LDO Voltage Regulators: Vendors and Part Numbers

A Low Dropout (LDO) voltage regulator is a type of linear voltage regulator commonly used in electronic circuits to provide a stable and regulated output voltage from an unregulated or fluctuating input voltage. LDO regulators are known for their ability to maintain a relatively constant output voltage even when the input voltage is very close to the output voltage, hence the term “low dropout.”

Key Features of LDO Regulators

Here are the key features and characteristics of LDO regulators:

• The primary function of an LDO regulator is to maintain a stable output voltage regardless of changes in the input voltage or load conditions. This is achieved by using feedback control to adjust the internal circuitry to compensate for variations in the input voltage and load current.

• LDO regulators typically have very low dropout voltages, often in the range of tens of millivolts to a few hundred millivolts, allowing them to operate with input voltages very close to the desired output voltage.

• LDO regulators operate in a linear regulation mode, meaning they dissipate excess voltage as heat to maintain the output voltage.

• LDO regulators have a quiescent current, also known as the ground current or operating current, which is the current consumed by the regulator itself when no load is connected.

• Many LDO regulators include built-in protection features such as thermal shutdown, overcurrent protection, and reverse current protection to prevent damage to the regulator and connected components under fault conditions.

• LDO regulators typically require an external output capacitor to stabilize the output voltage and improve transient response.

LDO Regulator Selection Criteria

The following specifications or parameters are considered for selecting an appropriate LDO voltage regulator:

• Input Voltage Range
• Output Voltage
• Output Current Rating
• Dropout voltage
• Quiescent current (Iq)
• Load Regulation
• Line Regulation
• Temperature range
• Package Type
• Additional features (if any)

LDO Voltage Regulators Vendors

The table below lists LDO Voltage Regulator vendors with respective part numbers.

Overall, LDO voltage regulators provide a simple and effective solution for providing a stable and regulated output voltage in a wide range of electronic applications, including battery-powered devices, sensors, microcontrollers, and communication systems.