ROHM Announces CMOS LDO Regulators with Automatic Power-Saving Function

Side-by-side LDO regulator stages are engaged depending on load requirements — 20 µA, max power consumption in high-speed mode, 2µA, max in power-save mode; features include operation from input as low as 1.7 V; integrated output discharge function;, inrush current, over-temperature and over-current protection.

ROHM Semiconductor has introduced a new series of CMOS LDO regulators featuring ROHM's proprietary automatic power-saving (APS) function that dynamically switches performance characteristics based on operating conditions. The BHxxPB1 Series combines the benefits of LDOs - small packaging, minimal external components and simple design process - with very low average power consumption. During high-speed operation, with operating current of 20 µA, the output voltage is regulated to ±1% over step load changes. In the power-save mode, the operating current is reduced to 2µA. These devices are particularly useful in portable applications such as cell phones where lower average current consumption can aid in extending battery life.

The PB1 series is offered in nine models with fixed output voltages ranging from 1.2 V to 3.3 V. Models in the series feature a built-in shutdown function, 8 kV ESD protection, and foldback over-current and thermal protection.

Key advantages of the ROHM BHxxPB1 Series include:

* A low-voltage reference source to enable stable operation from
   1.7 V inputs
* Integrated output discharge function that eliminates external blocking
   diodes required to prevent reverse-voltage damage
* Integrated inrush current protection to assure output stability
   without need for added external components
* HVSOF5 package requiring 70% less mounting area than standard
   SOT23-5