STMicroelectronics LE50ABZ-AP

Overview

LE50ABZ-AP from STMicroelectronics is a 5.0 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), ±1% output voltage accuracy at 25°C, -40 to 125°C operating junction temperature range, and 50 µA quiescent current in OFF mode. It delivers up to 100 mA output current and requires only a 2.2 µF ceramic output capacitor for stability, making it suitable for space-constrained battery-powered sensor nodes and portable industrial controllers.

For engineers reviewing the LE50ABZ-AP datasheet, LE50ABZ-AP pinout, LE50ABZ-AP application, or LE50ABZ-AP equivalent, key selection considerations include its precise 5.0 V output tolerance, ultra-low dropout under full load, shutdown logic interface for system-level power sequencing, and thermal performance in SO-8 with internal die attach flag for enhanced heatsinking.

Technical Context

The LE50ABZ-AP implements a PNP-based LDO architecture with internal current and thermal limiting, enabling stable regulation down to 0.2 V input-to-output differential. Its inhibit function uses a dedicated TTL-compatible input (pin 5) that places the device in ultra-low-quiescent-current OFF mode (50 µA) when pulled low, while floating or high enables normal operation.

Designed for low-noise, low-power systems, it achieves 80 dB supply voltage rejection at 120 Hz and maintains output accuracy across -40 to 125°C with ±1% initial tolerance. The SO-8 package integrates pins 2, 3, 6, and 7 to the die attach flag, reducing thermal resistance (R_thJC = 20°C/W) versus standard SO-8.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LE50ABZ-AP is housed in an SO-8 package with internal die attach flag connected to pins 2, 3, 6, and 7 for improved thermal dissipation. Pin 5 is the TTL-compatible inhibit input; pins 1 and 4 are V_OUT and GND respectively.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LDL112PU50R and TS2950C50, LE50ABZ-AP uniquely balances 100 mA capability, 0.2 V dropout, 50 µA OFF current, SO-8 thermal flag, and TTL inhibit in a single device-making it optimal for space- and power-constrained designs requiring precise sequencing and thermal reliability.

Availability

LE50ABZ-AP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, automotive body control modules, portable medical monitors, and smart home hubs requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for LE50ABZ-AP 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 specializing in power management, microcontrollers, and automotive-grade analog ICs, with manufacturing and quality systems certified to ISO/TS 16949 and AEC-Q100 standards.

The LE series of very low dropout regulators was designed specifically for battery-powered and thermally constrained applications demanding high accuracy, ultra-low quiescent current, and robust shutdown control-targeting industrial, automotive, and portable medical markets.

FAQ

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

The LE50ABZ-AP maintains regulation as long as input voltage exceeds output voltage by its dropout voltage. At 100 mA and 25°C, typical dropout is 0.2 V, so minimum input is 5.2 V. At worst-case (125°C), dropout rises to 0.5 V, requiring ≥5.5 V input for guaranteed 100 mA output.

Can the INHIBIT pin be left unconnected, and what happens if it is?

Yes, the INHIBIT pin may be left floating, and the device defaults to ON mode per internal design. However, STMicroelectronics recommends grounding the pin when not used to prevent noise-induced false shutdown-no external pull-up or pull-down resistor is required for functional operation.

Is the 2.2 µF output capacitor value absolute, or can other values be used?

The 2.2 µF value is the minimum recommended ceramic capacitor (ESR 0.1–10 Ω) for guaranteed stability across all operating conditions. Larger values (up to 10 µF) are acceptable and improve transient response, but smaller values risk oscillation-especially with high-ESR or electrolytic capacitors.

How does the SO-8 thermal flag configuration affect PCB layout requirements?

Pins 2, 3, 6, and 7 are internally connected to the die attach flag, so they must be soldered to a common, low-thermal-resistance copper plane (≥200 mm² recommended). This plane acts as a heatsink; splitting these pads or routing traces between them degrades thermal performance and risks thermal shutdown at full load.