MCP1826S-3302E/DB 3.3V LDO Voltage Regulator: Features and Application Circuit Design

The MCP1826S-3302E/DB is a high-performance, 1A low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator from Microchip Technology, designed to deliver a fixed, precise 3.3V output. Renowned for its efficiency and reliability, it is an ideal choice for powering sensitive digital cores, microcontrollers, and RF circuits in a wide array of applications, from industrial equipment and consumer electronics to automotive and battery-powered systems.

Key Features of the MCP1826S-3302E/DB

This LDO stands out due to its robust set of features engineered for stability and performance. Its very low dropout voltage of typically 200 mV at the full 1A load is a critical advantage, enabling operation with minimal headroom and maximizing efficiency, especially as input voltage approaches the output level. This extends battery life in portable applications.

Furthermore, the device offers excellent line and load regulation, ensuring a stable 3.3V output despite fluctuations in the input voltage or changes in the current drawn by the load. A very low quiescent current of 120 µA (typical) further enhances its suitability for power-conscious designs. For safety and protection, the regulator integrates crucial features including overcurrent protection, overtemperature shutdown, and reverse current protection, safeguarding both the IC and the system it powers.

Application Circuit Design

The implementation of the MCP1826S-3302E/DB is straightforward, thanks to its fixed-output design and minimal external component requirements. A typical application circuit is shown below.

```

VIN (4.0V to 6.0V)

│

├────┤║║║├──┐ (Optional)

│ 10µF Ceramic

│

│ ███████

└───┤ VIN ├───┐

│ │ GND├─┐

┌───┤ GND │ │ │

│ │ │ └─┴─┬─ Earth GND

│ │ │ VOUT │

│ ███████ ──────┘

│ │

│ ├───────────────► 3.3V / 1A (Max)

│ │

├────┤║║║├──┐

10µF Ceramic

```

Design Considerations:

1. Input Capacitor (C_IN): A 10 µF ceramic capacitor placed close to the VIN and GND pins is essential for stability and to mitigate input line transients. A low-ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) ceramic type is recommended.

2. Output Capacitor (C_OUT): Stability is achieved with a small, low-ESR ceramic output capacitor (10 µF). Like the input capacitor, it must be located close to the regulator's pins to minimize parasitic inductance.

3. Thermal Management: When operating at high currents or with high input voltages, power dissipation (P_DISS = (V_IN - V_OUT) I_LOAD) becomes critical. Proper PCB layout with sufficient copper pour for the GND and VOUT pins is mandatory to act as a heatsink. For high-load scenarios, additional cooling may be required to prevent overtemperature shutdown.

ICGOOODFIND Summary

The MCP1826S-3302E/DB is a highly efficient and robust 3.3V LDO regulator, distinguished by its low dropout voltage, high output current capability, and comprehensive protection features. Its simple design-in process, requiring only two external capacitors, makes it an excellent and reliable power management solution for demanding electronic systems.

Keywords:

1. LDO Regulator

2. Low Dropout Voltage

3. 3.3V Output

4. 1A Output Current

5. Reverse Current Protection