STMicroelectronics STLQ015XG18R

Overview

STLQ015XG18R from STMicroelectronics is a 150 mA ultra-low-quiescent-current linear voltage regulator in SOT23-5L package, delivering fixed 1.8 V output with ±2% tolerance at 25 °C, 112 mV typical dropout at 150 mA, and 1.4 µA typical quiescent current under full load - designed for microcontroller core supply in battery-powered IoT sensors.

For engineers reviewing the STLQ015XG18R datasheet, STLQ015XG18R pinout, STLQ015XG18R application, or STLQ015XG18R equivalent, key selection criteria include shutdown current (1 nA typ.), ceramic capacitor compatibility (1 µF min), thermal protection, logic-controlled enable, and operation across –40 °C to 125 °C junction temperature.

Technical Context

This LDO employs a P-channel MOSFET pass element enabling low dropout and nanoscale quiescent current via optimized biasing. Its internal voltage reference and error amplifier maintain regulation across input voltages from 1.5 V to 5.5 V while supporting output voltages from 0.8 V to 3.3 V in 100 mV increments.

The device integrates logic-controlled enable (VEN), thermal shutdown (170 °C trip), short-circuit current limiting (~300 mA), and stable operation with 0.47–10 µF ceramic output capacitors (ESR 0.056–6 Ω). Shutdown mode reduces total input current to 1 nA (typ.) at room temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT23-5L package: 5-pin surface-mount, 2.95 mm × 1.60 mm footprint, 1.45 mm max height, ECOPACK®-compliant, rated for 150 °C junction temperature.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC6206P182MR and RT9013-18GB, STLQ015XG18R uniquely delivers 1 nA shutdown current and thermal protection in the same SOT23-5L footprint - making it optimal for safety-critical, long-life, and enable-controlled embedded systems.

Availability

STLQ015XG18R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wearable health monitors, industrial wireless sensor nodes, smart meter RTC backup domains, and automotive cabin occupancy sensors requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for STLQ015XG18R 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, power management, and microcontroller markets.

The STLQ015 series belongs to ST's ultra-low-power linear regulator product line, engineered specifically for battery-constrained applications where multi-year operational lifetime and nanoscale standby current are mandatory design requirements.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for stable 1.8 V output at 150 mA?

The minimum input voltage is calculated as VOUT + VDROP = 1.8 V + 0.112 V = 1.912 V. At 150 mA load and 25 °C, the regulator maintains regulation down to this level. Derating applies at high temperature: worst-case dropout is 300 mV, so VIN must be ≥2.1 V across –40 °C to 125 °C.

Can STLQ015XG18R operate with a 0.47 µF ceramic output capacitor?

No - the datasheet specifies a minimum of 0.47 µF only for stability *with specific ESR ranges* (0.056–6 Ω), but recommends 1 µF for guaranteed stability across all conditions. Using 0.47 µF risks oscillation under light loads or temperature extremes, as confirmed in Figure 15 (COUT stability region).

Is the NC pin (Pin 4) required to be left floating, or can it be grounded?

Pin 4 (NC) is internally unconnected and must remain electrically floating. Grounding it may create unintended parasitic paths or violate internal isolation; ST's layout guidelines explicitly prohibit connecting NC pins to any net, including GND or power rails.

Does the 1 nA shutdown current specification apply at elevated temperatures?

No - the 1 nA value is typical at 25 °C. At 125 °C, maximum shutdown current rises to 200 nA (per Table 4), reflecting increased P-channel leakage. System-level battery life calculations for high-temperature deployments must use the 200 nA max value.