The LT1121/LT1121-3.3/LT1121-5 are micropower low dropout regulators with shutdown. These devices are capable of supplying 150mA of output current with a dropout voltage of 0.4V. Designed for use in battery-powered systems, the low quiescent current, 30µA operating and 16µA in shutdown, makes them an ideal choice. The quiescent current is well-controlled; it does not rise in dropout as it does with many other low dropout PNP regulators.

Other features of the LT1121/LT1121-3.3/LT1121-5 include the ability to operate with very small output capacitors. They are stable with only 0.33µF on the output while most older devices require between 1µF and 100µF for stability. Small ceramic capacitors can be used, enhancing manufacturability. Also the input may be connected to ground or a reverse voltage without reverse current flow from output to input. This makes the LT1121CST-5#TRPBF series ideal for backup power situations where the output is held high and the input is at ground or reversed. Under these conditions only 16µA will flow from the output pin to ground.