STMicroelectronics LE30ABZ

Overview

LE30ABZ 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, 50 µA quiescent current in OFF mode, and operation across –40 °C to +125 °C. 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 - optimized for battery-powered microcontroller subsystems and low-noise sensor rails.

For engineers reviewing the LE30ABZ datasheet, LE30ABZ pinout, LE30ABZ application, or LE30ABZ equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage under 100 mA load, shutdown current below 100 µA, ±1% output accuracy over temperature, SO-8 package thermal performance (R_thJA = 55 °C/W), and compatibility with ceramic output capacitors down to 2.2 µF.

Technical Context

The LE30ABZ implements a PNP-based LDO architecture with integrated bandgap reference, error amplifier, and pass transistor - enabling ultra-low dropout while maintaining stability with minimal external capacitance. Its inhibit logic accepts TTL-level signals (V_IL ≤ 0.8 V, V_IH ≥ 2.0 V) to disable output and reduce quiescent current to 50 µA.

Thermal protection activates at junction temperatures exceeding 160 °C, and current limiting engages at ~150 mA. The device supports input voltages from 4 V to 18 V and achieves 81 dB supply voltage rejection at 120 Hz, making it suitable for noisy DC-DC post-regulation and precision analog supply domains.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LE30ABZ is available in SO-8 package (ECOPACK® compliant), with pins 2, 3, 6, and 7 internally connected to the die attach flag for enhanced thermal dissipation. The package footprint matches standard SO-8 but delivers lower R_thJA (55 °C/W) when mounted on ≥1 cm² copper pour.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LDL113PU33R and TS293730, LE30ABZ uniquely combines 3.0 V ±1% accuracy, 0.2 V dropout, and SO-8 thermal performance - making it optimal for space-constrained, high-precision battery systems where voltage tolerance and efficiency are jointly critical.

Availability

LE30ABZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial sensor nodes, medical wearables, and secure element power management requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LE30ABZ 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 microcontrollers, power management ICs, analog chips, and MEMS sensors for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The LE series LDO regulators were developed specifically for ultra-low-power, high-accuracy local regulation in battery-operated and thermally constrained systems - emphasizing dropout minimization, shutdown efficiency, and robustness across automotive-grade temperature ranges.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for LE30ABZ to maintain regulation at 100 mA load?

The LE30ABZ maintains 3.0 V output regulation as long as input voltage remains ≥3.2 V under 100 mA load, based on its 0.2 V typical dropout voltage. At worst-case 0.5 V dropout (over temperature), minimum input rises to 3.5 V. Input must stay within absolute maximum rating of 20 V.

Can LE30ABZ operate without the INHIBIT pin connected?

Yes - if the INHIBIT pin (pin 5) is left floating, the device defaults to ON mode per datasheet note. However, STMicroelectronics recommends grounding the pin when inhibit functionality is unused to prevent noise-induced toggling and ensure stable operation in electrically noisy environments.

Is LE30ABZ compatible with ceramic output capacitors smaller than 2.2 µF?

No - the datasheet specifies 2.2 µF as the minimum stable output capacitance (with ESR 0.1–10 Ω). Using smaller values risks oscillation or poor transient response. Derating for temperature or voltage is not supported; 2.2 µF X5R/X7R ceramic at rated voltage is the validated solution.

How does LE30ABZ handle reverse polarity or output short-circuit conditions?

LE30ABZ includes internal reverse-voltage protection diode and foldback current limiting. During output short-circuit, it limits current to ~150 mA and activates thermal shutdown above 160 °C junction temperature. Recovery is automatic once fault clears and temperature drops below hysteresis threshold.