Diodes Incorporated AP2138N-2.5TRG1
- Part No.:
- AP2138N-2.5TRG1
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Datasheet:
-
AP2138N-2.5TRG1.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 2.5V 250MA SOT23-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:23,606
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Product details
Overview
AP2138N-2.5TRG1 from Diodes Incorporated is a fixed-output 2.5V, 250mA ultra-low quiescent current (1.0µA typical) CMOS LDO regulator in SOT-23-3 package, designed for battery-powered portable electronics requiring stable low-power voltage regulation with ±2% output accuracy and 25mV dropout at 10mA load.
For engineers reviewing the AP2138N-2.5TRG1 datasheet, AP2138N-2.5TRG1 pinout, AP2138N-2.5TRG1 application, or AP2138N-2.5TRG1 equivalent, key selection criteria include quiescent current vs. load, dropout behavior at light-to-moderate loads, thermal resistance (θJA = 250°C/W), output voltage temperature coefficient (±100ppm/°C), and compatibility with 1µF ceramic input/output capacitors.
Technical Context
The AP2138N-2.5TRG1 implements a CMOS-based regulation architecture with integrated voltage reference, error amplifier, and resistor network for precise 2.5V output. It lacks enable control or quick-discharge functionality-distinguishing it from the AP2139 series-and operates across -40°C to +85°C ambient range with input voltage support from 2.5V to 6.0V.
Its low dropout performance is load-dependent: 25mV typical at 10mA, rising to 650mV typical at 250mA. Load and line regulation are tightly controlled at 25mV and 6mV typical respectively, enabling stable operation in varying source and load conditions without external compensation.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 2.500V ±2% - ensures reliable biasing of 2.5V logic, ADC references, and RF front-end circuitry |
| Quiescent Current | 1.0µA typical - extends battery life in always-on sensor nodes and standby modes |
| Max Output Current | 250mA - supports moderate-power microcontrollers, display drivers, and audio codecs |
| Dropout Voltage | 25mV @ 10mA - enables regulation from 2.525V input; 650mV @ 250mA defines minimum input headroom |
| Load Regulation | 25mV typical (1–100mA) - maintains output stability across dynamic current demands |
| Line Regulation | 6mV typical (2.5–6.0V input) - rejects input ripple and supply variations effectively |
| Temp Coefficient | ±100ppm/°C - contributes ≤±0.021% output drift over -40°C to +85°C junction range |
Pinout & Package
SOT-23-3 package: small-outline transistor outline with 1.3mm × 2.9mm footprint, exposed pad not present, rated θJA = 250°C/W and θJC = 81.9°C/W.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Left) | VIN | Main power input; must be ≥2.525V for regulation at full load; requires ≥1µF ceramic decoupling |
| 2 (Center) | VOUT | Stable 2.5V regulated output; requires ≥1µF ceramic capacitor with ESR 0.01–100Ω for stability |
| 3 (Right) | GND | Power ground reference; must be low-impedance connection to minimize noise and dropout error |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low IQ | 1.0µA typical - enables >10-year battery life in 10µA average-load IoT endpoints |
| High accuracy | ±2% output tolerance - eliminates need for post-regulation trimming in precision analog chains |
| Low thermal resistance | θJC = 81.9°C/W - allows 250mA operation with <21°C die rise above case at 1W dissipation |
| Capacitor-stable design | Works with 1µF ceramic COUT (0.01–100Ω ESR) - reduces BOM count vs. tantalum-dependent LDOs |
| Wide input range | 2.5V to 6.0V operation - compatible with single Li-ion, two alkaline, or USB-powered systems |
Applications
| Wearable Health Monitor | Industrial Sensor Node |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Continuous ECG signal acquisition powered by coin-cell battery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Provides clean, low-noise 2.5V supply to 16-bit SAR ADC and ultra-low-power MCU. Use Value: 1.0µA quiescent current extends 220mAh CR2032 battery life beyond 2 years in sleep-dominated operation. |
Use Scenario: Wireless temperature/humidity node deployed in factory environment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Regulates power to LoRa transceiver and digital sensor interface under variable 3.0–5.5V supply. Use Value: 25mV dropout at light load preserves operating margin when input sags during RF transmission bursts. |
| Portable Audio Recorder | Smart Home Motion Detector |
Use Scenario: Handheld voice recorder using MEMS microphone and flash storage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Supplies 2.5V bias to microphone preamp and 2.5V I/O domain of microSD controller. Use Value: ±2% output accuracy ensures consistent microphone sensitivity and ADC reference stability across temperature. |
Use Scenario: Battery-operated PIR-based occupancy sensor with BLE wake-up. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Powers IR sensor signal chain and BLE SoC in deep-sleep mode between detections. Use Value: Low 25mV dropout enables reliable startup from aging 2.7V alkaline cells while maintaining 2.5V rail integrity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output LDO regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AP7354-25SA-7 | Successor device: 2.5V, 300mA, 0.6µA IQ, lower dropout (18mV @ 10mA), same SOT-23-3 package | Supports higher peak loads and longer battery life; qualified for new designs per Diodes' notice | Select for new designs requiring improved efficiency and lifecycle support |
| MCP1700T-2502E/TT | Microchip part: 2.5V, 250mA, 1.6µA IQ, 175mV dropout @ 250mA, SOT-23-3 | Higher dropout limits usable input range; slightly higher IQ reduces ultra-low-power advantage | Consider only if AP2138N-2.5TRG1 stock is constrained and legacy qualification is required |
Compared with AP2138N-2.5TRG1, AP7354-25SA-7 delivers 40% lower quiescent current and tighter dropout-directly extending battery runtime and input voltage margin-while MCP1700T-2502E/TT trades off efficiency for broader second-source availability in cost-sensitive volume production.
Availability
AP2138N-2.5TRG1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable health monitors, industrial sensor nodes, portable audio recorders, and smart home motion detectors requiring stable component supply with known thermal and electrical behavior in space-constrained SOT-23-3 layouts.
Supply support for AP2138N-2.5TRG1 includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Diodes Incorporated is a global semiconductor company specializing in discrete, analog, and mixed-signal ICs, with emphasis on power management, signal integrity, and protection solutions for high-reliability applications.
The AP2138 series belongs to Diodes' ultra-low-IQ LDO portfolio, engineered specifically for energy-constrained portable and battery-powered systems where extended operational lifetime and minimal input voltage overhead are critical design requirements.
FAQ
Is AP2138N-2.5TRG1 pin-compatible with other SOT-23-3 LDOs?
No-AP2138N-2.5TRG1 uses VIN-VOUT-GND pinout (1-2-3). Many competing SOT-23-3 LDOs use VIN-GND-VOUT or GND-VIN-VOUT arrangements. Physical pin mapping must be verified against each specific alternative; incorrect PCB layout causes functional failure or damage.
What is the minimum input voltage required for regulation at 250mA output?
At 250mA load, typical dropout is 650mV, so minimum input voltage is 2.5V + 0.65V = 3.15V. The datasheet specifies absolute minimum VIN = 2.5V, but regulation cannot be maintained at full load below ~3.15V due to dropout limitations.
Can ceramic capacitors be used for both input and output filtering?
Yes-1µF X5R/X7R ceramic capacitors are explicitly recommended for both input and output. The device is stable with ESR between 0.01Ω and 100Ω, eliminating need for higher-ESR tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitors and reducing board area and cost.
Why does Diodes state "not recommended for new designs"?
Diodes recommends AP7354 as the functional successor: it offers lower IQ (0.6µA), lower dropout (18mV @ 10mA), and full qualification for new projects. AP2138N-2.5TRG1 remains available for legacy repair and continuity, but no further revisions or automotive-grade variants will be developed.
AP2138N-2.5TRG1 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-236-3, SC-59, SOT-23-3
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 6V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 2.5V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 1V @ 250mA
- Current - Output:
- 250mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 1.5 µA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- -
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Current
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-23-3
AP2138N-2.5TRG1 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AP2138N-2.5TRG1 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AP2138N-2.5TRG1 on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for AP2138N-2.5TRG1 reliable?
The price and inventory of AP2138N-2.5TRG1 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AP2138N-2.5TRG1 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AP2138N-2.5TRG1?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AP2138N-2.5TRG1 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AP2138N-2.5TRG1?
AP2138N-2.5TRG1 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AP2138N-2.5TRG1 order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for AP2138N-2.5TRG1?
For technical support, including AP2138N-2.5TRG1 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AP2138N-2.5TRG1 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AP2138N-2.5TRG1 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AP2138N-2.5TRG1 products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that AP2138N-2.5TRG1 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AP2138N-2.5TRG1?
All AP2138N-2.5TRG1 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AP2138N-2.5TRG1, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The AP2138N-2.5TRG1 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AP2138N-2.5TRG1:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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