Infineon TLE42694GM: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the 5-V Low-Drop Voltage Regulator

The Infineon TLE42694GM is a monolithic integrated fixed-voltage regulator designed to deliver a precise 5-V output from an input voltage up to 45 V. As a pivotal component in automotive and industrial electronics, its primary function is to provide a stable, clean supply voltage to microcontrollers, sensors, and other critical logic circuits, protecting them from the electrical noise and voltage fluctuations common in harsh environments.

Engineered for resilience, this low-drop (LDO) regulator boasts a remarkably low dropout voltage—typically 200 mV at a 150 mA load. This characteristic is crucial for automotive applications, as it ensures stable operation even when the input voltage dips very close to the output level, such as during cranking scenarios in vehicles. The device features an impressive input voltage range from 5.5 V to 45 V, with transient survival capability up to 60 V, making it exceptionally robust against load dump and other voltage surges.

A key attribute of the TLE42694GM is its very low current consumption in standby mode, which is typically only 18 µA. This quiescent current is critical for modern vehicles, helping to minimize the discharge of the car battery when the engine is off and the electronic control units (ECUs) are in a sleep state, thereby supporting energy efficiency and meeting stringent automotive OEM requirements.

The regulator incorporates a comprehensive suite of integrated protection features. These include short-circuit protection, which limits the output current in case of a fault; overtemperature protection, which shuts down the device if the junction temperature exceeds safe limits (typically 150°C); and reverse polarity protection, safeguarding the IC against accidental misconnection of the battery. Furthermore, the built-in overvoltage protection (active clamp) circuit handles high-voltage transients by diverting excess energy, ensuring the output remains within safe limits.

The TLE42694GM also includes a reset function with a programmable delay time. This function monitors the output voltage and provides a reset signal to the connected microcontroller whenever the output voltage falls below a defined threshold. The delay time, set via an external capacitor, ensures the microcontroller only starts operating once the supply voltage is fully stable, guaranteeing reliable system initialization.

Housed in a PG-DSO-14 package with exposed pad for enhanced thermal performance, the device is optimized for surface-mount assembly on printed circuit boards. Its high accuracy output voltage of ±2% ensures that sensitive components receive the precise voltage they require for optimal operation. Typical applications extend beyond the automotive sector (e.g., body control modules, instrument clusters) to include industrial control systems and consumer appliances where reliable voltage regulation is paramount.

ICGOODFIND: The Infineon TLE42694GM stands out as an exceptionally robust and reliable 5-V LDO regulator. Its combination of a wide input voltage range, integrated protection mechanisms, low dropout voltage, and ultra-low quiescent current makes it an ideal choice for demanding automotive and industrial applications where power integrity, safety, and efficiency are non-negotiable.

Keywords: Low-Dropout Regulator, Automotive Grade, Overvoltage Protection, Quiescent Current, Reset Function