UTC Low-dropout Linear Regulators
UTC offers a broad line of high performance linear regulators. UTC Linear voltage regulators, including LDO (Low Drop Out) types, are used to provide a stable output voltage that is nominally invariant with respect to changes in load current, input voltage, or environmental factors. Among UTC's products, the user can find the optimal combination of low dropout voltage and quiescent current for the highest efficiency design or dynamic performances for the best transient response, ripple rejection, and low noise. All of this coupled with a choice of the smallest form-factor packages for size-conscious applications.
There are two types of linear regulators: standard linear regulators and low dropout linear regulators (LDOs). The difference between the two is in the pass element and the amount of headroom, or dropout voltage, required to maintain a regulated output voltage. The dropout voltage is the minimum voltage required across the regulator to maintain regulation. A 3.3V regulator that has 1V of dropout requires the input voltage to be at least 4.3V. The input voltage minus the voltage drop across the pass element equals the output voltage.
Linear and low-dropout (LDO) regulators are a simple, inexpensive way to provide a regulated output voltage that is powered from a higher voltage input in a variety of applications. UTC's extensive portfolio will help you meet nearly any regulator design challenge, from powering sensitive analog systems to extending battery life. UTC's solutions include the industry’s first smart AC/DC linear regulator, as well as many features such as low noise, wide input voltage (VIN), small package footprint and low quiescent current (IQ).
- Dual linear regulator family features:
- Highly compact solution
- All the performance features of Analog Devices' single PNP regulators
- Ideal for core / logic combinations
- Positive linear regulators family features:
- Low output voltage noise
- Fast transient response
- Extensive reverse protection
- Very low dropout voltage
- Rugged and hard to kill negative linear regulator family features:
- Low output voltage noise
- Wide voltage range
- Low dropout voltage
- Extensive reverse protection
Linear regulators operating principle requires that the input voltage be maintained above the desired output voltage by some minimum amount, and function on the basis of converting whatever excess voltage is present at the input to heat. While this renders them less efficient than switch-mode voltage regulators for most applications, they are often better suited for applications with high sensitivity to noise.
Applications
- Simple High–Efficiency Step–Down (Buck) Regulator
- Efficient Pre–Regulator for Linear Regulators
- On–Card Switching Regulators
- Positive to Negative Converter (Buck-Boost)
- Negative Step-Up Converters
- Power Supply for Battery Chargers
- PC Motherboard
- LCD Monitor
- Graphic Card
- DVD-Video Player
- NIC/Switch
- Telecom Modem
- ADSL Modem
- Printer and other peripheral Equipment