onsemi NCV1117DT33T5

Overview

NCV1117DT33T5 from onsemi is an automotive-grade, low-dropout linear voltage regulator delivering a fixed 3.3 V output at up to 1.0 A, with 1.2 V max dropout at 800 mA over temperature, ±1.0% output voltage accuracy, and integrated thermal shutdown, current limiting, and safe operating area protection. It serves as a point-of-load regulator in automotive infotainment power rails, ADAS sensor modules, and body control units requiring stable, AEC-Q100-compliant 3.3 V supply.

For engineers reviewing the NCV1117DT33T5 datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection considerations include its DPAK package thermal performance (R_θJA = 67°C/W min pad), 20 V max input rating, no minimum load requirement, and automotive qualification for −40°C to +125°C operation.

Technical Context

The NCV1117DT33T5 implements a bandgap-referenced error amplifier with internal trimming to maintain 3.3 V output within ±1.0% across temperature and load. Its dropout behavior is characterized by a monotonic increase from 0.95 V at 100 mA to 1.20 V at 800 mA, enabling efficient operation in low-V_IN–V_OUT margin applications such as post-regulation after buck converters.

Protection circuitry includes foldback current limiting that reduces output current under short-circuit conditions, thermal shutdown activation at ~175°C junction temperature, and safe operating area compensation to prevent secondary breakdown during transient overload. The device operates with input voltages from 4.75 V to 20 V and requires only 10 µF input and output ceramic capacitors for stability.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DPAK (TO-252-3) package with exposed metal tab thermally and electrically connected to Pin 2 (Output). Standard 3-pin surface-mount configuration optimized for high-power dissipation on PCB copper planes.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLV73333PDBVR and TPS7B8733QKVURQ1, the NCV1117DT33T5 offers higher current capacity in a cost-optimized DPAK package but lacks enable/reset logic and ultra-low dropout-making it ideal for non-safety-critical, high-current automotive subsystems where thermal management via PCB copper is feasible.

Availability

NCV1117DT33T5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, ADAS camera modules, and body control units requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q100 traceability and long-term production support.

Supply support for NCV1117DT33T5 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, analog, sensing, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.

The NCV1117 series belongs to onsemi's automotive-qualified linear regulator product line, designed specifically for robust, low-noise, high-reliability power delivery in harsh-temperature vehicle environments.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for the NCV1117DT33T5?

The NCV1117DT33T5 supports a maximum input voltage of 20 V. This rating allows operation across the full automotive battery range-including cold-crank (down to ~6 V) and load-dump transients (up to 18–20 V)-without external clamping circuitry. Operation above 20 V risks permanent damage due to exceeding absolute maximum ratings.

Does the NCV1117DT33T5 require an external output capacitor, and what type is recommended?

Yes, the NCV1117DT33T5 requires a minimum 4.7 µF output capacitor with ESR between 33 mΩ and 2.2 Ω for stability. Ceramic (X5R/X7R), tantalum, or aluminum electrolytic types are acceptable if they meet these specifications across −40°C to +125°C. A 10 µF X5R ceramic capacitor is commonly used and provides optimal transient response and low noise.

Is the NCV1117DT33T5 pin-compatible with older regulators like the LM317?

No-the NCV1117DT33T5 is a fixed-output 3.3 V device in DPAK package with Pin 1 = Ground, Pin 2 = Output, Pin 3 = Input. The LM317 is adjustable, requires two external resistors, and uses different pinout (Adjust, Output, Input). However, the NCP1117/NCV1117 family is pin-compatible with LM317 *only* in adjustable versions-not with fixed-output variants like the NCV1117DT33T5.

How does thermal performance of the NCV1117DT33T5 compare between DPAK and SOT-223 packages?

The NCV1117DT33T5 in DPAK (Case 369C) achieves R_θJA = 67°C/W with minimum PCB pad, while the SOT-223 version (e.g., NCV1117ST33T3G) achieves R_θJA = 160°C/W. This means the DPAK package dissipates over 2× more power at the same ambient temperature-critical for 1 A loads where thermal design margins are tight in automotive under-hood environments.

What protection features are integrated into the NCV1117DT33T5?

The NCV1117DT33T5 integrates three key protections: (1) current limiting that folds back output current during short-circuit events, (2) thermal shutdown that disables output above ~175°C junction temperature, and (3) safe operating area (SOA) compensation to prevent secondary breakdown during high-voltage/high-current stress. These features eliminate need for external protection circuitry in most automotive applications.