STMicroelectronics STLQ020J18R

Overview

STLQ020J18R from STMicroelectronics is a 200 mA ultra-low-quiescent-current low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator in Flip-Chip4 package, delivering 1.8 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 wearable and medical sensors.

For engineers reviewing the STLQ020J18R datasheet, STLQ020J18R pinout, STLQ020J18R application, or STLQ020J18R equivalent, key selection criteria include its 300 nA no-load I_q, 160 mV dropout at full load, logic-controlled shutdown (5 nA off-state), integrated thermal/overcurrent protection, and support for 1.8 V fixed-output in miniature Flip-Chip4 footprint.

Technical Context

The STLQ020J18R employs an adaptive biasing circuit that maintains ultra-low quiescent current 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.

It integrates CMOS-level enable control (VEN high = on, low = shutdown), optional output discharge (R_LOW = 100 Ω), and thermal shutdown activation at 160 °C with 20 °C hysteresis-disabled below 1 mA load to preserve sub-μA standby performance.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STLQ020J18R uses the Flip-Chip4 package (0.773 mm × 0.773 mm, 0.26 mm height), with solder bumps replacing wire bonds for minimal footprint and improved thermal conduction via exposed die attach. The package requires PCB land pattern per Figure 39 (DS12072 Rev 4, p.20) and must connect the exposed pad to GND.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC6210B182MR-G and RP114K181D-TR-F, STLQ020J18R uniquely combines Flip-Chip4 miniaturization, 160 mV dropout, 300 nA I_q, full thermal shutdown, and optional output discharge-making it optimal for space- and battery-limited medical and imaging applications demanding robustness.

Availability

STLQ020J18R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone image sensor biasing, wearable health monitoring, and portable medical diagnostics requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for STLQ020J18R 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-powered portable electronics where multi-year standby life, miniature packaging, and reliable operation across extended temperature ranges are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum allowable input voltage for STLQ020J18R?

The absolute maximum input voltage is 7 V, but the recommended operating range is 2 V to 5.5 V per the datasheet. Exceeding 5.5 V risks violating safe operating area limits and may trigger overvoltage stress failure-even if within absolute maximum ratings-due to internal gate oxide limitations in the pass transistor.

Does STLQ020J18R support adjustable output voltage?

No-STLQ020J18R is a fixed 1.8 V output version in Flip-Chip4 package. Adjustable versions (e.g., STLQ020PUR) exist only in DFN6-2x2 and SOT323-5L packages and require connection of an external resistor divider to the ADJ pin, which is not present on the Flip-Chip4 variant.

Can the NC pin be left unconnected on the Flip-Chip4 package?

Yes-the NC pin on STLQ020J18R is not internally connected and may be left floating electrically. However, ST recommends connecting it to GND for mechanical reinforcement and improved thermal conduction through the solder joint, as noted in the package layout guidelines (DS12072 Rev 4, p.19).

How does the output discharge feature work, and is it enabled on STLQ020J18R?

The output discharge feature (R_LOW = 100 Ω) activates automatically when EN is pulled low, discharging VOUT to GND through an internal switch. This version (J18R) includes the feature per Table 4 and Figure 1 footnote (*), ensuring rapid power-down and preventing residual voltage from interfering with downstream logic sequencing.