Voltage regulator chips (ICs) are the core power management devices in electronic systems, which can be mainly divided into two categories based on their working principles: LDO linear regulators and switching regulators. In addition, there are special types such as charge pumps. Based on technical characteristics and application scenarios, the following summarizes the mainstream models and their characteristics in the current market:
1、 LDO linear regulator (low dropout regulator)
Suitable for noise sensitive, low-power scenarios, with small pressure difference but low efficiency.
TPS736 series (such as TPS73601)
Input voltage: 1.7V -5.5V
Output current: 400 mA
Key features:
Ultra low voltage difference (75mV), supporting stable operation without capacitors;
Low noise (30 µ VRMS), suitable for RF circuits such as VCO;
Turn off current<1 µ A, accuracy ± 0.5%.
Package: SOT235
Application: Portable devices, precision sensor power supply.
ME62xx series (such as ME6215/ME6231)
Input voltage: Maximum 18V (ME6231)
Output current: 200mA – 1A (ME6118 can reach 1A)
Key features:
High ripple suppression（ 70dB@1kHz ）；
Multiple packaging options available (SOT23/SOT89/DFN).
Applications: Industrial equipment, hard disk controllers, battery chargers.
XC62xx/6219 series
Input voltage: 6V
Output current: 200-500mA (6219 supports enable control)
Key features:
Fast response to load fluctuations, compatible with ceramic capacitors;
Static current as low as 65 μ A.
Packaging: SOT235/SOT89
Application: RF devices such as mobile phones and Bluetooth earphones.
SL6206 series
Input voltage: 6.5V
Output current: 200mA
Key features:
Static current is only 6.5 μ A, with an accuracy of ± 2.5%;
Overcurrent and short circuit protection.
Packaging: SOT233/SOT893
Application: Battery powered system (such as handheld instruments).
2、 Switching voltage regulator
Suitable for high-power, high conversion efficiency scenarios, but with high noise levels.
XBLW LM2576S series
Input voltage: up to 40V
Output current: 3A
Key features:
Multi voltage output (3.3V/5V/12V/AJ);
Efficiency of 75% -88%, integrated overcurrent and thermal shutdown protection.
Packaging: TO220/TO263
Application: Motor drive, industrial power supply.
TPS54308（TI）
Input voltage: 4.5V -28V
Output current: 3A
Key features:
Synchronous voltage reduction, integrated MOSFET;
5ms soft start, fixed frequency of 350kHz.
Package: SOT236
Application: 12V/24V distributed power supply (industrial white goods).
InnoMux2 series (Power Integrations)
Input voltage: Offline AC (direct rectification)
Output power: 90W
Key features:
Single stage multi-channel output (3 independent voltage regulators), efficiency>90%;
Integrated GaN switch tube, no need for heat sink.
Application: TV, monitor, home appliance (requiring multiple voltage stabilization scenarios).
3、 Specialized voltage regulator IC
Design for special needs, such as charge pumps or multifunctional integration.
HX1046 Charge Pump
Input voltage: 2.5V-4.5V → Output: 5V/250mA
Key features: Non inductive boost, low ripple, short circuit protection
Application: LED backlight, 3V to 5V system (such as smart card reader).
7136 LED driver IC
Output current: 3A (adjustable)
Key features: Linear constant current drive, supports soft start and overheat protection
Application: High current LED lighting (flashlight, mining lamp).
4、 Selection Comparison Table
|Type | Representative Model | Input Voltage | Output Capability | Core Advantages | Typical Applications|
| LDO | TPS73601 | 1.7–5.5V | 400mA |Ultra low voltage drop, ultra-low noise | Portable devices, precision circuits|
|LDO High Voltage | ME6231 | Up to 18V | 200mA-1A | High Voltage, High Ripple Suppression | Industrial Controller, Charger|
|Switching voltage reduction | XBLW LM2576S | ≤ 40V | 3A | Multi voltage output, high cost-effectiveness | Motor drive, power adapter|
|Switch Multi Channel | InnoMux2 | AC Direct Input | 90W (Triple Output) | Single Stage Multi Channel, Efficiency>90% | TV, Smart Home|
|Charge pump | HX1046 | 2.5-4.5V | 5V/250mA | No inductance, small volume | LED backlight, voltage conversion|
Low power portable devices: prioritize LDO (such as TPS736, SL6206), pay attention to voltage difference and static current;
High voltage/industrial scenarios: Choose high voltage LDO (ME62xx) or medium power switching regulator (LM2576);
Multi output system: using single level architecture such as InnoMux2 to reduce conversion losses;
Non inductive boost requirement: Charge pumps (such as HX1046) are an ideal solution for low-power conversion.
Note: The above model parameters are from the data manuals of various manufacturers and publicly available information from agents. The actual design needs to be verified in conjunction with the complete specification sheet.