Dropout and PSRR — the two numbers that decide the rail quality
The LP3874EMP-3.3 is a fixed 3.3 V output LDO rated for 800 mA continuous. PSRR is specified at 73 dB at 120 Hz, dropping to 57 dB at the same frequency — typical for a 120 Hz ripple rejection figure that holds well into the kHz range. For a 5 V rail feeding a 3.3 V analog supply, this attenuates 100 mV of 120 Hz ripple down to roughly 20 µV at the output, clean enough for a 16-bit ADC reference.
Thermal and protection envelope
Built-in over-current, over-temperature, and short-circuit protection means the regulator survives a momentary output short without latching off or exceeding the absolute-maximum junction temperature — the thermal shutdown cycle restarts when the die cools.
