LM2936Z-5 Technical Summary

LM2936Z-5 Ultra-Low Quiescent Current LDO Regulator

Overview

The LM2936Z-5 is an ultra-low quiescent current low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator designed for applications requiring efficient power management in battery-operated systems. With its exceptionally low standby current consumption and robust feature set, this regulator is particularly well-suited for automotive electronics and other power-sensitive applications.

This device maintains stable 5V output with just 15 µA typical quiescent current at light loads, making it ideal for systems that need to conserve battery life during standby or sleep modes. The regulator incorporates a PNP pass transistor topology that enables low dropout performance while providing comprehensive protection features.

Key Features

Ultra-low quiescent current: <15 µA at 100 µA load
Low dropout voltage: typically 300 mV at 100 mA load
Wide input voltage range: up to 40V maximum
Precision output voltage: 5V ±3% accuracy
Extended temperature range: -40°C to +125°C
Built-in protection features:
- Short circuit protection
- Reverse battery protection
- Thermal shutdown
Multiple package options: TO-92, SO-8, and TO-252
Stable with low ESR capacitors

Applications

The LM2936Z-5 is designed for use in a wide range of applications where power efficiency and reliability are critical:

Automotive Systems
- ECU power supplies
- Infotainment systems
- Telematics units
- Body control modules
Battery-Powered Devices
- Portable medical equipment
- Wireless sensors
- IoT edge devices
- Handheld instruments
Industrial Control Systems
- PLC I/O modules
- Field transmitters
- Process control equipment

Electrical Characteristics

The following table summarizes the key electrical specifications for the LM2936Z-5 (typical values at 25°C unless otherwise noted):

Absolute Maximum Ratings

Input Voltage (V_IN): 40V
Operating Junction Temperature: -40°C to +125°C
Storage Temperature: -65°C to +150°C
Lead Temperature (soldering, 10 sec): 260°C

Operating Characteristics

Output Voltage: 5V ±3% (over line, load, and temperature)
Output Current: Up to 50mA continuous
Dropout Voltage:
- 300mV typical at I_OUT = 100mA
- 500mV maximum at I_OUT = 100mA
Quiescent Current:
- 15 µA typical at I_OUT = 100 µA
- 25 µA maximum over full temperature range
Line Regulation: 0.02%/V typical
Load Regulation: 0.1%/mA typical
Ripple Rejection: 60dB at 120Hz
Thermal Resistance:
- TO-92: 160°C/W
- SO-8: 120°C/W
- TO-252: 50°C/W

Package Information

The LM2936Z-5 is available in three industry-standard packages to accommodate different application requirements:

TO-92 Package

Package Type: Through-hole, molded plastic
Pin Count: 3
Dimensions: 4.58mm x 3.81mm x 3.81mm (typical)
Thermal Characteristics: 160°C/W junction-to-ambient
Recommended for: Prototyping and low-power applications

SO-8 Surface Mount Package

Package Type: Surface mount, plastic small outline
Pin Count: 8 (4 pins active)
Dimensions: 4.9mm x 3.9mm x 1.75mm (typical)
Thermal Characteristics: 120°C/W junction-to-ambient
Recommended for: Space-constrained PCB designs

TO-252 (DPAK) Surface Mount Package

Package Type: Surface mount, plastic, tabbed
Pin Count: 3
Dimensions: 6.73mm x 6.22mm x 2.38mm (typical)
Thermal Characteristics: 50°C/W junction-to-ambient
Recommended for: Higher power applications requiring better thermal performance

Design Considerations

When implementing the LM2936Z-5 in your design, consider the following recommendations:

Input Capacitor

A 1 µF or larger ceramic capacitor should be placed close to the input pin to ensure stable operation and improve transient response. For applications with long input leads or significant source impedance, larger values may be required.

Output Capacitor

The LM2936Z-5 requires an output capacitor for stability. A minimum of 1 µF ceramic capacitor is recommended, though larger values may be used to improve transient response. The capacitor should have an ESR between 0.1Ω and 5Ω.

Thermal Management

For continuous operation at maximum load current, proper thermal design is essential. The TO-252 package offers the best thermal performance, while the TO-92 package is suitable for lower current applications. Use adequate copper area on the PCB to dissipate heat effectively.