Infineon TLE4266-2G: A 5-V Low-Drop Fixed Voltage Regulator for Automotive Applications

The relentless drive towards greater electrification in the automotive industry places immense demand on robust and reliable power management solutions. At the heart of many electronic control units (ECUs), sensors, and infotainment systems lies a critical component: the voltage regulator. The Infineon TLE4266-2G stands out as a quintessential example of engineering tailored for the harsh automotive environment, providing a stable 5-V output from the vehicle's variable battery voltage.

This monolithic integrated low-drop voltage regulator is designed to deliver a fixed 5-V output voltage with a precision of ±2%, even as the input voltage fluctuates between approximately 6 V and 42 V. A key feature is its remarkably low dropout voltage of typically 200 mV at a 150 mA load current. This low dropout is crucial for automotive applications, as it ensures stable operation even when the input voltage dips close to the output level, such as during engine cranking, preventing system resets and malfunctions.

Beyond basic regulation, the TLE4266-2G is built for resilience. It incorporates a comprehensive suite of built-in protection features that are non-negotiable for automotive qualification. These include overload protection, which safeguards the device and the load during excessive current draw; short-circuit protection for output pin faults; and overtemperature protection, which shuts down the IC if the junction temperature exceeds safe limits, automatically restarting once it has cooled. Furthermore, its reverse polarity protection guards against accidental battery misconnection.

Another significant advantage is its extremely low quiescent current in standby mode, making it suitable for applications that are permanently connected to the battery, minimizing discharge. The device also features an error signal output pin, which can be used to alert a microcontroller of an undervoltage condition or a thermal shutdown event, enabling sophisticated system monitoring.

Housed in a PG-TO263-5-11 (DPAK) package, the TLE4266-2G offers excellent thermal performance, efficiently dissipating heat into the printed circuit board. It is fully AEC-Q100 qualified, guaranteeing its performance and reliability across the demanding temperature ranges and operational stresses found in automotive systems.

ICGOOODFIND: The Infineon TLE4266-2G is a robust, fully-protected, and AEC-Q100 qualified 5-V low-drop voltage regulator. Its combination of high accuracy, low dropout voltage, and comprehensive protection circuitry makes it an ideal and reliable power supply solution for a wide array of automotive electronic systems, ensuring stable operation under the challenging conditions of an automotive electrical network.

Keywords: Low-Dropout Regulator, Automotive Grade, AEC-Q100, Overcurrent Protection, 5V Regulation.