal performance. A 1µF capacitor is required from the input
to ground to provide stability. Low ESR ceramic capacitors
provide optimal performance at a minimum of space. Additional high-frequency capacitors, such as small valued NPO
dielectric type capacitors, help filter out high frequency noise
and are good practice in any RF based circuit.
Output capacitor
The MIC5256 requires an output capacitor for stability. The
design requires 1µF or greater on the output to maintain
stability. The design is optimized for use with low ESR
ceramic chip capacitors. High ESR capacitors may cause
high frequency oscillation. The maximum recommended
ESR is 300mΩ. The output capacitor can be increased, but
performance has been optimized for a 1µF ceramic output
capacitor and does not improve significantly with larger
capacitance.
X7R/X5R dielectric-type ceramic capacitors are recom-
the input without using a pull-down capacitor, then there can
be a glitch on the error flag upon start up of the device. This
is due to the response time of the error flag circuit as the
device starts up. When the device comes out of the “zero” off
mode current state, all the various nodes of the circuit power
up before the device begins supplying full current to the
output capacitor. The error flag drives low immediately and
then releases after a few microseconds. The intelligent circuit
that triggers an error detects the output going into current limit
AND the output being low while charging the output capacitor.
The error output then pulls low for the duration of the turn-on
time. A capacitor from the error flag to ground will filter out this
glitch. The glitch does not occur if the error flag pulled up to
the output.
Active Shutdown
The MIC5256 also features an active shutdown clamp, which
is an N-channel MOSFET that turns on when the device is
disabled. This allows the output capacitor and load to discharge, de-energizing the load.
No Load Stability
The MIC5256 will remain stable and in regulation with no load
unlike many other voltage regulators. This is especially
important in CMOS RAM keep-alive applications.
Thermal Considerations
The MIC5256 is designed to provide 150mA of continuous
current in a very small package. Maximum power dissipation
can be calculated based on the output current and the voltage
drop across the part. To determine the maximum power
dissipation of the package, use the junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of the device and the following basic equation:
mended because of their temperature performance. X7Rtype capacitors change capacitance by 15% over their operating temperature range and are the most stable type of
ceramic capacitors. Z5U and Y5V dielectric capacitors change
value by as much as 50% and 60% respectively over their
operating temperature ranges. To use a ceramic chip capacitor with Y5V dielectric, the value must be much higher than an
T
is the maximum junction temperature of the die,
J(max)
125°C, and TA is the ambient operating temperature. θJA is
layout dependent; Table 1 shows examples of junction-toambient thermal resistance for the MIC5256.
X7R ceramic capacitor to ensure the same minimum capacitance over the equivalent operating temperature range.
Package
Error Flag
The error flag output is an active-low, open-drain output that
drives low when a fault condition AND an undervoltage
SOT-23-5235°C/W185°C/W145°C/W
(M5 or D5)
detection occurs. Internal circuitry intelligently monitors
overcurrent, overtemperature and dropout conditions and
ORs these outputs together to indicate some fault condition.
The output of that OR gate is ANDed with an output voltage
monitor that detects an undervoltage condition. That output
drives the open-drain transistor to indicate a fault. This
prevents chattering or inadvertent triggering of the error flag.
The error flag must be pulled-up using a resistor from the flag
pin to either the input or the output.
The error flag circuit was designed essentially to work with a
capacitor to ground to act as a power-on reset generator,
The actual power dissipation of the regulator circuit can be
determined using the equation:
PD = (VIN – V
Substituting P
conditions that are critical to the application will give the
maximum operating conditions for the regulator circuit. For
example, when operating the MIC5256-3.0BM5 at 50°C with
a minimum footprint layout, the maximum input voltage for a
set output current can be determined as follows:
signaling a power-good situation once the regulated voltage
was up and/or out of a fault condition. This capacitor delays
P
the error signal from pulling high, allowing the down stream
circuits time to stablilize. When the error flag is pulled-up to
June 20039MIC5256
P
θθ
θJA Recommended
θθ
Minimum FootprintCopper Clad
Table 1. SOT-23-5 Thermal Resistance
) I
OUT
OUT
for PD and solving for the operating
D(max)
125 C 5 C
°− °
D(max)
D(max)
=
235 C/W
= 315mW
0
°
+ VIN I
θθ
θJA 1" Square
θθ
GND
θθ
θ
θθ
JC
MIC5256Micrel
15
2
34
V
OUT
MIC5256-x.xBM5
47kΩ
V
IN
C
OUT
= 1.0µF
Ceramic
C
IN
= 1.0µF
Ceramic
The junction-to-ambient thermal resistance for the minimum
footprint is 235°C/W, from Table 1. The maximum power
dissipation must not be exceeded for proper operation. Using
the output voltage of 3.0V and an output current of 150mA,
the maximum input voltage can be determined. Because this
device is CMOS and the ground current is typically 100µA
over the load range, the power dissipation contributed by the
ground current is < 1% and can be ignored for this calculation.
Therefore, a 3.0V application at 150mA of output current can
accept a maximum input voltage of 5.4V in a SOT-23-5
package. For a full discussion of heat sinking and thermal
effects on voltage regulators, refer to the Regulator Thermals
section of Micrel’s
lators
handbook.
Designing with Low-Dropout Voltage Regu-
Fixed Regulator Applications
Figure 1. Low-Noise Fixed Voltage Application
Figure 1 shows a standard low-noise configuration with a
47kΩ pull-up resistor from the error flag to the input voltage
and a pull-down capacitor to ground for the purpose of fault
indication. EN (Pin 3) is connected to IN (Pin 1) for an
application where enable/shutdown is not required. C
OUT
=
1.0µF minimum.
MIC525610June 2003
MIC5256Micrel
Package Information
1.90 (0.075) REF
0.95 (0.037) REF
3.02 (0.119)
2.80 (0.110)
2.90BSC
1.90BSC
0.50 (0.020)
0.35 (0.014)
1.90BSC
0.30
0.45
1.75 (0.069)
1.50 (0.059)
1.30 (0.051)
0.90 (0.035)
0.15 (0.006)
0.00 (0.000)
SOT-23-5 (M5)
DIMENSIONS:
Millimeter
3.00 (0.118)
2.60 (0.102)
10°
0°
DIMENSIONS:
MM (INCH)
0.20 (0.008)
0.09 (0.004)
0.60 (0.024)
0.10 (0.004)
0.90
0.80
1.90BSC
0.10
0.01
1.00
0.90
1.60BSC
0.20
0.12
1.60BSC
0.30
0.50
TSOT-23-5 (D5)
MICREL, INC.1849 FORTUNE DRIVE SAN JOSE, CA 95131USA
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.