Disclaimer: Super newbie and first time poster here.
The MCP1700 LDO regulator datasheet states on p3 that the Droptout voltage is 350mV for Vout > 2.5V @ I=250mA. I thought great I can power my ESP32 from an 18650 battery. 3.7V - .35V = 3.35V. Works out perfectly! Well it doesn't. The regulator's Vout kept dipping below 2.5V and the ESP32 kept browning out.
I couldn't understand this until I went back and read the datasheet, carefully this time, and saw this note 5: Dropout voltage is defined as the input to output differential at which the output voltage drops 2% below its measured value with a VR+ 1V differential applied.
My question: If I need a whole extra 1V for the regulator to properly work, then why tell me that the drop out is 350mV? What's the significance of this information? I came across the same thing with multiple regulators so I must be missing something.
Thanks!