National Semiconductor Announces a 2X Improvement in Low Dropout Performance for Low-Cost Regulators

January 23, 1998 -- National Semiconductor Corporation® today set new low dropout (LDO) performance standards for low-cost, linear voltage regulators with the introduction of the LM3480 LDO voltage regulator. The new device is offered as an alternative to commodity linear regulators, such as the popular LM78LXX. Maximum dropout of the LM3480 is 1.2V, only half that of the LM78LXX, making it the most cost-effective solution for 5V to 3.3V conversion. This low dropout rating is guaranteed at the full 100mA load over the entire operating temperature range. The new IC also features operation from a source as high as 30V with improved line and load regulation. It is housed in a miniature 3-lead SuperSOTä package.

"The LM3480 offers excellent trade-offs between regulator alternatives, since its ground current is lower than the standard LDO regulator while dropout voltage is superior to the standard NPN regulator," said William Weiss, National's power management technical marketing manager. "The device’s utility as a low-cost post regulator in power supply designs, and its ability to support the growing 5V to 3.3V conversion market, make it attractive to a broad range of customers in the PC, communications and industrial markets. The LM3480 is also an ideal solution for designers who are migrating to lower supply voltages for digital circuits but need to maintain a 5V supply for analog components. I believe this design will be the next industry standard for the low end of the market"” he added.

Price and Availability
The new device is available in standard voltage options of 3.3V, 5V, 12V and 15V, and is currently available in National's SuperSOT23, 3-pin package. The LM3480IM3X is priced at $.32 each when purchased in quantities of 1000.

National Semiconductor Corporation, a Fortune 500 company, produces system-on-a-chip silicon solutions for the information highway, based on its leadership in analog and mixed signal technologies. National is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and focuses on the communications, personal systems and consumer markets. National has annual sales of approximately $2.5 billion and 13,000 employees worldwide. Additional company and product information is available on the World Wide Web at www.national.com.

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