The TPS715 low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulators offer the benefits of high input voltage, low-dropout voltage, low-power operation, and miniaturized packaging. The devices, which operate over an input range of 2.5 V to 24 V, are stable with any capacitor greater than or equal to 0.47 µF. The low dropout voltage and low quiescent current allow operation at extremely low power levels. Therefore, the devices are ideal for powering battery management ICs. Specifically, because the devices are enabled as soon as the applied voltage reaches the minimum input voltage, the output is quickly available to power continuously operating battery charging ICs.

The usual PNP pass transistor has been replaced by a PMOS pass element. Because the PMOS pass element behaves as a low-value resistor, the low dropout voltage, typically 415 mV at 50 mA of load current, is directly proportional to the load current. The low quiescent current (3.2 µA typically) is stable over the entire range of output load current (0 mA to 50 mA).