STMicroelectronics LE25ABZ

Overview

LE25ABZ from STMicroelectronics is a 2.5 V fixed-output, very low dropout (0.2 V typ. at 100 mA) linear voltage regulator in SO-8 package with TTL-compatible inhibit control (pin 5), delivering up to 100 mA output current, ±1% initial accuracy at 25 °C, and operating across –40 to 125 °C. It serves as a local power supply for microcontroller I/O rails, sensor signal chains, and battery-powered portable instrumentation where ultra-low quiescent current (50 µA in OFF mode) and minimal voltage headroom are critical.

For engineers reviewing the LE25ABZ datasheet, LE25ABZ pinout, LE25ABZ application, or LE25ABZ equivalent, key selection considerations include its 0.2 V dropout at full load, 50 µA shutdown current, 2.2 µF minimum stability capacitor, SO-8 thermal performance (R_thJA = 55 °C/W), and compatibility with legacy L78Lxx footprints in local regulation designs.

Technical Context

The LE25ABZ integrates a precision bandgap reference, error amplifier, pass transistor, and logic-controlled inhibit circuit enabling TTL-level shutdown. Its internal current and thermal limiting protect against overload and fault conditions without external components.

Designed for low-noise, low-power systems, it achieves 82 dB supply voltage rejection at 120 Hz and 50 µV RMS output noise (10 Hz–100 kHz), with line/load regulation under ±15 mV - all while stabilizing with only 2.2 µF ceramic output capacitance and no ESR requirement.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LE25ABZ is housed in an SO-8 package with internally connected pins 2, 3, 6, and 7 tied to the die attach flag for enhanced thermal dissipation (R_thJC = 20 °C/W). This modified SO-8 maintains standard footprint compatibility while improving power handling over conventional SO-8 regulators.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-dropout linear regulator applications.

Compared with LDK220M25 and LP2985AIM5-2.5, LE25ABZ uniquely combines 100 mA delivery, 0.2 V dropout, 50 µA OFF current, and TTL inhibit in SO-8 - making it optimal for thermally demanding, sequenced-power industrial and automotive modules where legacy footprint compatibility matters.

Availability

LE25ABZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, automotive body control modules, industrial IoT edge nodes, and smart metering subsystems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LE25ABZ 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, specializing in power management, microcontrollers, and analog ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The LE series of very low dropout regulators was developed specifically for battery-powered and thermally constrained applications demanding ultra-low I_Q, high accuracy, and integrated protection - with SO-8 variants like LE25ABZ targeting board-level power integrity in space- and efficiency-critical designs.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for LE25ABZ to maintain regulation at 100 mA?

The minimum input voltage is 2.7 V, calculated as V_OUT + V_DROP = 2.5 V + 0.2 V (typical dropout). At worst-case 0.5 V dropout (over temperature), 3.0 V input ensures regulation. Input must remain below 18 V per absolute maximum ratings.

Can LE25ABZ be used without connecting the INHIBIT pin?

Yes - if left unconnected or tied to V_IN, the device remains enabled. However, STMicroelectronics recommends grounding the INHIBIT pin when unused to prevent noise-induced toggling, as floating inputs may cause erratic ON/OFF behavior in noisy environments.

Does LE25ABZ require an input bypass capacitor?

Yes - a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor is specified in the datasheet (Table 5 test conditions) between V_IN and GND, placed close to pins 3 and 8. This stabilizes the input impedance and suppresses high-frequency noise that could affect regulation or trigger protection circuits.

How does the SO-8 thermal design of LE25ABZ differ from standard SO-8 packages?

LE25ABZ uses a modified SO-8 frame where pins 2, 3, 6, and 7 are internally bonded to the die attach flag. This creates four parallel thermal conduction paths to the PCB, reducing R_thJA to 55 °C/W (vs. ~150 °C/W for standard SO-8) when using ≥1 cm² copper pour - enabling 100 mA continuous operation without external heatsinks.