MIC39100-5.0WS-TR: A 5V, 1A Low-Dropout Voltage Regulator for Power-Sensitive Applications

In the realm of modern electronics, managing power efficiently and reliably is paramount, especially for applications where every millivolt and milliampere counts. The MIC39100-5.0WS-TR from Microchip Technology stands out as a robust, high-performance solution designed to meet these critical demands. This 5V, 1A low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator is engineered to provide exceptional power quality and stability for a wide range of power-sensitive applications.

Key Features and Advantages

At the heart of the MIC39100's appeal is its extremely low dropout voltage. With a dropout of just 350mV at the full 1A load, this LDO maintains regulation even when the input voltage dips very close to the output level. This characteristic is invaluable in battery-powered systems, such as portable medical devices, IoT sensors, and handheld instruments, where extending battery life is a primary design goal. It allows the system to continue operating effectively as the battery voltage decays, squeezing out every last bit of usable energy.

Beyond its dropout performance, the MIC39100 excels in power supply rejection ratio (PSRR). It effectively filters out noise and ripple from the input source, ensuring a clean, stable 5V output. This high PSRR is crucial for noise-sensitive circuitry like RF transceivers, high-resolution analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), and precision sensors, where supply noise can directly degrade system performance and accuracy.

The regulator is also designed for simplicity and reliability. It requires only a small 1µF ceramic capacitor on the output for stability, reducing the bill of materials (BOM) and saving valuable board space. Built-in protection features, including thermal shutdown and current limiting, safeguard both the IC and the downstream load from damage under fault conditions such as short circuits or excessive power dissipation.

Target Applications

The combination of its key specs makes the MIC39100-5.0WS-TR ideally suited for a diverse set of applications:

Portable and Battery-Powered Equipment: Maximizing run-time by operating efficiently with declining battery voltage.

Noise-Sensitive Analog and RF Circuits: Providing a quiet power rail for sensitive components like op-amps, sensors, and communication modules.

Post-Regulation for Switching Supplies: Cleaning up the noisy output of a DC-DC switcher to power delicate subsystems.

Industrial and Automotive Electronics: Providing reliable, stable local power for microcontrollers, FPGAs, and ASICs in demanding environments.

ICGOO

DFIND Summary: The MIC39100-5.0WS-TR is a high-performance LDO regulator that delivers a critical blend of high current (1A), low dropout voltage, and excellent noise rejection. Its efficiency and stability make it an exceptional choice for designers focused on enhancing battery life and ensuring signal integrity in compact, power-sensitive applications.

Keywords: Low-Dropout (LDO) Regulator, Power Supply Rejection Ratio (PSRR), Battery-Powered Devices, Noise Filtering, Thermal Protection