MIC5236YM-TR: Powering the Next Generation of Always-On, Battery-Sensitive Applications

In the rapidly evolving landscape of portable and IoT devices, power management is paramount. The demand for components that can extend battery life without compromising performance has never been higher. The MIC5236YM-TR 3.3V ultra-low quiescent current LDO voltage regulator from Microchip Technology stands out as a critical solution designed specifically for this challenge, offering a perfect blend of high performance and exceptional efficiency.

The defining characteristic of the MIC5236YM-TR is its remarkably ultra-low quiescent current (I_Q) of just 1.6µA (typical). Quiescent current is the current consumed by the regulator itself when it is powered but not supplying significant load current. In battery-powered applications where the device spends most of its time in a sleep or standby mode, this parameter becomes the dominant factor determining battery longevity. The MIC5236's minuscule I_Q ensures that barely any energy is wasted, making it an ideal choice for applications like wireless sensors, medical implants, always-on telemetry modules, and portable consumer electronics.

Despite its ultra-low power draw, this LDO does not sacrifice performance. It can deliver a stable, precise, and clean 3.3V output voltage with a maximum output current of 150mA, sufficient to power microcontrollers, sensors, and communication modules like Bluetooth Low Energy or LoRa. The device features a low dropout voltage—typically 200mV at 100mA load—allowing it to continue regulating effectively even as the input voltage source (e.g., a battery) decays to a level very close to the output voltage. This maximizes the usable energy from the power source.

Furthermore, the MIC5236YM-TR is designed for robustness and simplicity. It requires only a small 1.0µF ceramic output capacitor for stability, minimizing the bill of materials and PCB footprint. Key protection features such as internal current limiting and thermal shutdown safeguard both the regulator and the load from fault conditions, enhancing system reliability.

ICGOOODFIND Summary: The MIC5236YM-TR is an exceptional ultra-low quiescent current LDO regulator that sets a high standard for power efficiency in modern electronics. Its ability to maintain a stable 3.3V output while consuming almost no power in standby mode makes it an indispensable component for designers striving to achieve multi-year battery life in their always-connected, energy-conscious applications.

Keywords: Ultra-Low Quiescent Current, LDO Voltage Regulator, Battery-Powered Applications, 3.3V Output, Thermal Shutdown.