RT9166-18GVL Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The RT9166-18GVL is a linear voltage regulator IC manufactured by Richtek USA Inc., designed to deliver a fixed 1.8V output at 300mA in a compact SOT-23-3L surface mount package. This device is classified as a Power Management (PMIC) component and maintains Active product status. Linear regulators of this specification are essential in applications requiring stable, low-noise 1.8V power rails with minimal dropout voltage and integrated thermal protection. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent electrical performance, package compatibility, and regulatory compliance can be maintained across alternative manufacturers.

Substiute Parts

RT9166-18GVL

Richtek USA Inc.In Stock: 45967RT9166-18GVL Datasheet

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AP130-18RG-7

Diodes IncorporatedIn Stock: 9330AP130-18RG-7 Datasheet

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Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the RT9166-18GVL are qualified based on the following electrical and mechanical criteria:

• Fixed output voltage of 1.8V
• Output current capability of 300mA minimum
• Maximum input voltage of 5.5V or greater
• Surface mount package compatibility (SOT-23-3 / SC-59 / TO-236-3)
• Operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C or wider
• Active product status and ROHS3 compliance
• Integrated over-current and over-temperature protection

The AP130-18RG-7 from Diodes Incorporated meets all substitution criteria. Both devices share identical output voltage, current rating, input voltage specification, package form factor, and operating temperature range. Both maintain Active status and ROHS3 compliance, ensuring regulatory and supply chain continuity.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Both the RT9166-18GVL and AP130-18RG-7 are Active products with ROHS3 compliance and REACH Unaffected status, ensuring regulatory alignment and long-term supply availability. Selection between these devices depends on application-specific requirements:

The RT9166-18GVL exhibits superior dropout voltage performance (0.23V typical versus 0.4V), making it preferable for applications with tight input voltage margins or where minimizing heat dissipation is critical.

The AP130-18RG-7 provides lower quiescent current (100 µA versus 300 µA), beneficial for battery-powered or low-power standby applications. It also includes integrated short-circuit protection and carries MSL 1 moisture sensitivity rating, reducing handling and storage constraints compared to MSL 3.

Both devices are mechanically and electrically interchangeable in standard 1.8V/300mA regulator applications with identical package footprints and thermal characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the AP130-18RG-7 directly replace the RT9166-18GVL on existing PCBs?

A: Yes. Both devices use identical SOT-23-3 / SC-59 package geometry and pinout. No PCB layout modifications are required for mechanical or electrical substitution.

Q: What is the significance of the dropout voltage difference between these parts?

A: The RT9166-18GVL's 0.23V dropout (typical) versus the AP130-18RG-7's 0.4V dropout affects minimum input voltage headroom. In applications where input voltage approaches the 5.5V maximum, the RT9166-18GVL maintains regulation with lower input-to-output voltage differential, reducing power dissipation and heat generation.

Q: Why does the AP130-18RG-7 have lower quiescent current?

A: Quiescent current represents the regulator's internal consumption when delivering no load current. The AP130-18RG-7's 100 µA specification versus the RT9166-18GVL's 300 µA reflects different internal circuit design. In applications with extended idle periods or battery operation, lower quiescent current reduces standby power consumption.

Q: What does MSL 3 versus MSL 1 mean for component handling?

A: Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL) defines maximum time a component can remain exposed to ambient humidity before soldering. MSL 3 allows 168 hours of exposure; MSL 1 allows unlimited exposure. The AP130-18RG-7's MSL 1 rating eliminates moisture bake-out requirements and reduces handling constraints in manufacturing environments.

Q: Are there any thermal performance differences between these regulators?

A: Both devices are rated for identical operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C). Thermal performance depends on application-specific factors including input-output voltage differential, load current, and PCB thermal design. The RT9166-18GVL's lower dropout voltage generates less heat at full load; the AP130-18RG-7's lower quiescent current generates less heat at light loads.

Q: Do both parts include the same protection features?

A: Both include over-current and over-temperature protection. The AP130-18RG-7 adds integrated short-circuit protection, providing enhanced fault tolerance in applications subject to output short-circuit conditions.