Infineon TLE4253GS: A Comprehensive Overview of the Low-Drop Voltage Regulator

The Infineon TLE4253GS is a monolithic integrated low-drop voltage regulator designed to supply microprocessors and other digital logic in harsh automotive and industrial environments. This 5V regulator stands out for its exceptional reliability, precision, and robust protective features, making it a cornerstone component for safety-critical and noise-sensitive applications.

Key Features and Technical Specifications

At its core, the TLE4253GS is engineered to deliver a fixed 5V output voltage with a high accuracy of ±2%. It can source a continuous output current of up to 150mA, sufficient for powering a microcontroller and its peripheral components. A defining characteristic is its extremely low dropout voltage, typically 200mV at 100mA load current. This low drop allows the regulator to continue providing a stable 5V output even when the input voltage dips very close to 5V, maximizing the usable operating range, especially in automotive start-stop scenarios where battery voltage can sag significantly.

The device incorporates a comprehensive suite of protection features, crucial for automotive qualification:

Overcurrent Protection: Safely limits the output current in case of a short circuit.

Overtemperature Protection: Shuts down the regulator if the junction temperature exceeds safe limits, preventing thermal destruction.

Reverse Polarity Protection: Withstands a reverse voltage at the input pin of up to -40V, a common threat in automotive wiring.

ESD Protection: Offers high Electrostatic Discharge protection on all pins.

A critical function of the TLE4253GS is its integrated reset circuit. The RESET output pin is designed to monitor the regulated output voltage. It asserts a reset signal to the connected microprocessor whenever the output voltage falls below a defined threshold (~4.65V), ensuring a controlled system shutdown and restart, which is vital for functional safety.

Application Areas

The TLE4253GS is predominantly found in automotive electronics, including:

Engine Control Units (ECUs)

Body Control Modules (BCMs)

Instrument Clusters

Airbag Control Units

Its ability to operate over a wide input voltage range (3.0V to 40V) and its high immunity to load dump transients (up to 45V) make it perfectly suited for the 12V vehicle power system. Beyond automotive, it is also an excellent choice for industrial control systems and any application requiring a stable, protected voltage rail.

Package and Availability

The device is offered in a PG-DSO-8 (SMD) package, which is small and suitable for automated PCB assembly. This surface-mount package helps save valuable board space in modern electronic designs.

ICGOODFIND: The Infineon TLE4253GS is a highly robust and reliable 5V low-dropout (LDO) regulator, purpose-built for the demanding conditions of the automotive industry. Its combination of low dropout voltage, high accuracy, a full array of integrated protection mechanisms, and a critical reset function makes it an optimal and trusted choice for powering microprocessors in environments where stability and safety are non-negotiable.

Keywords: Low-Dropout Regulator (LDO), Automotive Grade, Reset Circuit, Overcurrent Protection, Reverse Polarity Protection