STMicroelectronics LDCL015MR

Overview

LDCL015MR from STMicroelectronics is an adjustable-output, capless ultra-low-dropout linear regulator IC delivering 150 mA with 50 mV dropout at 100 mA, ±2% output voltage accuracy at 25°C, and stable operation without input or output capacitors. It operates from 1.8 V to 5.5 V input and supports output voltages from 0.8 V in 100 mV steps-ideal for space-constrained battery-powered systems requiring minimal BOM count and low noise.

For engineers reviewing the LDCL015MR datasheet, LDCL015MR pinout, LDCL015MR application, or LDCL015MR equivalent, key selection criteria include capless stability, thermal/short-circuit protection, enable-controlled shutdown (<1 µA), 40 µV_RMS output noise (10 Hz–100 kHz), and SOT23-5L package compatibility in portable medical and industrial edge devices.

Technical Context

The LDCL015MR uses a robust op-amp-based LDO architecture with sufficient phase margin across zero-to-100 nF output capacitance ranges, enabling true capacitor-free operation while maintaining >52 dB PSRR at 1 kHz. Its internal reference is fixed at 0.8 V with ±3% tolerance over –40°C to +125°C, and feedback is implemented via external resistor divider on the ADJ pin.

Thermal shutdown activates at 170°C with 20°C hysteresis, and short-circuit current is internally limited to 220 mA (typ). The EN pin accepts logic-level control (V_IL ≤ 0.3 V, V_IH ≥ 1.0 V) with <100 nA input current, enabling precise power sequencing in multi-rail systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT23-5L package: 2.95 mm × 1.60 mm × 1.30 mm body, 0.95 mm pitch, exposed pad not electrically connected. RoHS-compliant, ECOPACK®2 rated.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC6210B182MR-G and MIC5205-3.3YM5, LDCL015MR uniquely combines adjustability, capless stability, and 50 mV dropout-enabling smaller, more flexible, and longer-lasting power architectures in size- and battery-limited applications.

Availability

LDCL015MR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable health monitors, industrial sensor nodes, portable medical infusion pumps, and handheld barcode scanners requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for LDCL015MR 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

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1987.

The LDCL015MR belongs to ST's high-efficiency, capless LDO family targeting ultra-low-power portable electronics-engineered to reduce system size, extend battery life, and simplify compliance with stringent EMI and reliability standards.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for LDCL015MR to regulate 0.8 V output?

The minimum input voltage is determined by dropout: V_IN(MIN) = V_OUT + V_DROP. At 100 mA load and 25°C, V_DROP = 50 mV, so V_IN(MIN) = 0.85 V. However, the absolute minimum specified VIN is 1.8 V per datasheet-thus 1.8 V is the practical lower limit regardless of output setting.

Can LDCL015MR operate without any external capacitors in all load conditions?

Yes-the device is explicitly characterized and guaranteed stable with zero input and output capacitance across its full 1.8–5.5 V input range and 0–150 mA load range. Stability is maintained due to internal compensation optimized for capacitor-free operation, unlike conventional LDOs requiring minimum C_OUT for phase margin.

How is output voltage set for the adjustable version, and what resistor values are recommended?

Output voltage is set using a resistor divider between VOUT and ADJ pins: V_OUT = 0.8 V × (1 + R1/R2). ST recommends R1 and R2 between 10 kΩ and 50 kΩ to balance divider current (8–80 nA), noise contribution, and PCB leakage effects-lower values increase power loss but improve noise immunity.

Does LDCL015MR have reverse current protection, and how does it behave during shutdown?

No reverse current path exists-the internal pass transistor blocks backflow from VOUT to VIN during shutdown or input undervoltage. When EN is low, total current drops below 1 µA and VOUT collapses; no external diode is needed to prevent battery drain through load circuits, simplifying power architecture in multi-supply systems.