Diodes Incorporated AP2138R-1.8TRG1
- Part No.:
- AP2138R-1.8TRG1
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-243AA
- Datasheet:
-
AP2138R-1.8TRG1.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 1.8V 250MA SOT89
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,520
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Product details
Overview
AP2138R-1.8TRG1 from Diodes Incorporated is a fixed-output 1.8V CMOS low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator in SOT-23-3 package, delivering up to 250mA output current with ±2% output voltage accuracy, 1.0µA typical quiescent current, and 25mV typical dropout at 10mA load. It serves as a primary power rail for ultra-low-power microcontrollers and sensors in battery-powered portable devices.
For engineers reviewing the AP2138R-1.8TRG1 datasheet, AP2138R-1.8TRG1 pinout, AP2138R-1.8TRG1 application, or AP2138R-1.8TRG1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its ultra-low IQ, tight output tolerance, thermal performance in SOT-23-3, and compatibility with 1µF ceramic input/output capacitors for stable operation in space-constrained designs.
Technical Context
The AP2138R-1.8TRG1 integrates a precision voltage reference, error amplifier, and resistor network to maintain regulated 1.8V output across input voltages from 2.5V to 6.0V. Its CMOS pass element enables low dropout and minimal quiescent current without requiring external biasing.
It operates over –40°C to +85°C ambient temperature, supports 1µF ceramic capacitors on both input and output, and achieves ±100ppm/°C output voltage temperature coefficient - critical for stable reference supply in precision analog circuits and low-power SoCs.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 1.800V ±2% - ensures reliable logic-level compliance for 1.8V I/O domains of modern MCUs and FPGAs |
| Quiescent Current | 1.0µA typical - extends battery life in always-on sensor nodes and wearables beyond 10 years at µA-level loads |
| Dropout Voltage | 25mV typical at 10mA - enables regulation from 1.825V input, maximizing usable battery voltage range |
| Output Current | 250mA maximum - sufficient for powering core logic of Bluetooth LE SoCs and small display drivers |
| Line Regulation | 6mV typical - maintains output stability despite battery voltage sag during pulse loads |
| Load Regulation | 25mV typical (1–100mA) - prevents voltage droop during dynamic MCU clock scaling or peripheral activation |
| Thermal Resistance θJA | 250°C/W (SOT-23-3) - requires minimal PCB copper area for thermal management in compact layouts |
Pinout & Package
SOT-23-3 package: 3-pin surface-mount plastic package with exposed pad (no thermal pad connection required), footprint compatible with JEDEC MO-178AB, rated for 250°C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | VIN | Main input supply pin - accepts 2.5V–6.0V; requires ≥1µF ceramic capacitor placed within 3mm for EMI suppression and transient response |
| 2 | VOUT | Regulated 1.8V output - connects directly to load; output capacitance ≥1µF with 0.01–100Ω ESR ensures loop stability |
| 3 | GND | Analog ground reference - must be tied to low-impedance system ground plane to minimize noise coupling into feedback path |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Ultra-low quiescent current | 1.0µA typical - reduces no-load power loss to <2µW at 1.8V, enabling multi-year operation on coin cells |
| High output voltage accuracy | ±2% over temperature and line/load - eliminates need for post-regulation trimming in cost-sensitive consumer designs |
| Low dropout voltage | 25mV at 10mA - allows use with partially discharged Li-ion (3.0V) or two alkaline cells (2.4V) while maintaining regulation |
| Stable with ceramic capacitors | 1µF minimum COUT, 0.01–100Ω ESR - avoids costly tantalum or electrolytic capacitors and simplifies BOM |
| RoHS-compliant & halogen-free | Fully lead-free, <900ppm Br+Cl, <1000ppm Sb - meets IPC-1752A material declaration requirements for automotive and medical OEMs |
Applications
| Wearable Health Sensors | Bluetooth Low Energy Modules |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Continuous ECG/PPG monitoring in wrist-worn devices powered by CR2032 coin cell. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 1.8V supply for ultra-low-power analog front-end and BLE SoC core domain. Use Value: 1.0µA quiescent current extends battery life to >2 years; ±2% output accuracy ensures consistent ADC reference and RF oscillator performance. |
Use Scenario: Powering Nordic nRF52/nRF53 series SoCs in asset trackers and smart tags. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated LDO for 1.8V digital I/O and radio interface rails. Use Value: 25mV dropout preserves headroom during RF transmit bursts; 250mA rating supports simultaneous BLE + sensor operation. |
| Industrial IoT Edge Nodes | Portable Diagnostic Instruments |
|
Use Scenario: Battery-backed wireless vibration sensor node operating in remote factory environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stable 1.8V rail for MEMS accelerometer, microcontroller, and sub-GHz transceiver. Use Value: ±100ppm/°C tempco maintains timing accuracy across –40°C to +85°C; 250°C/W θJA enables convection-only cooling. |
Use Scenario: Handheld blood glucose meter with LCD display and USB charging circuitry. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision 1.8V supply for ADC reference and touch controller interface. Use Value: 6mV line regulation prevents measurement drift during battery voltage decay; 25mV dropout maximizes usable battery capacity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LDO regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AP7354-18SAG-7 | Successor device: 1.8V, 300mA, 0.6µA IQ, 120mV dropout at 250mA, SOT-23-3 | Higher current and lower IQ; requires same 1µF ceramic caps; pinout identical | Preferred for new designs requiring extended battery life or higher load margin |
| MCP1700T-1802E/TT | Microchip part: 1.8V, 250mA, 1.6µA IQ, 178mV dropout at 250mA, SOT-23-3 | Higher dropout and IQ; wider VIN range (2.3–6.0V); same thermal resistance | Consider only if AP2138R-1.8TRG1 stock constraints exist and design tolerates 150mV higher dropout |
Compared with AP2138R-1.8TRG1, AP7354-18SAG-7 delivers 40% lower quiescent current and 3× lower dropout at full load - directly extending runtime in energy-harvesting and coin-cell systems - while MCP1700T-1802E/TT trades efficiency for broader input flexibility but increases thermal stress under heavy load.
Availability
AP2138R-1.8TRG1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable health sensors, industrial IoT edge nodes, and portable diagnostic instruments requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle visibility.
Supply support for AP2138R-1.8TRG1 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 manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, specializing in high-efficiency power management, signal integrity, and protection solutions for industrial, computing, and consumer markets.
The AP2138 series belongs to Diodes' ultra-low-IQ LDO product line, engineered specifically for battery-powered portable electronics where standby power, board space, and regulatory compliance are critical design constraints.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for AP2138R-1.8TRG1 to regulate 1.8V output?
The minimum input voltage is 2.5V per recommended operating conditions. At 10mA load, the 25mV typical dropout means regulation begins at VIN ≥ 1.825V, but 2.5V ensures stable operation across temperature, line, and load variations per datasheet specifications.
Can AP2138R-1.8TRG1 be used with ceramic output capacitors smaller than 1µF?
No. The datasheet specifies a minimum 1µF ceramic capacitor with ESR between 0.01Ω and 100Ω for stability. Using smaller values risks oscillation or poor transient response, especially during load steps common in MCU-based systems.
Is AP2138R-1.8TRG1 qualified for automotive applications?
No. It is not AEC-Q100 qualified. Diodes states that automotive-grade versions require specific change control and PPAP capability - this part is intended for commercial and industrial portable equipment only.
Does AP2138R-1.8TRG1 include reverse polarity or overtemperature protection?
No. The datasheet confirms only current-limit and short-circuit protection. It lacks integrated reverse-voltage blocking, thermal shutdown, or overvoltage protection - external components are required if those features are needed in the system design.
AP2138R-1.8TRG1 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-243AA
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 6V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.8V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 1.1V @ 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
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- SOT-89-3
AP2138R-1.8TRG1 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AP2138R-1.8TRG1 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AP2138R-1.8TRG1 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 AP2138R-1.8TRG1 reliable?
The price and inventory of AP2138R-1.8TRG1 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AP2138R-1.8TRG1 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AP2138R-1.8TRG1?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AP2138R-1.8TRG1 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AP2138R-1.8TRG1?
AP2138R-1.8TRG1 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AP2138R-1.8TRG1 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 AP2138R-1.8TRG1?
For technical support, including AP2138R-1.8TRG1 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AP2138R-1.8TRG1 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AP2138R-1.8TRG1 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AP2138R-1.8TRG1 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 AP2138R-1.8TRG1 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AP2138R-1.8TRG1?
All AP2138R-1.8TRG1 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AP2138R-1.8TRG1, 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 AP2138R-1.8TRG1 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AP2138R-1.8TRG1:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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