Infineon TLE4264: A Comprehensive Overview of the 5-V Low-Drop Voltage Regulator
In the realm of power management for automotive and industrial electronics, the demand for robust, efficient, and reliable voltage regulation is paramount. The Infineon TLE4264 stands out as a quintessential solution, a monolithic integrated low-drop voltage regulator meticulously engineered to deliver a fixed 5-V output with exceptional precision and protection. This device exemplifies the synergy of performance and resilience, making it a cornerstone in applications where stable power is non-negotiable.
Core Functionality and Key Specifications
The primary function of the TLE4264 is to provide a stable 5-V output voltage from an input voltage supply (VI) ranging from 5.5 V to 42 V. Its defining characteristic is its low dropout voltage, typically 400 mV at a full load current of 100 mA. This low drop-out feature is critical for applications where the input voltage can drift close to the desired output level, ensuring regulation is maintained and minimizing power loss.
The regulator can deliver a maximum output current of 100 mA, sufficient to power microcontrollers, sensors, and other low-power ICs within a system. Its impressive input voltage range, extending up to 45 V, coupled with its high immunity to load dumps and transients, makes it particularly suited for the harsh electrical environments found in automotive applications.
Integrated Protection Features: Ensuring Maximum Reliability
Infineon has fortified the TLE4264 with a comprehensive suite of protection mechanisms, which are vital for its operation in demanding conditions:
Overload and Short-Circuit Protection: The output current is actively limited in the event of an overload or a short circuit to ground, safeguarding both the regulator and the connected load from damage.
Overtemperature Protection: An integrated temperature sensor shuts down the device if the junction temperature exceeds the critical threshold (typically 150°C), preventing thermal runaway.
Reverse Polarity Protection: The IC can withstand a reverse voltage at the input pin of up to -40 V, a common threat in automotive systems during jump-start events, without being damaged.
ESD Protection: The device is designed to withstand high electrostatic discharge (ESD), ensuring robustness during handling and operation.
Additional Features for Enhanced System Performance
Beyond its core regulation and protection duties, the TLE4264 includes several features that enhance system-level design:
Reset Output: A dedicated reset output with a programmable delay (via an external capacitor) monitors the output voltage. It provides a defined reset signal to a microcontroller during power-up, power-down, or during an undervoltage event, ensuring controlled system operation.
Low Quiescent Current: The device features a very low quiescent current (typically 80 µA), which minimizes the power drain when the system is in a standby or "key-off" state. This is a crucial parameter for automotive applications where battery drain must be minimized.
High Accuracy: The output voltage is guaranteed to be within ±2% accuracy over the entire temperature, load, and input voltage range, providing a stable reference for sensitive electronics.
Typical Applications
The combination of its features makes the TLE4264 an ideal choice for a wide array of applications, including:
Body control modules and automotive instrumentation clusters
Engine control units (ECUs) and sensor power supply
Industrial control systems
Peripheral power supply for microprocessors and microcontrollers
The Infineon TLE4264 is far more than a simple linear regulator. It is a highly integrated, intelligent power management solution that delivers exceptional reliability and system-level functionality. Its robust design, comprehensive protection features, and additional reset generation capability make it an indispensable component for designers tackling the challenging power requirements of modern automotive and industrial systems.
Keywords:
Low-Drop Voltage Regulator
Automotive Applications
5-V Output
Reset Output
Protection Features
