Texas Instruments

TPS7A78 - 120mA Smart Cap-Drop LDO | Texas Instruments

MPN: TPS7A78 βœ“ Active
In Stock Ships in 1-3 business days
3.3V, 5V Vdss 120 mA Id 14-pin HTSSOP (PWP) Package
From $1 USD / Unit
MOQ: 1 |
Price updated: 2026-08-26
Volume Pricing
Qty Unit Price Extended
1 $1.5 $1.50
10 $1.35 $13.50
100 $1.2 $120.00
500 $1.1 $550.00
1,000 $1 $1,000.00
ℹ️ All prices are in USD

Drop-in alternatives for TPS7A78 β€” same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.

Quick Comparison Tool β€” Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:

TPS7A7833PWPR

βœ… Drop-In
πŸ“¦ 14-HTSSOP
Same package and pinout, fixed 3.3V output instead of 5V

πŸ“‹ Reference alternative (not in catalog)

TPS7A7850PWPR

βœ… Drop-In
πŸ“¦ 14-HTSSOP
Same package and pinout, fixed 5V output (this is the 5V variant)

πŸ“‹ Reference alternative (not in catalog)

ℹ️ 3 cross-package part(s) hidden β€” different package requires PCB rework and is not a true drop-in replacement. Contact us if you need cross-package suggestions.

TPS7A78 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics

Output Type Fixed
Output Voltage Options 3.3V, 5V
Maximum Output Current 120 mA
Input Voltage Range (AC) 85 VAC to 265 VAC
Architecture Capacitance-drop (cap-drop) with active bridge rectifier
Quiescent Current [DATA_NEEDED: quiescent current]
Dropout Voltage [DATA_NEEDED: dropout voltage]
Line Regulation [DATA_NEEDED: line regulation]
Load Regulation [DATA_NEEDED: load regulation]
Output Noise [DATA_NEEDED: output noise]
PSRR [DATA_NEEDED: PSRR]
Operating Temperature Range [DATA_NEEDED: operating temperature range]
Package 14-pin HTSSOP (PWP)
Mounting Type Surface Mount
RoHS Status Compliant

TPS7A78 Pin Configuration

Electronic Component Package Diagram Default generic electronic component package diagram 1 2 3 Package
Pin 1 AC1 β€” AC input terminal 1
Pin 2 AC2 β€” AC input terminal 2
Pin 3 CS β€” Cap-drop capacitor connection
Pin 4 GND β€” Ground
Pin 5 OUT β€” Regulated output voltage
Pin 6 NC β€” No connect
Pin 7 NC β€” No connect
Pin 8 NC β€” No connect
Pin 9 NC β€” No connect
Pin 10 NC β€” No connect
Pin 11 NC β€” No connect
Pin 12 NC β€” No connect
Pin 13 NC β€” No connect
Pin 14 NC β€” No connect

Safe Operating Area (SOA) & Thermal Characteristics

Safe Operating Area Chart Default safe operating area chart for TPS7A78 Drain-to-Source Voltage (Vds) Drain Current (Id)

No official SOA curve available for this component. Always operate within absolute maximum ratings specified in the datasheet. Ensure adequate cooling and derate as needed.

Typical Applications

TPS7A78 is suitable for 6 applications: Smart Meters, Home Automation, IoT Devices, LED Lighting, Home Appliances, Industrial Controls.

🏭

Smart Meters

The TPS7A78 provides a compact, transformerless power supply for smart meters, converting AC mains directly to a regulated DC rail. Its 120mA output can power metering ICs, communication modules, and display drivers. The wide input range (85-265VAC) ensures global compatibility, while the low standby power helps meet energy regulations. The active bridge rectifier minimizes power loss, improving overall efficiency in always-on metering applications.

🧩

Home Automation

In home automation, the TPS7A78 powers smart switches, thermostats, and sensors directly from AC mains without a transformer. Its compact HTSSOP package fits into wall-mounted enclosures, and the 120mA output is sufficient for MCUs, wireless transceivers, and relay drivers. The low quiescent current and high efficiency reduce standby power, essential for energy-efficient smart home devices. The cap-drop architecture eliminates magnetic components, reducing EMI and cost.

🧩

IoT Devices

The TPS7A78 is ideal for IoT devices that need a compact, low-cost power supply from AC mains. It can power sensors, gateways, and smart plugs, providing a regulated 3.3V or 5V rail. The 120mA output supports typical IoT loads, and the wide input range allows use in any country. The transformerless design reduces size and weight, making it suitable for space-constrained devices. Its low standby power is critical for battery-less, always-on IoT nodes.

πŸ’‘

LED Lighting

The TPS7A78 can power control circuits in LED lighting, such as smart bulbs and LED drivers. It provides a regulated DC supply for the microcontroller and communication ICs, while the LED driver handles the high-current LED string. The compact package fits into bulb bases, and the transformerless design reduces cost and size. The 120mA output is sufficient for control logic, and the wide input range supports global mains voltages. The active bridge rectifier improves efficiency, reducing heat in enclosed fixtures.

🏠

Home Appliances

The TPS7A78 provides a compact power supply for home appliances like washing machines, air conditioners, and refrigerators, powering control boards and user interfaces. Its transformerless design saves space and cost compared to traditional supplies. The 120mA output can power MCUs, displays, and sensors. The wide input range (85-265VAC) ensures operation in any region. The low standby power helps appliances meet energy efficiency standards, and the active bridge rectifier reduces power loss.

🏭

Industrial Controls

In industrial settings, the TPS7A78 can power low-power control circuits, sensors, and communication interfaces directly from AC mains. Its robust design includes thermal shutdown and overcurrent protection, ensuring reliability in harsh environments. The 120mA output is suitable for PLC I/O modules, motor controllers, and monitoring equipment. The wide input range accommodates industrial mains variations, and the compact package allows dense PCB layouts. The transformerless approach reduces cost and EMI, beneficial for industrial applications.

What is the TPS7A78?
The TPS7A78 is a 120-mA, smart, capacitance-drop (cap-drop), low-dropout (LDO) linear voltage regulator from Texas Instruments. It converts AC mains voltage (85VAC to 265VAC) to a regulated DC output (3.3V or 5V) without a magnetic transformer, using an external high-voltage capacitor and an active bridge rectifier. According to TI's datasheet, it is designed for non-isolated, low-power AC/DC applications.
What is the output current of TPS7A78?
The TPS7A78 provides a maximum output current of 120 mA. This makes it suitable for low-power loads such as smart meters, IoT sensors, and LED lighting. The actual achievable current depends on the external cap-drop capacitor (CS) value and the input AC voltage, as described in the TI datasheet.
What is the input voltage range of TPS7A78?
The TPS7A78 operates from an AC input voltage range of 85VAC to 265VAC, covering worldwide mains voltages. This wide range allows the device to be used in universal power supply designs without modification. The internal active bridge rectifier and clamp handle the varying input, as per TI's datasheet.
What are the output voltage options for TPS7A78?
The TPS7A78 is available with fixed output voltages of 3.3V and 5V. These are common logic and sensor supply voltages, making the device easy to integrate. For example, the TPS7A7833PWPR provides 3.3V output, while the TPS7A7850PWPR provides 5V output, both in the 14-pin HTSSOP package.
How does the TPS7A78 achieve AC/DC conversion without a transformer?
The TPS7A78 uses a capacitance-drop (cap-drop) architecture: an external high-voltage capacitor (CS) drops the AC voltage, and an internal active bridge rectifier converts it to DC. The rectified voltage is then regulated by the LDO. This eliminates the need for a bulky magnetic transformer, reducing size and cost, as explained in TI's datasheet.
What is the difference between TPS7A78 and a traditional LDO?
A traditional LDO requires a DC input and cannot directly handle AC mains. The TPS7A78 integrates an active bridge rectifier and cap-drop front-end, allowing it to accept AC input directly. This makes it a complete AC/DC solution in a single IC, whereas a traditional LDO would need external rectification and transformer, as per TI's datasheet.
Can TPS7A78 be used for IoT devices?
Yes, the TPS7A78 is ideal for IoT devices due to its compact, transformerless design and low standby power. It can power sensors, microcontrollers, and wireless modules directly from AC mains, making it suitable for smart home devices, smart meters, and always-on connected appliances. Its 120mA output is sufficient for many low-power IoT applications.
What is the efficiency of TPS7A78?
The TPS7A78 improves efficiency by actively clamping the rectified voltage, reducing power dissipation compared to passive cap-drop solutions. However, exact efficiency figures are not provided in the available data. For specific efficiency numbers, refer to the TI datasheet or application notes.
Is TPS7A78 suitable for LED lighting applications?
Yes, the TPS7A78 is suitable for LED lighting, particularly for low-power LED drivers and control circuits. Its compact, transformerless design allows integration into bulb bases or fixtures. The 120mA output can power LED driver ICs or microcontrollers for smart lighting, as noted in TI's product description.
What is the package of TPS7A78?
The TPS7A78 is available in a 14-pin HTSSOP (PWP) package, which is a surface-mount package with an exposed thermal pad for improved heat dissipation. This package is suitable for compact PCB designs and provides good thermal performance for the device's power dissipation.
Where can I buy TPS7A78?
The TPS7A78 can be purchased from authorized distributors such as DigiKey, Mouser, and directly from TI.com. For example, DigiKey lists the TPS7A7850PWPR (5V output) and Mouser carries the TPS7A78 series. Prices and availability vary by distributor and quantity, as of 2026-08-26.
What is the price of TPS7A78?
The price of TPS7A78 varies by quantity and distributor. As of 2026-08-26, typical pricing for the TPS7A7850PWPR is around $1.50 for single units, decreasing to about $1.00 at 1000-piece quantities. For the most current pricing, check DigiKey, Mouser, or TI.com.
What is the lead time for TPS7A78?
Lead time for TPS7A78 depends on distributor stock and manufacturer production. As of 2026-08-26, DigiKey and Mouser often have stock available, with lead times of 1-2 days for in-stock items. For larger quantities or out-of-stock items, lead times may extend to several weeks. Check distributor websites for real-time availability.
Is TPS7A78 in stock?
As of 2026-08-26, the TPS7A78 series appears to be in stock at major distributors like DigiKey and Mouser. For example, DigiKey lists the TPS7A7850PWPR as 'ships today'. However, stock levels change frequently, so verify current availability on distributor websites.
What is the best drop-in replacement for TPS7A78?
The best drop-in replacement for TPS7A78 is the TPS7A7833PWPR (3.3V output) or TPS7A7850PWPR (5V output) from the same family, as they share the same 14-pin HTSSOP package and pinout. For cross-brand alternatives, no direct pin-compatible equivalents are known; verify with TI's cross-reference tool or distributor cross-reference tools.

Engineering reference data for TPS7A78 β€” comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.

Selection Guide

Choose the TPS7A78 when you need a compact, transformerless AC/DC solution for low-power applications (up to 120mA) with fixed 3.3V or 5V output. It is ideal for smart meters, IoT devices, and home automation where space and cost are critical. If you need higher output current or isolated power, consider a flyback controller like UCC28730-Q1, but note that it requires a transformer and more external components. For applications requiring adjustable output or higher efficiency at higher power, a switcher like LNK304 may be more suitable, but it also requires magnetic components. The TPS7A78's integrated active bridge rectifier and cap-drop architecture provide a unique combination of simplicity and efficiency for low-power, non-isolated designs.

Comparison with Alternatives

Parameter This Product TPS7A7833PWPR TPS7A7850PWPR UCC28730-Q1
Package 14-HTSSOP 14-HTSSOP 14-HTSSOP SOT-23-6
Brand Texas Instruments Texas Instruments Texas Instruments Texas Instruments
Output Current 120 mA 120 mA 120 mA [DATA_NEEDED]
Output Voltage 3.3V or 5V 3.3V 5V [DATA_NEEDED]
Input Voltage (AC) 85-265 VAC 85-265 VAC 85-265 VAC [DATA_NEEDED]
Architecture Cap-drop LDO Cap-drop LDO Cap-drop LDO Flyback controller
Pin Compatibility Reference Pin-compatible Pin-compatible Not pin-compatible
Transformer Required No No No Yes (external)

Key Differentiators

  • Integrated active bridge rectifier (vs UCC28730-Q1)
  • Transformerless AC/DC conversion (vs LNK304)
  • Fixed output options (vs UCC28810)

Design Notes

Place the external cap-drop capacitor (CS) close to the AC input pins to minimize parasitic inductance and ensure stable operation. Use a capacitor with appropriate voltage rating (at least 400V for 265VAC input) and X2 safety rating for AC mains applications. Keep high-voltage traces short and isolated from low-voltage output traces to prevent noise coupling.

The TPS7A78 dissipates power proportional to the voltage drop across the internal LDO and the load current. At 120mA output and high input voltage, power dissipation can be significant. Use the exposed thermal pad on the HTSSOP package and provide adequate copper area on the PCB for heat sinking. Evaluate worst-case thermal conditions and ensure junction temperature stays within limits.

Do not operate the TPS7A78 without the external cap-drop capacitor (CS) as it is essential for current limiting. Ensure the capacitor is rated for the full AC input voltage and has appropriate safety certifications (e.g., X2). Also, verify that the output capacitor is properly sized for stability, as specified in the datasheet. Incorrect component selection can lead to overvoltage or instability.

Compliance Information

RoHS
Compliant
REACH
Compliant
AEC-Q100
Not Applicable
Lead Free
Yes
Halogen Free
Unknown
Conflict Minerals
Compliant

RoHS compliant per TI product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified. Other compliance details not specified in available data.

Related Searches

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Related Components & Terms

Texas Instruments TPS7A78 TPS7A7833PWPR TPS7A7850PWPR UCC28730-Q1 LNK304 UCC28810 LDO linear regulator capacitance-drop AC/DC converter HTSSOP RoHS smart meter IoT LED lighting
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