onsemi NCP1501DMR2G

Overview

NCP1501DMR2G from onsemi is a dual-mode buck converter IC that operates either as a current-mode PWM synchronous buck regulator (500–1000 kHz) or as a low-noise LDO linear regulator, automatically switching between modes based on presence of an external sync signal. It integrates high-side and low-side MOSFETs, supports four fixed output voltages (1.05 V/1.35 V/1.57 V/1.8 V), and delivers up to 300 mA in PWM mode and >50 mA in LDO mode - ideal for power management in portable DSP core supplies.

For engineers reviewing the NCP1501DMR2G datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its automatic PWM/LDO mode transition logic, integrated MOSFET R_DS(on) (0.6 Ω P-FET / 0.7 Ω N-FET), thermal shutdown at 160°C with 25°C hysteresis, and micro-power shutdown current of 0.2 µA - all critical for battery-powered sleep-mode integrity and transient response in handheld electronics.

Technical Context

The NCP1501DMR2G implements a patent-pending dual-mode architecture where PWM operation requires an external synchronization clock (500–1000 kHz, 30–70% duty cycle) applied to the SYN pin; absence or low state forces LDO mode via internal pull-down. In PWM mode, it uses cycle-by-cycle peak current limiting (800 mA typ), built-in slope compensation, and synchronous rectification to eliminate external diode needs.

In LDO mode, the device reconfigures internal FETs: Q1 acts as the pass element (R_DS(on) = 7.0 Ω), Q3 bypasses the inductor, and dropout is limited to 0.7 V (at V_in(min) = 2.5 V, V_out(max) = 1.8 V). Output voltage is selected by CB0/CB1 logic states (floating defaults to 1.35 V), with internal pull-up on CB1 and pull-down on CB0 ensuring deterministic startup behavior.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: Micro8 (MSOP-8, Pb-free, case 846A-02), 3.0 × 3.0 × 1.1 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, 8-pin surface-mount.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-mode buck regulator applications.

Compared with TPS62260DRVR and MAX8640YETA+, the NCP1501DMR2G uniquely combines programmable output voltage, external sync control, automatic mode switching, and verified thermal hysteresis - making it the only option among the three that satisfies simultaneous requirements for EMI-controlled PWM operation and sub-50 µA LDO-mode quiescent current in portable systems.

Availability

NCP1501DMR2G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular phone power rails, PDA core voltage supplies, pager RF transceiver bias, portable medical sensor modules, and DSP core supplies requiring stable component supply across production lifecycles.

Supply support for NCP1501DMR2G 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 specializing in energy-efficient power management, analog, sensors, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, and portable markets.

The NCP1501DMR2G belongs to onsemi's dual-mode DC-DC converter product line, designed specifically to eliminate the trade-off between high-efficiency switching and low-noise linear regulation in battery-powered portable electronics.

FAQ

What is the function of the SYN pin on the NCP1501DMR2G?

The SYN pin on the NCP1501DMR2G determines operating mode: a logic-high signal (≥920 mV) enables current-mode PWM operation synchronized to the external clock; a logic-low signal (≤830 mV) or floating state (due to internal pull-down) forces LDO mode. This eliminates need for external mode-control circuitry and enables EMI noise placement via sync frequency selection.

How does the NCP1501DMR2G select its output voltage?

The NCP1501DMR2G selects one of four fixed output voltages (1.05 V, 1.35 V, 1.57 V, 1.8 V) using the logic states of CB0 and CB1 pins. CB0 has an internal pull-down; CB1 has an internal pull-up. Floating pins default to 1.35 V (CB0 = L, CB1 = H). The mapping is confirmed in Figure 7 and Table on page 7 of the datasheet.

What is the maximum guaranteed output current for the NCP1501DMR2G in PWM mode?

The NCP1501DMR2G guarantees ≥300 mA output current in PWM mode across the full 2.7–5.2 V input range, as specified in the "DETAILED OPERATING DESCRIPTION" section (page 5). Typical peak current limit is 800 mA, but continuous output is rated for 300 mA under thermal limits at +85°C ambient.

Does the NCP1501DMR2G require external components for stable operation?

Yes - the NCP1501DMR2G requires three external components: a 10 µH power inductor (e.g., TDK LLF4017-100), a 10 µF input ceramic capacitor, and a 10 µF output ceramic capacitor (e.g., TDK C2012X5R0J106M). These values are validated in Figure 9 and the "APPLICATIONS INFORMATION" section (page 9).

What thermal protection features does the NCP1501DMR2G include?

The NCP1501DMR2G includes thermal shutdown at 160°C junction temperature with 25°C hysteresis, as specified in the "ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS" table (page 3). When tripped, the PWM latch resets and LDO control is disabled until die temperature falls below 135°C - preventing thermal oscillation and enabling safe recovery after overload conditions.