Category: Datasheet/Specs
Product Number: LT1963 LT1963A, LT1963
This is a common question, so I will ask it and then answer myself in a separate post.
This is a common question, so I will ask it and then answer myself in a separate post.
Subject: LT1963 vs LT1963A – Key Differences Explained
If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between the LT1963 and LT1963A low dropout (LDO) regulators from Analog Devices, you’re not alone. This question comes up often, especially when reviewing datasheets or selecting a part for a new design. Here's a breakdown based on internal engineering insights and datasheet comparisons.
Core SimilaritiesBoth the LT1963 and LT1963A:
Key DifferencesThe LT1963A datasheet explicitly discusses stability with ceramic capacitors and includes detailed guidance on output capacitor selection. This is a significant improvement over the original LT1963 datasheet, which lacks this level of detail.
According to an internal applications engineer, the LT1963A was likely released to provide better documentation and support for field engineers, especially around stability concerns.
The LT1963A datasheet (Rev. G) is more comprehensive, especially in the Applications Information section. It includes:
This makes the LT1963A easier to design with, especially in applications where capacitor selection is critical.
The LT1963A is AEC-Q100 qualified, making it suitable for automotive and other high-reliability applications
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Both parts are believed to use the same silicon die, according to the IC designer. Any minor performance differences (e.g., in transient response) observed during bench testing are likely due to lot-to-lot variation, not architectural changes.
If you're designing a new system or need robust documentation and capacitor flexibility, the LT1963A is the better choice. It’s essentially a more application-friendly version of the LT1963, with improved datasheet support and broader capacitor compatibility.
