STMicroelectronics STLQ015M12R

Overview

STLQ015M12R from STMicroelectronics is a 150 mA ultra-low-quiescent-current linear voltage regulator in SOT23-5L package, delivering fixed 1.2 V output with ±2% tolerance at 25 °C, 112 mV typical dropout at 150 mA, and 1.4 µA quiescent current under full load-designed for microcontroller core supply in battery-powered portable media players.

For engineers reviewing the STLQ015M12R datasheet, STLQ015M12R pinout, STLQ015M12R application, or STLQ015M12R equivalent, key selection criteria include shutdown current (1 nA typ.), ceramic capacitor compatibility (1 µF), thermal protection, logic-controlled enable, and operation across –40 °C to 125 °C junction temperature.

Technical Context

The STLQ015M12R integrates a P-channel pass transistor with internal reference, error amplifier, thermal shutdown, and constant-current short-circuit protection. Its enable input directly controls the pass device via CMOS-level logic (VEN low = OFF, VEN high = ON), with 1 nA shutdown current achieved by disabling bias networks and isolating the output divider.

Stability is guaranteed with 1 µF ceramic output capacitors (ESR 0.056–6 Ω), and line/load regulation are tightly controlled at ±0.01 %/V and ±0.002 %/mA respectively. Dropout voltage remains ≤300 mV over full temperature and load range, supporting operation down to 1.55 V input at 150 mA load and 125 °C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT23-5L package: 2.95 mm × 1.60 mm × 1.45 mm body height, 0.95 mm pitch, lead-free and RoHS-compliant ECOPACK® grade.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar ultra-low-IQ LDO applications.

Compared with XC6206P122MR and RT9013-12GB, STLQ015M12R uniquely combines 1 nA shutdown, 1.4 µA active IQ, and integrated thermal/short-circuit protection in SOT23-5L-making it optimal for long-life, safety-critical portable medical and industrial edge nodes.

Availability

STLQ015M12R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for mobile phone subsystems, digital still cameras, wearable health monitors, and industrial wireless sensor nodes requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for STLQ015M12R 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

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1987.

The STLQ015 series belongs to ST's ultra-low-power LDO portfolio, engineered specifically for energy-constrained battery-operated devices where nanowatt shutdown and microamp active operation directly determine product lifetime and usability.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for 1.2 V output at 150 mA load?

The STLQ015M12R requires VIN ≥ 1.55 V at 150 mA load and 125 °C junction temperature, per Table 4 in DS6765 Rev 7. At room temperature, 1.32 V input suffices due to 112 mV typical dropout. Below 1.55 V, output voltage collapses nonlinearly and regulation is not guaranteed.

Can STLQ015M12R be used with aluminum polymer capacitors instead of ceramic?

No-stability is only guaranteed with ceramic capacitors (X5R/X7R) in 0.47–10 µF range and ESR between 0.056 Ω and 6 Ω, as validated in Figure 15. Aluminum polymer caps typically exceed 10 mΩ ESR and introduce phase margin loss, risking oscillation per DS6765 Section 6.

Does the NC pin (Pin 4) require any PCB layout treatment?

Pin 4 is internally unconnected and must remain electrically floating-no trace, pad, or solder mask opening is permitted. ST explicitly states in Table 1 that NC has "no function," and routing to ground or VOUT violates the SOT23-5L mechanical specification in Figure 19.

How does thermal shutdown behave during sustained overload?

When junction temperature reaches 170 °C, the device disables the pass transistor and holds output at 0 V until temperature falls by 15 °C (hysteresis), then automatically resumes regulation. This cycle repeats without latch-up, protecting both IC and downstream circuitry per Table 4 and Figure 7.