Diodes Incorporated ZXCL330E5TA

Overview

ZXCL330E5TA from Diodes Incorporated is a 3.3V fixed-output, micropower low-dropout linear regulator in SOT25 (5-pin SOT-23) package, featuring 85mV dropout at 50mA, 50µA ground current at full 150mA load, and active-high enable control with <10nA shutdown current. It delivers stable regulation for battery-powered portable electronics requiring ultra-low quiescent power and compact footprint.

For engineers reviewing the ZXCL330E5TA datasheet, ZXCL330E5TA pinout, ZXCL330E5TA application, or ZXCL330E5TA equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage under load, no-load stability without external bypass, thermal shutdown behavior, and compatibility with ceramic output capacitors down to 1µF.

Technical Context

The ZXCL330E5TA employs a PMOS pass transistor architecture enabling low dropout and inherently low ground current across operating conditions-including startup, dropout, and full load. Its bandgap reference and error amplifier deliver ±2% initial output accuracy and –15 ppm/°C temperature coefficient.

It integrates TTL/CMOS-compatible active-high enable logic, internal current limiting (typ. 230mA), and thermal shutdown activation at ≥125°C. The device maintains regulation with zero load and supports input voltages from 2.0V to 5.5V, requiring VIN > VOUT + 0.5V for nominal operation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT25 (5-pin SOT-23) package: 2.9mm × 1.6mm × 1.1mm body, standard industry footprint with exposed pad not present; compatible with automated pick-and-place and reflow soldering.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ZXCL330E5TA, AP2121AK-3.3TRG1 trades lower cost for 2.4× higher ground current, while AP7115-33SEG-7 offers higher current headroom at the expense of mandatory output capacitance and loss of true zero-load operation.

Availability

ZXCL330E5TA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, wireless sensor nodes, industrial handheld scanners, and smart meter backup power systems requiring stable component supply with long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for ZXCL330E5TA 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

Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, specializing in high-efficiency power management, signal integrity, and protection solutions for industrial, computing, and consumer markets.

The ZXCL series was designed specifically for space-constrained, battery-powered systems demanding micropower operation, ultra-small packaging (SC70-5/SOT25), and robust no-load stability-targeting portable instrumentation and wearables.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for ZXCL330E5TA to regulate 3.3V output?

The datasheet specifies VIN(min) > VOUT(nom) + 0.5V for normal operation, so minimum input is 3.8V. However, regulation begins when VIN exceeds ~1.3V, and the device maintains output down to 85mV dropout-meaning it can sustain 3.3V output as low as 3.385V input at 50mA load. Below that, output drops linearly with input.

Can ZXCL330E5TA be used without an output capacitor?

No. While the device is stable with no load, an output capacitor ≥1µF (ceramic, X7R dielectric) is mandatory for loop stability across all operating conditions. Omitting it causes oscillation and output voltage collapse under load transients. Tantalum or low-ESR ceramics are acceptable, but Y5V dielectrics are discouraged due to severe capacitance loss over temperature.

Is the N/C pin on ZXCL330E5TA required to be left open, or can it be connected?

The N/C pin (Pin 2 in SOT25) is internally unconnected and must be left floating. The datasheet explicitly states it "should be left open circuit or connected to pin 3" (EN), but connecting it to EN provides no functional benefit and risks unintended enable behavior if EN toggles. Best practice is to leave it unconnected and un-routed on the PCB.

Does ZXCL330E5TA support reverse current protection?

It provides limited reverse current protection via an inherent body diode (anode at VO, cathode at VIN). This diode conducts if VOUT exceeds VIN by >0.6V, allowing up to 5mA continuous reverse current. For robust reverse polarity or back-drive protection, an external Schottky diode in series with VIN is recommended-especially in systems where VOUT may be externally biased.