Infineon TLE4267G: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the 5-V Low-Drop Voltage Regulator
The Infineon TLE4267G is a monolithic integrated fixed-voltage low-dropout (LDO) regulator designed to deliver a precise 5-V output from an input voltage range of up to 45 V. As a cornerstone component in automotive and industrial electronics, it provides a reliable and stable power supply for microcontrollers, sensors, and other sensitive circuitry operating in harsh electrical environments.
Core Architecture and Key Features
At its heart, the TLE4267G is engineered for resilience and accuracy. It features a very low current consumption of only 180 µA (typ.) in quiescent state, making it highly suitable for battery-powered or always-on applications where efficiency is critical. The device boasts an impressive low dropout voltage, typically 300 mV at a 150 mA load current, ensuring stable operation even when the input voltage dips close to the output level.
A defining characteristic of this LDO is its very low standby current consumption, typically 15 µA when the enable (ON/OFF) pin is switched off. This is a vital feature for modern automotive networks, supporting energy-saving modes without draining the battery. Furthermore, the regulator includes a wide array of built-in protection mechanisms, such as overload protection, short-circuit protection, and overtemperature shutdown, which safeguard both the IC and the downstream circuitry from damage. The reverse polarity protection of up to -45 V is particularly crucial for automotive applications, where jump-starting or incorrect battery connection can occur.
Advanced Functionality: The Enable Pin and Error Detection
Beyond basic regulation, the TLE4267G offers advanced control and monitoring. The enable pin allows for external switching of the regulator, facilitating sophisticated power management sequences. Perhaps its most significant feature is the integrated error detection circuit. This circuit provides a reset signal that is held active for a fixed delay time after the output voltage has reached a stable, sufficient level. This ensures that a connected microcontroller does not start operation with an unstable power supply, preventing erratic behavior and data corruption—a fundamental requirement for functional safety.
Application Domains
The robust design of the TLE4267G makes it a premier choice for a multitude of demanding applications. Its primary domain is the automotive industry, where it powers engine control units (ECUs), body control modules, and instrument clusters. Its ability to withstand load-dump and start-stop pulses makes it indispensable. Additionally, it finds extensive use in industrial automation systems, consumer electronics, and anywhere a clean, stable 5V rail is required from a higher, noisy input voltage.
The Infineon TLE4267G stands out as an exceptionally robust and feature-rich 5-V LDO voltage regulator. Its combination of very low quiescent current, comprehensive protection features, integrated reset generation, and automotive-grade qualification makes it an optimal and reliable solution for powering critical electronic systems under the most challenging conditions.
Keywords:
Low-Dropout (LDO) Regulator
Automotive Grade
Quiescent Current
Error Detection
Overload Protection
