onsemi CAT6220VP5I-GT3

Overview

CAT6220VP5I-GT3 from onsemi is a 300 mA adjustable-output CMOS low dropout (LDO) regulator in a 2 mm × 2 mm TDFN-6 package, featuring 1.24 V internal reference, ±1.0% initial output voltage accuracy, and 270 mV typical dropout at full load. It operates from 2.3 V to 6.5 V input and delivers stable regulation for battery-powered consumer electronics requiring low quiescent current and fast transient response.

For engineers reviewing the CAT6220VP5I-GT3 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include adjustable output voltage via external resistor divider, thermal shutdown at 140°C, 1 µA shutdown current, ceramic capacitor stability, and industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C).

Technical Context

The CAT6220VP5I-GT3 implements an adjustable LDO architecture with a precision 1.24 V bandgap reference and high-gain error amplifier. Its ADJ pin accepts feedback from an external R1/R2 voltage divider to set output voltage per VOUT = 1.24 V × (1 + R1/R2), enabling flexible rail generation across 1.5 V–6.0 V range.

It integrates active current limiting (~700 mA short-circuit limit), thermal shutdown with 10°C hysteresis, and logic-level enable control (EN active-high, VIH ≥ 1.6 V). Ground current remains ultra-low-10 µA no-load and 40 µA at 300 mA-making it suitable for always-on subsystems in portable devices.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The CAT6220VP5I-GT3 is housed in a 2 mm × 2 mm, 0.75 mm nominal height TDFN-6 package (Case 511AH) with exposed thermal pad (internally connected to GND). This package offers 160°C/W junction-to-ambient thermal resistance with 1 oz copper PCB area, enabling higher sustained output current than TSOT-23 variants.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar adjustable LDO regulator applications.

Compared with MCP1826T-ADJ/DC and TLC7605IPW, the CAT6220VP5I-GT3 delivers superior initial accuracy (±1.0% vs. ±2.0%/±1.5%), lowest no-load current (10 µA), and smallest thermally optimized footprint-making it optimal for battery-sensitive, size-limited industrial and portable applications.

Availability

CAT6220VP5I-GT3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable audio devices, smart wearables, USB-powered peripherals, and industrial handheld terminals requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for CAT6220VP5I-GT3 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

onsemi (formerly ON Semiconductor) is a global semiconductor supplier delivering energy-efficient, high-performance silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, medical, and edge applications.

The CAT6220 series belongs to onsemi's precision analog power management portfolio, designed specifically for battery-operated and space-constrained systems demanding ultra-low IQ, adjustable output, and integrated fault protection.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended output capacitor value for stable operation of CAT6220VP5I-GT3?

The CAT6220VP5I-GT3 is stable with a minimum 1 µF ceramic output capacitor (X5R or X7R dielectric). Increasing to 2.2 µF improves transient load regulation, especially for fast-switching digital loads. The capacitor must be placed as close as possible to the VOUT and GND pins to minimize parasitic inductance-critical for maintaining PSRR and preventing oscillation under dynamic current steps.

Can CAT6220VP5I-GT3 be used to generate a 1.2 V output?

No, CAT6220VP5I-GT3 cannot reliably generate 1.2 V output. Its internal reference is 1.24 V, and the minimum output voltage is constrained by VOUT = 1.24 V × (1 + R1/R2). With R2 open (infinite resistance), the theoretical minimum is 1.24 V-but practical layout, resistor tolerance, and ADJ pin bias current push the usable lower limit to ~1.5 V. For 1.2 V, select a dedicated low-VREF LDO such as the NCP114AMX120TBG.

How does the EN pin behave during power-up, and what is the recommended pull-up strategy for CAT6220VP5I-GT3?

The EN pin of CAT6220VP5I-GT3 is active-high with VIH ≥ 1.6 V over temperature. During power-up, it must not float-uncontrolled EN state may cause erratic turn-on or latch-up. A weak pull-up (e.g., 1 MΩ to VIN) ensures reliable activation once input voltage exceeds 2.3 V. Avoid connecting EN directly to VIN if VIN ramp rate is slow, as this may delay enable timing; instead use a resistor-divider or dedicated reset IC for controlled sequencing.

What is the maximum allowable power dissipation for CAT6220VP5I-GT3 at 60°C ambient temperature?

Using θJA = 160°C/W (TDFN-6, 1 oz copper), the maximum allowable power dissipation for CAT6220VP5I-GT3 at TA = 60°C is PDmax = (140°C − 60°C) / 160°C/W = 500 mW. At 300 mA output and 270 mV dropout, power dissipation is 81 mW-well within limit. However, at 6.5 V input and 1.5 V output (5 V dropout), 300 mA yields 1.5 W-exceeding safe operation unless enhanced PCB copper area or thermal vias are used to reduce effective θJA.

Does CAT6220VP5I-GT3 require a specific PCB layout for the thermal pad, and what is the recommended solder stencil design?

Yes, the exposed thermal pad on CAT6220VP5I-GT3 (Pin #6, "TAB") must be soldered to a solid GND copper pour using ≥4 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter, spaced evenly). The recommended solder stencil aperture is 70–80% coverage (e.g., 1.4 × 1.0 mm opening for 1.8 × 1.2 mm DAP) to prevent voiding while ensuring mechanical adhesion and thermal conduction. Omitting thermal pad connection increases θJA by >50%, risking thermal shutdown at <200 mA load.