Diodes Incorporated's High-PSRR LDO Delivers Reduced Noise Levels
The electronics industry has just been given a new tool for noise-sensitive and precision applications, with Diodes Incorporated announcing the AP7372 low-noise low-dropout (LDO) regulator. This innovative regulator is designed to power precision components such as data converters, voltage-controlled oscillators, and phase-locked loops, making it ideal for fields like test and measurement, communications, industrial automation, and medical equipment.
One of the AP7372's standout features is its extremely low output noise of just 8μVrms. This low noise level benefits signal integrity in precision analog and mixed-signal devices. Additionally, the regulator boasts a very high power supply rejection ratio (PSRR) of up to 90dB across a wide frequency range. This significantly reduces power supply noise and ripple that can interfere with sensitive circuits.
The AP7372 also offers a low dropout voltage of about 120mV at 200mA load current. This enables regulation close to the input voltage, improving efficiency in battery-powered or low-voltage systems. The regulator's wide input voltage range (2.7V to 20V) and fixed output voltages (1.8V, 2.5V, 3.3V, 5.0V) with an option for adjustable output provide flexible integration in various power rails and systems.
The AP7372 is capable of delivering up to 200mA output current, suitable for powering modest loads typical in control and sensor circuitry. It also features an excellent line and load transient response using a small ceramic capacitor (2.2μF), ensuring stable and reliable operation in dynamic environments.
Another valuable asset of the AP7372 is its programmable soft-start feature through an external capacitor, which reduces inrush current and stress on power systems during startup. For added safety, the regulator includes a current limiter to protect against short-circuit and overcurrent.
The AP7372's compact 1.2mm x 1.0mm U-WLB1012-6 (Type A1) ball-grid array package ensures a compact circuit footprint, making it an attractive option for space-constrained designs. Moreover, the AP7372's enable pin allows system-level control such as power-up sequencing and can be used to save energy by shutting down the regulator when unused.
In terms of applications, the AP7372 is particularly useful for test and measurement equipment, where ultra-low noise and high PSRR are crucial for accurate sensor readouts and signal conditioning without distortion from power supply fluctuations. It also plays a vital role in communication systems, helping maintain signal integrity in RF front-ends and mixed-signal modules by minimizing noise interference from the power supply.
In the realm of industrial automation, the AP7372's robust, stable, low-noise power supplies safeguard sensitive analog control circuits and sensors against industrial electrical noise. Lastly, in medical equipment, precision and reliability are vital—low noise and stable voltage regulation reduce the risk of measurement errors and improve device safety and accuracy.
In conclusion, the AP7372’s combination of very low noise, high PSRR, low dropout, and flexible voltage options make it highly suited to powering precision analog and mixed-signal stages in demanding environments such as those found in test and measurement, communication, industrial automation, and medical equipment applications.
Data-and-cloud-computing technologies can leverage the AP7372's low-noise and high power supply rejection ratio to improve the precision and reliability of their power systems, ensuring accurate data processing and signal integrity. This innovative technology, used in precision components, is ideal for powering various devices in various fields, such as test and measurement, communications, industrial automation, and medical equipment.
The AP7372's programmable soft-start feature and compact package further enhance its appeal for space-constrained designs in the data-and-cloud-computing sector, where minimal footprint and system-level control are valued for optimal efficiency and performance.
