What is Dropout voltage?

The minimum input-to-output voltage difference a linear regulator needs to hold its output voltage. It increases with output current and, usually, with temperature; for LDOs it is typically tens to hundreds of mV.

Japanese name: ドロップアウト電圧

Dropout voltage appears in 2 practice questions across 2 topics, including Analog and electronic circuits, How to read datasheets.

Field: How to read datasheets

Try it: questions about Dropout voltage

What does the dropout voltage of an LDO (low-dropout linear regulator) mean?

  1. AThe maximum output voltage
  2. BThe change in output voltage when the load is removed
  3. CThe minimum voltage difference between input and output needed to keep the output at its specified voltage
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Answer: C. The minimum voltage difference between input and output needed to keep the output at its specified voltage

Dropout voltage is the minimum input-output difference at which a regulator can still hold its output. LDOs use a PMOS (or similar) pass transistor to bring it down to about 0.1–0.3 V—for example, producing 2.8 V from a lithium-ion cell (3.0–4.2 V). Loss is (Vin − Vout) × current, so a small difference means better efficiency. With high ripple rejection, LDOs are widely used to power noise-sensitive circuits.

A 3.3 V output LDO has a dropout voltage specified as max 300 mV (at 500 mA output current). What is the minimum input voltage needed to maintain the output voltage while supplying 500 mA?

  1. A3.6 V
  2. B3.3 V
  3. C3.0 V
Show answer and explanation

Answer: A. 3.6 V

Dropout voltage is the minimum voltage difference required between input and output to maintain the output voltage. Adding the max of 300 mV to the 3.3 V output, the input must be 3.6 V or higher. Dropout voltage increases with output current and, in many cases, at higher temperature, so use the value specified under the current and temperature conditions of your application. For example, if a lithium-ion battery's voltage falls to 3.5 V, the output can no longer hold 3.3 V and begins to drop. 3.0 V is the mistake of subtracting the dropout voltage instead of adding it.

Dropout voltage in the explanations

Questions that mention Dropout voltage (2)

  1. What does the dropout voltage of an LDO (low-dropout linear regulator) mean?
  2. A 3.3 V output LDO has a dropout voltage specified as max 300 mV (at 500 mA output current). What is the minimum input voltage needed to maintain the output voltage while supplying 500 mA?

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Related terms

LDO 5 V tolerant Absolute maximum ratings Allowable power dissipation Derating Errata Exposed pad Input offset voltage MSL (moisture sensitivity level) Noise margin

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