LP3873ESX-1.8

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Overview

The LP3873ESX-1.8/NOPB is a fixed-output low-dropout linear regulator from the LP3873 series, manufactured by Texas Instruments. It provides a nominal output voltage of 1.8V with a maximum DC load current of 3A. The device operates within an input supply voltage range of +2.5V to +7.0V and features ultra-low dropout characteristics, typically 80mV at 300mA and 800mV at 3A. It incorporates shutdown functionality with quiescent current as low as 1µA, overcurrent protection, and thermal shutdown. The component is housed in a surface-mount DDPAK/TO-263 package.

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Feature Summary

• Ultra-low dropout voltage performance for efficient operation under minimal input-to-output differential conditions
• Integrated shutdown mode significantly reduces quiescent current consumption when disabled
• Built-in error flag indicates output status deviations due to low input voltage or thermal limiting
• Robust protection mechanisms including short-circuit current limiting and overtemperature shutdown

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Applications

• Microprocessor power supplies requiring fast transient response
• GTL, GTL+, BTL, and SSTL bus terminators
• Power supplies for digital signal processors (DSPs)
• Post-regulators for high-efficiency linear power systems

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'ESX' corresponds to the TO-263 surface mount package variant rather than the through-hole TO-220 version. Confirm the presence of the '/NOPB' designation ensures compliance with RoHS standards and absence of lead-based materials. Cross-reference the full part number against the manufacturer's latest datasheet revision to ensure availability and parameter consistency.

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Selection Notes

Select this component for applications demanding high current delivery with minimal voltage drop across the regulator. Ensure the input voltage remains within the specified 2.5V to 7.0V range to maintain stability. Consider the thermal resistance requirements for continuous 3A operation, as adequate heatsinking or copper area may be necessary to prevent thermal shutdown. Verify that the required output capacitance meets the stability criteria defined in the application hints.

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Part Context

This device belongs to the LP3873/LP3876 family of 3A fast ultra low-dropout linear regulators developed on a CMOS process. The LP3873 variant includes an error flag pin for monitoring output status, whereas the LP3876 variant replaces the error flag with a remote sense pin to improve load regulation at distant loads. Both share identical electrical characteristics regarding current handling and dropout performance.

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Replacement Considerations

LP3873ES-1.8/NOPB