I am glad that I cleaned up my lab today because I found some chips that I think can be useful in many projects. Another IC I found is the TLV1117 and since I forgot what it is I had to read about it again first. So TLV1117 is a low dropout voltage regulator (LDO) from Texas Instruments, designed to provide a stable output voltage from a higher input voltage — commonly used in embedded systems, including Arduino and ESP32-based projects.
🔧 Key Features of TLV1117
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Low Dropout Linear Voltage Regulator (LDO) |
| Output Current | Up to 800 mA continuous |
| Dropout Voltage | Typically 1.1V at 800 mA |
| Output Voltage Options | Fixed versions (e.g. 3.3V, 5V) or adjustable |
| Packages | Commonly available in TO-220, SOT-223, and TO-252 |
| Internal Features | Overtemperature shutdown, current limiting |
| Accuracy | Output voltage accurate to ±2% |
🧠 What "Low Dropout" Means
“Low dropout” means it can regulate output voltage even when the input voltage is only slightly higher than the output. For example:
-
To get 3.3V output, input must be ≥ 4.4V
(since dropout is ~1.1V)
This is useful when powering devices from 5V or battery sources where efficiency and stability matter.
📦 Typical Applications
-
Powering ESP32, ESP8266, Arduino, or sensor modules
-
Converting 5V (from USB) to 3.3V
-
Regulated power for analog circuits or RF modules
-
Battery-powered devices that need efficient linear regulation
🛠️ Example Use
To power an ESP32 (which runs on 3.3V) from a 5V source:
Don't forget input/output capacitors (typically 10 µF) for stability. Would you like a schematic or PCB layout tip for using TLV1117 in your circuits?
TLV1117 – Voltage Regulator Applications
| Project Type | Application | How It’s Used |
|---|---|---|
| ESP32 or Arduino projects | 5V to 3.3V conversion | Drop 5V input (e.g., USB or Li-ion pack with 5V boost) to clean 3.3V |
| Robotics | Power camera/IMU/logic | Power 3.3V-only modules from 5V battery sources |
| Drones | Powering GPS / sensors | Stable 3.3V or 1.8V output for flight-critical modules |
| IoT nodes | Low dropout power supply | Efficient regulator when using 3.7V Li-Ion to power 3.3V ESP32/MCU |
⚡ Why TLV1117? – Simple, reliable LDO voltage regulator with low dropout — great for powering sensitive 3.3V systems from 5V or Li-ion sources.
