Infineon TLE42764DV 5V Low-Drop Voltage Regulator: Features, Applications, and Design Considerations

In the realm of power management for automotive and industrial electronics, the stability and reliability of the voltage supply are paramount. The Infineon TLE42764DV stands out as a robust 5V low-dropout (LDO) voltage regulator engineered to meet these stringent demands. This monolithic integrated circuit provides a fixed 5V output with a maximum current of 400mA, making it an ideal choice for powering microcontrollers, sensors, and other critical logic components.

Key Features and Technical Specifications

The TLE42764DV is packed with features that ensure safe and efficient operation even in harsh environments. Its very low dropout voltage of typically 200mV at full load (400mA) is a significant advantage, allowing it to regulate the output voltage even when the input voltage dips close to 5V. This maximizes efficiency and extends operational range, especially during cranking conditions in automotive applications.

A cornerstone of its design is its exceptional accuracy, with the output voltage trimmed to ±2% tolerance. This precision is crucial for sensitive analog and digital loads. Furthermore, the device incorporates a comprehensive suite of protection mechanisms. It features internal current limiting to safeguard against short circuits and overtemperature shutdown that disables the output if the junction temperature exceeds a safe threshold, with an automatic restart upon cooling.

Additional functionalities enhance its robustness. The enable input allows for external switching of the regulator, facilitating power management strategies to reduce quiescent current in standby modes. The device also boasts very low quiescent current in operation and a reverse polarity protection capability of up to -40V, a critical feature for automotive systems where jump-starting or incorrect battery connection can occur.

Primary Applications

The TLE42764DV is predominantly designed for automotive electronics, finding its place in body control modules, instrument clusters, and infotainment systems. Its qualification according to AEC-Q100 guidelines ensures reliability under the temperature extremes and vibrational stresses typical in vehicles. Beyond automotive, it is equally suited for industrial control systems, portable equipment, and any application requiring a stable, clean, and protected 5V rail from a higher battery or unregulated input voltage.

Critical Design Considerations

Successful implementation of the TLE42764DV requires attention to several design aspects.

Input and Output Capacitors: Stability is guaranteed with specific capacitor values and types. A minimum low-ESR output capacitor of 2.2µF is required, while a 1µF input capacitor is recommended for filtering. The ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) of the output capacitor is particularly critical and must stay within a specified range to prevent oscillations.

Thermal Management: Despite its efficiency, power dissipation (P_diss = (V_in - V_out) I_out) must be calculated. For high current or high input voltage scenarios, the thermal resistance (R_thJA) of the package (DPAK) must be considered to ensure the junction temperature remains within limits. Proper PCB layout with adequate copper area for heat sinking is essential.

Enable Pin Handling: If the enable function is not used, the pin must be connected directly to the input voltage (V_I). It should not be left floating.

Transient Suppression: In automotive environments, load dump and other transients are common. While the device can handle significant abuse, ensuring the input voltage never exceeds the absolute maximum rating of 45V may require additional external suppression circuitry depending on the specific electrical environment.

ICGOOODFIND

The Infineon TLE42764DV is a highly reliable and feature-rich 5V LDO regulator that excels in demanding environments. Its combination of low dropout voltage, high accuracy, and extensive protection features makes it a superior choice for designers seeking to create robust power supplies for automotive and industrial applications.

Keywords: Low-Dropout Regulator, Automotive Grade, Reverse Polarity Protection, Thermal Shutdown, AEC-Q100