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REG104: Regulator Mode of Operation: Sourcing and Sinking Current

Part Number: REG104
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: TL1963A

Tool/software:

Hi,

I have a question for the Reg104: Can this part sink current as well? What would be the worst-case maximum current it can sink?

Due to a short, the regulator output likely was sinking 40 mA of current for around 8 hours.

Thanks for your help.

Ricardo

  • Hi Ricardo,

    When you say sink current, I assume you mean reverse current going from OUT to IN. Our usual guidance is to keep reverse current below 5% of the rated current for the LDO (1A for REG104). This comes to 50mA. Since we did not characterize or validate the device for reverse current (this is an old device originally designed by Burr Brown whom TI acquired), the exact effect of a 40 mA reverse current for 8 hours cannot be accurately explained. Long term reliability will definitely be affected since all of this current would flow through the body diode of the pass FET.

    This is an old device. We have a newer drop-in replacement available: TL1963A. Please consider this part instead.

    Hope that helps

    Ishaan