LM2931Series Low Dropout Regulators

March 2000

LM2931
Series Low Dropout Regulators
General Description Both versions are available in a TO-220 power package,
TO-263 surface mount package, and an 8-lead surface
The LM2931 positive voltage regulator features a very low mount package. The fixed output version is also available in
quiescent current of 1mA or less when supplying 10mA the TO-92 plastic and 6-Bump micro SMD packages.
loads. This unique characteristic and the extremely low
input-output differential required for proper regulation (0.2V
for output currents of 10mA) make the LM2931 the ideal Features
regulator for standby power systems. Applications include n Very low quiescent current
memory standby circuits, CMOS and other low power pro- n Output current in excess of 100 mA
cessor power supplies as well as systems demanding as n Input-output differential less than 0.6V
much as 100mA of output current. n Reverse battery protection
Designed originally for automotive applications, the LM2931 n 60V load dump protection
and all regulated circuitry are protected from reverse battery n 50V reverse transient protection
installations or 2 battery jumps. During line transients, such n Short circuit protection
as a load dump (60V) when the input voltage to the regulator
n Internal thermal overload protection
can momentarily exceed the specified maximum operating
n Mirror-image insertion protection
voltage, the regulator will automatically shut down to protect
both internal circuits and the load. The LM2931 cannot be n Available in TO-220, TO-92, TO-263, SO-8 or 6-Bump
harmed by temporary mirror-image insertion. Familiar regu- micro SMD packages
lator features such as short circuit and thermal overload pro- n Available as adjustable with TTL compatible switch
tection are also provided. n See AN-1112 for micro SMD considerations
The LM2931 family includes a fixed 5V output ( 3.8% toler-
ance for A grade) or an adjustable output with ON/OFF pin.

Connection Diagrams
FIXED VOLTAGE OUTPUT

TO-220 3-Lead Power Package TO-263 Surface-Mount Package

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Front View
Top View

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Side View

8-Pin Surface Mount TO-92 Plastic Package

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*NC = Not internally connected. Must be electrically isolated from the rest
of the circuit for the micro SMD package.

Top View

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LM2931
Connection Diagrams (Continued)

6-Bump micro SMD

micro SMD Laser Mark

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Top View
(Bump Side Down)
ADJUSTABLE OUTPUT VOLTAGE

TO-220 5-Lead Power Package TO-263

5-Lead Surface-Mount Package

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Front View
Top View

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Side View

8-Pin Surface Mount

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Top View

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 LM2931
Connection Diagrams (Continued)

Ordering Information
Output Package Part Number Package Marking Transport Media NSC
Number Drawing
5V 3-Pin TO-220 LM2931T-5.0 LM2931T-5.0 Rails T03B
LM2931AT-5.0 LM2931AT-5.0 Rails
3-Pin TO-263 LM2931S-5.0 LM2931S-5.0 Rails TS3B
LM2931AS-5.0 LM2931AS-5.0 Rails
TO-92 LM2931Z-5.0 LM2931Z-5 1.8k Units per Box Z03A
LM2931AZ-5.0 LM2931AZ 1.8k Units per Box
8-Pin LM2931M-5.0 2931M-5.0 Rails M08A
SOIC LM2931AM-5.0 2931AM-5.0 Rails
* 6-Bump LM2931IBPX-5.0 - Tape and Reel BPA06HTA
micro SMD
Adjustable, 5-Pin TO-220 LM2931CT LM2931CT Rails T05A
3V to 24V 5-Pin TO-263 LM2931CS LM2931CS Rails TS5B
8-Pin LM2931CM LM2931CM Rails M08A
SOIC
3.3V * 6-Bump LM2931IBPX-3.3 - Tape and Reel BPA06HTA
micro SMD
Note: The micro SMD package marking is a single digit manufacturing Date Code Only.

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LM2931
Typical Applications
LM2931 Fixed Output

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*Required if regulator is located far from power supply filter.

**C2 must be at least 100 F to maintain stability. May be increased without bound to maintain regulation during transients. Locate as close as possible to the
regulator. This capacitor must be rated over the same operating temperature range as the regulator. The equivalent series resistance (ESR) of this capacitor is
critical; see curve.

LM2931 Adjustable Output

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Note: Using 27k for R1 will automatically compensate for errors in VOUT due to the input bias current of the ADJ pin (approximately 1 A).

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 LM2931
Absolute Maximum Ratings (Note 1) Internal Power Dissipation
If Military/Aerospace specified devices are required, (Note 2) (Note 4) Internally Limited
please contact the National Semiconductor Sales Office/ Operating Ambient Temperature
Distributors for availability and specifications. Range 40C to +85C
Input Voltage Maximum Junction Temperature 125C
Operating Range 26V Storage Temperature Range 65C to +150C
Overvoltage Protection Lead Temp. (Soldering, 10 seconds) 230C
LM2931A, LM2931C (Adjustable) 60V ESD Tolerance (Note 5) 2000V
LM2931 50V

Electrical Characteristics for Fixed 3.3V Version

VIN = 14V, IO = 10mA, TJ = 25C, C2 = 100F (unless otherwise specified) (Note 2)
Parameter Conditions LM2931-3.3 Units
Typ Limit
(Note 3)
Output Voltage 3.3 3.465 VMAX
3.135 VMIN
4V VIN 26V, IO = 100 mA 3.630 VMAX
40C TJ 125C 2.970 VMIN
Line Regulation 4V VIN 26V 4 33 mVMAX
Load Regulation 5mA IO 100mA 10 50 mVMAX
Output Impedance 100mADC and 10mArms, 200 m
100Hz - 10kHz
Quiescent Current IO 10mA, 4V VIN 26V 0.4 1.0 mAMAX
40C TJ 125C
IO = 100mA, VIN = 14V, TJ = 25C 15 mA
Output Noise Voltage 10Hz -100kHz, COUT = 100F 330 Vrms
Long Term Stability 13 mV/1000 hr
Ripple Rejection fO = 120Hz 80 dB
Dropout Voltage IO = 10mA 0.05 0.2
VMAX
IO = 100mA 0.30 0.6
Maximum Operational 33 26 VMIN
Input Voltage
Maximum Line Transient RL = 500, VO 5.5V, 70 50 VMIN
T = 1ms, 100ms
Reverse Polarity Input VO 0.3V, RL = 500 30 15 VMIN
Voltage, DC
Reverse Polarity Input T = 1ms, 100ms, RL = 500 80 50 VMIN
Voltage, Transient

Electrical Characteristics for Fixed 5V Version

VIN = 14V, IO = 10mA, TJ = 25C, C2 = 100 F (unless otherwise specified) (Note 2)
Parameter Conditions LM2931A-5.0 LM2931-5.0 Units
Limit Limit
Typ Typ
(Note 3) (Note 3)
Output Voltage 5 5.19 5 5.25 VMAX
4.81 4.75 VMIN
6.0V VIN 26V, IO = 100mA 5.25 5.5 VMAX
40C TJ 125C 4.75 4.5 VMIN
Line Regulation 9V VIN 16V 2 10 2 10
mVMAX
6V VIN 26V 4 30 4 30
Load Regulation 5 mA IO 100mA 14 50 14 50 mVMAX
Output Impedance 100mADC and 10mArms, 200 200 m
100Hz -10kHz

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LM2931
Electrical Characteristics for Fixed 5V Version (Continued)

VIN = 14V, IO = 10mA, TJ = 25C, C2 = 100 F (unless otherwise specified) (Note 2)

Parameter Conditions LM2931A-5.0 LM2931-5.0 Units
Limit Limit
Typ Typ
(Note 3) (Note 3)
Quiescent Current IO 10mA, 6V VIN 26V 0.4 1.0 0.4 1.0 mAMAX
40C TJ 125C
IO = 100mA, VIN = 14V, TJ = 25C 15 30 15 mAMAX
5 mAMIN
Output Noise Voltage 10Hz -100kHz, COUT = 100F 500 500 Vrms
Long Term Stability 20 20 mV/1000
hr
Ripple Rejection fO = 120 Hz 80 55 80 dBMIN
Dropout Voltage IO = 10mA 0.05 0.2 0.05 0.2
VMAX
IO = 100mA 0.3 0.6 0.3 0.6
Maximum Operational Input 33 26 33 26 VMIN
Voltage
Maximum Line Transient RL = 500, VO 5.5V,
70 60 70 50 VMIN
T = 1ms, 100ms
Reverse Polarity Input VO 0.3V, RL = 500 30 15 30 15 VMIN
Voltage, DC
Reverse Polarity Input T = 1ms, 100ms, RL = 500 80 50 80 50 VMIN
Voltage, Transient
Note 1: Absolute Maximum Ratings indicate limits beyond which damage to the device may occur. Electrical specifications do not apply when operating the device
beyond its rated operating conditions.
Note 2: See circuit in Typical Applications. To ensure constant junction temperature, low duty cycle pulse testing is used.
Note 3: All limits are guaranteed for TJ = 25C (standard type face) or over the full operating junction temperature range of 40C to +125C (bold type face).
Note 4: The maximum power dissipation is a function of maximum junction temperature TJmax, total thermal resistance JA, and ambient temperature TA. The maxi-
mum allowable power dissipation at any ambient temperature is PD = (TJmax TA)/JA. If this dissipation is exceeded, the die temperature will rise above 150C and
the LM2931 will go into thermal shutdown. For the LM2931 in the TO-92 package, JA is 195C/W; in the SO-8 package, JA is 160C/W, and in the TO-220 package,
JA is 50C/W; in the TO-263 package, JA is 73C/W; and in the 6-Bump micro SMD package JA is 290C/W. If the TO-220 package is used with a heat sink, JA
is the sum of the package thermal resistance junction-to-case of 3C/W and the thermal resistance added by the heat sink and thermal interface.
If the TO-263 package is used, the thermal resistance can be reduced by increasing the P.C. board copper area thermally connected to the package: Using 0.5 square
inches of copper area, JA is 50C/W; with 1 square inch of copper area, JA is 37C/W; and with 1.6 or more square inches of copper area, JA is 32C/W.
Note 5: Human body model, 100 pF discharged through 1.5 k.

Electrical Characteristics for Adjustable Version

VIN = 14V, VOUT = 3V, IO = 10 mA, TJ = 25C, R1 = 27k, C2 = 100 F (unless otherwise specified) (Note 2)
Parameter Conditions Typ Limit Units
Limit
Reference Voltage 1.20 1.26 VMAX
1.14 VMIN
IO 100 mA, 40C Tj 125C, R1 = 27k 1.32 VMAX
Measured from VOUT to Adjust Pin 1.08 VMIN
Output Voltage Range 24 VMAX
3 VMIN
Line Regulation VOUT + 0.6V VIN 26V 0.2 1.5 mV/VMAX
Load Regulation 5 mA IO 100 mA 0.3 1 %MAX
Output Impedance 100 mADC and 10 mArms, 100 Hz10 kHz 40 m/V
Quiescent Current IO = 10 mA 0.4 1 mAMAX
IO = 100 mA 15 mA
During Shutdown RL = 500 0.8 1 mAMAX
Output Noise Voltage 10 Hz100 kHz 100 Vrms/V
Long Term Stability 0.4 %/1000 hr
Ripple Rejection fO = 120 Hz 0.02 %/V

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 LM2931
Electrical Characteristics for Adjustable Version (Continued)

VIN = 14V, VOUT = 3V, IO = 10 mA, TJ = 25C, R1 = 27k, C2 = 100 F (unless otherwise specified) (Note 2)
Parameter Conditions Typ Limit Units
Limit
Dropout Voltage IO 10 mA 0.05 0.2 VMAX
IO = 100 mA 0.3 0.6 VMAX
Maximum Operational Input
Voltage 33 26 VMIN
Maximum Line Transient IO = 10 mA, Reference Voltage 1.5V 70 60 VMIN
T = 1 ms, 100 ms
Reverse Polarity Input VO 0.3V, RL = 500
Voltage, DC 30 15 VMIN
Reverse Polarity Input T = 1 ms, 100 ms, RL = 500
Voltage, Transient 80 50 VMIN
On/Off Threshold Voltage VO =3V
On 2.0 1.2 VMAX
Off 2.2 3.25 VMIN
On/Off Threshold Current 20 50 AMAX

Typical Performance Characteristics

Dropout Voltage Dropout Voltage

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Low Voltage Behavior Output at Voltage Extremes

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LM2931
Typical Performance Characteristics (Continued)

Line Transient Response Load Transient Response

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Peak Output Current Quiescent Current

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Quiescent Current Quiescent Current

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 LM2931
Typical Performance Characteristics (Continued)

Ripple Rejection Ripple Rejection

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Output Impedance Operation During Load

Dump

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Reference Voltage Maximum Power Dissipation

(SO-8)

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LM2931
Typical Performance Characteristics (Continued)

Maximum Power Dissipation Maximum Power Dissipation

(TO-220) (TO-92)

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Maximum Power Dissipation On/Off Threshold

(TO-263) (Note 4)

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Output Capacitor ESR

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 LM2931
Schematic Diagram

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LM2931
Application Hints
One of the distinguishing factors of the LM2931 series regu- should be clear. Since worst-case occurs at minimum oper-
lators is the requirement of an output capacitor for device ating temperatures and maximum operating currents, the en-
stability. The value required varies greatly depending upon tire circuit, including the electrolytic, should be cooled to the
the application circuit and other factors. Thus some com- minimum temperature. The input voltage to the regulator
ments on the characteristics of both capacitors and the regu- should be maintained at 0.6V above the output to keep inter-
lator are in order. nal power dissipation and die heating to a minimum.
High frequency characteristics of electrolytic capacitors de- Worst-case occurs just after input power is applied and be-
pend greatly on the type and even the manufacturer. As a re- fore the die has had a chance to heat up. Once the minimum
sult, a value of capacitance that works well with the LM2931 value of capacitance has been found for the brand and type
for one brand or type may not necessary be sufficient with an of electrolytic in question, the value should be doubled for
electrolytic of different origin. Sometimes actual bench test- actual use to account for production variations both in the ca-
ing, as described later, will be the only means to determine pacitor and the regulator. (All the values in this section and
the proper capacitor type and value. Experience has shown the remainder of the data sheet were determined in this fash-
that, as a rule of thumb, the more expensive and higher qual- ion.)
ity electrolytics generally allow a smaller value for regulator LM2931 micro SMD Light Sensitivity
stability. As an example, while a high-quality 100 F alumi- When the LM2931 micro SMD package is exposed to bright
num electrolytic covers all general application circuits, simi- sunlight, normal office fluorescent light, and other LEDs, it
lar stability can be obtained with a tantalum electrolytic of operates within the guaranteed limits specified in the electri-
only 47F. This factor of two can generally be applied to any cal characteristic table.
special application circuit also.
Another critical characteristic of electrolytics is their perfor- Definition of Terms
mance over temperature. While the LM2931 is designed to
operate to 40C, the same is not always true with all elec- Dropout Voltage: The input-output voltage differential at
trolytics (hot is generally not a problem). The electrolyte in which the circuit ceases to regulate against further reduction
many aluminum types will freeze around 30C, reducing in input voltage. Measured when the output voltage has
their effective value to zero. Since the capacitance is needed dropped 100 mV from the nominal value obtained at 14V in-
for regulator stability, the natural result is oscillation (and lots put, dropout voltage is dependent upon load current and
of it) at the regulator output. For all application circuits where junction temperature.
cold operation is necessary, the output capacitor must be Input Voltage: The DC voltage applied to the input terminals
rated to operate at the minimum temperature. By coinci- with respect to ground.
dence, worst-case stability for the LM2931 also occurs at Input-Output Differential: The voltage difference between
minimum temperatures. As a result, in applications where the unregulated input voltage and the regulated output volt-
the regulator junction temperature will never be less than age for which the regulator will operate.
25C, the output capacitor can be reduced approximately by Line Regulation: The change in output voltage for a change
a factor of two over the value needed for the entire tempera- in the input voltage. The measurement is made under condi-
ture range. To continue our example with the tantalum elec- tions of low dissipation or by using pulse techniques such
trolytic, a value of only 22F would probably thus suffice. For that the average chip temperature is not significantly af-
high-quality aluminum, 47F would be adequate in such an fected.
application.
Load Regulation: The change in output voltage for a
Another regulator characteristic that is noteworthy is that sta- change in load current at constant chip temperature.
bility decreases with higher output currents. This sensible
fact has important connotations. In many applications, the Long Term Stability: Output voltage stability under acceler-
LM2931 is operated at only a few milliamps of output current ated life-test conditions after 1000 hours with maximum
or less. In such a circuit, the output capacitor can be further rated voltage and junction temperature.
reduced in value. As a rough estimation, a circuit that is re- Output Noise Voltage: The rms AC voltage at the output,
quired to deliver a maximum of 10mA of output current from with constant load and no input ripple, measured over a
the regulator would need an output capacitor of only half the specified frequency range.
value compared to the same regulator required to deliver the Quiescent Current: That part of the positive input current
full output current of 100mA. If the example of the tantalum that does not contribute to the positive load current. The
capacitor in the circuit rated at 25C junction temperature regulator ground lead current.
and above were continued to include a maximum of 10mA of Ripple Rejection: The ratio of the peak-to-peak input ripple
output current, then the 22F output capacitor could be re- voltage to the peak-to-peak output ripple voltage at a speci-
duced to only 10F. fied frequency.
In the case of the LM2931CT adjustable regulator, the mini- Temperature Stability of VO: The percentage change in
mum value of output capacitance is a function of the output output voltage for a thermal variation from room temperature
voltage. As a general rule, the value decreases with higher to either temperature extreme.
output voltages, since internal loop gain is reduced.
At this point, the procedure for bench testing the minimum
value of an output capacitor in a special application circuit

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 LM2931
Physical Dimensions inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted

8-Lead Surface Mount Package (M)

NS Package Number M08A

3-Lead TO-220 Plastic Package (T)

NS Package Number T03B

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LM2931
Physical Dimensions inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted (Continued)

5-Lead TO-220 Power Package (T)

NS Package Number T05A

3-Lead TO-263 Surface Mount Package

NS Package Number TS3B

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 LM2931
Physical Dimensions inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted (Continued)

5-Lead TO-263 Surface Mount Package

NS Package Number TS5B

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LM2931
Physical Dimensions inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted (Continued)

3-Lead TO-92 Plastic Package (Z)

NS Package Number Z03A

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 LM2931
Physical Dimensions inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted (Continued)

NOTE: UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED.

1. EPOXY COATING.
2. 63Sn/37Pb EUTECTIC BUMP.
3. RECOMMEND NON-SOLDER MASK DEFINED LANDING PAD.
4. PIN 1 IS ESTABLISHED BY LOWER LEFT CORNER WITH RESPECT TO TEST ORIENTATION PINS ARE NUMBERED
COUNTERCLOCKWISE.
5. XXX IN DRAWING NUMBER REPRESENTS PACKAGE SIZE VARIATION WHERE X1 IS PACKAGE WIDTH, X2 IS PACK-
AGE LENGTH AND X3 IS PACKAGE HEIGHT.
6. REFERENCE JEDEC REGISTRATION MO-211, VARIATION BC.
6-Bump micro SMD
NS Package Number BPA06HTA
X1 = 0.955 X2 = 1.717 X3 = 0.700

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LM2931Series Low Dropout Regulators
Notes

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NATIONALS PRODUCTS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE AS CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN LIFE SUPPORT
DEVICES OR SYSTEMS WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL
COUNSEL OF NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION. As used herein:
1. Life support devices or systems are devices or 2. A critical component is any component of a life
systems which, (a) are intended for surgical implant support device or system whose failure to perform
into the body, or (b) support or sustain life, and can be reasonably expected to cause the failure of
whose failure to perform when properly used in the life support device or system, or to affect its
accordance with instructions for use provided in the safety or effectiveness.
labeling, can be reasonably expected to result in a
significant injury to the user.
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