onsemi NCP717AMX310TCG

Overview

NCP717AMX310TCG from onsemi is a 300 mA, fixed 3.1 V output low-dropout (LDO) regulator with 25 µA typical quiescent current, 22 µV_RMS output noise (100 Hz–100 kHz), and 165 mV typical dropout at 300 mA. It features active output discharge (1.2 kΩ), thermal shutdown, current limiting, and stable operation with only 1 µF ceramic output capacitance - designed for noise-sensitive, space-constrained portable electronics.

For engineers reviewing the NCP717AMX310TCG datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include ultra-low IQ in battery-off states, sub-200 mV dropout at full load, ±2% output accuracy over temperature/load/line, and compatibility with minimal 1 µF X5R/X7R ceramic capacitors without ESR requirements.

Technical Context

The NCP717AMX310TCG employs a PMOS pass transistor architecture enabling reverse-current blocking and low dropout performance. Its adaptive ground current circuitry dynamically reduces IQ to 25 µA at no-load while maintaining regulation, critical for extended battery life in always-on subsystems.

It integrates an enable-controlled active discharge path (1.2 kΩ) that pulls VOUT to GND when EN < 0.4 V, preventing floating outputs during shutdown. The device achieves 70 dB PSRR at 1 kHz and maintains stability across −40°C to +125°C junction temperature with no minimum ESR requirement on COUT.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: XDFN-4 (1.0 mm × 1.0 mm, 0.65 mm pitch, exposed pad), Case 711AJ - optimized for high-density PCB layouts and thermal performance via EPAD-to-GND connection.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC6210B312MR-G and RT9080A-31PU5, the NCP717AMX310TCG uniquely balances ultra-low noise (22 µV_RMS), precise ±2% accuracy, and controlled 1.2 kΩ discharge - making it optimal for medical-grade analog sensing where noise, accuracy, and predictable shutdown behavior are jointly critical.

Availability

NCP717AMX310TCG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable health monitors, BLE sensor nodes, portable medical diagnostics, and industrial handheld scanners requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and Pb-free compliance.

Supply support for NCP717AMX310TCG 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 NCP717 series is part of onsemi's precision analog portfolio, engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, noise-sensitive portable electronics - emphasizing quiescent current optimization, small-footprint packaging, and integrated protection without external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for the NCP717AMX310TCG?

The NCP717AMX310TCG has an absolute maximum input voltage rating of 6 V. However, its recommended operating input voltage range is 1.8 V to 5.5 V. Operation above 5.5 V risks permanent damage, and sustained use near 6 V is not advised due to reduced reliability margin. For 3.1 V output, the minimum functional input is 3.265 V (3.1 V + 165 mV dropout), making it well-suited for single-cell Li-ion or regulated 3.3 V supplies.

Does the NCP717AMX310TCG require an external resistor for enable functionality?

No, the NCP717AMX310TCG does not require an external resistor for enable functionality. It features an internal 180 nA pull-down current source on the EN pin, ensuring the device remains disabled when the EN pin is left floating. Driving EN above 0.9 V enables regulation; pulling EN below 0.4 V disables output and activates the 1.2 kΩ active discharge path. External resistors are only needed if level-shifting or debouncing is required for noisy control signals.

Can the NCP717AMX310TCG operate stably with a 100 nF output capacitor?

Yes, the NCP717AMX310TCG is specified to remain stable with a minimum effective output capacitance of 100 nF. However, the datasheet recommends using at least 1 µF ceramic (X5R/X7R) for robustness against capacitance loss due to DC bias, temperature, and tolerance variations. While 100 nF may work under ideal lab conditions, 1 µF provides the required safety margin for production designs - especially in portable equipment subject to wide temperature swings and voltage derating.

What is the purpose of the exposed pad (EPAD) on the NCP717AMX310TCG package?

The exposed pad (EPAD) on the NCP717AMX310TCG serves as the primary thermal conduction path from the die to the PCB. It must be soldered directly to a solid GND copper plane to achieve optimal thermal performance - reducing thermal resistance from 250°C/W (junction-to-air) to approximately 120°C/W with adequate copper area. The EPAD is electrically connected to GND internally, so proper grounding also improves noise immunity and EMI performance in sensitive analog applications.

How does the active output discharge function behave in the NCP717AMX310TCG during shutdown?

When the EN pin voltage falls below 0.4 V, the NCP717AMX310TCG disables the pass transistor and activates an internal 1.2 kΩ discharge path between OUT and GND. This safely pulls the output voltage to GND within approximately 1 ms (depending on output capacitance), preventing floating nodes, back-powering of upstream circuitry, or unintended wake-up events. The discharge path remains active until EN rises above 0.9 V, at which point it turns off and regulation resumes - a feature confirmed exclusive to "A" and "C" suffix variants like the NCP717AMX310TCG.