SBVS324A June 2017 – June 2020 TPS7A90
PRODUCTION DATA.
Dropout voltage (VDO) is defined as the VIN – VOUT voltage at the rated current (IRATED) of 500 mA, where the pass-FET is fully on and in the ohmic region of operation. VDO indirectly specifies a minimum input voltage above the nominal programmed output voltage at which the output voltage is expected to remain in regulation. If the input falls below the nominal output regulation, then the output follows the input.
Dropout voltage is determined by the RDS(ON) of the pass-FET. Therefore, if the LDO operates below the rated current, then the VDO for that current scales accordingly. Use Equation 1 to calculate the RDS(ON) for the TPS7A90: