LP2981AIM5-3.6 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The LP2981AIM5-3.6 is a linear voltage regulator IC from Texas Instruments, classified as a Power Management (PMIC) component. This device delivers a fixed positive output of 3.6V at 100mA with a maximum input voltage of 16V and dropout voltage of 0.37V at full load. The part is currently listed as Obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and procurement.

Substiute Parts

LP2981AIM5-3.6

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1082LP2981AIM5-3.6 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

LP2981AIM5-3.6/NOPB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 5904LP2981AIM5-3.6/NOPB Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

LP2981AIM5X-3.6/NOPB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 4299LP2981AIM5X-3.6/NOPB Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

LP2981IM5-3.6/NOPB

Texas InstrumentsIn Stock: 1462LP2981IM5-3.6/NOPB Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

LP2981IM5X-3.6/NOPB

National SemiconductorIn Stock: 3033LP2981IM5X-3.6/NOPB Datasheet

Parametric EquivalentRFQ

LD2981ABM50TR

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 57157LD2981ABM50TR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

LD2981CM50TR

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 25237LD2981CM50TR Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the LP2981AIM5-3.6 are classified into two categories based on electrical and mechanical compatibility:

Parametric Equivalents (Direct Substitutes): Parts that maintain identical electrical specifications including 3.6V fixed output voltage, 100mA output current, 0.37V dropout voltage, 95 µA quiescent current, and SOT-23-5 package. These parts differ only in product status, packaging format (Cut Tape, Tape & Reel, or Bulk), or RoHS compliance status. Parametric equivalents include LP2981AIM5-3.6/NOPB, LP2981AIM5X-3.6/NOPB, LP2981IM5-3.6/NOPB, and LP2981IM5X-3.6/NOPB.

Manufacturer Recommended Alternatives: Parts from alternative manufacturers (STMicroelectronics) that share the same SOT-23-5 package, 100mA output current, 16V maximum input voltage, and -40°C to 125°C operating temperature range, but differ in output voltage (5V instead of 3.6V) and quiescent current specifications. These include LD2981ABM50TR and LD2981CM50TR. These alternatives are suitable only when the application circuit can accommodate a 5V output voltage.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

For direct replacement of the obsolete LP2981AIM5-3.6, select from the parametric equivalent group: LP2981AIM5-3.6/NOPB, LP2981AIM5X-3.6/NOPB, LP2981IM5-3.6/NOPB, or LP2981IM5X-3.6/NOPB. All maintain identical electrical specifications and SOT-23-5 package compatibility.

Among parametric equivalents, LP2981AIM5X-3.6/NOPB is the preferred choice due to Active product status and ROHS3 compliance, ensuring long-term availability and regulatory alignment. LP2981AIM5-3.6/NOPB and LP2981IM5-3.6/NOPB carry Last Time Buy status, indicating limited future availability. LP2981IM5X-3.6/NOPB from National Semiconductor maintains Active status but offers no compliance specification advantage.

The STMicroelectronics alternatives LD2981ABM50TR and LD2981CM50TR are suitable only when circuit design permits 5V output voltage operation. These parts introduce higher quiescent current (150 µA versus 95 µA), which may impact power consumption in battery-powered applications. Both maintain Active product status and ROHS3 compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use LP2981AIM5-3.6/NOPB as a direct replacement for LP2981AIM5-3.6?

A: Yes. Both parts deliver identical electrical performance: 3.6V fixed output, 100mA current capacity, 0.37V dropout voltage, and 95 µA quiescent current. The primary difference is packaging format (Cut Tape versus unspecified) and RoHS compliance status (ROHS3 Compliant versus non-compliant). Electrical functionality and PCB layout remain unchanged.

Q: What is the difference between LP2981AIM5X-3.6/NOPB and LP2981IM5X-3.6/NOPB?

A: Both parts share identical electrical specifications and SOT-23-5 package. The primary distinction is manufacturer: LP2981AIM5X-3.6/NOPB is from Texas Instruments, while LP2981IM5X-3.6/NOPB is from National Semiconductor. Both maintain Active product status. Selection depends on supplier availability and procurement preference.

Q: Can I substitute LD2981ABM50TR or LD2981CM50TR for the LP2981AIM5-3.6?

A: These STMicroelectronics parts are not direct substitutes. They deliver 5V output instead of 3.6V and exhibit higher quiescent current (150 µA versus 95 µA). Use only if your circuit design accommodates 5V operation and the increased standby current does not violate power budget requirements. Both parts maintain SOT-23-5 package compatibility and Active product status.

Q: Why does the original LP2981AIM5-3.6 show Obsolete status?

A: Obsolete status indicates the part is no longer manufactured or supported by Texas Instruments. Parametric equivalents with Active or Last Time Buy status provide continued availability. LP2981AIM5X-3.6/NOPB is recommended for new designs due to Active status and ROHS3 compliance.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same packaging formats?

A: No. Packaging formats vary: LP2981AIM5-3.6/NOPB is Cut Tape, LP2981AIM5X-3.6/NOPB is Tape & Reel, LP2981IM5-3.6/NOPB is Cut Tape, and LP2981IM5X-3.6/NOPB is Bulk. LD2981ABM50TR is Cut Tape & Digi-Reel, and LD2981CM50TR is Tape & Reel. Select based on your procurement and assembly requirements.

Q: What protection features do these regulators provide?

A: All parametric equivalents (LP2981 series) include Over Current, Over Temperature, and Short Circuit protection. The STMicroelectronics alternatives (LD2981 series) provide Over Current and Over Temperature protection. Short Circuit protection is not specified for LD2981 parts.