LP2985LV_0406 Datasheet, PDF (12/17 Pages) National Semiconductor (TI) – Micropower 150 mA Low-Noise Low-Dropout Regulator in SOT-23 and micro SMD packages for Applications

Application Hints (Continued)
One disadvantage of ceramic capacitors is that their capaci-
tance can vary with temperature. Most large value ceramic
capacitors (≥ 2.2 µF) are manufactured with the Z5U or Y5V
temperature characteristic, which results in the capacitance
dropping by more than 50% as the temperature goes from
25˚C to 85˚C.
This could cause problems if a 2.2 µF capacitor were used
on the output since it will drop down to approximately 1 µF at
high ambient temperatures (which could cause the
LP2985LV to oscillate). If Z5U or Y5V capacitors are used on
the output, a minimum capacitance value of 4.7 µF must be
observed.
A better choice for temperature coefficient in ceramic capaci-
tors is X7R, which holds the capacitance within ±15%. Un-
fortunately, the larger values of capacitance are not offered
by all manufacturers in the X7R dielectric.
Tantalum
Tantalum capacitors are less desirable than ceramics for use
as output capacitors because they are more expensive when
comparing equivalent capacitance and voltage ratings in the
1 µF to 4.7 µF range.
Another important consideration is that Tantalum capacitors
have higher ESR values than equivalent size ceramics. This
means that while it may be possible to find a Tantalum
capacitor with an ESR value within the stable range, it would
have to be larger in capacitance (which means bigger and
more costly) than a ceramic capacitor with the same ESR
value.
It should also be noted that the ESR of a typical Tantalum will
increase about 2:1 as the temperature goes from 25˚C down
to −40˚C, so some guard band must be allowed.
On/off Input Operation
The LP2985LV is shut off by driving the ON/OFF input low,
and turned on by pulling it high. If this feature is not to be
used, the ON/OFF input should be tied to V_IN to keep the
regulator output on at all times.
To assure proper operation, the signal source used to drive
the ON/OFF input must be able to swing above and below
the specified turn-on/turn-off voltage thresholds listed in the
Electrical Characteristics section under V_ON/OFF. To prevent
mis-operation, the turn-on (and turn-off) voltage signals ap-
plied to the ON/OFF input must have a slew rate which is
≥ 40 mV/µs.
Caution: the regulator output voltage can not be guaranteed
if a slow-moving AC (or DC) signal is applied that is in the
range between the specified turn-on and turn-off voltages
listed under the electrical specification V_ON/OFF (see Electri-
cal Characteristics).
REVERSE INPUT-OUTPUT VOLTAGE
The PNP power transistor used as the pass element in the
LP2985LV has an inherent diode connected between the
regulator output and input. During normal operation (where
the input voltage is higher than the output) this diode is
reverse-biased.
However, if the output is pulled above the input, this diode
will turn ON and current will flow into the regulator output. In
such cases, a parasitic SCR can latch which will allow a high
current to flow into V_IN (and out the ground pin), which can
damage the part.
In any application where the output may be pulled above the
input, an external Schottky diode must be connected from
V_IN to V_OUT (cathode on V_IN, anode on V_OUT), to limit the
reverse voltage across the LP2985LV to 0.3V (see Absolute
Maximum Ratings).
MICRO SMD MOUNTING
The micro SMD package requires specific mounting tech-
niques which are detailed in National Semiconductor Appli-
cation Note # 1112. Referring to the section Surface Mount
Technology (SMT) Assembly Considerations, it should be
noted that the pad style which must be used with the 5-pin
package is the NSMD (non-solder mask defined) type.
For best results during assembly, alignment ordinals on the
PC board may be used to facilitate placement of the micro
SMD device.
MICRO SMD LIGHT SENSITIVITY
Exposing the micro SMD device to direct sunlight will cause
misoperation of the device. Light sources such as Halogen
lamps can also affect electrical performance if brought near
to the device.
The wavelenghts which have the most detrimental effect are
reds and infra-reds, which means that the fluorescent light-
ing used inside most buildings has very little effect on per-
formance. A micro SMD test board was brought to within 1
cm of a fluorescent desk lamp and the effect on the regu-
lated output voltage was negligible, showing a deviation of
less than 0.1% from nominal.
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