onsemi NCP121AMX160TCG

Overview

NCP121AMX160TCG from onsemi is a fixed-output, high-accuracy, very low dropout (VLDO) linear voltage regulator with NMOS pass transistor and dual-rail operation (VIN and VBIAS). It delivers 150 mA at 1.60 V output with ±1.0% accuracy over line/load/temperature, 75 mV max dropout at full load, and ultra-low bias current (80 µA typ), optimized for space-constrained, noise-sensitive portable electronics.

For engineers reviewing the NCP121AMX160TCG datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its dual-rail input architecture, active output discharge capability, 1.2 mm × 1.2 mm XDFN6 package, stability with 1 µF ceramic output capacitor, and thermal shutdown at 160°C.

Technical Context

The NCP121AMX160TCG employs an NMOS pass transistor powered by a dedicated VBIAS rail (2.4–5.5 V), decoupling control circuitry from VIN to enable stable regulation even when VIN approaches VOUT. Its dual-dropout specification-75 mV (VIN–VOUT) and 1.4 V (VBIAS–VOUT)-reflects independent optimization of input and bias paths.

It integrates logic-level enable (VEN(H) = 0.9 V), active output discharge (enabled only in "A" variant), thermal shutdown (160°C trip, 140°C release), and 70 dB PSRR at 1 kHz (VIN-to-VOUT) with 40 µV_RMS output noise (10 Hz–100 kHz), supporting clean power delivery in RF and precision analog subsystems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The NCP121AMX160TCG is housed in a 6-pin XDFN6 package (1.2 mm × 1.2 mm × 0.4 mm, Case 711AT) with exposed thermal pad requiring solder connection to 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-noise, dual-rail LDO applications.

Compared with Torex XC6216D162MR-G and Richtek RT9080AL-16PU5, the NCP121AMX160TCG uniquely supports dual-rail operation and active discharge in the same 1.2 mm × 1.2 mm footprint - enabling cleaner power delivery and faster system-level power sequencing in compact portable designs.

Availability

NCP121AMX160TCG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone baseband power, camera ISP supplies, USB-C controller I/O rails, and Bluetooth LE audio SoC digital I/O requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.

Supply support for NCP121AMX160TCG 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, serving automotive, industrial, cloud, and portable markets with power, analog, sensor, and connectivity solutions.

The NCP121AMX160TCG belongs to onsemi's high-accuracy VLDO family designed specifically for noise-sensitive, space-constrained portable applications requiring dual-rail flexibility and active discharge - such as advanced mobile processors and imaging subsystems.

FAQ

What is the output voltage tolerance of the NCP121AMX160TCG over temperature and load?

The NCP121AMX160TCG maintains ±1.0% output voltage accuracy across −40°C to +85°C junction temperature, full 1–150 mA load range, and input voltage variations from VOUT+VDO to 5.0 V. At 25°C only, accuracy tightens to ±0.2%, verified per onsemi's Electrical Characteristics table.

Does the NCP121AMX160TCG support active output discharge, and how is it controlled?

Yes - the "A" suffix in NCP121AMX160TCG confirms integrated active output discharge. When the EN pin is driven low (≤0.4 V), an internal 150 Ω pull-down connects OUT to GND, discharging the output capacitor rapidly. This function is absent in non-"A" variants like NCP121MX160TCG.

What are the minimum recommended input and bias capacitors for stable operation of the NCP121AMX160TCG?

For stable operation, the NCP121AMX160TCG requires CIN = 1 µF and CBIAS = 0.1 µF (minimum), both ceramic, placed directly at the IN and BIAS pins respectively. COUT must be ≥1 µF effective capacitance (accounting for DC bias derating); 1 µF X5R/X7R is sufficient for most applications.

How does the dual-rail architecture of the NCP121AMX160TCG improve system-level noise performance?

The NCP121AMX160TCG separates power paths: VIN feeds the NMOS pass transistor, while VBIAS powers all internal analog circuitry (reference, error amp, bias generators). This isolates noise-sensitive control circuits from VIN ripple, enabling 80 dB PSRR from VBIAS and reducing coupling into the regulated output.

What thermal considerations apply to the NCP121AMX160TCG in a 150 mA continuous load application?

At 150 mA with 75 mV dropout, power dissipation is ~11.25 mW. With R_JA = 170°C/W, junction rise is ~1.9°C above ambient - well within safe limits. However, the thermal pad must be soldered to a solid GND plane; omitting this increases R_JA significantly and risks thermal shutdown under sustained load.