Diodes Incorporated ZXCL260E5TA

Overview

ZXCL260E5TA from Zetex Semiconductors is a 2.6 V fixed-output, 150 mA micropower low-dropout linear regulator in SOT23-5 package. It features 85 mV dropout at 50 mA, 50 µA ground current at full load, TTL/CMOS-compatible active-high enable control, and no-load stability with ceramic output capacitors ≥1 µF. It is designed for space-constrained, battery-powered systems requiring ultra-low quiescent current and robust shutdown capability.

For engineers reviewing the ZXCL260E5TA datasheet, ZXCL260E5TA pinout, ZXCL260E5TA application, or ZXCL260E5TA equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage vs. load, enable logic compatibility, thermal shutdown threshold (125 °C), ground current behavior across temperature, and stability with low-ESR ceramics - all critical for portable instrumentation and memory backup circuits.

Technical Context

The ZXCL260E5TA uses a PMOS pass transistor architecture enabling low dropout and near-constant ground current across operating conditions - including dropout, startup, and full 150 mA load. Its internal circuitry integrates thermal overload protection (trip at 125–165 °C) and current limiting (160–800 mA range), allowing indefinite short-circuit tolerance to GND or V_OUT.

Enable functionality is implemented as a TTL/CMOS-compatible input (V_ENH ≥ 2.2 V, V_ENL ≤ 0.8 V) with 150 mV hysteresis, supporting clean switching and optional RC-based startup delay. The device achieves 50 µV_RMS output noise (10 Hz–100 kHz) without bypass capacitor and maintains regulation with zero load - essential for CMOS RAM retention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT23-5 package (JEDEC MO-178AA), 2.7 mm × 2.2 mm footprint, 1.3 mm height, 1.9 mm lead pitch. Thermal resistance θ_JA = 180–300 °C/W depending on PCB copper area.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MCP1700T-2602E/TT and TPS78026DRVR, ZXCL260E5TA uniquely balances ultra-low dropout (85 mV), verified no-load stability, and sub-10 nA shutdown - making it irreplaceable in single-cell battery systems where both runtime and data retention are non-negotiable.

Availability

ZXCL260E5TA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, memory backup power, handheld test instruments, and wireless sensor nodes requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for ZXCL260E5TA 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

Zetex Semiconductors (now part of Diodes Incorporated) is a UK-based designer of high-performance analog and power management ICs, ISO 9001 and TS16949 certified, with focus on efficiency, miniaturization, and reliability.

The ZXCL series was developed specifically for space- and power-constrained portable electronics, emphasizing micropower operation, SC70/SOT23 packaging, and no-load stability - targeting battery-powered instrumentation and memory retention applications.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for regulation at full 150 mA load?

The datasheet specifies VIN(min) > VOUT(nom) + 0.5 V for normal operation. For ZXCL260E5TA's 2.6 V output, minimum recommended input is 3.1 V. At 50 mA load, regulation is maintained down to 2.685 V due to 85 mV dropout - confirmed by Figure 5's input-to-output characteristic curve.

Can the NC pin be connected to ground or left floating?

The NC pin is internally unconnected and must be left floating per Zetex's schematic diagram and package outline. Connecting it to GND or any other node is not specified and may compromise thermal or electrical performance - the datasheet explicitly states "Should be left open circuit or connected to pin 3" (GND), but pin 3 is GND, so grounding is permissible only if done intentionally per layout review.

Is an input capacitor required, and what value is recommended?

Yes - a 1 µF ceramic or tantalum input capacitor is recommended to filter supply noise and improve ripple rejection. Placement must be adjacent to the VIN and GND pins. The device's PSRR performance (Figure 10) degrades significantly without it, especially above 10 kHz, impacting sensitive analog circuitry powered from the same rail.

Does ZXCL260E5TA require a minimum load for stability?

No - the device is explicitly characterized for no-load stability and maintains regulation with zero output current, as stated in the Applications section and confirmed by "No-Load Stability" note on page 1. This enables direct use in CMOS RAM backup without dummy loads or pull-down resistors.