NXP Semiconductors NX1117C50Z,115

Overview

NX1117C50Z,115 from NXP Semiconductors is a fixed-output 5.0 V, ±1 % accuracy, low-dropout linear regulator in SOT223 package delivering up to 1 A output current with thermal shutdown, SOA control, and output current limiting. It operates from 6.5 V to 12 V input and supports industrial temperature range (−40 °C to +125 °C), commonly used as post-regulator for DC-DC converters in USB devices and hard drive controllers.

For engineers reviewing the NX1117C50Z,115 datasheet, NX1117C50Z,115 pinout, NX1117C50Z,115 application, or NX1117C50Z,115 equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage at 800 mA (≤1.2 V), load regulation (≤10 mV), PSRR at 120 Hz (59 dB), quiescent current (5–6 mA), and thermal resistance (72 K/W on FR4 with 6 cm² pad).

Technical Context

The NX1117C50Z,115 implements an internal bandgap reference (1.25 V) and error amplifier driving a PNP pass transistor, enabling stable 5.0 V regulation without minimum load requirement. Its Safe Operating Area (SOA) control dynamically limits output current under high Vin–Vout conditions to prevent thermal runaway.

It features integrated thermal shutdown triggered at 135 °C junction temperature and output current limiting set between 1.0 A and 1.5 A depending on Vin–Vout differential. The device requires only 680 nF input and output capacitors with 1 Ω ESR for stability across −40 °C to +125 °C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT223 (SC-73) plastic surface-mounted package with 4 leads and integrated heat sink pad; pin 1 is GND, pins 2 and 4 are VOUT (parallel connection), pin 3 is VIN.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-dropout linear regulator applications.

Compared with TLV1117-50CDCR and LD1117S50TR, the NX1117C50Z,115 delivers tighter 5.0 V accuracy (±1 %), guaranteed 1 A output with SOA protection, and full industrial temperature support - making it superior for automotive, industrial, and high-reliability USB peripheral designs.

Availability

NX1117C50Z,115 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for USB devices, hard drive controllers, and battery charger applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle continuity, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for NX1117C50Z,115 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, specializing in secure connectivity solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT markets.

The NX1117C/NX1117CE series was designed for high-reliability point-of-load regulation in space-constrained, thermally demanding environments - targeting post-regulation, battery-powered, and industrial control applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage for the NX1117C50Z,115?

The NX1117C50Z,115 supports a maximum input voltage of 12 V, as specified in its recommended operating conditions. Exceeding this voltage risks permanent damage due to internal stress beyond absolute maximum ratings. Operation at 12 V is valid only when output current remains within SOA-limited bounds - for example, at 800 mA, Vin must not exceed ~11.2 V to stay within safe power dissipation limits on standard FR4 PCBs.

Does the NX1117C50Z,115 require an external capacitor for stability?

Yes, the NX1117C50Z,115 requires both input and output capacitors for stable operation. The datasheet specifies 680 nF ceramic capacitors (with ≤1 Ω ESR) on both VIN and VOUT. Using 10 µF tantalum or aluminum electrolytic capacitors is also validated in typical application circuits. Omitting or undersizing these capacitors may cause oscillation or poor transient response, especially during load steps.

Is the NX1117C50Z,115 pin-compatible with other 5 V LDOs in SOT223?

No - while the NX1117C50Z,115 uses the standard SOT223 footprint, its pinout (GND–VOUT–VIN–VOUT) differs from many competing 5 V LDOs that use GND–VIN–VOUT configurations. Direct replacement requires PCB layout verification. The dual VOUT pins (2 and 4) are electrically identical but provide enhanced thermal conduction, which must be accommodated in copper pour design.

What is the thermal resistance of the NX1117C50Z,115 on a standard FR4 PCB?

On a standard FR4 PCB with single-sided copper and no extended heatsink pad, the NX1117C50Z,115 has a junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (Rth(j-a)) of 150 K/W. With a 6 cm² copper pad connected to pins 2 and 4, Rth(j-a) improves to 72 K/W - enabling 1 A continuous operation at ambient temperatures up to +70 °C without forced airflow.

How does SOA control affect the output current of the NX1117C50Z,115?

SOA control in the NX1117C50Z,115 dynamically reduces maximum output current as the input-to-output voltage difference increases - for example, limiting to ~1.1 A at Vin–Vout = 10 V and ~0.9 A at Vin–Vout = 15 V. This prevents excessive power dissipation and thermal runaway, eliminating the need for external current-limiting circuitry in wide-input applications.