onsemi FAN1616AD33X

Overview

FAN1616AD33X from Fairchild Semiconductor is a fixed-output 3.3V, 0.5A low-dropout linear regulator in TO-252 package, featuring 1.2V typical dropout at 0.5A, ±2% output voltage accuracy, and operation from –40°C to +125°C. It serves as a post-regulator for switching supplies and powers SDRAM modules and motherboard clock circuits.

For engineers reviewing the FAN1616AD33X datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include dropout voltage under full load, thermal resistance (Θ_JC = 3°C/W), load regulation (0.05% typ), and guaranteed operation across automotive and industrial temperature ranges.

Technical Context

The FAN1616AD33X uses an NPN-based pass transistor architecture that routes bias current into the load-unlike PNP regulators-improving efficiency. Its internal 1.25V reference enables precise 3.3V output via trimmed resistive feedback, with thermal shutdown activation at 150°C.

It delivers stable regulation with 72dB ripple rejection at 120Hz and maintains ≤0.5% load regulation across 10mA–0.5A output current. The device requires no minimum external components beyond input/output capacitors and is specified for input voltages up to 12V with (V_IN–V_OUT) ≥ 0.5V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 3-Lead TO-252 (DPAK), tab connected to OUT terminal; designed for high-power dissipation with Θ_JC = 3°C/W when mounted to PCB copper plane.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-dropout linear regulator applications.

Compared with TLV1117-33IDCYR and AP2112K-3.3TRG1, the FAN1616AD33X offers superior thermal performance (Θ_JC = 3°C/W), wider input range (up to 12V), and guaranteed operation to +125°C-making it optimal for high-reliability industrial and automotive post-regulation where power density and ambient temperature are critical.

Availability

FAN1616AD33X is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB Hub power supplies, SDRAM module regulation, and motherboard clock supplies requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long-lifecycle programs.

Supply support for FAN1616AD33X 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

Fairchild Semiconductor was a U.S.-based analog and power IC manufacturer acquired by ON Semiconductor in 2016; its legacy products remain widely deployed in industrial and computing infrastructure.

The FAN1616A series was engineered specifically for high-efficiency, low-noise linear regulation in mixed-voltage digital systems-including FPGA, ASIC, and memory subsystems-where transient response and thermal robustness are prioritized over ultra-low quiescent current.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for the FAN1616AD33X?

The FAN1616AD33X has an absolute maximum input voltage of 18V, but its electrical specifications are guaranteed only up to 12V. For reliable operation at full 0.5A output, V_IN must be ≥4.5V (to maintain dropout margin) and ≤12V (per datasheet test conditions). Exceeding 12V may degrade regulation accuracy or accelerate aging without violating absolute ratings.

Does the FAN1616AD33X require an external resistor network for output voltage setting?

No, the FAN1616AD33X is a fixed-output variant and does not require external resistors. Its 3.3V output is internally trimmed and factory-set; only input and output capacitors (10µF and 22µF recommended) are needed for stable operation. Adjustable versions like FAN1616AD use the ADJ pin with external resistors.

What thermal performance can be expected from the FAN1616AD33X in TO-252 package?

The FAN1616AD33X in TO-252 achieves Θ_JC = 3°C/W, meaning a 1W power dissipation raises the junction temperature only 3°C above case temperature. With proper PCB copper area (≥0.5 in² over ground plane), it supports >4W continuous dissipation before reaching 150°C thermal shutdown-significantly outperforming SOT-223 variants (Θ_JC = 15°C/W).

Is the FAN1616AD33X compatible with ceramic output capacitors?

Yes, the FAN1616AD33X is stable with ceramic, tantalum, or aluminum electrolytic output capacitors. The datasheet validates stability using a 22µF tantalum capacitor, but ceramic equivalents (e.g., 22µF X5R 0805) are acceptable and commonly used to reduce board area and improve transient response-no ESR requirements apply.

How does the FAN1616AD33X handle short-circuit conditions?

The FAN1616AD33X incorporates internal current limiting and thermal shutdown. Under short-circuit, it limits output current to prevent damage; if sustained, junction temperature rises until thermal shutdown activates at ~150°C, halting output. Recovery occurs automatically once junction cools below hysteresis threshold (~135°C), enabling fault-tolerant operation without external protection circuitry.