onsemi NCP186AMX350TAG

Overview

NCP186AMX350TAG from onsemi is a 1 A, 3.5 V fixed-output CMOS low-dropout (LDO) regulator with 100 mV typical dropout at full load, ±1% output voltage accuracy, and 90 µA typical quiescent current. It operates from 1.8 V to 5.5 V input and delivers stable, low-noise power to precision analog and digital circuitry in space-constrained portable systems.

For engineers reviewing the NCP186AMX350TAG datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include fast transient response, compatibility with 1 µF ceramic output capacitors, thermal shutdown at 165°C, active output discharge function, and XDFN8 1.2×1.6 mm package suitability for high-density PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The NCP186AMX350TAG integrates an adaptive ground-current control architecture enabling ultra-low 90 µA quiescent current at no load while maintaining 1 A output capability. Its PMOS pass transistor enables reverse-current protection and supports operation down to 1.8 V input.

Internal soft-start suppresses inrush current during enable, and the built-in 34 Ω active discharge path (enabled when EN = 0 V) rapidly discharges the output to GND-critical for sequencing-sensitive applications like image sensors and multi-rail processors.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

XDFN8 1.2 mm × 1.6 mm, 0.4 mm pitch, exposed pad (EPAD) package. RoHS-compliant, Pb-free, halogen-free/BFR-free.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TPS7A2035PDQNR and NCP186BMX350TAG, the NCP186AMX350TAG uniquely combines 34 Ω active discharge, 90 µA IQ, and 100 mV dropout in a 1.2×1.6 mm footprint-making it optimal for space-constrained, multi-rail portable designs requiring clean power-down behavior.

Availability

NCP186AMX350TAG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile image sensors, wearable health monitors, industrial handheld scanners, and IoT edge node processors requiring stable component supply across high-mix, low-volume production runs.

Supply support for NCP186AMX350TAG 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 IoT applications.

The NCP186 series is designed specifically for battery-powered portable electronics requiring ultra-low-noise, fast-transient, and space-optimized LDO regulation - targeting camera modules, wearables, and handheld computing devices.

FAQ

What is the output voltage tolerance of the NCP186AMX350TAG over temperature and load?

The NCP186AMX350TAG guarantees ±1% output voltage accuracy across −40°C to +85°C at 0–1 A load, and ±2.0% over −40°C to +125°C for V_{OUT_NOM} ≥ 1.2 V. This is confirmed in Table 4 of the datasheet under "Output Voltage Accuracy" test conditions, ensuring reliable performance in automotive cabin and industrial ambient environments.

Does the NCP186AMX350TAG require external resistors to set its output voltage?

No, the NCP186AMX350TAG is a fixed-output variant with factory-trimmed 3.5 V regulation. The FB/ADJ pin is internally connected to the reference and must remain unconnected for nominal operation - eliminating external resistor networks and associated layout sensitivity.

How does the active output discharge function work in the NCP186AMX350TAG?

When the EN pin is driven low (<0.4 V), the NCP186AMX350TAG activates an internal 34 Ω discharge path between OUT and GND, pulling the output voltage to near-zero within microseconds. This behavior is exclusive to the "A" version (NCP186A) and is documented in Figure 2, Table 4 (Output Discharge Resistance), and Application Information section.

What is the minimum recommended output capacitor for stable operation of the NCP186AMX350TAG?

The NCP186AMX350TAG is stable with a minimum effective capacitance of 0.8 µF, but the datasheet recommends a 1 µF X7R or X5R ceramic capacitor placed adjacent to the OUT and GND pins. This value ensures optimal load transient response and PSRR, as verified in Figures 30–33 and Application Information section.

Can the NCP186AMX350TAG operate from a single-cell lithium-ion battery?

Yes - the NCP186AMX350TAG supports input voltages from 1.8 V to 5.5 V and delivers 3.5 V output with only 92 mV dropout at 1 A. This allows regulation down to ~3.6 V input, covering >90% of the discharge curve of a standard 3.7 V nominal Li-ion cell, maximizing usable battery capacity.