onsemi CS5203A-1GT3
- Part No.:
- CS5203A-1GT3
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
CS5203A-1GT3.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR POS ADJ 3A TO220-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,999
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Product details
Overview
CS5203A-1GT3 from onsemi is a 3.0 A adjustable-output linear regulator in TO-220-3 package, delivering ±1.0% output voltage accuracy across 1.25 V to 13 V range with 1.05 V dropout at full load. It features thermal shutdown, SOA protection, and fast transient response-designed for post-regulation in microprocessor power supplies and low-voltage embedded systems.
For engineers reviewing the CS5203A-1GT3 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include dropout voltage at 3 A, adjust-pin current impact on precision setting, thermal regulation performance, and compatibility with tantalum output capacitors for stability in high-current load transients.
Technical Context
The CS5203A-1GT3 uses a composite PNP-NPN pass transistor architecture enabling low dropout and high current capability. Its internal bandgap reference (1.254 V typical) feeds an error amplifier that controls output via the ADJ pin, requiring external resistor divider feedback for voltage programming.
Protection circuitry includes thermal shutdown triggered at 150–180°C with 25°C hysteresis, current limiting (3.2–5.5 A depending on VIN–VOUT), and Safe Operating Area (SOA) logic that dynamically reduces maximum output current as input-output differential increases-critical for reliability under variable input conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Current | 3.0 A continuous-supports high-power microprocessor core rails and FPGA I/O banks without derating at ambient ≤70°C. |
| Output Voltage Range | 1.25 V to 13 V adjustable-set by external R1/R2 divider; enables flexible system-level voltage scaling. |
| Reference Voltage | 1.254 V ±1%-defines output accuracy baseline; error term IADJ×R2 must be compensated for <±0.5% total error. |
| Dropout Voltage | 1.05 V @ 3.0 A-enables operation with minimal VIN–VOUT margin, e.g., 5.0 V output from 6.1 V input. |
| Ripple Rejection | 85 dB @ 120 Hz-rejects line-frequency noise from upstream switching supplies, critical for analog subsystems. |
| Quiescent Current | 10 mA max @ full load-minimizes no-load power loss in always-on subsystems like real-time clocks or sensor interfaces. |
| Thermal Shutdown | 150°C activation with 25°C hysteresis-prevents latch-up during sustained overload while allowing recovery after cooling. |
Pinout & Package
CS5203A-1GT3 is housed in a TO-220-3 package (Case 221A) with tab connected to VOUT. The case serves as both mechanical heatsink interface and electrical output terminal-requiring electrical isolation when mounted to grounded chassis.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Adj) | Adjust reference node | Low-side of internal 1.25 V bandgap; sets output via external divider; 50 µA typical bias current affects R2 selection. |
| 2 (VOUT) | Regulated output | Power output terminal and electrically connected to metal tab-must be isolated from PCB ground plane if floating output required. |
| 3 (VIN) | Input supply | Unregulated DC input; supports up to 17 V; requires ≥10 µF input capacitor for stability and EMI suppression. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Adjustable output with ±1.0% accuracy | Enables precise voltage setting across wide range without trimming; reference tolerance directly limits overall output tolerance. |
| 1.05 V dropout @ 3.0 A | Reduces minimum input requirement-e.g., powers 3.3 V rail from 4.35 V source, improving efficiency vs. higher-dropout regulators. |
| SOA protection with dynamic current limit | Prevents thermal runaway under high VIN–VOUT differentials by reducing available current before junction overheating occurs. |
| Tantalum-stable compensation | Guarantees stability with 22 µF tantalum output capacitor-avoids ceramic capacitor ESR-related oscillation risks in production designs. |
| Thermal shutdown with hysteresis | Allows safe automatic recovery after fault removal; 25°C hysteresis prevents cycling near trip threshold during marginal thermal conditions. |
Applications
| Microprocessor Core Supply | FPGA I/O Bank Regulation |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Providing clean, low-noise 1.2 V or 1.8 V power to ARM Cortex-A series CPU cores with rapid load transients. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary post-regulator stepping down intermediate DC bus (e.g., 5 V or 12 V) to core voltage; handles >2 A step changes in <1 µs. Use Value: 85 dB ripple rejection suppresses switching noise from upstream DC/DC, while 1.05 V dropout enables tighter input margins and reduced heat sink size. |
Use Scenario: Delivering stable 3.3 V or 2.5 V to Xilinx or Intel FPGA I/O banks with simultaneous switching noise (SSN) sensitivity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local point-of-load regulator placed adjacent to FPGA; provides low-impedance source for fast edge-rate signals. Use Value: Fast transient response minimizes VCCIO droop during SSN events, preserving signal integrity and timing margins in high-speed interfaces. |
| Industrial PLC Analog Front-End | Automotive Infotainment Power Sequencing |
|
Use Scenario: Generating precision 5.0 V reference for 16-bit ADCs and DACs in programmable logic controller modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise analog supply rail; operates in thermally constrained enclosures with ambient up to 70°C. Use Value: 0.003% VOUT RMS noise and 0.5% temperature stability ensure <±1 LSB error over industrial temperature range. |
Use Scenario: Powering audio DSPs and display controllers in automotive head units where cold-crank immunity and thermal robustness are mandatory. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary regulator fed from main 12 V DC/DC; must survive 5.5 V min input during cranking while maintaining 3.3 V output. Use Value: SOA protection prevents latch-up during extended low-VIN operation, and thermal shutdown ensures fail-safe behavior under sealed enclosure conditions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar linear regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT1085CT-1.25#PBF | Pin-compatible but higher 1.3 V dropout @ 3 A; ±1.5% reference accuracy; no SOA protection. | Lacks dynamic current limiting-requires external foldback or fusing for high-differential-voltage operation. | Choose only if legacy LT1085 footprint reuse is mandatory and VIN–VOUT margin exceeds 1.3 V. |
| TPS7A8300RGRT | 3 A LDO with 0.8 V dropout @ 3 A, but fixed-output only; requires separate part numbers per voltage; no ADJ pin. | Not adjustable-cannot replace CS5203A-1GT3 in designs requiring programmable output or wide-range tuning. | Select only for new designs targeting single fixed voltages where ultra-low dropout justifies redesign and BOM increase. |
Compared with LT1085CT-1.25#PBF and TPS7A8300RGRT, the CS5203A-1GT3 uniquely combines adjustable output, sub-1.1 V dropout, SOA protection, and TO-220 thermal performance-making it optimal for cost-sensitive, thermally constrained, and multi-voltage embedded systems where flexibility and ruggedness are co-prioritized.
Availability
CS5203A-1GT3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for microprocessor core supplies, FPGA I/O regulation, industrial analog front-ends, and automotive infotainment power sequencing requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle programs.
Supply support for CS5203A-1GT3 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 specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, sensors, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and consumer markets.
The CS5203A-1GT3 belongs to onsemi's high-current linear regulator product line, engineered for post-regulation in thermally demanding applications where low dropout, precision, and integrated fault protection are essential.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for CS5203A-1GT3?
The CS5203A-1GT3 has an absolute maximum supply voltage of 17 V. Operation above this level risks permanent damage. For reliable long-term use, design with VIN ≤ 15 V under all conditions-including transients-as specified in the Electrical Characteristics table. The device's SOA protection does not override this voltage limit.
Can CS5203A-1GT3 be used with ceramic output capacitors?
No-CS5203A-1GT3 requires a minimum 22 µF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic output capacitor for stability. Ceramic capacitors with near-zero ESR can cause oscillation due to phase margin degradation. The datasheet explicitly warns against film or ceramic types and recommends tantalum for most applications.
How does the adjust pin current affect output voltage accuracy in CS5203A-1GT3?
The CS5203A-1GT3 adjust pin draws up to 100 µA (typical 50 µA), which flows through R2 in the feedback divider. This introduces an error term (IADJ × R2) that shifts VOUT upward. To hold total error within ±0.5%, R2 must be selected so this term contributes <±0.01 V-typically requiring R2 ≤ 100 Ω for 1.25 V reference-based designs.
Is thermal compound required when mounting CS5203A-1GT3 to a heatsink?
Yes-thermal compound is mandatory for CS5203A-1GT3 in TO-220-3 package. The datasheet states "Thermal compound should always be used with high current regulators such as these." Omitting it increases thermal resistance, risking premature thermal shutdown or accelerated aging even at moderate loads.
Does CS5203A-1GT3 support remote voltage sensing?
No-CS5203A-1GT3 is a three-terminal regulator without dedicated sense pins. Load regulation is limited by PCB trace resistance between VOUT pin and load. For best accuracy, connect R1 directly to the VOUT pin (not the load), and minimize conductor parasitics using Kelvin-style grounding schemes as shown in Figure 14 of the datasheet.
CS5203A-1GT3 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Adjustable
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 17V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 1.25V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- 13V
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 1.15V @ 3A
- Current - Output:
- 3A
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 6 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 85dB (120Hz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Current, Over Temperature
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220-3
CS5203A-1GT3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for CS5203A-1GT3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for CS5203A-1GT3 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 CS5203A-1GT3 reliable?
The price and inventory of CS5203A-1GT3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for CS5203A-1GT3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for CS5203A-1GT3?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for CS5203A-1GT3 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for CS5203A-1GT3?
CS5203A-1GT3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your CS5203A-1GT3 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 CS5203A-1GT3?
For technical support, including CS5203A-1GT3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your CS5203A-1GT3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that CS5203A-1GT3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All CS5203A-1GT3 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 CS5203A-1GT3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of CS5203A-1GT3?
All CS5203A-1GT3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with CS5203A-1GT3, 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 CS5203A-1GT3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for CS5203A-1GT3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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