
Microsemi 
Linfinity Microelectronics Division 
11861 Western Avenue, Garden Grove, CA. 92841, 714-898-8121, Fax: 714-893-2570 
Page 6
Copyright 
 2000 
Rev. 0.3D, 2002-01-08 
W
M
.
C
LX8817
Dual Channel 2.5A Low Dropout Regulator 
P
RODUCTION
 D
ATA
 S
HEET
L I N F I N I T Y  D I V I S I O N
A P P L I C A T I O N  I N F O R M A TI O N  
The LX8817 is part of a family of Dual LDO (Low Drop-Out) 
linear regulators in Linfinity’s S-PAK power package which offer 
maximum power dissipation in a low profile surface mount 
technology. The family includes combination fixed and adjustable 
versions. Each channel can supply up to 2.5A independently with a 
regulator design optimized for system efficiency by consuming 
minimal ground current and directing quiescent current to the load.   
INPUT CAPACITOR 
To improve load transient response and noise rejection a input 
bypass capacitor is of at least 10uF is required.  Generally we 
recommend a 10uF ceramic or tantalum or 22uF electrolytic 
capacitor.  
OUTPUT CAPACITOR 
The regulator requires output capacitors connected between each 
output (V1, V2) to GND to stabilize the internal control loop. Many 
types of capacitors are available, with different capacitance values 
tolerances, temperature coefficients and equivalent series resistance. 
We recommend a minimum of 4.7uF.  To ensure good transient 
response from the power supply system under rapidly changing 
current load conditions, designers generally use additional output 
capacitors connected in parallel. Such an arrangement serves to 
minimize the effects of the parasitic resistance (ESR) and 
inductance (ESL) that are present in all capacitors.  The regulator 
has been tested stable with capacitor ESR’s in the range of 0.05 to 2 
ohms.  We have found it best to use the same type of capacitor for 
both input and output bypass. 
ADJUSTABLE OUTPUT VOLTAGE 
The LX8817x develops a 1.25V reference voltage between the 
output and the adjust terminal (See Figure 2). By placing a resistor, 
R1, between these two terminals, a constant current is caused to 
flow through R1 and down through R2 to set the overall output 
voltage.. Because I
ADJ
 is very small and constant when compared 
with the current through R1, it represents a small error and can 
usually be ignored. 
LX8817-25
R1
R2
V
IN
ADJ
V
2
FIGURE 2
 - BASIC ADJUSTABLE
REGULATOR
V
REF
1
2
1
1
2
R
I
R
R
V
V
ADJ
REF
+
+
=
I
1μA
V
1
MINIMUM LOAD REQUIREMENT 
The LX8817 has a minimum load is requirement for proper 
output regulation. This typical current is specified at 0mA for the 
fixed output and 1ma for the adjustable output regulators. 
TEMPERATURE PROTECTION 
The thermal protection shuts the LX8817 down when the junction 
temperature exceeds 160
C. Each output has independent thermal 
shutdown capability.  Exposure to absolute maximum rated 
conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability, see 
Thermal Considerations below. 
CURRENT LIMIT PROTECTION
The LX8817 includes over current protection, when the output 
load current exceeds typically 3A the circuit forces the regulator 
decrease in output. 
THERMAL CONSIDERATIONS 
Thermal shutdown protects the integrated circuit from thermal 
overload caused from a rise in junction temperature during power 
dissipation. This means of protection is intended for fault protection 
only and not as a means of current or power limiting during normal 
application usage. Proper thermal evaluation should be done to 
ensure that the junction temperature dose not exceed it’s maximum 
rating.  Operating at the maximum T
J
 of 150°C can impact 
reliability .  Due to variation in individual device electrical 
characteristics and thermal resistance , the built in thermal overload 
protection may be activated at power levels slightly above or below 
the rated dissipation.  Also peak output power should be considered 
for each individual output. 
Power dissipation for regulator can be calculated using the 
following equation: 
2
2
IN(MAX)
(V
1
1
IN(MAX)
(V
D
I
)
V
I
)
V
P
×
+
×
=
(Note: power dissipation resulting from quiescent (ground) current 
is negligible) 
For the S-PAK package, thermal resistance, 
θ
TAB-AMB
 is 25-
45
C/W depending on mounting technique when mounted on a FR4 
copper clad PCB. Junction temperature of the integrated circuit can 
be calculated using: 
T
T
=
×
=
;  
AMB
TAB
T
An example: Given conditions: T
A
 = 50°C, V
IN
= 5.0V, V
1
= 2.5V, 
I
1
= 210mA, V
2
= 3.3V I
2
= 1A. 
Calculated values:  
AMB
T
×
RISE
AMB
+
TAB
T
RISE
TAB
JUNCTION
JUNCTION
+
+
JT
DMAX
P
TAB
T
θ
PCB
2
DREG
P
1
DREG
(P
θ
)
=
C
C/W
C/W
2.4
4.5
(0.525)
4.5
2.5V)
(5V
T
REG1
TAB
J
°
=
°
×
=
°
×
=
C
C/W
C/W
V
V
7.7
4.5
(1.7)
4.5
(1A)
)
3.3
(5
T
REG2
TAB
J
°
=
°
×
=
°
×
×
=
C
66.8
C/W
30
1.7W)
(0.525W
T
AMBRISE
TAB
°
=
°
×
+
=
C
124.5
C
50
C
66.8
C
7.7
T
JUNCTION
°
=
°
+
°
+
°
=
It is important to note that although each output of the regulator 
will produce up to 2.5A in current, the individual or total power 
dissipation may limit the useful total current draw.  The junction 
temperature should be calculated for each individual output as well 
as the combined outputs to insure the maximum junction 
temperature in not exceeded. 
A
P
P
L
I
C
A
T
I
O
N
S