Infineon TLE4678-2EL Low-Dropout Voltage Regulator: Features and Application Overview

The Infineon TLE4678-2EL is a monolithic integrated low-dropout voltage regulator designed to deliver a precise 5V or 3.3V output with a maximum current of 350mA. Engineered for the demanding requirements of automotive and industrial environments, this LDO regulator combines high accuracy, robust protection features, and exceptional reliability.

Key Features and Technical Highlights

At the core of the TLE4678-2EL's performance is its very low dropout voltage, typically 200 mV at 150 mA load for the 5V version. This characteristic makes it exceptionally efficient, especially in applications where the input voltage is only slightly higher than the regulated output, minimizing power loss and heat generation.

The device is renowned for its high output voltage accuracy of ±2%, ensured over the entire temperature range, load current, and input voltage spectrum. This precision is critical for powering sensitive microcontrollers, sensors, and logic circuits. Furthermore, it boasts an extremely low quiescent current in normal operation, which significantly reduces the overall system's power consumption—a vital parameter for battery-powered or energy-efficient applications.

Robustness is a defining trait. The TLE4678-2EL is equipped with comprehensive protection mechanisms, including:

Overcurrent protection that limits the output current during a short circuit.

Overtemperature protection that shuts down the regulator if the junction temperature exceeds a safe threshold, preventing thermal destruction.

Reverse polarity protection on the input, safeguarding the IC against accidental negative voltage connections.

Overvoltage protection (load dump resilience) on the input, allowing it to withstand transient voltage spikes common in automotive electrical systems.

Its automotive-grade qualification according to AEC-Q100 ensures high reliability and performance under harsh conditions, encompassing extended temperature ranges and rigorous operational stresses.

Primary Application Areas

The combination of these features makes the TLE4678-2EL an ideal solution for a wide array of applications:

Automotive Body and Convenience Electronics: Powering control units for window lifters, sunroofs, seat control modules, and interior lighting systems.

Sensor Power Supply: Providing a clean and stable voltage reference for various sensors (e.g., position, pressure, temperature) throughout the vehicle.

Industrial Control Systems: Serving as a local point-of-load (PoL) regulator for PLCs, I/O modules, and other factory automation equipment where a stable voltage is paramount.

Consumer Electronics: Used in applications requiring a reliable and noise-free voltage rail from a higher unregulated input source.

ICGOODFIND Summary

The Infineon TLE4678-2EL stands out as a highly reliable and efficient low-dropout regulator. Its exceptional accuracy, low dropout voltage, and suite of built-in protection features make it a superior choice for designers tackling challenging environments, particularly in the automotive sector. It delivers the robustness and performance necessary to ensure the longevity and stability of electronic systems.

Keywords: Low-Dropout Regulator, Automotive Grade, Overvoltage Protection, High Accuracy, Low Quiescent Current