Infineon TLE4286GHTSA1: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the 5-V Low-Drop Voltage Regulator

The Infineon TLE4286GHTSA1 is a monolithic integrated low-drop voltage regulator designed to deliver a precise 5-V output from a higher input voltage. Engineered for robust performance in the demanding environment of automotive electronics, this IC is a quintessential component for powering microcontrollers, sensors, and other critical loads where stable voltage is paramount.

Core Architecture and Key Specifications

At its heart, the TLE4286GHTSA1 is built around a low-dropout (LDO) linear regulator topology. Its standout feature is an exceptionally low dropout voltage of typically 450 mV at a full load current of 250 mA. This efficiency allows it to continue regulating the 5-V output even as the input voltage dips very close to the output level, a critical capability during cranking conditions in automotive applications or during any event causing input voltage sag.

The device is specified for a wide input voltage range from 5.5 V to 45 V, with transient survival capability up to 50 V. This makes it exceptionally resilient to the load dump and other voltage transients commonplace in 12-V automotive power systems. The output current capability is a continuous 250 mA, sufficient for a wide array of electronic control units (ECUs).

Integrated Protection Features for Maximum Reliability

Infineon has fortified this regulator with a comprehensive suite of protection mechanisms, making it a highly reliable choice:

Overcurrent Protection: The IC features fold-back current limiting that protects both the regulator and the external load in case of a short circuit or excessive current draw.

Overtemperature Protection: A precision thermal shutdown circuit disables the output once the junction temperature exceeds a safe threshold, reactivating only after the device has cooled down.

Reverse Polarity Protection: The device can withstand a reverse voltage at the input pin, enhancing its durability against faulty connections.

The Enable Function and Quiescent Current Management

A key feature for modern power-sensitive systems is the enable (EN) input pin. This logic-level control allows an external microcontroller or logic circuit to turn the regulator on or off. When disabled, the regulator enters a low-power sleep mode, drawing a very low quiescent current. This capability is essential for reducing the overall system quiescent current to meet the stringent "dark current" requirements in modern vehicles to prevent battery drain when the engine is off.

Package and Application Considerations

The TLE4286GHTSA1 is offered in the surface-mount PG-TO252-5 (DPAK-5) package. This package provides a good balance between compact size and the ability to dissipate heat effectively, which is crucial for the power handling of a linear regulator. A dedicated tab is connected to ground (GND), simplifying the thermal management design on the printed circuit board (PCB).

Typical applications extend beyond the automotive sphere to any industrial or consumer system requiring a stable, clean, and well-protected 5-V supply from an unregulated or noisy source, such as 12-V or 24-V battery systems.

ICGOODFIND Summary

The Infineon TLE4286GHTSA1 stands out as a robust and highly reliable 5-V LDO voltage regulator. Its exceptional combination of a low dropout voltage, wide input voltage range, comprehensive protection features, and an enable pin for power management makes it an ideal, industry-proven solution for automotive and industrial power supply designs where durability and stability are non-negotiable.

Keywords: Low-Dropout (LDO) Regulator, Automotive Grade, Overcurrent Protection, Enable Pin, Voltage Transient