The LM3480 is an integrated linear voltage regulator. It features operation from an input as high as 30 V and an ensured maximum dropout of 1.2 V at the full 100-mA load. Standard packaging for the LM3480 is the 3-lead SOT-23 package.
The 5-V, 12-V, and 15-V members of the LM3480 series are intended as tiny alternatives to industry standard LM78Lxx series and similar devices. The 1.2-V quasi-low dropout of LM3480 series devices makes them a nice fit in many applications where the 2-V to 2.5-V dropout of LM78Lxx series devices precludes their (LM78Lxx series devices) use.
The LM3480 series also features a 3.3-V member. The SOT-23 packaging and quasi-low dropout features of the LM3480 series converge in this device to provide a very nice, very tiny, 3.3-V, 100-mA bias supply that regulates directly off the system 5-V ±5% power supply.