The MIC2951 are "bulletproof" micropower voltage regulators with very low dropout voltage (typically 40mV at light loads and 250mV at 100mA), and very low quiescent current. Like their predecessors, the LP2950 and LP2951, the quiescent current of the MIC2951 increases only slightly in dropout, thus pro-longing battery life. The MIC2951 are pin for pin compatible with the LP2950/LP2951, but offer lower dropout, lower quiescent current, reverse battery, and automotive load dump protection. The key additional features and protection offered include higher output current (150mA), positive transient protection for up to 60V (load dump), and the ability to survive an unregulated input voltage transient of -20V below ground (reverse battery). The plastic DIP and SOIC versions offer additional system functions such as programmable output voltage and logic controlled shutdown. These system functions also include an error flag output that warns of a low output voltage, which is often due to failing batteries on the input. This may also be used as a power-on reset. A logic-compatible shutdown input is also available which enables the regulator to be switched on and off. This part may also be pin-strapped for a 5 V output, or programmed from 1.24 V to 29 V with the use of two external resistors.High accuracy 3.3, 4.85, or 5V, guaranteed 150mA output Extremely low quiescent current Low-dropout voltage Extremely tight load and line regulation Very low temperature coefficient Use as regulator or reference Needs only 1.5µF for stability Current and thermal limiting Unregulated DC input can withstand –20V reverse battery and +60V positive transients Error flag warns of output dropout Logic-controlled electronic shutdown Output programmable from 1.24 to 29V