LDO
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Low-dropout regulator |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Science & Engineering, Military |
LDO has two meanings. It stands for Low-dropout regulator (electronics & electrical) or Limited Duty Officer (US Navy and coast guard rank).
Meanings of LDO at a glance
| # | LDO stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Low-dropout regulator | Science & Engineering › Electronics & Electrical |
| 2 | Limited Duty Officer | Military › US Navy and Coast Guard Rank |
1. Low-dropout regulator
Science & Engineering · Electronics & Electrical Abbreviations
Linear voltage regulator that keeps a steady output even when the input voltage is only slightly higher, typically a few hundred millivolts. LDOs give quiet, clean power for sensitive analog circuits, radios and microcontrollers.
Example: A 3.3 V LDO powers the sensor from the single lithium cell, which ranges from 4.2 V down to about 3.5 V.
Because linear regulators burn off the excess voltage as heat, efficiency roughly equals output divided by input voltage, so LDOs suit small voltage drops. Switching regulators are used where efficiency matters more than noise. The classic 7805 regulator is not low-dropout, needing about 2 volts of headroom.
2. Limited Duty Officer
Military · US Navy and Coast Guard Rank Abbreviations
Navy and Marine Corps commissioned officer selected from senior enlisted members or warrant officers to serve as a technical manager in a specific field. LDOs start as ensigns or higher and can be promoted through the regular officer grades while staying in their specialty.
Example: After 14 years as an electronics technician, she was commissioned as an LDO ensign.
"Limited" refers to the restriction to one technical field, not to authority: LDOs hold full commissions and can rise to commander and captain. Candidates often apply as chiefs or first class petty officers, while warrant officers are chosen from chiefs in a parallel program.
Related abbreviations
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