IC voltage regulators are three-terminal devices that provide a constant DC output voltage that is independent of the input voltage, output load current, and temperature.

Types of IC Voltage Regulators

There are three types of IC voltage regulators: IC linear voltage regulators, IC switching voltage regulators, and DC/DC converter chips.

• IC linear voltage regulators use an active pass element to reduce the input voltage to a regulated output voltage.
• By contrast, IC switching voltage regulators store energy in an inductor, transformer, or capacitor and then use this storage device to transfer energy from the input to the output in discrete packets over a low-resistance switch.
• DC/DC converter chips, a third type of IC voltage regulators, also provide a regulated DC voltage output from a different, unregulated input voltage.

In addition, DC/DC converters are provide noise isolation regulate power buses. For each type of IC voltage regulator, the output voltage can be fixed or adjusted to a value within a specified range.

Performance Specifications

Performance specifications for IC voltage regulators include:

• The regulated output voltage (V_olt) represents minimum and maximum amounts in continuous mode (DC). Output voltage can be fixed, or adjustable.
• The output current (I_OUT) is measured under specified conditions.
• Dropout voltage (V_D) is the minimum voltage drop across the regulator that maintains output voltage regulation. IC voltage regulators that operate with small dropout voltages dissipate less internal power, but have relatively high efficiencies.
• Measured in amperes (A) during the idling state, the quiescent current never makes it to the load. Instead, it flows from the battery to power the regulator itself.
• The operating temperature is a full-required range.

Features

IC voltage regulators are available with a variety of features.

• Multiple outputs or channels
• Internal circuit to control the amount of current produced
• An error flag for monitoring outputs that drop below a nominal value.
• Reverse voltage protection prevents damage in applications where users can accidentally reverse battery polarity.
• Thermal shutdown protection turns off IC voltage regulators when the temperature exceeds a predefined limit.
• Shutdown (inhibit) pins are used to disable regulator outputs. 

Packaging

IC voltage regulators are available in a variety of IC package types. Dual in-line packages (DIP) can be made of ceramic (CIP) or plastic (PDIP). Quad flat packages (QFPs) contain a large number of fine, flexible, gull wing shaped leads. SC-70, one of the smallest available IC packages, is well-suited for applications where space is extremely limited. Small outline (SO) packages are available with 8, 14, or 20 pins.

Transistor outline (TO) packages are commonly available. TO-92 is a single in-line package used for low power devices. TO-220 is suitable for high power, medium-current, and fast-switching products. TO-263 is the surface-mount version of the TO-220 package. Other IC packages for IC voltage regulators include shrink small outline package (SSOP), small outline integrated circuit (SOIC), small outline package (SOP), small outline J-lead (SOJ), discrete package (DPAK), and power package (PPAK).

Standards

Standards for IC voltage regulators can be found on the IHS standrds store.

CECC 90201 - Specification for harmonized system of quality assessment for electronic components.

MIL - M - 38510/107 - Specification for microcircuits, linear, positive, voltage regulators, and monolithic silicon.

QPL-23761 - Qualified product list for products under performace specification MIL-R-23761 Regulators, voltage, and control panels aircraft.

References

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