onsemi CS5206-5GT3
- Part No.:
- CS5206-5GT3
- Manufacturer:
- onsemi
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
CS5206-5GT3.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 5V 6A TO220AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,190
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Product details
Overview
CS5206-5GT3 from onsemi is a 6.0 A fixed-output linear regulator delivering 5.0 V ±2% at up to 6 A, with 1.3 V dropout at full load, 75 dB ripple rejection at 120 Hz, and integrated thermal shutdown, overcurrent, and safe operating area (SOA) protection. It is designed for microprocessor core supplies and post-regulation in high-current DC/DC systems requiring stable low-noise 5 V rails.
For engineers reviewing the CS5206-5GT3 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include output accuracy under load variation, thermal performance in TO-220-3 packages, dropout behavior across input voltage differentials, and compatibility with tantalum output capacitors for transient stability.
Technical Context
The CS5206-5GT3 uses a composite PNP-NPN pass transistor architecture optimized for low-dropout operation and fast transient response. Its internal bandgap reference and error amplifier maintain regulation with ±2% output accuracy across 10 mA–6.0 A load range and −40°C to +70°C ambient temperature.
Protection circuitry includes SOA limiting that dynamically reduces maximum output current as VIN−VOUT increases, plus thermal shutdown triggered at 150°C with 25°C hysteresis and foldback overcurrent limiting active above 6.0 A depending on input-output differential.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 5.0 V ±2% - ensures stable core supply for 5 V logic and analog subsystems without external feedback components. |
| Maximum Output Current | 6.0 A - supports high-power microprocessors, FPGAs, and ASICs requiring sustained 5 V delivery. |
| Dropout Voltage | 1.3 V @ 6.0 A - enables operation with minimal input overhead (e.g., 6.3 V input for 5.0 V output), reducing power loss and heat generation. |
| Ripple Rejection | 75 dB @ 120 Hz - suppresses switching noise from upstream DC/DC converters, critical for noise-sensitive analog circuits. |
| Quiescent Current | 10 mA max @ full load - minimizes no-load power waste while maintaining regulation readiness. |
| Thermal Shutdown Threshold | 150°C junction - provides fail-safe protection during overload or inadequate heatsinking conditions. |
| Package Thermal Resistance | RΘJC = 1.6°C/W (TO-220-3) - defines minimum heatsink requirement for continuous 6 A operation at elevated ambient temperatures. |
Pinout & Package
CS5206-5GT3 is housed in a TO-220-3 package (Case 221A) with tab connected to VOUT. The case serves as the output terminal and requires electrical isolation when mounting to heatsinks.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | GND | Ground reference for internal bias and error amplifier; must be low-impedance connection to minimize load regulation error. |
| 2 | VOUT | Regulated 5.0 V output; electrically tied to metal tab - requires insulated mounting hardware if heatsink is grounded. |
| 3 | VIN | Input supply (up to 17 V); must be decoupled with ≥10 μF capacitor close to pin to ensure stability and transient response. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated SOA Protection | Dynamically limits output current based on VIN−VOUT differential to prevent device destruction during high-voltage/low-current fault conditions. |
| Low Dropout Architecture | 1.3 V dropout at 6 A enables efficient operation from 6.3 V input, reducing power dissipation by >3 W vs. higher-dropout alternatives. |
| High Ripple Rejection | 75 dB at 120 Hz ensures clean 5 V rail even when powered from noisy switch-mode supplies with residual low-frequency ripple. |
| Thermal Hysteresis | 25°C shutdown hysteresis prevents thermal cycling near trip point, enabling reliable recovery after transient overloads. |
| Fixed-Output Simplicity | No external resistors required - eliminates component count, layout complexity, and tolerance drift associated with adjustable regulators. |
Applications
| Microprocessor Core Supply | FPGA I/O Bank Regulation |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering the 5 V I/O banks of Xilinx or Intel FPGAs in industrial control systems where rail stability affects signal integrity and timing margins. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 5 V post-regulator delivering low-noise, high-current power with fast transient response to handle dynamic I/O switching currents. Use Value: Maintains <±2% output accuracy under 0–6 A load steps, minimizing voltage droop-induced setup/hold violations in high-speed parallel interfaces. | Use Scenario: Providing clean 5 V supply to mixed-signal SoCs in test equipment requiring precise analog front-end performance. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise linear regulator filtering switching noise from upstream buck converters to protect ADC reference and DAC output stages. Use Value: 75 dB ripple rejection suppresses 120 Hz artifacts from AC-DC supplies, preventing spurious tones in audio and measurement applications. |
| Industrial PLC Power Module | Automotive Infotainment Subsystem |
Use Scenario: Generating robust 5 V rail for programmable logic controllers operating in wide ambient temperature ranges (−40°C to +70°C). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-current linear regulator with thermal shutdown and SOA protection ensuring fault resilience in unventilated enclosures. Use Value: 150°C thermal shutdown with 25°C hysteresis enables automatic recovery after brief overloads, improving system uptime without manual reset. | Use Scenario: Supplying 5 V to USB host controllers and display interface ICs in automotive head units subject to battery transients and thermal cycling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-output LDO with low quiescent current and wide input range (up to 17 V) supporting cold-crank and load-dump conditions. Use Value: 10 mA max quiescent current at full load reduces standby power draw, extending battery life during vehicle sleep mode. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM350K STEEL | 3 A output, 1.5 V dropout @ 3 A, ±4% output tolerance, no SOA protection | Limited to lower-current applications; lacks dynamic current limiting under high VIN−VOUT conditions | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs current capability and protection requirements |
| LT1529CT-5 | 7.5 A output, 0.6 V dropout @ 7.5 A, ±1% output tolerance, no thermal hysteresis | Higher performance but requires external compensation and has narrower input voltage range (4.5–20 V) | Select when ultra-low dropout and tighter accuracy justify added design complexity and cost |
Compared with LM350K STEEL and LT1529CT-5, the CS5206-5GT3 uniquely balances 6 A capability, ±2% accuracy, integrated SOA/thermal protection, and TO-220-3 simplicity-making it optimal for industrial 5 V systems needing reliability without external loop compensation.
Availability
CS5206-5GT3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, embedded computing, and automotive infotainment systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for CS5206-5GT3 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, cloud, and IoT markets.
The CS5206-5GT3 belongs to onsemi's high-current linear regulator product line, engineered specifically for post-regulation and microprocessor supply applications demanding robust thermal protection, low dropout, and fixed-output simplicity.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage rating for the CS5206-5GT3?
The CS5206-5GT3 has an absolute maximum supply voltage of 17 V. Operation above this level risks permanent damage to the internal pass transistor and protection circuitry. For reliable long-term use, the recommended maximum continuous input is 15 V, especially under full 6 A load conditions where power dissipation increases significantly with VIN−VOUT differential.
Does the CS5206-5GT3 require an external output capacitor, and what type is recommended?
Yes, the CS5206-5GT3 requires an external output capacitor for stability and transient response. A 22 μF tantalum capacitor is specified in the datasheet and strongly recommended; aluminum electrolytic capacitors are acceptable but exhibit greater ESR variation at low temperatures. Ceramic or film capacitors with near-zero ESR must be avoided as they can cause oscillation due to insufficient phase margin in the control loop.
How does the Safe Operating Area (SOA) protection function in the CS5206-5GT3?
The CS5206-5GT3 implements SOA protection by continuously monitoring VIN−VOUT and output current to limit power dissipation in real time. As the input-output differential increases, the maximum allowable output current decreases proportionally to prevent junction temperature exceedance. This differs from simple current limiting-it is a voltage-dependent current clamp that protects the pass transistor during high-voltage/low-current fault conditions like partial short circuits.
Can the CS5206-5GT3 be used without a heatsink at 6 A output current?
No, the CS5206-5GT3 cannot operate continuously at 6 A without a heatsink. With RΘJC = 1.6°C/W and typical RΘCA > 40°C/W for bare TO-220-3 in still air, junction temperature would exceed 150°C well before reaching full load. A properly sized heatsink-calculated using TJ = TA + PD × (RΘJC + RΘCS + RΘSA)-is mandatory for sustained 6 A operation, especially above 25°C ambient.
Is the metal tab of the CS5206-5GT3 electrically isolated from other pins?
No, the metal tab of the CS5206-5GT3 is internally connected to the VOUT pin (Pin 2). This means the tab carries the full 5.0 V output potential and must be electrically isolated from the heatsink or chassis using insulating hardware (e.g., mica washer + thermal grease) unless the mechanical mounting surface is intentionally held at 5 V potential. Failure to isolate may cause short circuits or ground loops.
CS5206-5GT3 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):
- 1.4V @ 6A
- Current - Output:
- 6A
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 10 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 75dB (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
CS5206-5GT3 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for CS5206-5GT3 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for CS5206-5GT3 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 CS5206-5GT3 reliable?
The price and inventory of CS5206-5GT3 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for CS5206-5GT3 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for CS5206-5GT3?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for CS5206-5GT3 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for CS5206-5GT3?
CS5206-5GT3 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your CS5206-5GT3 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 CS5206-5GT3?
For technical support, including CS5206-5GT3 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your CS5206-5GT3 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that CS5206-5GT3 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All CS5206-5GT3 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 CS5206-5GT3 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of CS5206-5GT3?
All CS5206-5GT3 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with CS5206-5GT3, 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 CS5206-5GT3 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for CS5206-5GT3:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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