High current, high accuracy LDO addresses noise-sensitive power conversion applications

Diodes Incorporated has released a 3A-rated low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator supporting 4.4µVRMS operation (at 0.8V output). Delivering a clean supply, the AP7179D is highly optimised for powering noise-sensitive components – such as the high-performance SerDes, RF components, and data converters needed for high-speed communications, test and measurement, medical, and video applications. Remote radio units (RRUs), outdoor backhaul units, mMIMO active antenna systems, ultrasound scanners, radar systems, and lab/field instrumentation are among the types of hardware into which it can be incorporated.

The AP7179D has a ±1% output accuracy across line, load, and temperature. This device’s 180mV (maximum) dropout voltage at a 3A load current supports a wide voltage conversion range. Its low-noise reference and error amplifier enables a minimal noise floor. In addition, its 40dB power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) at 500kHz substantially lowers the coupling of input supply noise to the output.

There are two output voltage selection modes for this LDO: pin-programmable between 0.8V and 3.95V, or adjustable using an external resistor divider from 0.8V to 5.5V. The resulting flexibility significantly reduces the number of accompanying components needed.

The device’s low output noise mitigates both power-supply-generated phase noise and clock jitter. Because of this, alongside its high-current capabilities, this device is compatible with high-performance processors, such as FPGAs, ASICs, and DSPs.

The AP7179D is housed in a compact 20-pin W-QFN3535 (Type A1) package.