When selecting a voltage regulator product, you must check to make sure the voltage applied to the voltage regulator is within the input voltage range (within the operation voltage range) and within the absolute maximum rating.
In the CMOS process, the withstand voltage and miniaturization (element size) are in a conflicting relationship, so if a product with high input voltage range and absolute maximum rating is selected since having extra capacity is better than not having enough, the chip size tends to increase and the performance tends to decrease.
Input voltage range
The input voltage range is the input voltage range within which the “IC can operate properly”.
Basically, the IC is designed to operate properly within the input voltage range. For this reason, the product must be selected so that the voltage that is actually input is within the input voltage range.
Conversely, if the IC is operated outside of the input voltage range, could cause
(a) out of spec characteristics occur or
(b) he functions built into the IC to malfunction.
ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
| PARAMETER | SYMBOL | CONDITIONS | MIN. | TYP. | MAX. | UNIT | CIRCUIT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Input Voltage | VIN | 1.6 | - | 6.0 | V | ① |
Absolute maximum ratings
The absolute maximum ratings are the voltage, current, or temperature that could damage the IC if they are exceeded even momentarily. Since even momentarily exceeding the absolute maximum ratings could cause damage or deterioration, design so that these are absolutely not exceeded.
ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS
| PARAMETER | SYMBOL | RATINGS | UNITS |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIN Pin Voltage | VIN | -0.3 ~ 6.5 | V |
| VOUT Pin Voltage | VOUT | -0.3 ~ VIN + 0.3 or 6.5 (*1) | V |
| CE Pin Voltage | VCE | -0.3 ~ 6.5 | V |
For the VIN terminal the absolute maximum rating is stated as -0.3V to +6.5V, so a voltage outside this range must not be applied.
In addition, if the specification for the high side, like the VOUT terminal, is stated as “VIN+0.3V or 6.5V,” be careful to ensure that the lower of the two values is applied as the absolute maximum value.