Infineon TLE4291EL: 5V Low-Drop Voltage Regulator for Automotive Applications
In the demanding environment of modern automotive electronics, the stability and reliability of the power supply are paramount. The Infineon TLE4291EL stands out as a quintessential component engineered specifically to meet these rigorous demands. As a low-dropout (LDO) linear voltage regulator, it provides a fixed, precisely regulated 5V output from an input voltage range of up to 42V, making it an ideal power management solution for a wide array of applications within the vehicle.
The core strength of the TLE4291EL lies in its exceptionally low dropout voltage. With a maximum dropout of typically 350 mV at a 150 mA load current, it can continue to regulate the output voltage effectively even when the input voltage dips very close to the 5V output level. This capability is crucial in automotive scenarios, such as during cold-crank conditions when the battery voltage can temporarily sag to very low levels. By maintaining stable operation, it ensures that sensitive microcontrollers (MCUs), sensors, and other critical logic circuits continue to function without interruption or corruption.
Beyond its basic regulating function, the TLE4291EL is packed with protective features that guarantee robust performance and enhanced system safety. It incorporates internal protection against overload, short-circuit, and overtemperature conditions. Furthermore, its reverse polarity protection safeguards the IC and the downstream circuitry if the battery connections are accidentally reversed. Another significant automotive-grade feature is its ability to handle high-voltage transients, such as those described in the ISO 7637-2 pulse test standards, ensuring resilience against the electrical noise prevalent in vehicular environments.
A key feature that simplifies system design is the integrated reset circuit. This circuit monitors the output voltage and generates a reset signal for the connected microcontroller if the output voltage deviates from its nominal tolerance. This ensures a controlled and safe startup and shutdown sequence, preventing the MCU from operating with an insufficient or unstable supply voltage.
Housed in a PG-TO252-5 (DPAK-5) package, the TLE4291EL offers excellent thermal performance, which is essential for dissipating heat under load. Its combination of high accuracy, comprehensive protection, and diagnostic functionality makes it a superior choice for powering body control modules, instrument clusters, and other always-on ECU subsystems where reliability cannot be compromised.
ICGOODFIND: The Infineon TLE4291EL is a robust, automotive-qualified LDO voltage regulator that delivers a stable 5V supply with minimal dropout. Its integrated protections and reset functionality make it a complete and highly reliable power management solution, engineered to withstand the harsh electrical environment of automotive applications.
Keywords: Low-Dropout (LDO) Regulator, Automotive Grade, Overload Protection, Reset Circuit, Thermal Shutdown
