Overview of Microchip Technology MIC7300BM5-TR

The Microchip Technology MIC7300BM5-TR is a highly integrated, high-performance power management device featuring a dual low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator. It is designed to deliver accurate, low-noise, and high PSRR (power supply rejection ratio) voltage outputs for noise-sensitive applications such as RF modules, analog sensors, communications equipment, and precision data acquisition systems. The MIC7300 series was originally developed by Micrel and later incorporated into Microchip’s analog power portfolio. The device is housed in a compact SOT-23-5 package and supports independent enable control for each regulator channel.

Dual LDO Regulator Architecture

The MIC7300BM5-TR integrates two independent LDO regulators in a single package. Each channel is capable of sourcing up to 150mA of continuous output current while maintaining ultra-low output noise and high output accuracy. This architecture allows the device to power multiple system components simultaneously while minimizing board space and external component count. The two regulators operate independently, each with its own enable pin and output voltage, making it ideal for applications requiring multiple rails with different voltage levels.

Key Features

* Dual Independent LDO Outputs: Each channel supports a maximum output current of 150mA with high regulation accuracy.
* Low Output Noise: Designed to provide extremely low output voltage noise, suitable for RF and analog circuits.
* High PSRR: Provides excellent power supply rejection (typically >60dB at 1kHz), enabling clean voltage rails even in noisy environments.
* Low Dropout Voltage: Dropout voltage as low as 150mV at 150mA load ensures efficient operation even with a low input-output differential.
* Low Quiescent Current: Ultra-low 29μA total quiescent current (typical) ensures minimal power consumption, critical for battery-powered designs.
* Thermal Protection: Includes integrated thermal shutdown protection to prevent damage due to overheating.
* Current Limiting: Each channel is protected with an internal current limit to safeguard against overload conditions.
* Fast Transient Response: Optimized for rapid response to dynamic load changes without compromising output stability.
* Enable Pins for Each Output: Allows for independent control of each regulator output, supporting power sequencing and system-level flexibility.
* Stable with Low ESR Capacitors: Designed to operate with small ceramic output capacitors (as low as 1µF), reducing BOM and PCB footprint.

Specifications

| Parameter | Value |
| ----------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Input Voltage Range | 2.5V to 5.5V |
| Output Voltage Options | Fixed output versions (e.g., 1.2V, 1.5V, etc.) |
| Output Current (each channel) | Up to 150mA |
| Dropout Voltage | 150mV typical at 150mA load |
| Output Voltage Accuracy | ±1% typical |
| Output Noise | < 30 µVRMS (10 Hz to 100 kHz) |
| PSRR | 65dB typical at 1kHz |
| Quiescent Current (total) | 29 µA typical |
| Shutdown Current | <1 µA |
| Load Regulation | 0.002%/mA typical |
| Line Regulation | 0.02%/V typical |
| Operating Temperature Range | –40°C to +125°C |
| Package | SOT-23-5 |

Applications

* RF Systems: The MIC7300BM5-TR’s low noise and high PSRR characteristics make it ideal for powering VCOs, PLLs, and RF transceivers in wireless communication systems.
* Battery-Powered Devices: With ultra-low quiescent and shutdown currents, it extends battery life in wearables, portable instruments, and IoT nodes.
* Precision Analog Circuits: Used to supply clean power to analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and operational amplifiers.
* FPGA and SoC Peripherals: Can be used to generate separate power domains for I/O, PLLs, and memory interfaces in programmable logic and SoC platforms.
* Sensor Modules: Provides regulated power for high-accuracy environmental or biometric sensors with stringent noise sensitivity.

Design Considerations

* Capacitor Selection: The MIC7300 is designed for stability with low ESR ceramic capacitors. A minimum of 1µF ceramic capacitor is required on each output to ensure stable operation.
* Thermal Management: Although the device is thermally protected, layout considerations should ensure proper heat dissipation, especially when both channels are delivering maximum current.
* Power Supply Sequencing: Independent enable pins allow for customizable startup sequences or selective disabling of unused regulators to save power.
* Noise Performance Optimization: To achieve the lowest noise levels, the output capacitor should be placed as close as possible to the IC pins, and PCB traces should be kept short and wide to reduce parasitic inductance and resistance.

Advantages Over Discrete Dual LDO Designs

By integrating two regulators into one small package, the MIC7300BM5-TR eliminates the need for two separate ICs, significantly reducing board area, BOM cost, and potential layout complexity. The use of a shared substrate and internal matching of the LDOs also helps improve cross-channel noise immunity and thermal tracking.

Reliability and Protection

The built-in thermal shutdown ensures the device is disabled if the die temperature exceeds the safe operating range, protecting both the regulator and downstream circuitry. The current limit and short-circuit protection features provide added robustness under fault conditions.

Conclusion

The MIC7300BM5-TR from Microchip Technology is a highly efficient, low-noise, and space-saving dual LDO voltage regulator that is ideally suited for modern analog, RF, and low-power digital applications. With outstanding power supply rejection, ultra-low noise, and efficient performance, it serves as a versatile solution for engineers designing systems with multiple voltage domains, space constraints, and demanding power quality requirements.