STMicroelectronics LE12CZ

Overview

LE12CZ from STMicroelectronics is a 1.25 V fixed-output, very low dropout (LDO) linear voltage regulator in TO-92 package, delivering up to 100 mA with 0.2 V typical dropout at full load, 50 µA quiescent current in OFF mode, ±2% output accuracy at 25 °C, and operation across –40 to 125 °C. It serves as a local power supply for ultra-low-power microcontroller peripherals in battery-powered IoT sensor nodes.

For engineers reviewing the LE12CZ datasheet, LE12CZ pinout, LE12CZ application, or LE12CZ equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage at 100 mA, OFF-mode quiescent current, output voltage tolerance over temperature, thermal resistance in TO-92, and compatibility with 2.2 µF ceramic output capacitors.

Technical Context

The LE12CZ implements a PNP pass transistor architecture enabling sub-0.3 V dropout at rated current, with internal current and thermal limiting for robustness. Its inhibit function is disabled in TO-92 configuration-device remains permanently ON-eliminating external control logic but simplifying board layout for always-on rails.

Designed for low-noise analog and RF subsystems, it achieves 82 dB supply voltage rejection at 120 Hz and 50 µV RMS output noise (10 Hz–100 kHz), supported by only 2.2 µF output capacitance with ESR between 0.1 Ω and 10 Ω.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TO-92 package (3-pin, through-hole) with standard pinout: Pin 1 = V_OUT, Pin 2 = GND, Pin 3 = V_IN. No inhibit pin is implemented in this variant-regulator operates continuously.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LE12AB, LE12CZ trades ±1% accuracy for lower cost and broader tolerance acceptance; versus LDK220M12, it provides exact 1.25 V output and TO-92 through-hole compatibility but higher quiescent current and larger footprint.

Availability

LE12CZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered wearables, automotive cabin sensors, industrial wireless nodes, and smart meter auxiliary rails requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LE12CZ 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, designing and manufacturing analog, microcontroller, power, and sensing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The LE series LDO regulators target ultra-low-power, high-reliability applications in harsh environments-emphasizing minimal dropout, low I_Q, wide temperature operation, and simplified external component requirements.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for LE12CZ to maintain 1.25 V output at 100 mA load?

The LE12CZ requires a minimum input voltage of 1.45 V to sustain 1.25 V output at 100 mA, based on its 0.2 V typical dropout voltage. At worst-case 0.5 V dropout (over temperature), input must be ≥1.75 V. Input below 2.5 V is not recommended per absolute maximum ratings due to potential instability.

Can LE12CZ be used with a 1 µF ceramic output capacitor instead of the specified 2.2 µF?

No-STMicroelectronics specifies 2.2 µF minimum output capacitance with ESR between 0.1 Ω and 10 Ω for guaranteed stability. Using 1 µF risks oscillation or poor transient response, especially under load steps. The 2.2 µF value was validated across process, voltage, and temperature corners in the original characterization.

Does LE12CZ include thermal shutdown protection?

Yes-LE12CZ integrates internal thermal limit circuitry that disables the pass element when junction temperature exceeds safe operating limits. Recovery is automatic upon cooling. This feature is documented in the "Features" section and confirmed in Table 2 (Absolute Maximum Ratings) under "PTOT Power dissipation: Internally limited".

Is there a pin-compatible SO-8 version of LE12CZ with enable functionality?

No-LE12CZ is exclusively offered in TO-92. The SO-8 variants (e.g., LE12AB in SO-8) include an inhibit pin (Pin 5) for TTL-compatible shutdown, but no SO-8 version carries the 'CZ' suffix or ±2% tolerance grade. The closest functional match is LE12AB in SO-8, which offers ±1% accuracy and enable control.