STMicroelectronics STLQ020J33R

Overview

STLQ020J33R from STMicroelectronics is a 3.3 V fixed-output, 200 mA ultra-low-quiescent-current LDO voltage regulator in Flip-Chip4 package. It operates from 2 V to 5.5 V input, delivers 160 mV dropout at full load, maintains ±3% output accuracy over –40 °C to +125 °C, and draws only 300 nA quiescent current at no load - enabling multi-year battery life in always-on sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the STLQ020J33R datasheet, STLQ020J33R pinout, STLQ020J33R application, or STLQ020J33R equivalent, key selection criteria include its sub-1 µA shutdown current (5 nA typ.), logic-controlled enable with no internal pull-up, output discharge capability (on selected versions), thermal/overcurrent protection, and compatibility with 1 µF ceramic input/output capacitors.

Technical Context

The STLQ020J33R uses an adaptive biasing circuit to sustain fast transient response and 52 dB PSRR at 100 Hz while maintaining ultra-low I_q. Its control loop is internally compensated for stability with ≥1 µF X5R/X7R ceramic output capacitors (ESR 3–500 mΩ).

Thermal protection activates at 160 °C (20 °C hysteresis) only when load exceeds 1 mA; below that threshold, protection is disabled to preserve sub-500 nA standby consumption. The enable pin is CMOS-compatible, active-high, and requires external pull-up or direct VIN tie if unused.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

STLQ020J33R is packaged in Flip-Chip4 (0.773 mm × 0.773 mm, 0.26 mm height), featuring bottom-side solder bumps and an exposed thermal pad that must be connected to GND for optimal thermal performance (R_thJA = 130 °C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with XC6210B332MR-G, STLQ020J33R adds automotive-grade temperature support and integrated discharge; versus ADM7172ACPZ-3.3-R7, it trades 4× lower I_q for reduced PSRR - making it optimal for energy-constrained, thermally harsh edge nodes rather than noise-sensitive RF stages.

Availability

STLQ020J33R is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smartphone image sensor power, wearable ECG front-end biasing, and smart meter RTC backup requiring stable component supply across automotive and industrial temperature grades.

Supply support for STLQ020J33R 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, specializing in power management, microcontrollers, and analog ICs for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The STLQ020 series belongs to ST's ultra-low-power LDO portfolio, engineered specifically for battery-operated devices demanding multi-year runtime, wide-temperature reliability, and minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for STLQ020J33R to maintain regulation at 200 mA?

The minimum input voltage is calculated as V_OUT + V_DROP = 3.3 V + 0.16 V = 3.46 V. At loads below 200 mA, dropout decreases linearly - e.g., 15 mV at 20 mA - allowing operation down to 3.315 V. Input must remain ≥2 V per absolute maximum rating, but regulation ceases below the dropout threshold.

Can STLQ020J33R be used with ceramic capacitors smaller than 1 µF?

No. ST specifies a minimum 1 µF ceramic capacitor on both input and output for guaranteed loop stability across –40 °C to +125 °C. Capacitors below this value risk oscillation or excessive ringing during load transients, as confirmed by stability testing in DS12072 Section 7.1. X5R/X7R dielectrics are mandatory to maintain capacitance and ESR within the 3–500 mΩ range over temperature.

Is the NC pin on the Flip-Chip4 package required to be grounded?

The NC pin is not internally connected and has no electrical function. However, ST's recommended footprint (DS12072 Figure 39) shows it connected to the GND copper pour. This improves mechanical anchoring and thermal conduction through the solder joint - a layout best practice, not an electrical requirement.

Does STLQ020J33R provide reverse current protection?

Yes. The device integrates reverse-current blocking, preventing current flow from VOUT back to VIN when input is removed or falls below output voltage. This protects upstream sources and avoids unintended discharge of backup capacitors - a feature explicitly verified in the "Protection features" section (DS12072 page 14) and confirmed by the absence of body-diode conduction in the internal pass transistor architecture.