onsemi NCP500SN25T1

Overview

NCP500SN25T1 from onsemi is a fixed-output, low-noise, low-dropout linear regulator delivering 2.5 V at up to 150 mA. It features an ultra-low dropout voltage of 170 mV at full load, 50 µV RMS noise (10 Hz–100 kHz) without bypass capacitor, and fast 20 µs enable turn-on time. Designed for noise-sensitive RF and portable battery-powered systems, it operates from 1.8 V to 6.0 V input and supports ceramic output capacitors as small as 1.0 µF.

For engineers reviewing the NCP500SN25T1 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include dropout performance at 150 mA, enable logic compatibility with 1.0 V microcontrollers, thermal shutdown behavior, RMS noise specification in RF bias rails, and DFN 2×2.2 mm package footprint constraints.

Technical Context

The NCP500SN25T1 employs a PMOS pass transistor architecture enabling ultra-low dropout and eliminating the need for external noise-bypass capacitance. Its internal voltage reference, error amplifier, and protection circuits (current limit and thermal shutdown) are integrated into a single die optimized for stable operation with low-ESR ceramic capacitors.

It supports direct 1.0 V logic-level enable control with sub-100 nA bias current and a defined threshold (0.9 V high, 0.15 V low), making it compatible with modern low-voltage I/O domains. The device maintains ±2.5% output accuracy across −40°C to +85°C and load currents from 1 mA to 150 mA.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DFN 2×2.2 mm, 6-pin, exposed thermal pad (Case 506BA). Pin 6 is GND and serves as primary thermal path.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP1700T-2502E/MB and TCS2112-2.5, the NCP500SN25T1 offers superior enable logic compatibility (1.0 V), identical 2.5 V accuracy, and proven stability with minimal 1.0 µF ceramic output capacitance - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, size-constrained portable designs requiring fast enable and low-noise bias.

Availability

NCP500SN25T1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for RF front-end modules, portable medical sensors, and industrial handheld meters requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for NCP500SN25T1 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 is a global semiconductor supplier delivering energy-efficient, intelligent power and sensing solutions for automotive, industrial, cloud, medical, and IoT applications.

The NCP500 series belongs to onsemi's precision analog LDO portfolio, engineered specifically for battery-powered portable electronics demanding ultra-low noise, fast enable, and minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for the NCP500SN25T1?

The NCP500SN25T1 has an absolute maximum input voltage of 6.0 V. Operation above this level risks permanent damage. For reliable long-term use, the recommended maximum continuous input is 5.5 V, especially at elevated ambient temperatures where thermal derating applies. The device achieves its specified 170 mV dropout at 150 mA load only when input remains within the 1.8 V to 6.0 V operating range.

Does the NCP500SN25T1 require an external bypass capacitor to achieve its 50 µV RMS noise specification?

No, the NCP500SN25T1 does not require an external bypass capacitor to achieve its 50 µV RMS noise (10 Hz–100 kHz). This performance is delivered by its internal low-noise architecture. Adding a bypass capacitor may alter startup behavior and is unnecessary for noise reduction - simplifying design and reducing bill-of-materials cost compared to conventional LDOs.

Can the NCP500SN25T1 be used with a 1.0 V microcontroller GPIO to control the Enable pin?

Yes, the NCP500SN25T1 is explicitly designed for 1.0 V logic compatibility: its enable threshold is 0.9 V (turn-on) and 0.15 V (turn-off), with input bias current below 100 nA. A 1.0 V GPIO can directly drive the Enable pin without level-shifting circuitry, ensuring reliable activation and minimizing leakage-induced wake-up issues in ultra-low-power systems.

What is the minimum output capacitor required for stable operation of the NCP500SN25T1?

The NCP500SN25T1 requires a minimum 1.0 µF ceramic output capacitor for guaranteed stability across all operating conditions. Larger values improve load transient response and noise filtering but are not required for basic regulation. The device is stable with zero ESR and does not require tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitors - enabling compact, high-reliability designs.

Is the NCP500SN25T1 pin-compatible with other variants in the NCP500 family, such as the NCP500SN18T1 or NCP500SN30T1?

Yes, all NCP500 variants in the DFN 2×2.2 mm package - including NCP500SN18T1, NCP500SN25T1, and NCP500SN30T1 - share identical pinout, footprint, and thermal pad configuration. Only the output voltage differs (1.8 V, 2.5 V, 3.0 V respectively); electrical characteristics like dropout, noise, and enable thresholds remain consistent across the family, enabling easy voltage-scaling in existing layouts.