AN734
Vishay Siliconix
Design Guidelines for the Low-Noise
Low-Dropout Regulator—Si9181
Nitin Kalje
The Si9181 was designed for applications requiring a regu-
lated voltage equal to or less than the voltage of the source or
battery, and requiring very low output noise. Such applications
include digital signal processors, baseband circuits, mixers, A-
to-D converters, or intermediate amplifiers. The Si9181’s LDO
characteristics are determined by its voltage, ground current,
power-dissipation, peak current capability, noise and ripple re-
jection specifications. The Si9181 is designed to meet the cri-
teria for high quality on each of these determinants, and is
suitable for portable and noise–sensitive appliances such as
cellular phones.
INTRODUCTION
This application note discusses the operation and features of
the Si9181, a 350-mA CMOS low-dropout (LDO), low-noise
voltage regulator. Providing very low ground current to extend
battery life, the Si9181 also offers superior line/load transient
response and ripple rejection. Designed to maintain regulation
while delivering currents from 0 mA to 600 mA, the Si9181
regulator also features an “out of regulation” error flag signal
and ON/OFF control input for complete shutdown.
C
NOISE
6
ADJ
1
C
NOISE
4
8
S19181
V
IN
C
2.2 mF
IN
R
R
2
V
ADJ
SD
ON
1
U1
+
–
OFF
To V
5
2
IN
V
OUT
6 MW
60 mV
5% V
2.2 mA
C
2.2 mF
OUT
Q1
REF
+
+
–
R
EXT
C
DELAY
U2
0.1 mF
Q2
ERROR
U3
7
+
–
–
+
1.215 V
V
REF
3
GND
FIGURE 1. 350-mA CMOS LDO Regulator (Adjustable Output)
Document Number: 71337
31-Oct-00
www.vishay.com
1