SNVS114G May   1999  – February 2015 LM3940

PRODUCTION DATA.  

  1. 1 Features
  2. 2 Applications
  3. 3 Description
  4. 4 Revision History
  5. 5 Pin Configuration and Functions
  6. 6 Specifications
    1. 6.1 Absolute Maximum Ratings
    2. 6.2 ESD Ratings
    3. 6.3 Recommended Operating Conditions
    4. 6.4 Thermal Information
    5. 6.5 Electrical Characteristics
    6. 6.6 Typical Characteristics
  7. 7 Detailed Description
    1. 7.1 Overview
    2. 7.2 Functional Block Diagram
    3. 7.3 Feature Description
      1. 7.3.1 Output Voltage Accuracy
      2. 7.3.2 Short-Circuit Protection
      3. 7.3.3 Thermal Protection
    4. 7.4 Device Functional Modes
      1. 7.4.1 Operation with VIN = 5 V
  8. 8 Application and Implementation
    1. 8.1 Application Information
    2. 8.2 Typical Application
      1. 8.2.1 Design Requirements
      2. 8.2.2 Detailed Design Procedure
        1. 8.2.2.1 External Capacitors
          1. 8.2.2.1.1 Minimum Capacitance
          2. 8.2.2.1.2 ESR Limits
      3. 8.2.3 Application Curves
  9. 9 Power Supply Recommendations
  10. 10Layout
    1. 10.1 Layout Guidelines
    2. 10.2 Layout Example
    3. 10.3 Heatsinking
      1. 10.3.1 Heatsinking TO-220 Package Parts
      2. 10.3.2 Heatsinking DDPAK/TO-263 and SOT-223 Package Parts
  11. 11Device and Documentation Support
    1. 11.1 Documentation Support
      1. 11.1.1 Related Documentation
    2. 11.2 Receiving Notification of Documentation Updates
    3. 11.3 Community Resources
    4. 11.4 Trademarks
    5. 11.5 Electrostatic Discharge Caution
    6. 11.6 Glossary
  12. 12Mechanical, Packaging, and Orderable Information

Package Options

Mechanical Data (Package|Pins)
Thermal pad, mechanical data (Package|Pins)
Orderable Information

7 Detailed Description

7.1 Overview

The LM3940 is a low dropout regulator capable of sourcing a 1-A load. The LM3940 provides 3.3 V from 5-V supply. LM3940 is ideally suited for system which contain both 5-V and 3.3-V logic, with prime power provided from a 5-V bus.

7.2 Functional Block Diagram

LM3940 fbdup_snvs114.gif

7.3 Feature Description

7.3.1 Output Voltage Accuracy

Output voltage accuracy specifies minimum and maximum output voltage error, relative to the expected nominal output voltage. This accuracy error includes the errors introduced by line and load regulation across the full range of rated load and line operating conditions, unless otherwise specified by the Electrical Characteristics.

7.3.2 Short-Circuit Protection

The internal current limit circuit is used to protect the LDO against high-load current faults or shorting events. During a current-limit event, the LDO sources constant current. Therefore, the output voltage falls when load impedance decreases. Note also that if a current limit occurs and the resulting output voltage is low, excessive power may be dissipated across the LDO, resulting in a thermal shutdown of the output.

7.3.3 Thermal Protection

The LM3940 contains a thermal shutdown protection circuit to turn off the output current when excessive heat is dissipated in the LDO. The thermal time-constant of the semiconductor die is fairly short, and thus the output cycles on and off at a high rate when thermal shutdown is reached until the power dissipation is reduced.

The internal protection circuit of LM3940 is designed to protect against thermal overload conditions. The circuit is not intended to replace proper heat sinking. Continuously running the device into thermal shutdown degrades its reliability.

7.4 Device Functional Modes

7.4.1 Operation with VIN = 5 V

The device operates at input voltage is 5 V and output voltage is 3.3 V. The LM3940 is a true low dropout regulator, it can hold its 3.3-V output in regulation with input voltages as low as 4.5 V.