onsemi NCV5501DT50G

Overview

NCV5501DT50G from onsemi is an automotive-grade fixed-output 5.0 V, 500 mA low-dropout (LDO) linear voltage regulator in DPAK-3 package with 2.9% output voltage accuracy, 230 mV dropout at full load, and AEC-Q100 qualification for operation from −40°C to +125°C ambient. It delivers stable post-regulation for engine control units and ADAS power domains requiring robust thermal shutdown and short-circuit protection.

For engineers reviewing the NCV5501DT50G datasheet, pinout, applications, or equivalent options, key selection criteria include its fixed 5.0 V output, DPAK-3 thermal performance (R_JA = 60°C/W), reverse bias protection, ceramic capacitor stability, and automotive qualification status - all critical for under-hood power integrity design.

Technical Context

The NCV5501DT50G employs a PNP pass transistor architecture enabling low dropout voltage across its full 500 mA load range while maintaining regulation down to input voltages as low as V_OUT + V_DO (≥2.5 V min). Its error amplifier compares a bandgap reference against the regulated 5.0 V output, with internal current limiting (500–900 mA) and thermal shutdown activation at 150°C.

No enable/shutdown pin is present - unlike NCP5500/NCV5500 variants - making it a dedicated always-on regulator optimized for simplicity and reliability in safety-critical automotive subsystems where external logic control is unnecessary.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

DPAK-3 (Case 369C) package with exposed tab thermally and electrically connected to GND; footprint dimensions 6.10 mm × 6.54 mm × 2.28 mm; Pb-free, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with NCV8664DS50G and TLV73350PDBVR, the NCV5501DT50G provides superior thermal robustness (125°C ambient), automotive qualification, and higher current capability - making it the only option among the three validated for engine bay deployment with full AEC-Q100 compliance.

Availability

NCV5501DT50G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive engine control, ADAS domain controllers, body electronics, and electric power steering systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for NCV5501DT50G 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, sensor, and connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and cloud infrastructure markets.

The NCV5501DT50G belongs to onsemi's automotive-qualified LDO regulator family designed specifically for demanding under-hood and safety-critical electronic control units requiring AEC-Q100 compliance, wide temperature operation, and high reliability.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for NCV5501DT50G?

The NCV5501DT50G has an absolute maximum input voltage of +16 V, as specified in the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Operation above this level risks permanent device damage. For reliable long-term use, the recommended operating input voltage range is 2.5 V to 16 V, with minimum input determined by dropout voltage: V_IN(min) = 5.0 V + V_DO. At 500 mA and 25°C, V_DO = 230 mV, so V_IN(min) = 5.23 V - though this increases at elevated temperature.

Does NCV5501DT50G include an enable pin?

No, the NCV5501DT50G does not include an enable pin. It is a fixed-output variant in the DPAK-3 package, intentionally omitting the EN function to simplify design and reduce pin count. This distinguishes it from the NCV5500 series (DPAK-5 and SOIC-8), which integrate enable control. The NCV5501DT50G operates continuously when powered - ideal for always-on automotive subsystems.

What output capacitor value and type are required for stable operation of NCV5501DT50G?

The NCV5501DT50G is stable with a 4.7 µF ceramic output capacitor having ESR < 10 Ω, as confirmed in Figure 17–20 of the datasheet. Low-ESR X5R or X7R dielectrics are recommended. Capacitor values between 1 µF and 10 µF are acceptable; larger values improve transient response but do not affect stability. Tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitors are unnecessary and discouraged due to higher ESR and reliability concerns.

Is NCV5501DT50G qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the NCV5501DT50G is explicitly qualified for automotive applications. It carries the "NCV" prefix indicating compliance with AEC-Q100 Grade 1 (−40°C to +125°C ambient), PPAP capability, and controlled site/change management. Its datasheet confirms qualification for engine control, ADAS, and other demanding automotive subsystems - distinguishing it from commercial-grade NCP5501 variants rated only to +85°C.

How does the thermal performance of NCV5501DT50G compare between DPAK-3 and DPAK-5 packages?

The NCV5501DT50G uses the DPAK-3 package (R_JA = 60°C/W), while NCV5500DT50RKG uses DPAK-5 (R_JA = 5.2°C/W case-to-ambient, but higher R_JA in air). In standard PCB layouts without heatsinking, DPAK-3 offers adequate thermal performance up to ~1.5 W dissipation at 125°C ambient. DPAK-5 provides significantly better thermal resistance due to additional leadframe mass and thermal pad area - making it preferable for higher-power or constrained airflow environments. Both packages share identical silicon and electrical specs.