STMicroelectronics STLQ020C22R

Overview

STLQ020C22R from STMicroelectronics is a 200 mA ultra-low-quiescent-current low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator in SOT323-5L package, delivering fixed 2.2 V output with ±2% accuracy at 25 °C and ±3% over −40 °C to +125 °C. It operates from 2 V to 5.5 V input, achieves 160 mV dropout at 200 mA, and draws only 300 nA quiescent current at no load-enabling multi-year battery life in always-on sensor nodes and wearable health monitors.

For engineers reviewing the STLQ020C22R datasheet, STLQ020C22R pinout, STLQ020C22R application, or STLQ020C22R equivalent, key selection criteria include its sub-1 µA shutdown current (5 nA typ.), logic-controlled enable (EN), output discharge capability (optional), thermal/overcurrent protection, and compatibility with 1 µF ceramic input/output capacitors in space-constrained portable designs.

Technical Context

The STLQ020C22R employs an adaptive biasing circuit that maintains ultra-low I_q while enabling fast transient response and 52 dB PSRR at 100 Hz (V_OUT = 2.5 V, 10 mA load). Its internal bandgap reference and error amplifier regulate output with <0.005 %/V line regulation and <0.0015 %/mA load regulation across temperature.

Thermal shutdown activates at 160 °C (20 °C hysteresis), and short-circuit protection limits output current to 380 mA. The EN pin is CMOS-compatible, active-high, and not internally pulled up-requiring explicit tie-high or microcontroller control to avoid floating states.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT323-5L package: 1.8 mm × 2.1 mm × 0.9 mm body with exposed pad (must be connected to GND), optimized for high-density PCB layouts in wearables and compact medical devices.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC6210B222MR-G and RT9080-22GJ5, STLQ020C22R uniquely balances ultra-low I_q (300 nA), robust protection (EN + thermal + current limit), and lowest dropout (160 mV), making it the only choice for long-life, safety-compliant, single-cell-powered medical and industrial edge nodes.

Availability

STLQ020C22R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphones/tablets, wearable accessories, healthcare devices, and smart metering requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for STLQ020C22R 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 microcontrollers, power management ICs, sensors, and analog components for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The STLQ020 series belongs to ST's ultra-low-power LDO portfolio, engineered specifically for battery-operated IoT endpoints, medical wearables, and energy-harvesting systems demanding nanowatt quiescent operation without sacrificing protection or regulation precision.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for STLQ020C22R to maintain regulation?

The minimum input voltage is 2.36 V: 2.2 V output plus 160 mV dropout voltage at 200 mA load. Below this, the device enters dropout mode-still regulating but with reduced PSRR and increased sensitivity to input ripple. Operation down to 2.0 V is allowed per absolute maximum ratings, but output accuracy degrades outside specified dropout conditions.

Can STLQ020C22R be used with ceramic capacitors smaller than 1 µF?

No-ST specifies a minimum 1 µF low-ESR ceramic capacitor on both input and output for guaranteed loop stability. Using smaller values risks oscillation, especially under load transients. X5R/X7R dielectrics with ESR between 3 mΩ and 500 mΩ are validated; avoid high-ESR tantalum or aluminum electrolytics.

Is the NC/ADJ pin on STLQ020C22R required to be connected to ground?

No-the NC/ADJ pin is not internally connected in the fixed-output STLQ020C22R variant. It may be left floating per ST's recommendation, though connecting it to GND improves mechanical reliability and reduces potential EMI coupling. Do not connect to any voltage source.

Does STLQ020C22R support output discharge in all package variants?

Output discharge (R_LOW = 100 Ω) is an optional feature implemented only in specific versions-not all SOT323-5L units include it. The STLQ020C22R order code does not guarantee this function; consult ST's latest datasheet revision or contact ST sales to confirm discharge capability for a given production lot.