Taiwan Semiconductor was established in the late 1970s. Since then, it has transformed from a local enterprise into a global company, continuously managed by its original founder. Today, it offers customers worldwide products such as Schottky diodes, MOSFET transistors, integrated circuits for LED control, and components for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. The extensive product range also includes linear voltage regulators, which are the focus of this article.
Voltage Regulators from Taiwan Semiconductor
At TME, we offer linear voltage regulators from Taiwan Semiconductor that are widely used in power systems, the automotive industry, consumer electronics, and industrial automation. They help ensure stable voltage levels in devices like computers, smartphones, and LED lighting, enhancing their performance and reliability.
As components of both analog and digital electronic circuits that require a constant and precisely defined voltage, these regulators help step down voltage to the desired level. The range includes both fixed and adjustable linear regulators, also available as LDO versions.
Most regulators are designed for surface-mount (SMD) assembly, but there are also options for through-hole technology (THT) mounting.
Fixed Voltage Regulators
Fixed voltage regulators are the most popular components in this category. Our offer includes the 78XX series regulators, with output voltages ranging from 3V to 15V and an error tolerance of +/- 4%, available in various packages.
The assembly of Taiwan Semiconductor components is identical to that of regulators from other manufacturers. A typical regulator with three leads – input (IN), output (OUT), and ground (GND) – is connected as follows: the unstable input voltage is connected between IN and GND, while a constant output voltage is available between OUT and GND. The circuit typically requires the addition of two capacitors to ensure stable operation.
This product group also includes negative voltage regulators from Taiwan Semiconductor, labeled as 79XX. They are used to stabilize voltages below 0V, such as in analog circuit power supplies.
Adjustable Voltage Regulators
If a fixed output voltage is not a suitable solution, adjustable regulators from Taiwan Semiconductor are a good alternative. These components allow for adjusting the output voltage as needed within the available range.
An example is the TS317LCS RLG regulator from Taiwan Semiconductor, a device in an SOP8 package with eight pins, four on each side. This regulator is designed for surface-mount (SMD) assembly by direct soldering onto a PCB (Printed Circuit Board). The TS317LCS RLG regulator operates within an output voltage range of 1.25V to 37V.
Fixed and Adjustable LDO Regulators
Another group of regulators produced by Taiwan Semiconductor are Low Dropout (LDO) regulators. What sets them apart from classic linear regulators? Both classic adjustable and fixed regulators require a relatively large dropout voltage between input and output to function correctly. The dropout is the minimum voltage difference necessary for the regulator to operate properly. For example, a regulator providing 9V output with a 2V dropout requires a minimum input voltage of 11V.
This voltage drop, while sufficient for classic regulators, is objectively quite significant, especially since the lost voltage in linear circuits is dissipated as heat. To overcome this, LDO regulators were introduced. These have a much lower dropout voltage. In TME’s offering, Taiwan Semiconductor’s LDO regulators feature dropouts as low as 0.6V, 0.4V, or even 0.275V.
A slightly higher input voltage compared to the output voltage reduces energy losses. The desired effect is achieved by modifying the internal structure of the regulator compared to classic designs. Although the individual blocks of the circuit remain the same, the feedback loop is designed to prevent the circuit from generating unwanted oscillations. This is technically more complex than in standard regulators.
LDO regulators are available in both fixed and adjustable voltage versions.
Why Buy Taiwan Semiconductor Voltage Regulators?
Taiwan Semiconductor voltage regulators have been popular for years, thanks to their broad application potential and optimal features. Key advantages include:
- Wide input voltage range: supports various input voltages for diverse applications,
- Low dropout: ensures efficient operation even with a small voltage difference between input and output,
- High efficiency: reduces heat generation and power loss, making them ideal for battery-powered devices,
- Overcurrent and overheating protection: enhances reliability and safety, preventing damage during faults,
- Compact package: designed for space-constrained applications,
- Adjustable output voltage: offers design flexibility with adjustable output options,
- Quick load response: maintains stable output voltage during sudden load changes,
- Low quiescent current: promotes energy savings, minimizing power consumption in standby mode.
These features make Taiwan Semiconductor regulators an ideal choice for reliability-critical applications. Their versatility makes them suitable for both mobile and stationary devices.
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