Post History
The question being asked Ultimately, I want to know why the output voltage wasn't the expected (via calculation) 11.72V when the estimated drop-out voltage at the ~0.1A load was about 200mV. The i...
#8: Post edited
by
Lorenzo Donati
·
2023-08-12T12:41:19Z (over 1 year ago)
Retagged.
#7: Post edited
by
cosined
·
2021-07-06T18:57:32Z (over 3 years ago)
- # The question being asked
- Ultimately, I want to know why the output voltage wasn't the expected (via calculation) 11.72V when the _estimated_ drop-out voltage at the ~0.1A load was about 200mV. The input voltage to the regulator was 12V.
- -----
- Hi everyone, first off, I wanted to say I am a **big fan** of some of you: Olin Lathorp, Tony Stewart, Andy AKA. I can't mention how many questions on StackExchange I've looked at where at least one of you provided your expertise and helped me as well as the posters.
- I'm having **trouble with understanding how to use a LDO linear voltage regulator** I bought on Digikey. It's the **MIC29303WT adjustable regulator** found here: [https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419](https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419).
- 
- I want to use it to further regulate a +12V input voltage for use with an Arduino and a relatively low current draw solenoid ([12V 0.1A solenoid from American Science & Surplus](https://www.sciplus.com/12-vdc-solenoid-valve-10pack-savings-54414-p)). There's an Arduino Nano connected to the output of the regulator. The Nano has an output that connects to the gate of an N-channel IRLZ44 MOSFET that controls the current path for the solenoid. One lead of the solenoid is connected to the aforementioned regulator output and the other is connected to the MOSFET drain. There's a flyback diode across the solenoid to protect against inductive spikes, just in case.
- 
- For setting up the regulator, I looked at the MIC29303WT datasheet and identified the drop-out voltage for the MIC29303WT as **80mV to 175mV MAX for an output current of 100mA**. Moving to the next listed output current, 1.5A, we see 220mV of drop-out. For me, I **interpreted this as ~200mV dropout should be expected for my solenoid + Arduino load**. So my output voltage had to be **at most 11.8V with a 12V input** to expect steady operation at the expected current draw... at least that's my understanding.
- 
- I looked at the minimum load "bleed" current required for proper operation in the table and figured it was 7mA, helping me set R2:
- > _7mA = 11.8V/R2 -> R2 <= 1.7kOhm_
- I chose **R2 to be 1.5kOhm**.
- 
- Looking at the adjustable regulator formula let me figure out R1:
- > _R1 = 1.5kOhm[(11.8V/1.24)-1] -> R1 = 12.774kOhm_
- I chose **R1 to be a 12kOhm resistor in series with a 680 Ohm resistor**.
- With R1=1.6kOhm and R2=12.68kOhm, the expected regulator Vout is 11.72V. This is under the expected drop-out voltage amount of 0.2V away from the 12V input... right? 11.8V should be that limit. Therefore, the output voltage should remain regulated at about 11.72V regardless of whether the additional 0.13A load (on top of the 7mA bleed current) is present or not.
- -----
- The "problem" I am running into is that the voltage output of the regulator is not what I expected. When I hook the circuit up to my bench-top power supply, the **regulator output voltage is 11.6V** (oscilloscope says 11.6V, power supply says 11.5V) when the Arduino is connected. The **Arduino draws 0.03A**, according to the power supply. When the **0.1A solenoid is activated**, the regulator output voltage remains at 11.6V, but the **current draw is 0.13A**, as expected. When I **disconnect the Arduino and solenoid** from the breadboarded circuit, the **current draw is 0.00A** and the **regulator output jumps up to 11.9V** (oscilloscope says 11.9V, power supply says 11.8V).
- -----
- One thing that **I suspect could be at play is Microchip's definition of what drop-out voltage is**, and their operating conditions for the stated drop-out voltage at 0.1A, 1.5A, etc. I could be running the regulator out of spec, since there isn't at least a 1V difference between input and output voltage.
- 
- But wouldn't that defeat the purpose of a low (sub-1V) drop-out regulator? I expect I just don't understand how to use it or have misunderstood some part of the datasheet. Any clarification on why the output voltage isn't the calculated/expected 11.72V would help a lot. Let me know if you'd like any more information and I'll try to provide it. **Thank you!**
- -----
- # Update
- With Lundin's advice, I decided to replace the R1 and R2 resistors for the adjustable regulator. In doing so, I realized I calculated the resistors for minimum bleed current for proper operation wrong. I had divided the output voltage by R2 only, instead of serial R1 + R2, a considerably higher resistance. Dividing by R1 + R2 meant a bleed current of about 0.83mA.
- > _11.72V/(12680+1500 Ohms) = 0.0008265... A_
- This is of course a lot less than the 7mA the datasheet says is needed for the MIC29303WT to work properly.
- Lundin suggested to use lower resistor values and try to use the standard ones directly instead of combining them, so I did that.
- 
I chose R1 to be 3.3kOhms and R2 to be 390 Ohms. The new bleed current is expected to be about 3mA, which is still lower than 7mA. However, with the Arduino connected (as it will be in the application setting), the current draw will always be at least ~30mA on top of these 3mA from R1 + R2. At the very least, though, this process explained why the output voltage rose above 11.7V when the Arduino + solenoid circuit were disconnected from the output.- 
- With the new resistors in place, Arduino connected, and nothing else changed, I see that the output voltage on the oscilloscope is +11.7V DC when I zoom-in on the voltage scale. My particular Gwinstek GDS-1052-U oscilloscope won't tell me beyond the tenths place if it really is 11.72V but that isn't a big issue at all. The output remains at 11.7V regardless of whether the solenoid is activated or not. I think everything's working properly.
- Hopefully this helps someone in the future. Thank you Lundin and Olin for your help!
- # The question being asked
- Ultimately, I want to know why the output voltage wasn't the expected (via calculation) 11.72V when the _estimated_ drop-out voltage at the ~0.1A load was about 200mV. The input voltage to the regulator was 12V.
- -----
- Hi everyone, first off, I wanted to say I am a **big fan** of some of you: Olin Lathorp, Tony Stewart, Andy AKA. I can't mention how many questions on StackExchange I've looked at where at least one of you provided your expertise and helped me as well as the posters.
- I'm having **trouble with understanding how to use a LDO linear voltage regulator** I bought on Digikey. It's the **MIC29303WT adjustable regulator** found here: [https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419](https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419).
- 
- I want to use it to further regulate a +12V input voltage for use with an Arduino and a relatively low current draw solenoid ([12V 0.1A solenoid from American Science & Surplus](https://www.sciplus.com/12-vdc-solenoid-valve-10pack-savings-54414-p)). There's an Arduino Nano connected to the output of the regulator. The Nano has an output that connects to the gate of an N-channel IRLZ44 MOSFET that controls the current path for the solenoid. One lead of the solenoid is connected to the aforementioned regulator output and the other is connected to the MOSFET drain. There's a flyback diode across the solenoid to protect against inductive spikes, just in case.
- 
- For setting up the regulator, I looked at the MIC29303WT datasheet and identified the drop-out voltage for the MIC29303WT as **80mV to 175mV MAX for an output current of 100mA**. Moving to the next listed output current, 1.5A, we see 220mV of drop-out. For me, I **interpreted this as ~200mV dropout should be expected for my solenoid + Arduino load**. So my output voltage had to be **at most 11.8V with a 12V input** to expect steady operation at the expected current draw... at least that's my understanding.
- 
- I looked at the minimum load "bleed" current required for proper operation in the table and figured it was 7mA, helping me set R2:
- > _7mA = 11.8V/R2 -> R2 <= 1.7kOhm_
- I chose **R2 to be 1.5kOhm**.
- 
- Looking at the adjustable regulator formula let me figure out R1:
- > _R1 = 1.5kOhm[(11.8V/1.24)-1] -> R1 = 12.774kOhm_
- I chose **R1 to be a 12kOhm resistor in series with a 680 Ohm resistor**.
- With R1=1.6kOhm and R2=12.68kOhm, the expected regulator Vout is 11.72V. This is under the expected drop-out voltage amount of 0.2V away from the 12V input... right? 11.8V should be that limit. Therefore, the output voltage should remain regulated at about 11.72V regardless of whether the additional 0.13A load (on top of the 7mA bleed current) is present or not.
- -----
- The "problem" I am running into is that the voltage output of the regulator is not what I expected. When I hook the circuit up to my bench-top power supply, the **regulator output voltage is 11.6V** (oscilloscope says 11.6V, power supply says 11.5V) when the Arduino is connected. The **Arduino draws 0.03A**, according to the power supply. When the **0.1A solenoid is activated**, the regulator output voltage remains at 11.6V, but the **current draw is 0.13A**, as expected. When I **disconnect the Arduino and solenoid** from the breadboarded circuit, the **current draw is 0.00A** and the **regulator output jumps up to 11.9V** (oscilloscope says 11.9V, power supply says 11.8V).
- -----
- One thing that **I suspect could be at play is Microchip's definition of what drop-out voltage is**, and their operating conditions for the stated drop-out voltage at 0.1A, 1.5A, etc. I could be running the regulator out of spec, since there isn't at least a 1V difference between input and output voltage.
- 
- But wouldn't that defeat the purpose of a low (sub-1V) drop-out regulator? I expect I just don't understand how to use it or have misunderstood some part of the datasheet. Any clarification on why the output voltage isn't the calculated/expected 11.72V would help a lot. Let me know if you'd like any more information and I'll try to provide it. **Thank you!**
- -----
- # Update
- With Lundin's advice, I decided to replace the R1 and R2 resistors for the adjustable regulator. In doing so, I realized I calculated the resistors for minimum bleed current for proper operation wrong. I had divided the output voltage by R2 only, instead of serial R1 + R2, a considerably higher resistance. Dividing by R1 + R2 meant a bleed current of about 0.83mA.
- > _11.72V/(12680+1500 Ohms) = 0.0008265... A_
- This is of course a lot less than the 7mA the datasheet says is needed for the MIC29303WT to work properly.
- Lundin suggested to use lower resistor values and try to use the standard ones directly instead of combining them, so I did that.
- 
- I chose R1 to be 3.3kOhms and R2 to be 390 Ohms. The new bleed current is expected to be about 3mA, which is still lower than 7mA. However, with the Arduino connected (as it will be in the application setting), the current draw will always be at least ~30mA on top of these 3mA from R1 + R2. At the very least, though, this process explained why the output voltage previously rose above 11.7V when the Arduino + solenoid circuit were disconnected from the output.
- 
- With the new resistors in place, Arduino connected, and nothing else changed, I see that the output voltage on the oscilloscope is +11.7V DC when I zoom-in on the voltage scale. My particular Gwinstek GDS-1052-U oscilloscope won't tell me beyond the tenths place if it really is 11.72V but that isn't a big issue at all. The output remains at 11.7V regardless of whether the solenoid is activated or not. I think everything's working properly.
- Hopefully this helps someone in the future. Thank you Lundin and Olin for your help!
#6: Post edited
by
cosined
·
2021-07-06T18:56:13Z (over 3 years ago)
- # The question being asked
- Ultimately, I want to know why the output voltage wasn't the expected (via calculation) 11.72V when the _estimated_ drop-out voltage at the ~0.1A load was about 200mV. The input voltage to the regulator was 12V.
- -----
- Hi everyone, first off, I wanted to say I am a **big fan** of some of you: Olin Lathorp, Tony Stewart, Andy AKA. I can't mention how many questions on StackExchange I've looked at where at least one of you provided your expertise and helped me as well as the posters.
- I'm having **trouble with understanding how to use a LDO linear voltage regulator** I bought on Digikey. It's the **MIC29303WT adjustable regulator** found here: [https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419](https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419).
- 
- I want to use it to further regulate a +12V input voltage for use with an Arduino and a relatively low current draw solenoid ([12V 0.1A solenoid from American Science & Surplus](https://www.sciplus.com/12-vdc-solenoid-valve-10pack-savings-54414-p)). There's an Arduino Nano connected to the output of the regulator. The Nano has an output that connects to the gate of an N-channel IRLZ44 MOSFET that controls the current path for the solenoid. One lead of the solenoid is connected to the aforementioned regulator output and the other is connected to the MOSFET drain. There's a flyback diode across the solenoid to protect against inductive spikes, just in case.
- 
- For setting up the regulator, I looked at the MIC29303WT datasheet and identified the drop-out voltage for the MIC29303WT as **80mV to 175mV MAX for an output current of 100mA**. Moving to the next listed output current, 1.5A, we see 220mV of drop-out. For me, I **interpreted this as ~200mV dropout should be expected for my solenoid + Arduino load**. So my output voltage had to be **at most 11.8V with a 12V input** to expect steady operation at the expected current draw... at least that's my understanding.
- 
- I looked at the minimum load "bleed" current required for proper operation in the table and figured it was 7mA, helping me set R2:
- > _7mA = 11.8V/R2 -> R2 <= 1.7kOhm_
- I chose **R2 to be 1.5kOhm**.
- 
- Looking at the adjustable regulator formula let me figure out R1:
- > _R1 = 1.5kOhm[(11.8V/1.24)-1] -> R1 = 12.774kOhm_
- I chose **R1 to be a 12kOhm resistor in series with a 680 Ohm resistor**.
- With R1=1.6kOhm and R2=12.68kOhm, the expected regulator Vout is 11.72V. This is under the expected drop-out voltage amount of 0.2V away from the 12V input... right? 11.8V should be that limit. Therefore, the output voltage should remain regulated at about 11.72V regardless of whether the additional 0.13A load (on top of the 7mA bleed current) is present or not.
- -----
- The "problem" I am running into is that the voltage output of the regulator is not what I expected. When I hook the circuit up to my bench-top power supply, the **regulator output voltage is 11.6V** (oscilloscope says 11.6V, power supply says 11.5V) when the Arduino is connected. The **Arduino draws 0.03A**, according to the power supply. When the **0.1A solenoid is activated**, the regulator output voltage remains at 11.6V, but the **current draw is 0.13A**, as expected. When I **disconnect the Arduino and solenoid** from the breadboarded circuit, the **current draw is 0.00A** and the **regulator output jumps up to 11.9V** (oscilloscope says 11.9V, power supply says 11.8V).
- -----
- One thing that **I suspect could be at play is Microchip's definition of what drop-out voltage is**, and their operating conditions for the stated drop-out voltage at 0.1A, 1.5A, etc. I could be running the regulator out of spec, since there isn't at least a 1V difference between input and output voltage.
- 
- But wouldn't that defeat the purpose of a low (sub-1V) drop-out regulator? I expect I just don't understand how to use it or have misunderstood some part of the datasheet. Any clarification on why the output voltage isn't the calculated/expected 11.72V would help a lot. Let me know if you'd like any more information and I'll try to provide it. **Thank you!**
- -----
- # Update
- With Lundin's advice, I decided to replace the R1 and R2 resistors for the adjustable regulator. In doing so, I realized I calculated the resistors for minimum bleed current for proper operation wrong. I had divided the output voltage by R2 only, instead of serial R1 + R2, a considerably higher resistance. Dividing by R1 + R2 meant a bleed current of about 0.83mA.
- > _11.72V/(12680+1500 Ohms) = 0.0008265... A_
- This is of course a lot less than the 7mA the datasheet says is needed for the MIC29303WT to work properly.
- Lundin suggested to use lower resistor values and try to use the standard ones directly instead of combining them, so I did that.
- 
I chose R1 to be 3.3kOhms and R2 to be 390 Ohms. The new bleed current is expected to be about 3mA, which is still lower than 7mA. However, with the Arduino connected (as it will be in the application setting), the current draw will always be at least ~30mA on top of these 3mA from R1 + R2. At the very least, this explained why the output voltage rose above 11.7V when the Arduino + solenoid circuit were disconnected from the output.- 
Anyways, with the new resistors in place, Arduino connected, and nothing else changed, I see that the output voltage on the oscilloscope is +11.7V DC when I zoom-in on the voltage scale. My particular Gwinstek GDS-1052-U oscilloscope won't tell me beyond the tenths place if it really is 11.72V but that isn't a big issue at all. The output remains at 11.7V regardless of whether the solenoid is activated or not. I think everything's working properly.- Hopefully this helps someone in the future. Thank you Lundin and Olin for your help!
- # The question being asked
- Ultimately, I want to know why the output voltage wasn't the expected (via calculation) 11.72V when the _estimated_ drop-out voltage at the ~0.1A load was about 200mV. The input voltage to the regulator was 12V.
- -----
- Hi everyone, first off, I wanted to say I am a **big fan** of some of you: Olin Lathorp, Tony Stewart, Andy AKA. I can't mention how many questions on StackExchange I've looked at where at least one of you provided your expertise and helped me as well as the posters.
- I'm having **trouble with understanding how to use a LDO linear voltage regulator** I bought on Digikey. It's the **MIC29303WT adjustable regulator** found here: [https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419](https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419).
- 
- I want to use it to further regulate a +12V input voltage for use with an Arduino and a relatively low current draw solenoid ([12V 0.1A solenoid from American Science & Surplus](https://www.sciplus.com/12-vdc-solenoid-valve-10pack-savings-54414-p)). There's an Arduino Nano connected to the output of the regulator. The Nano has an output that connects to the gate of an N-channel IRLZ44 MOSFET that controls the current path for the solenoid. One lead of the solenoid is connected to the aforementioned regulator output and the other is connected to the MOSFET drain. There's a flyback diode across the solenoid to protect against inductive spikes, just in case.
- 
- For setting up the regulator, I looked at the MIC29303WT datasheet and identified the drop-out voltage for the MIC29303WT as **80mV to 175mV MAX for an output current of 100mA**. Moving to the next listed output current, 1.5A, we see 220mV of drop-out. For me, I **interpreted this as ~200mV dropout should be expected for my solenoid + Arduino load**. So my output voltage had to be **at most 11.8V with a 12V input** to expect steady operation at the expected current draw... at least that's my understanding.
- 
- I looked at the minimum load "bleed" current required for proper operation in the table and figured it was 7mA, helping me set R2:
- > _7mA = 11.8V/R2 -> R2 <= 1.7kOhm_
- I chose **R2 to be 1.5kOhm**.
- 
- Looking at the adjustable regulator formula let me figure out R1:
- > _R1 = 1.5kOhm[(11.8V/1.24)-1] -> R1 = 12.774kOhm_
- I chose **R1 to be a 12kOhm resistor in series with a 680 Ohm resistor**.
- With R1=1.6kOhm and R2=12.68kOhm, the expected regulator Vout is 11.72V. This is under the expected drop-out voltage amount of 0.2V away from the 12V input... right? 11.8V should be that limit. Therefore, the output voltage should remain regulated at about 11.72V regardless of whether the additional 0.13A load (on top of the 7mA bleed current) is present or not.
- -----
- The "problem" I am running into is that the voltage output of the regulator is not what I expected. When I hook the circuit up to my bench-top power supply, the **regulator output voltage is 11.6V** (oscilloscope says 11.6V, power supply says 11.5V) when the Arduino is connected. The **Arduino draws 0.03A**, according to the power supply. When the **0.1A solenoid is activated**, the regulator output voltage remains at 11.6V, but the **current draw is 0.13A**, as expected. When I **disconnect the Arduino and solenoid** from the breadboarded circuit, the **current draw is 0.00A** and the **regulator output jumps up to 11.9V** (oscilloscope says 11.9V, power supply says 11.8V).
- -----
- One thing that **I suspect could be at play is Microchip's definition of what drop-out voltage is**, and their operating conditions for the stated drop-out voltage at 0.1A, 1.5A, etc. I could be running the regulator out of spec, since there isn't at least a 1V difference between input and output voltage.
- 
- But wouldn't that defeat the purpose of a low (sub-1V) drop-out regulator? I expect I just don't understand how to use it or have misunderstood some part of the datasheet. Any clarification on why the output voltage isn't the calculated/expected 11.72V would help a lot. Let me know if you'd like any more information and I'll try to provide it. **Thank you!**
- -----
- # Update
- With Lundin's advice, I decided to replace the R1 and R2 resistors for the adjustable regulator. In doing so, I realized I calculated the resistors for minimum bleed current for proper operation wrong. I had divided the output voltage by R2 only, instead of serial R1 + R2, a considerably higher resistance. Dividing by R1 + R2 meant a bleed current of about 0.83mA.
- > _11.72V/(12680+1500 Ohms) = 0.0008265... A_
- This is of course a lot less than the 7mA the datasheet says is needed for the MIC29303WT to work properly.
- Lundin suggested to use lower resistor values and try to use the standard ones directly instead of combining them, so I did that.
- 
- I chose R1 to be 3.3kOhms and R2 to be 390 Ohms. The new bleed current is expected to be about 3mA, which is still lower than 7mA. However, with the Arduino connected (as it will be in the application setting), the current draw will always be at least ~30mA on top of these 3mA from R1 + R2. At the very least, though, this process explained why the output voltage rose above 11.7V when the Arduino + solenoid circuit were disconnected from the output.
- 
- With the new resistors in place, Arduino connected, and nothing else changed, I see that the output voltage on the oscilloscope is +11.7V DC when I zoom-in on the voltage scale. My particular Gwinstek GDS-1052-U oscilloscope won't tell me beyond the tenths place if it really is 11.72V but that isn't a big issue at all. The output remains at 11.7V regardless of whether the solenoid is activated or not. I think everything's working properly.
- Hopefully this helps someone in the future. Thank you Lundin and Olin for your help!
#5: Post edited
by
cosined
·
2021-07-05T22:32:39Z (over 3 years ago)
- Hi everyone, first off, I wanted to say I am a **big fan** of some of you: Olin Lathorp, Tony Stewart, Andy AKA. I can't mention how many questions on StackExchange I've looked at where at least one of you provided your expertise and helped me as well as the posters.
- I'm having **trouble with understanding how to use a LDO linear voltage regulator** I bought on Digikey. It's the **MIC29303WT adjustable regulator** found here: [https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419](https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419).
- 
- I want to use it to further regulate a +12V input voltage for use with an Arduino and a relatively low current draw solenoid ([12V 0.1A solenoid from American Science & Surplus](https://www.sciplus.com/12-vdc-solenoid-valve-10pack-savings-54414-p)). There's an Arduino Nano connected to the output of the regulator. The Nano has an output that connects to the gate of an N-channel IRLZ44 MOSFET that controls the current path for the solenoid. One lead of the solenoid is connected to the aforementioned regulator output and the other is connected to the MOSFET drain. There's a flyback diode across the solenoid to protect against inductive spikes, just in case.
- 
- For setting up the regulator, I looked at the MIC29303WT datasheet and identified the drop-out voltage for the MIC29303WT as **80mV to 175mV MAX for an output current of 100mA**. Moving to the next listed output current, 1.5A, we see 220mV of drop-out. For me, I **interpreted this as ~200mV dropout should be expected for my solenoid + Arduino load**. So my output voltage had to be **at most 11.8V with a 12V input** to expect steady operation at the expected current draw... at least that's my understanding.
- 
- I looked at the minimum load "bleed" current required for proper operation in the table and figured it was 7mA, helping me set R2:
- > _7mA = 11.8V/R2 -> R2 <= 1.7kOhm_
- I chose **R2 to be 1.5kOhm**.
- 
- Looking at the adjustable regulator formula let me figure out R1:
- > _R1 = 1.5kOhm[(11.8V/1.24)-1] -> R1 = 12.774kOhm_
- I chose **R1 to be a 12kOhm resistor in series with a 680 Ohm resistor**.
- With R1=1.6kOhm and R2=12.68kOhm, the expected regulator Vout is 11.72V. This is under the expected drop-out voltage amount of 0.2V away from the 12V input... right? 11.8V should be that limit. Therefore, the output voltage should remain regulated at about 11.72V regardless of whether the additional 0.13A load (on top of the 7mA bleed current) is present or not.
- -----
- The "problem" I am running into is that the voltage output of the regulator is not what I expected. When I hook the circuit up to my bench-top power supply, the **regulator output voltage is 11.6V** (oscilloscope says 11.6V, power supply says 11.5V) when the Arduino is connected. The **Arduino draws 0.03A**, according to the power supply. When the **0.1A solenoid is activated**, the regulator output voltage remains at 11.6V, but the **current draw is 0.13A**, as expected. When I **disconnect the Arduino and solenoid** from the breadboarded circuit, the **current draw is 0.00A** and the **regulator output jumps up to 11.9V** (oscilloscope says 11.9V, power supply says 11.8V).
- -----
- One thing that **I suspect could be at play is Microchip's definition of what drop-out voltage is**, and their operating conditions for the stated drop-out voltage at 0.1A, 1.5A, etc. I could be running the regulator out of spec, since there isn't at least a 1V difference between input and output voltage.
- 
But wouldn't that defeat the purpose of a low (sub-1V) drop-out regulator? I expect I just don't understand how to use it or have misunderstood some part of the datasheet. Any clarification on why the output voltage isn't the calculated/expected 11.72V would help a lot. Let me know if you'd like any more information and I'll try to provide it. **Thank you!**
- # The question being asked
- Ultimately, I want to know why the output voltage wasn't the expected (via calculation) 11.72V when the _estimated_ drop-out voltage at the ~0.1A load was about 200mV. The input voltage to the regulator was 12V.
- -----
- Hi everyone, first off, I wanted to say I am a **big fan** of some of you: Olin Lathorp, Tony Stewart, Andy AKA. I can't mention how many questions on StackExchange I've looked at where at least one of you provided your expertise and helped me as well as the posters.
- I'm having **trouble with understanding how to use a LDO linear voltage regulator** I bought on Digikey. It's the **MIC29303WT adjustable regulator** found here: [https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419](https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419).
- 
- I want to use it to further regulate a +12V input voltage for use with an Arduino and a relatively low current draw solenoid ([12V 0.1A solenoid from American Science & Surplus](https://www.sciplus.com/12-vdc-solenoid-valve-10pack-savings-54414-p)). There's an Arduino Nano connected to the output of the regulator. The Nano has an output that connects to the gate of an N-channel IRLZ44 MOSFET that controls the current path for the solenoid. One lead of the solenoid is connected to the aforementioned regulator output and the other is connected to the MOSFET drain. There's a flyback diode across the solenoid to protect against inductive spikes, just in case.
- 
- For setting up the regulator, I looked at the MIC29303WT datasheet and identified the drop-out voltage for the MIC29303WT as **80mV to 175mV MAX for an output current of 100mA**. Moving to the next listed output current, 1.5A, we see 220mV of drop-out. For me, I **interpreted this as ~200mV dropout should be expected for my solenoid + Arduino load**. So my output voltage had to be **at most 11.8V with a 12V input** to expect steady operation at the expected current draw... at least that's my understanding.
- 
- I looked at the minimum load "bleed" current required for proper operation in the table and figured it was 7mA, helping me set R2:
- > _7mA = 11.8V/R2 -> R2 <= 1.7kOhm_
- I chose **R2 to be 1.5kOhm**.
- 
- Looking at the adjustable regulator formula let me figure out R1:
- > _R1 = 1.5kOhm[(11.8V/1.24)-1] -> R1 = 12.774kOhm_
- I chose **R1 to be a 12kOhm resistor in series with a 680 Ohm resistor**.
- With R1=1.6kOhm and R2=12.68kOhm, the expected regulator Vout is 11.72V. This is under the expected drop-out voltage amount of 0.2V away from the 12V input... right? 11.8V should be that limit. Therefore, the output voltage should remain regulated at about 11.72V regardless of whether the additional 0.13A load (on top of the 7mA bleed current) is present or not.
- -----
- The "problem" I am running into is that the voltage output of the regulator is not what I expected. When I hook the circuit up to my bench-top power supply, the **regulator output voltage is 11.6V** (oscilloscope says 11.6V, power supply says 11.5V) when the Arduino is connected. The **Arduino draws 0.03A**, according to the power supply. When the **0.1A solenoid is activated**, the regulator output voltage remains at 11.6V, but the **current draw is 0.13A**, as expected. When I **disconnect the Arduino and solenoid** from the breadboarded circuit, the **current draw is 0.00A** and the **regulator output jumps up to 11.9V** (oscilloscope says 11.9V, power supply says 11.8V).
- -----
- One thing that **I suspect could be at play is Microchip's definition of what drop-out voltage is**, and their operating conditions for the stated drop-out voltage at 0.1A, 1.5A, etc. I could be running the regulator out of spec, since there isn't at least a 1V difference between input and output voltage.
- 
- But wouldn't that defeat the purpose of a low (sub-1V) drop-out regulator? I expect I just don't understand how to use it or have misunderstood some part of the datasheet. Any clarification on why the output voltage isn't the calculated/expected 11.72V would help a lot. Let me know if you'd like any more information and I'll try to provide it. **Thank you!**
- -----
- # Update
- With Lundin's advice, I decided to replace the R1 and R2 resistors for the adjustable regulator. In doing so, I realized I calculated the resistors for minimum bleed current for proper operation wrong. I had divided the output voltage by R2 only, instead of serial R1 + R2, a considerably higher resistance. Dividing by R1 + R2 meant a bleed current of about 0.83mA.
- > _11.72V/(12680+1500 Ohms) = 0.0008265... A_
- This is of course a lot less than the 7mA the datasheet says is needed for the MIC29303WT to work properly.
- Lundin suggested to use lower resistor values and try to use the standard ones directly instead of combining them, so I did that.
- 
- I chose R1 to be 3.3kOhms and R2 to be 390 Ohms. The new bleed current is expected to be about 3mA, which is still lower than 7mA. However, with the Arduino connected (as it will be in the application setting), the current draw will always be at least ~30mA on top of these 3mA from R1 + R2. At the very least, this explained why the output voltage rose above 11.7V when the Arduino + solenoid circuit were disconnected from the output.
- 
- Anyways, with the new resistors in place, Arduino connected, and nothing else changed, I see that the output voltage on the oscilloscope is +11.7V DC when I zoom-in on the voltage scale. My particular Gwinstek GDS-1052-U oscilloscope won't tell me beyond the tenths place if it really is 11.72V but that isn't a big issue at all. The output remains at 11.7V regardless of whether the solenoid is activated or not. I think everything's working properly.
- Hopefully this helps someone in the future. Thank you Lundin and Olin for your help!
#4: Post edited
by
cosined
·
2021-07-05T06:36:23Z (over 3 years ago)
- Hi everyone, first off, I wanted to say I am a **big fan** of some of you: Olin Lathorp, Tony Stewart, Andy AKA. I can't mention how many questions on StackExchange I've looked at where at least one of you provided your expertise and helped me as well as the posters.
- I'm having **trouble with understanding how to use a LDO linear voltage regulator** I bought on Digikey. It's the **MIC29303WT adjustable regulator** found here: [https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419](https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419).
- 
- I want to use it to further regulate a +12V input voltage for use with an Arduino and a relatively low current draw solenoid ([12V 0.1A solenoid from American Science & Surplus](https://www.sciplus.com/12-vdc-solenoid-valve-10pack-savings-54414-p)). There's an Arduino Nano connected to the output of the regulator. The Nano has an output that connects to the gate of an N-channel IRLZ44 MOSFET that controls the current path for the solenoid. One lead of the solenoid is connected to the aforementioned regulator output and the other is connected to the MOSFET drain. There's a flyback diode across the solenoid to protect against inductive spikes, just in case.
- 
- For setting up the regulator, I looked at the MIC29303WT datasheet and identified the drop-out voltage for the MIC29303WT as **80mV to 175mV MAX for an output current of 100mA**. Moving to the next listed output current, 1.5A, we see 220mV of drop-out. For me, I **interpreted this as ~200mV dropout should be expected for my solenoid + Arduino load**. So my output voltage had to be **at most 11.8V with a 12V input** to expect steady operation at the expected current draw... at least that's my understanding.
- 
- I looked at the minimum load "bleed" current required for proper operation in the table and figured it was 7mA, helping me set R2:
- > _7mA = 11.8V/R2 -> R2 <= 1.7kOhm_
- I chose **R2 to be 1.5kOhm**.
- 
- Looking at the adjustable regulator formula let me figure out R1:
- > _R1 = 1.5kOhm[(11.8V/1.24)-1] -> R1 = 12.774kOhm_
- I chose **R1 to be a 12kOhm resistor in series with a 680 Ohm resistor**.
With R1=1.6kOhm and R2=12.68kOhm, the expected regulator Vout is 11.72V. This is under the expected drop-out voltage amount of 0.2V away from the 12V input... right? 11.8V should be that limit.- -----
The "problem" I am running into is that the voltage output of the regulator is not what I expected. When I hook the circuit up to my bench-top power supply, the **regulator output voltage is 11.6V** (oscilloscope says 11.6V, power supply says 11.5V) when the Arduino is connected. The **Arduino draws 0.03A**, according to the power supply. When the **solenoid is activated**, the regulator output voltage remains at 11.6V, but the **current draw is 0.13A**, as expected. When I **disconnect the Arduino and solenoid** from the breadboarded circuit, the **current draw is 0.00A** and the **regulator output jumps up to 11.9V** (oscilloscope says 11.9V, power supply says 11.8V).- -----
- One thing that **I suspect could be at play is Microchip's definition of what drop-out voltage is**, and their operating conditions for the stated drop-out voltage at 0.1A, 1.5A, etc. I could be running the regulator out of spec, since there isn't at least a 1V difference between input and output voltage.
- 
- But wouldn't that defeat the purpose of a low (sub-1V) drop-out regulator? I expect I just don't understand how to use it or have misunderstood some part of the datasheet. Any clarification on why the output voltage isn't the calculated/expected 11.72V would help a lot. Let me know if you'd like any more information and I'll try to provide it. **Thank you!**
- Hi everyone, first off, I wanted to say I am a **big fan** of some of you: Olin Lathorp, Tony Stewart, Andy AKA. I can't mention how many questions on StackExchange I've looked at where at least one of you provided your expertise and helped me as well as the posters.
- I'm having **trouble with understanding how to use a LDO linear voltage regulator** I bought on Digikey. It's the **MIC29303WT adjustable regulator** found here: [https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419](https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419).
- 
- I want to use it to further regulate a +12V input voltage for use with an Arduino and a relatively low current draw solenoid ([12V 0.1A solenoid from American Science & Surplus](https://www.sciplus.com/12-vdc-solenoid-valve-10pack-savings-54414-p)). There's an Arduino Nano connected to the output of the regulator. The Nano has an output that connects to the gate of an N-channel IRLZ44 MOSFET that controls the current path for the solenoid. One lead of the solenoid is connected to the aforementioned regulator output and the other is connected to the MOSFET drain. There's a flyback diode across the solenoid to protect against inductive spikes, just in case.
- 
- For setting up the regulator, I looked at the MIC29303WT datasheet and identified the drop-out voltage for the MIC29303WT as **80mV to 175mV MAX for an output current of 100mA**. Moving to the next listed output current, 1.5A, we see 220mV of drop-out. For me, I **interpreted this as ~200mV dropout should be expected for my solenoid + Arduino load**. So my output voltage had to be **at most 11.8V with a 12V input** to expect steady operation at the expected current draw... at least that's my understanding.
- 
- I looked at the minimum load "bleed" current required for proper operation in the table and figured it was 7mA, helping me set R2:
- > _7mA = 11.8V/R2 -> R2 <= 1.7kOhm_
- I chose **R2 to be 1.5kOhm**.
- 
- Looking at the adjustable regulator formula let me figure out R1:
- > _R1 = 1.5kOhm[(11.8V/1.24)-1] -> R1 = 12.774kOhm_
- I chose **R1 to be a 12kOhm resistor in series with a 680 Ohm resistor**.
- With R1=1.6kOhm and R2=12.68kOhm, the expected regulator Vout is 11.72V. This is under the expected drop-out voltage amount of 0.2V away from the 12V input... right? 11.8V should be that limit. Therefore, the output voltage should remain regulated at about 11.72V regardless of whether the additional 0.13A load (on top of the 7mA bleed current) is present or not.
- -----
- The "problem" I am running into is that the voltage output of the regulator is not what I expected. When I hook the circuit up to my bench-top power supply, the **regulator output voltage is 11.6V** (oscilloscope says 11.6V, power supply says 11.5V) when the Arduino is connected. The **Arduino draws 0.03A**, according to the power supply. When the **0.1A solenoid is activated**, the regulator output voltage remains at 11.6V, but the **current draw is 0.13A**, as expected. When I **disconnect the Arduino and solenoid** from the breadboarded circuit, the **current draw is 0.00A** and the **regulator output jumps up to 11.9V** (oscilloscope says 11.9V, power supply says 11.8V).
- -----
- One thing that **I suspect could be at play is Microchip's definition of what drop-out voltage is**, and their operating conditions for the stated drop-out voltage at 0.1A, 1.5A, etc. I could be running the regulator out of spec, since there isn't at least a 1V difference between input and output voltage.
- 
- But wouldn't that defeat the purpose of a low (sub-1V) drop-out regulator? I expect I just don't understand how to use it or have misunderstood some part of the datasheet. Any clarification on why the output voltage isn't the calculated/expected 11.72V would help a lot. Let me know if you'd like any more information and I'll try to provide it. **Thank you!**
#3: Post edited
by
cosined
·
2021-07-05T04:47:15Z (over 3 years ago)
- Hi everyone, first off, I wanted to say I am a **big fan** of some of you: Olin Lathorp, Tony Stewart, Andy AKA. I can't mention how many questions on StackExchange I've looked at where at least one of you provided your expertise and helped me as well as the posters.
- I'm having **trouble with understanding how to use a LDO linear voltage regulator** I bought on Digikey. It's the **MIC29303WT adjustable regulator** found here: [https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419](https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419).
- 
- I want to use it to further regulate a +12V input voltage for use with an Arduino and a relatively low current draw solenoid ([12V 0.1A solenoid from American Science & Surplus](https://www.sciplus.com/12-vdc-solenoid-valve-10pack-savings-54414-p)). There's an Arduino Nano connected to the output of the regulator. The Nano has an output that connects to the gate of an N-channel IRLZ44 MOSFET that controls the current path for the solenoid. One lead of the solenoid is connected to the aforementioned regulator output and the other is connected to the MOSFET drain. There's a flyback diode across the solenoid to protect against inductive spikes, just in case.
- 
- For setting up the regulator, I looked at the MIC29303WT datasheet and identified the drop-out voltage for the MIC29303WT as **80mV to 175mV MAX for an output current of 100mA**. Moving to the next listed output current, 1.5A, we see 220mV of drop-out. For me, I **interpreted this as ~200mV dropout should be expected for my solenoid + Arduino load**. So my output voltage had to be **at most 11.8V with a 12V input** to expect steady operation at the expected current draw... at least that's my understanding.
- 
- I looked at the minimum load "bleed" current required for proper operation in the table and figured it was 7mA, helping me set R2:
- > _7mA = 11.8V/R2 -> R2 <= 1.7kOhm_
- I chose **R2 to be 1.5kOhm**.
- 
- Looking at the adjustable regulator formula let me figure out R1:
- > _R1 = 1.5kOhm[(11.8V/1.24)-1] -> R1 = 12.774kOhm_
- I chose **R1 to be a 12kOhm resistor in series with a 680 Ohm resistor**.
- With R1=1.6kOhm and R2=12.68kOhm, the expected regulator Vout is 11.72V. This is under the expected drop-out voltage amount of 0.2V away from the 12V input... right? 11.8V should be that limit.
- -----
- The "problem" I am running into is that the voltage output of the regulator is not what I expected. When I hook the circuit up to my bench-top power supply, the **regulator output voltage is 11.6V** (oscilloscope says 11.6V, power supply says 11.5V) when the Arduino is connected. The **Arduino draws 0.03A**, according to the power supply. When the **solenoid is activated**, the regulator output voltage remains at 11.6V, but the **current draw is 0.13A**, as expected. When I **disconnect the Arduino and solenoid** from the breadboarded circuit, the **current draw is 0.00A** and the **regulator output jumps up to 11.9V** (oscilloscope says 11.9V, power supply says 11.8V).
- -----
- One thing that **I suspect could be at play is Microchip's definition of what drop-out voltage is**, and their operating conditions for the stated drop-out voltage at 0.1A, 1.5A, etc. I could be running the regulator out of spec, since there isn't at least a 1V difference between input and output voltage.
- 
But wouldn't that defeat the purpose of a low (sub-1V) drop-out regulator? I expect I just don't understand how to use it or have misunderstood some part of the datasheet. Any clarification would help a lot. Let me know if you'd like any more information and I'll try to provide it. **Thank you!**
- Hi everyone, first off, I wanted to say I am a **big fan** of some of you: Olin Lathorp, Tony Stewart, Andy AKA. I can't mention how many questions on StackExchange I've looked at where at least one of you provided your expertise and helped me as well as the posters.
- I'm having **trouble with understanding how to use a LDO linear voltage regulator** I bought on Digikey. It's the **MIC29303WT adjustable regulator** found here: [https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419](https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419).
- 
- I want to use it to further regulate a +12V input voltage for use with an Arduino and a relatively low current draw solenoid ([12V 0.1A solenoid from American Science & Surplus](https://www.sciplus.com/12-vdc-solenoid-valve-10pack-savings-54414-p)). There's an Arduino Nano connected to the output of the regulator. The Nano has an output that connects to the gate of an N-channel IRLZ44 MOSFET that controls the current path for the solenoid. One lead of the solenoid is connected to the aforementioned regulator output and the other is connected to the MOSFET drain. There's a flyback diode across the solenoid to protect against inductive spikes, just in case.
- 
- For setting up the regulator, I looked at the MIC29303WT datasheet and identified the drop-out voltage for the MIC29303WT as **80mV to 175mV MAX for an output current of 100mA**. Moving to the next listed output current, 1.5A, we see 220mV of drop-out. For me, I **interpreted this as ~200mV dropout should be expected for my solenoid + Arduino load**. So my output voltage had to be **at most 11.8V with a 12V input** to expect steady operation at the expected current draw... at least that's my understanding.
- 
- I looked at the minimum load "bleed" current required for proper operation in the table and figured it was 7mA, helping me set R2:
- > _7mA = 11.8V/R2 -> R2 <= 1.7kOhm_
- I chose **R2 to be 1.5kOhm**.
- 
- Looking at the adjustable regulator formula let me figure out R1:
- > _R1 = 1.5kOhm[(11.8V/1.24)-1] -> R1 = 12.774kOhm_
- I chose **R1 to be a 12kOhm resistor in series with a 680 Ohm resistor**.
- With R1=1.6kOhm and R2=12.68kOhm, the expected regulator Vout is 11.72V. This is under the expected drop-out voltage amount of 0.2V away from the 12V input... right? 11.8V should be that limit.
- -----
- The "problem" I am running into is that the voltage output of the regulator is not what I expected. When I hook the circuit up to my bench-top power supply, the **regulator output voltage is 11.6V** (oscilloscope says 11.6V, power supply says 11.5V) when the Arduino is connected. The **Arduino draws 0.03A**, according to the power supply. When the **solenoid is activated**, the regulator output voltage remains at 11.6V, but the **current draw is 0.13A**, as expected. When I **disconnect the Arduino and solenoid** from the breadboarded circuit, the **current draw is 0.00A** and the **regulator output jumps up to 11.9V** (oscilloscope says 11.9V, power supply says 11.8V).
- -----
- One thing that **I suspect could be at play is Microchip's definition of what drop-out voltage is**, and their operating conditions for the stated drop-out voltage at 0.1A, 1.5A, etc. I could be running the regulator out of spec, since there isn't at least a 1V difference between input and output voltage.
- 
- But wouldn't that defeat the purpose of a low (sub-1V) drop-out regulator? I expect I just don't understand how to use it or have misunderstood some part of the datasheet. Any clarification on why the output voltage isn't the calculated/expected 11.72V would help a lot. Let me know if you'd like any more information and I'll try to provide it. **Thank you!**
#2: Post edited
by
cosined
·
2021-07-05T04:42:07Z (over 3 years ago)
- Hi everyone, first off, I wanted to say I am a **big fan** of some of you: Olin Lathorp, Tony Stewart, Andy AKA. I can't mention how many questions on StackExchange I've looked at where at least one of you provided your expertise and helped me as well as the posters.
- I'm having **trouble with understanding how to use a LDO linear voltage regulator** I bought on Digikey. It's the **MIC29303WT adjustable regulator** found here: [https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419](https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419).
- 
- I want to use it to further regulate a +12V input voltage for use with an Arduino and a relatively low current draw solenoid ([12V 0.1A solenoid from American Science & Surplus](https://www.sciplus.com/12-vdc-solenoid-valve-10pack-savings-54414-p)). There's an Arduino Nano connected to the output of the regulator. The Nano has an output that connects to the gate of an N-channel IRLZ44 MOSFET that controls the current path for the solenoid. One lead of the solenoid is connected to the aforementioned regulator output and the other is connected to the MOSFET drain. There's a flyback diode across the solenoid to protect against inductive spikes, just in case.
- 
For setting up the regulator, I looked at the MIC29303WT datasheet and identified the drop-out voltage for the MIC29303WT as **80mV to 175mV MAX for an output current of 100mA**. Moving to the next listed output current, 1.5A, we see 220mV of drop-out. For me, I** interpreted this as ~200mV dropout should be expected for my solenoid + Arduino load**. So my output voltage had to be **at most 11.8V with a 12V input** to expect steady operation at the expected current draw... at least that's my understanding.- 
- I looked at the minimum load "bleed" current required for proper operation in the table and figured it was 7mA, helping me set R2:
- > _7mA = 11.8V/R2 -> R2 <= 1.7kOhm_
- I chose **R2 to be 1.5kOhm**.
- 
- Looking at the adjustable regulator formula let me figure out R1:
- > _R1 = 1.5kOhm[(11.8V/1.24)-1] -> R1 = 12.774kOhm_
- I chose **R1 to be a 12kOhm resistor in series with a 680 Ohm resistor**.
- With R1=1.6kOhm and R2=12.68kOhm, the expected regulator Vout is 11.72V. This is under the expected drop-out voltage amount of 0.2V away from the 12V input... right? 11.8V should be that limit.
- -----
- The "problem" I am running into is that the voltage output of the regulator is not what I expected. When I hook the circuit up to my bench-top power supply, the **regulator output voltage is 11.6V** (oscilloscope says 11.6V, power supply says 11.5V) when the Arduino is connected. The **Arduino draws 0.03A**, according to the power supply. When the **solenoid is activated**, the regulator output voltage remains at 11.6V, but the **current draw is 0.13A**, as expected. When I **disconnect the Arduino and solenoid** from the breadboarded circuit, the **current draw is 0.00A** and the **regulator output jumps up to 11.9V** (oscilloscope says 11.9V, power supply says 11.8V).
- -----
- One thing that **I suspect could be at play is Microchip's definition of what drop-out voltage is**, and their operating conditions for the stated drop-out voltage at 0.1A, 1.5A, etc. I could be running the regulator out of spec, since there isn't at least a 1V difference between input and output voltage.
- 
- But wouldn't that defeat the purpose of a low (sub-1V) drop-out regulator? I expect I just don't understand how to use it or have misunderstood some part of the datasheet. Any clarification would help a lot. Let me know if you'd like any more information and I'll try to provide it. **Thank you!**
- Hi everyone, first off, I wanted to say I am a **big fan** of some of you: Olin Lathorp, Tony Stewart, Andy AKA. I can't mention how many questions on StackExchange I've looked at where at least one of you provided your expertise and helped me as well as the posters.
- I'm having **trouble with understanding how to use a LDO linear voltage regulator** I bought on Digikey. It's the **MIC29303WT adjustable regulator** found here: [https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419](https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419).
- 
- I want to use it to further regulate a +12V input voltage for use with an Arduino and a relatively low current draw solenoid ([12V 0.1A solenoid from American Science & Surplus](https://www.sciplus.com/12-vdc-solenoid-valve-10pack-savings-54414-p)). There's an Arduino Nano connected to the output of the regulator. The Nano has an output that connects to the gate of an N-channel IRLZ44 MOSFET that controls the current path for the solenoid. One lead of the solenoid is connected to the aforementioned regulator output and the other is connected to the MOSFET drain. There's a flyback diode across the solenoid to protect against inductive spikes, just in case.
- 
- For setting up the regulator, I looked at the MIC29303WT datasheet and identified the drop-out voltage for the MIC29303WT as **80mV to 175mV MAX for an output current of 100mA**. Moving to the next listed output current, 1.5A, we see 220mV of drop-out. For me, I **interpreted this as ~200mV dropout should be expected for my solenoid + Arduino load**. So my output voltage had to be **at most 11.8V with a 12V input** to expect steady operation at the expected current draw... at least that's my understanding.
- 
- I looked at the minimum load "bleed" current required for proper operation in the table and figured it was 7mA, helping me set R2:
- > _7mA = 11.8V/R2 -> R2 <= 1.7kOhm_
- I chose **R2 to be 1.5kOhm**.
- 
- Looking at the adjustable regulator formula let me figure out R1:
- > _R1 = 1.5kOhm[(11.8V/1.24)-1] -> R1 = 12.774kOhm_
- I chose **R1 to be a 12kOhm resistor in series with a 680 Ohm resistor**.
- With R1=1.6kOhm and R2=12.68kOhm, the expected regulator Vout is 11.72V. This is under the expected drop-out voltage amount of 0.2V away from the 12V input... right? 11.8V should be that limit.
- -----
- The "problem" I am running into is that the voltage output of the regulator is not what I expected. When I hook the circuit up to my bench-top power supply, the **regulator output voltage is 11.6V** (oscilloscope says 11.6V, power supply says 11.5V) when the Arduino is connected. The **Arduino draws 0.03A**, according to the power supply. When the **solenoid is activated**, the regulator output voltage remains at 11.6V, but the **current draw is 0.13A**, as expected. When I **disconnect the Arduino and solenoid** from the breadboarded circuit, the **current draw is 0.00A** and the **regulator output jumps up to 11.9V** (oscilloscope says 11.9V, power supply says 11.8V).
- -----
- One thing that **I suspect could be at play is Microchip's definition of what drop-out voltage is**, and their operating conditions for the stated drop-out voltage at 0.1A, 1.5A, etc. I could be running the regulator out of spec, since there isn't at least a 1V difference between input and output voltage.
- 
- But wouldn't that defeat the purpose of a low (sub-1V) drop-out regulator? I expect I just don't understand how to use it or have misunderstood some part of the datasheet. Any clarification would help a lot. Let me know if you'd like any more information and I'll try to provide it. **Thank you!**
#1: Initial revision
by
cosined
·
2021-07-05T04:38:35Z (over 3 years ago)
Trouble understanding how to use adjustable LDO regulator
Hi everyone, first off, I wanted to say I am a **big fan** of some of you: Olin Lathorp, Tony Stewart, Andy AKA. I can't mention how many questions on StackExchange I've looked at where at least one of you provided your expertise and helped me as well as the posters. I'm having **trouble with understanding how to use a LDO linear voltage regulator** I bought on Digikey. It's the **MIC29303WT adjustable regulator** found here: [https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419](https://www.digikey.com/short/pbnpj419).  I want to use it to further regulate a +12V input voltage for use with an Arduino and a relatively low current draw solenoid ([12V 0.1A solenoid from American Science & Surplus](https://www.sciplus.com/12-vdc-solenoid-valve-10pack-savings-54414-p)). There's an Arduino Nano connected to the output of the regulator. The Nano has an output that connects to the gate of an N-channel IRLZ44 MOSFET that controls the current path for the solenoid. One lead of the solenoid is connected to the aforementioned regulator output and the other is connected to the MOSFET drain. There's a flyback diode across the solenoid to protect against inductive spikes, just in case.  For setting up the regulator, I looked at the MIC29303WT datasheet and identified the drop-out voltage for the MIC29303WT as **80mV to 175mV MAX for an output current of 100mA**. Moving to the next listed output current, 1.5A, we see 220mV of drop-out. For me, I** interpreted this as ~200mV dropout should be expected for my solenoid + Arduino load**. So my output voltage had to be **at most 11.8V with a 12V input** to expect steady operation at the expected current draw... at least that's my understanding.  I looked at the minimum load "bleed" current required for proper operation in the table and figured it was 7mA, helping me set R2: > _7mA = 11.8V/R2 -> R2 <= 1.7kOhm_ I chose **R2 to be 1.5kOhm**.  Looking at the adjustable regulator formula let me figure out R1: > _R1 = 1.5kOhm[(11.8V/1.24)-1] -> R1 = 12.774kOhm_ I chose **R1 to be a 12kOhm resistor in series with a 680 Ohm resistor**. With R1=1.6kOhm and R2=12.68kOhm, the expected regulator Vout is 11.72V. This is under the expected drop-out voltage amount of 0.2V away from the 12V input... right? 11.8V should be that limit. ----- The "problem" I am running into is that the voltage output of the regulator is not what I expected. When I hook the circuit up to my bench-top power supply, the **regulator output voltage is 11.6V** (oscilloscope says 11.6V, power supply says 11.5V) when the Arduino is connected. The **Arduino draws 0.03A**, according to the power supply. When the **solenoid is activated**, the regulator output voltage remains at 11.6V, but the **current draw is 0.13A**, as expected. When I **disconnect the Arduino and solenoid** from the breadboarded circuit, the **current draw is 0.00A** and the **regulator output jumps up to 11.9V** (oscilloscope says 11.9V, power supply says 11.8V). ----- One thing that **I suspect could be at play is Microchip's definition of what drop-out voltage is**, and their operating conditions for the stated drop-out voltage at 0.1A, 1.5A, etc. I could be running the regulator out of spec, since there isn't at least a 1V difference between input and output voltage.  But wouldn't that defeat the purpose of a low (sub-1V) drop-out regulator? I expect I just don't understand how to use it or have misunderstood some part of the datasheet. Any clarification would help a lot. Let me know if you'd like any more information and I'll try to provide it. **Thank you!**