onsemi NCP120BMX180TCG

Overview

NCP120BMX180TCG from onsemi is a 150 mA very low dropout (VLDO) CMOS voltage regulator with NMOS pass transistor and separate bias rail (VBIAS), delivering fixed 1.80 V output with ±1.5% accuracy over −40°C to +85°C, 75 mV max dropout at 150 mA, and ultra-low 80 µA typical bias current - designed for post-regulation in space-constrained, noise-sensitive portable electronics.

For engineers reviewing the NCP120BMX180TCG datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include dual-rail operation (VIN/VBIAS), absence of active output discharge, XDFN6 thermal pad layout requirements, and compatibility with 1 µF ceramic output capacitors in battery-powered I/O rail regulation.

Technical Context

The NCP120BMX180TCG employs an NMOS pass transistor architecture powered by independent VIN and VBIAS supplies, enabling stable regulation even when VIN approaches VOUT - unlike PMOS LDOs, it avoids output capacitor ESR sensitivity and supports monotonic startup with controlled inrush current. Its internal UVLO monitors VBIAS with 1.6 V threshold and 0.2 V hysteresis.

It features logic-level enable (VEN(H) = 0.9 V), thermal shutdown at 160°C (releasing at 140°C), and current limiting (200–600 mA) but excludes active output discharge - distinguishing it from NCP120A-series variants. PSRR reaches 70 dB (VIN→VOUT) and 80 dB (VBIAS→VOUT) at 1 kHz under 150 mA load.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

XDFN6 package (1.2 mm × 1.2 mm × 0.4 mm, Case 711AT) with exposed thermal pad soldered to ground plane for 170°C/W junction-to-air thermal resistance. Pin 2 is NC (not internally connected); thermal pad must be grounded for thermal performance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC6210B182MR-G and MIC5205-1.8YM5, the NCP120BMX180TCG uniquely delivers dual-rail noise isolation, sub-100 mV dropout, and integrated thermal/overcurrent protection in a 1.2 mm² package - making it optimal for noise-sensitive, thermally constrained portable I/O regulation where reliability and size are co-prioritized.

Availability

NCP120BMX180TCG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone I/O rail regulation, wearable BLE peripheral powering, and STB HDMI transmitter supply requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for NCP120BMX180TCG 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 focused on energy-efficient electronics, delivering silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and portable applications.

The NCP120 series was developed specifically for dual-rail, ultra-low-noise post-regulation in battery-powered portable devices - targeting I/O, sensor, and interface rails where traditional single-rail LDOs fail to meet PSRR or dropout requirements.

FAQ

What is the key functional difference between NCP120BMX180TCG and NCP120AMX180TCG?

The NCP120BMX180TCG lacks active output discharge, while the NCP120AMX180TCG includes it. This means the B-version holds output voltage after shutdown, preventing unintended discharge of downstream capacitance - critical in systems where residual voltage must persist across power cycles or where discharge could disrupt state-holding circuits. The A-version pulls OUT to GND via internal 150 Ω resistor when disabled.

Does NCP120BMX180TCG require both VIN and VBIAS to be present for operation?

Yes - the NCP120BMX180TCG requires both VIN (≥1.875 V) and VBIAS (≥2.4 V) to be within specification for normal regulation. VBIAS powers all internal control circuitry including the reference and error amplifier; if VBIAS falls below UVLO threshold (1.6 V), the device shuts down regardless of VIN or EN state. VIN supplies the NMOS pass element.

What is the minimum recommended output capacitor for stable operation of NCP120BMX180TCG?

The NCP120BMX180TCG is stable with a minimum 1 µF effective ceramic output capacitance - defined as capacitance under DC bias, temperature, and tolerance conditions. For 1.80 V output, a 2.2 µF X5R 0402 capacitor typically provides ≥1 µF effective value at room temperature and nominal bias; derating must be verified per manufacturer's DC bias curves.

Can NCP120BMX180TCG be used with VIN and VBIAS tied together?

Yes, but with caution: tying VIN and VBIAS forces operation in "single-rail mode", degrading PSRR and increasing VBIAS dropout voltage (up to 1.4 V). The device remains functional if combined voltage meets both VIN (≥1.875 V) and VBIAS (≥2.4 V) minima, but thermal performance suffers due to higher VBIAS current dissipation - use only if dual-rail layout is impossible and noise immunity is non-critical.

Is the thermal pad of NCP120BMX180TCG electrically connected to GND?

Yes - the exposed thermal pad on the NCP120BMX180TCG is internally connected to GND and must be soldered to a PCB ground plane. This connection is mandatory for achieving the specified 170°C/W junction-to-air thermal resistance; omitting it risks thermal shutdown under 150 mA load, especially in enclosed or still-air environments.