onsemi NCP120AMX150TCG

Overview

NCP120AMX150TCG from onsemi is a 150 mA very low dropout (VLDO) CMOS voltage regulator with NMOS pass transistor and separate VBIAS supply, delivering a fixed 1.50 V output. It achieves ±1.5% output accuracy over −40°C to +85°C, 75 mV max dropout at 150 mA, and ultra-low 80 µA typical bias current-designed for noise-sensitive, space-constrained portable applications such as smartphone I/O rails and camera sensor power domains.

For engineers reviewing the NCP120AMX150TCG datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its dual-rail architecture (VIN/VBIAS), active output discharge capability, XDFN6 1.2 mm × 1.2 mm package constraints, and compatibility with 1 µF ceramic output capacitors without external compensation.

Technical Context

The NCP120AMX150TCG implements a dual-input NMOS-based LDO architecture where VIN supplies the pass element and VBIAS powers internal control circuitry-including reference, error amplifier, and UVLO-enabling stable regulation even when VIN approaches VOUT. Its separate bias rail decouples control logic performance from input rail noise and dropout limitations.

It features integrated thermal shutdown (160°C trip, 140°C hysteresis), current limiting (200–600 mA), monotonic startup, and logic-level enable with hysteresis. The active output discharge function-present only in "A" suffix variants like NCP120AMX150TCG-pulls OUT to GND via a 150 Ω internal FET when EN is low, preventing floating voltages during shutdown.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The NCP120AMX150TCG is housed in an XDFN6 (Case 711AT) package: 1.2 mm × 1.2 mm × 0.4 mm, with exposed thermal pad soldered to PCB ground plane for optimal thermal performance (R_JA = 170°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-dropout, dual-rail voltage regulator applications.

Compared with XC6210B152MR-G and RT9080L-15GJ5, the NCP120AMX150TCG uniquely combines dual-rail operation, 75 mV dropout, and active discharge in a 1.2 mm × 1.2 mm footprint-making it optimal for space-constrained, noise-sensitive, and sequenced-power applications where bias rail independence is critical.

Availability

NCP120AMX150TCG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone I/O regulation, camera sensor power, tablet processor core supplies, and DVR memory interface applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for NCP120AMX150TCG 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 delivering energy-efficient, intelligent power and sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, medical, and edge applications.

The NCP120 series targets ultra-low-noise, space-constrained portable electronics-specifically engineered to replace legacy single-rail LDOs in battery-powered devices demanding dual-supply flexibility, active discharge, and sub-100 mV dropout.

FAQ

What is the output voltage tolerance of the NCP120AMX150TCG over temperature?

The NCP120AMX150TCG delivers ±1.5% output voltage accuracy across the full operating junction temperature range of −40°C to +85°C. At 25°C, the tolerance tightens to ±0.5%. This specification is guaranteed under defined test conditions including VBIAS ≥ (VOUT + 1.35 V), VIN ≥ VOUT + 0.3 V, and load current from 1 mA to 150 mA-ensuring predictable performance in real-world portable environments where ambient and self-heating vary.

Does the NCP120AMX150TCG require an external capacitor on the BIAS pin?

Yes, the NCP120AMX150TCG requires a minimum 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor between the BIAS pin and GND. This capacitor stabilizes the internal control circuitry powered by VBIAS and improves PSRR performance. The datasheet specifies CBIAS ≥ 0.1 µF (effective capacitance), and recommends placing it as close as possible to the BIAS and GND pins-directly on the same copper layer without vias-to minimize impedance and maintain regulation stability under dynamic load conditions.

Can the NCP120AMX150TCG operate with VIN equal to VOUT?

No-the NCP120AMX150TCG cannot sustain regulation with VIN = VOUT. Its minimum required VIN is VOUT plus the dropout voltage: at 150 mA, VIN must be ≥ VOUT + 75 mV (max). For the 1.50 V output, this means VIN ≥ 1.575 V. Attempting to operate below this threshold causes VOUT to collapse proportionally. The device also defines a separate VBIAS dropout (1.1–1.4 V), meaning VBIAS must exceed VOUT by at least 1.1 V to maintain internal circuit functionality-even if VIN is sufficient.

Is the thermal pad on the NCP120AMX150TCG package electrically connected?

Yes, the exposed thermal pad on the bottom of the NCP120AMX150TCG's XDFN6 package is internally connected to GND. It must be soldered to a PCB copper pour tied to the system ground plane to ensure both thermal dissipation (R_JA = 170°C/W) and electrical integrity. Leaving the pad unconnected or floating degrades thermal performance, increases junction temperature, and may cause premature thermal shutdown or long-term reliability issues-especially under sustained 150 mA load.

How does the active output discharge feature work in the NCP120AMX150TCG?

The active output discharge in the NCP120AMX150TCG engages automatically when the EN pin is driven low: an internal 150 Ω NMOS switch connects the OUT pin to GND, rapidly discharging any stored charge in the output capacitor. This feature is exclusive to "A" suffix variants (like NCP120AMX150TCG) and is disabled in "B" variants. It ensures the output falls cleanly to 0 V within microseconds-preventing unintended device wake-up, bus contention, or latch-up in sequenced power systems where downstream ICs require strict voltage ramp-down behavior.