STMicroelectronics L5150BNTR

Overview

L5150BNTR from STMicroelectronics is an AEC-Q100 qualified automotive 5 V low-dropout linear voltage regulator in SOT-223 package, delivering 150 mA output current with ±2% output voltage accuracy over −40 °C to +150 °C junction temperature. It operates from 5.6 V to 40 V input, features 500 mV max dropout at 150 mA, and draws only 50 µA typical quiescent current in normal mode - enabling reliable power for engine control units, body electronics, and infotainment subsystems.

For engineers reviewing the L5150BNTR datasheet, L5150BNTR pinout, L5150BNTR application, or L5150BNTR equivalent, key selection criteria include its wide input range (5.6–40 V), ultra-low I_q under light load, thermal shutdown and short-circuit protection, ceramic capacitor stability (≥220 nF), and automotive-grade qualification for harsh environments.

Technical Context

The L5150BNTR uses a P-channel MOSFET pass element to achieve low dropout voltage while maintaining high precision via a pre-trimmed 1.25 V reference. Its adaptive quiescent current architecture switches between normal mode (8 mA I_{qth_H}) and very low consumption mode (≤1.1 mA I_{qth_L}) based on output load, with hysteresis to prevent oscillation during transition.

Protection circuitry includes thermal shutdown triggered at 150 °C (10 °C hysteresis) and foldback current limiting that scales with junction temperature and input voltage - delivering 0.28–0.85 A max output current depending on conditions. PSRR reaches 48 dB at 100 Hz with 220 nF output capacitor.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

SOT-223 package with exposed thermal pad (GAPGPS01368); footprint area 4.1 mm × 6.5 mm; thermal resistance R_thj-amb = 79 °K/W on 2 cm² copper (FR4, 35 µm).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar automotive LDO regulator applications.

Compared with TLE42754G and NCV8664ST50T3G, the L5150BNTR uniquely balances Grade 0 temperature range, ±2% accuracy, adaptive low-I_q, and SOT-223 thermal performance - making it optimal for compact, high-reliability automotive LDO applications where both efficiency and ruggedness are mandatory.

Availability

L5150BNTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, body control modules, and infotainment systems requiring stable component supply across extended automotive product lifecycles.

Supply support for L5150BNTR includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets since 1987.

The L5150BNTR belongs to ST's automotive-grade linear regulator portfolio, engineered specifically for robustness in 12 V/24 V vehicle electrical systems - emphasizing low dropout, ultra-low quiescent current, and AEC-Q100 compliance.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for regulation at full 150 mA load?

The L5150BNTR maintains regulation down to 5.5 V input at 150 mA load, as confirmed by the 500 mV maximum dropout voltage specification (V_dp = V_S − V_O). This allows operation during automotive cold-crank events where battery voltage dips to 6.0 V, with margin for trace losses and capacitor ESR drop.

Can the L5150BNTR be used without an input bulk capacitor?

No - the datasheet mandates a ≥100 µF input capacitor (C1) to absorb negative transients and stabilize the input during load dumps. A second ≥220 nF capacitor (C2) is also required near the VS pin if C1 is physically distant. Omitting either compromises surge immunity and may cause instability or shutdown.

How does the adaptive quiescent current function impact system-level power budgeting?

The L5150BNTR automatically reduces I_q from ~3.2 mA at full load to ≤50 µA at light load (0.1 mA), with hysteresis to prevent oscillation. This cuts standby power by >98% compared to fixed-I_q regulators, directly extending battery life in always-on modules such as telematics or remote keyless entry receivers.

Is the SOT-223 thermal pad electrically connected, and how should it be handled on the PCB?

Yes - the exposed thermal pad on the SOT-223 package is internally connected to GND. It must be soldered to a dedicated PCB copper pour tied to the GND plane using ≥4 thermal vias (0.3 mm diameter) to achieve the specified R_thj-amb = 79 °K/W. Leaving it unconnected degrades thermal performance by >40% and risks thermal shutdown under load.