Power supply, standard voltage # BA3910 Technical Documentation
*Manufacturer: ROHM Semiconductor*
## 1. Application Scenarios
### Typical Use Cases
The BA3910 is a high-performance voltage regulator IC primarily designed for precision power management in electronic systems. Typical applications include:
- Portable electronic devices : Smartphones, tablets, and wearable technology requiring stable voltage rails
- Battery-powered systems : Power conditioning for Li-ion and other battery chemistries
- Embedded computing : Microcontroller and processor power supplies in IoT devices
- Automotive electronics : Infotainment systems and body control modules
- Industrial control systems : Sensor interfaces and control logic power supplies
### Industry Applications
Consumer Electronics
- Mobile device power management ICs (PMICs)
- Digital camera power subsystems
- Portable audio/video equipment
Automotive Sector
- Telematics control units
- Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS)
- In-vehicle networking components
Industrial Automation
- PLC I/O modules
- Motor control circuits
- Industrial sensor networks
Medical Devices
- Portable medical monitoring equipment
- Diagnostic instrument power supplies
### Practical Advantages and Limitations
Advantages:
- High efficiency (typically 85-92% across load range)
- Low dropout voltage enables operation with minimal headroom
- Excellent line/load regulation (±1% typical)
- Wide operating temperature range (-40°C to +85°C)
- Compact package options (SOT-23, SOP-8)
Limitations:
- Maximum current limitation (typically 500mA)
- Requires external compensation components for stability
- Limited input voltage range compared to switching regulators
- Thermal constraints in high-ambient temperature applications
## 2. Design Considerations
### Common Design Pitfalls and Solutions
Thermal Management Issues
- Pitfall : Inadequate heat sinking leading to thermal shutdown
- Solution : Implement proper PCB copper pours and consider thermal vias for heat dissipation
Stability Problems
- Pitfall : Oscillations due to improper compensation network
- Solution : Follow manufacturer-recommended capacitor values and ESR requirements
Load Transient Response
- Pitfall : Excessive output voltage overshoot/undershoot
- Solution : Add appropriate output capacitance and consider feedforward compensation
### Compatibility Issues with Other Components
Input Supply Compatibility
- Ensure input voltage source has adequate current capability and low impedance
- Verify compatibility with preceding power stages (DC-DC converters, battery management systems)
Load Circuit Requirements
- Check minimum load requirements for proper regulation
- Consider inrush current limitations for capacitive loads
Noise-Sensitive Circuits
- The BA3910 may generate switching noise that could affect sensitive analog circuits
- Implement proper filtering and physical separation from RF and analog sections
### PCB Layout Recommendations
Power Path Layout
- Use wide, short traces for input and output power paths
- Place input and output capacitors as close as possible to the IC pins
- Implement ground planes for optimal thermal and electrical performance
Component Placement
- Position feedback resistors close to the FB pin
- Keep compensation components adjacent to their respective pins
- Separate analog and power grounds appropriately
Thermal Management
- Utilize thermal vias under the package for heat dissipation
- Provide adequate copper area for the thermal pad (if applicable)
- Consider airflow and component spacing for natural convection cooling
## 3. Technical Specifications
### Key Parameter Explanations
Electrical Characteristics (typical values at 25°C)
- Input Voltage Range : 2.5V to 5.5V
- Output Voltage Range : 0.8V to 3
