onsemi CS5203A-5GT3
- Part No.:
- CS5203A-5GT3
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
CS5203A-5GT3.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 5V 3A TO220AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,003
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Product details
Overview
CS5203A-5GT3 from onsemi is a 3.0 A fixed-output linear regulator delivering 5.0 V with ±2.0% accuracy, 1.05 V dropout at full load, thermal shutdown, and SOA protection. It operates from 1.5 V to 15 V input, supports microprocessor post-regulation, and uses TO-220-3 packaging with tab-connected VOUT.
For engineers reviewing the CS5203A-5GT3 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include guaranteed 5.0 V output tolerance, low-quiescent-current operation (≤10 mA), fast transient response for digital loads, and compatibility with standard heatsink mounting via VOUT-connected tab.
Technical Context
The CS5203A-5GT3 implements a composite PNP-NPN pass transistor architecture optimized for low dropout and high current delivery. Its internal bandgap reference and error amplifier maintain regulation across 10 mA–3.0 A load range while supporting thermal shutdown at 150°C and hysteresis of 25°C.
It requires external tantalum output capacitance (≥22 µF) for stability and includes Safe Operating Area (SOA) circuitry that dynamically reduces maximum output current as VIN–VOUT increases-preventing thermal runaway during high-differential-voltage conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | Fixed 5.0 V ±2.0% - ensures stable core voltage for 5 V logic systems without external feedback components. |
| Output Current | 3.0 A continuous - sufficient for FPGA I/O banks, DSP cores, or multi-rail embedded controllers. |
| Dropout Voltage | 1.05 V @ 3.0 A - enables operation from 6.05 V input when powering 5 V loads, minimizing power loss. |
| Quiescent Current | ≤10 mA at full load - reduces no-load power consumption in always-on subsystems. |
| Thermal Shutdown | 150°C activation with 25°C hysteresis - prevents permanent damage during sustained overload or poor heatsinking. |
| Ripple Rejection | 78 dB @ 120 Hz - suppresses AC line noise and switching supply ripple in mixed-signal applications. |
| Load Regulation | 0.4% max over 10 mA–3.0 A - maintains tight voltage control despite dynamic CPU or peripheral current draw. |
Pinout & Package
CS5203A-5GT3 uses the TO-220-3 package (Case 221A), with metal tab electrically connected to VOUT for direct heatsink coupling and thermal conduction. Pin 1 is GND, Pin 2 is VOUT (tab), and Pin 3 is VIN.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (GND) | Ground reference | Low-impedance return path for error amplifier and protection circuits; must be routed with minimal trace inductance. |
| 2 (VOUT) | Regulated output | Tab-connected output terminal; serves as mechanical heatsink interface and primary current delivery node. |
| 3 (VIN) | Input supply | Accepts 1.5–15 V DC; requires ≥10 µF input capacitance to limit surge current and stabilize loop response. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Safe Operating Area (SOA) Protection | Dynamically limits output current under high VIN–VOUT conditions to prevent thermal failure without latch-off. |
| Composite PNP-NPN Pass Transistor | Enables lower dropout than standard NPN-based regulators while maintaining robust short-circuit immunity. |
| Thermal Shutdown with Hysteresis | 150°C trip point + 25°C hysteresis ensures reliable recovery after fault clearance without oscillation. |
| Low Output Noise | 0.003% VOUT RMS (10 Hz–10 kHz) - suitable for analog sensor interfaces and precision ADC references. |
| Pb-Free Packaging | RoHS-compliant TO-220-3 construction with matte tin lead finish and halogen-free molding compound. |
Applications
| Industrial PLC I/O Module | Automotive Body Control Unit |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering isolated CAN transceivers and digital I/O drivers in programmable logic controller backplanes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 5 V rail regulator supplying isolated power domains and level-shifting buffers. Use Value: 3.0 A capacity supports simultaneous activation of multiple optocoupled outputs; SOA protection handles load dumps up to 15 V input transients. |
Use Scenario: Providing regulated 5 V supply to microcontroller peripherals including LIN transceivers and EEPROM interfaces. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Post-regulator downstream of automotive-grade buck converter, ensuring clean 5 V for safety-critical communication ICs. Use Value: 78 dB ripple rejection suppresses switching noise from upstream DC/DC; thermal shutdown prevents latch-up during engine bay temperature excursions. |
| Medical Diagnostic Sensor Hub | Networking Edge Router Management Card |
Use Scenario: Delivering stable 5 V to analog front-end amplifiers and 12-bit SAR ADCs in portable ultrasound probe electronics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise analog supply regulator decoupled from digital power domains. Use Value: 0.003% VOUT RMS noise avoids quantization errors in high-resolution signal acquisition; ±2.0% output tolerance meets IEC 60601-1 auxiliary supply requirements. |
Use Scenario: Supplying 5 V to baseboard management controller (BMC), fan controllers, and LED status indicators on modular router line cards. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary system rail regulator handling bursty, low-duty-cycle loads with rapid transient recovery. Use Value: Fast transient response maintains voltage within spec during simultaneous fan startup and LED strobing; TO-220 tab mounting simplifies thermal design in constrained chassis space. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output linear regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| LT1085CT-5 | Pin-compatible but higher 1.3 V dropout at 3 A; ±1.5% output tolerance; no SOA protection. | Lacks dynamic current limiting under high VIN–VOUT; requires external thermal foldback for sustained overload. | Prefer CS5203A-5GT3 where input headroom is limited or SOA protection is required for unregulated inputs. |
| TPS7A4701RGWR | 200 mA max output; ultra-low noise (4.7 µVRMS); 2.9 V to 20 V input; not pin-compatible. | Designed for ultra-sensitive analog rails-not suitable as 3 A replacement; requires PCB redesign. | Select CS5203A-5GT3 for high-current 5 V regulation; use TPS7A4701 only for low-noise, low-power analog sub-rails. |
Compared with LT1085CT-5 and TPS7A4701RGWR, the CS5203A-5GT3 uniquely combines 3 A output, 1.05 V dropout, integrated SOA protection, and TO-220 compatibility-making it optimal for industrial and automotive post-regulation where reliability under variable input conditions is critical.
Availability
CS5203A-5GT3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, automotive body control units, medical sensor hubs, and networking edge equipment requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for CS5203A-5GT3 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, and cloud infrastructure markets.
The CS5203A series belongs to onsemi's high-current linear regulator product line, engineered specifically for post-regulation in microprocessor and FPGA power systems where low dropout, fast transient response, and robust fault protection are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for CS5203A-5GT3?
The CS5203A-5GT3 has an absolute maximum supply voltage of 17 V. However, for reliable operation within specifications, the recommended maximum input voltage is 15 V under all operating conditions-including transient surges-to ensure safe margin against internal junction stress and thermal derating.
Does CS5203A-5GT3 require an external output capacitor, and what type is recommended?
Yes, CS5203A-5GT3 requires an external output capacitor for loop stability. A minimum 22 µF tantalum capacitor is specified; aluminum electrolytic capacitors are acceptable but exhibit greater ESR variation at low temperatures. Ceramic capacitors alone are not recommended due to near-zero ESR causing instability.
How does the Safe Operating Area (SOA) protection function in CS5203A-5GT3?
The SOA protection in CS5203A-5GT3 continuously monitors VIN–VOUT differential and output current, reducing the maximum allowable output current as the differential increases. This prevents thermal runaway during high-input-voltage, high-load conditions without latching off-enabling automatic recovery once conditions normalize.
Can CS5203A-5GT3 be used without a heatsink?
CS5203A-5GT3 can operate without an external heatsink only at very low power dissipation-e.g., ≤1 W (VIN ≤ 6.5 V at 3 A). At typical 12 V input, power dissipation exceeds 21 W; a heatsink with RJA ≤ 2.5°C/W is required to maintain TJ < 150°C. Thermal compound and mechanical mounting to the tab (VOUT) are mandatory.
Is CS5203A-5GT3 pin-compatible with other members of the CS5203A family?
Yes, CS5203A-5GT3 shares identical TO-220-3 pinout (GND/VOUT/VIN) with CS5203A-1GT3, CS5203A-2GT3, and CS5203A-3GT3. The only functional difference is the fixed 5.0 V output versus adjustable, 1.5 V, or 3.3 V variants-enabling drop-in replacement in designs where output voltage matches.
CS5203A-5GT3 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 17V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 5V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 1.15V @ 3A
- Current - Output:
- 3A
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 10 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 78dB (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-5GT3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for CS5203A-5GT3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for CS5203A-5GT3 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-5GT3 reliable?
The price and inventory of CS5203A-5GT3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for CS5203A-5GT3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for CS5203A-5GT3?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for CS5203A-5GT3 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for CS5203A-5GT3?
CS5203A-5GT3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your CS5203A-5GT3 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-5GT3?
For technical support, including CS5203A-5GT3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your CS5203A-5GT3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that CS5203A-5GT3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All CS5203A-5GT3 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-5GT3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of CS5203A-5GT3?
All CS5203A-5GT3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with CS5203A-5GT3, 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-5GT3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for CS5203A-5GT3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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