STMicroelectronics LE30ABD

Overview

LE30ABD from STMicroelectronics is a very low dropout (LDO) linear voltage regulator delivering 3.0 V ±1% output at up to 100 mA, with 0.2 V typical dropout at full load and 50 µA quiescent current in OFF mode. It features TTL-compatible inhibit control (pin 5 in SO-8), internal current/thermal limiting, and stable operation with only 2.2 µF output capacitance-enabling compact, low-power local regulation in battery-powered microcontroller subsystems.

For engineers reviewing the LE30ABD datasheet, LE30ABD pinout, LE30ABD application, or LE30ABD equivalent, this device supports precision low-noise power delivery in space-constrained embedded systems where standby current, thermal efficiency, and supply rejection (81 dB @ 120 Hz) are critical selection criteria.

Technical Context

The LE30ABD integrates a precision bandgap reference, error amplifier, pass transistor, and TTL-level inhibit logic in a single monolithic IC. Its SO-8 package uses internally bonded pins 2, 3, 6, and 7 to the die attach flag for enhanced thermal dissipation (R_thJA = 55 °C/W).

It operates across –40 °C to +125 °C junction temperature and supports input voltages from 4 V to 18 V. The inhibit function enables system-level power sequencing: pulling pin 5 low disables output (50 µA I_Q), while floating or high places it in ON mode.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LE30ABD is supplied in an SO-8 package with exposed die attach flag (pins 2, 3, 6, 7 internally connected) for improved thermal performance. Pin 5 is the TTL-compatible inhibit input; pins 1 and 3 are V_OUT and V_IN, respectively.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LE30ABD, LE30C trades 1% accuracy for lower cost in less demanding applications, while LDL1130PU33R offers higher current and lower dropout at 3.3 V-but requires schematic and layout changes due to different voltage and pinout.

Availability

LE30ABD is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for wireless sensor nodes, automotive body electronics, industrial PLC I/O modules, and medical wearable monitors requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LE30ABD 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 LE series LDOs were developed for ultra-low-power, high-accuracy local regulation in battery-operated and thermally constrained embedded systems-emphasizing dropout, quiescent current, and ease of stabilization.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for regulation at 100 mA load?

The LE30ABD maintains regulation down to 3.2 V input at 100 mA load, based on its 0.2 V typical dropout voltage (V_IN = V_OUT + V_DROP = 3.0 V + 0.2 V). At worst-case 0.5 V dropout over temperature, 3.5 V input ensures regulation across –40 to +125 °C.

Can the INHIBIT pin be left unconnected?

Yes-the INHIBIT pin defaults to ON mode when floating, per datasheet Note in Section 3. However, STMicroelectronics recommends grounding it when unused to prevent noise-induced toggling, especially in high-EMI environments like automotive or industrial settings.

Is an input bypass capacitor required?

An input capacitor is not strictly required for stability, but STMicroelectronics recommends a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor close to pins 3 (V_IN) and 2 (GND) to suppress high-frequency noise and improve transient response-particularly when sourced from a switching regulator or long PCB traces.

How does thermal performance compare between SO-8 and TO-92 packages?

The SO-8 package achieves R_thJA = 55 °C/W due to internal flag bonding (pins 2/3/6/7), enabling ~300 mW dissipation on standard FR4. The TO-92 version has R_thJA = 200 °C/W, limiting usable power to ~75 mW-making SO-8 essential for >100 mA continuous loads at elevated ambient temperatures.