STMicroelectronics LE80CD

Overview

LE80CD from STMicroelectronics is a very low dropout linear voltage regulator delivering 8.0 V output at up to 100 mA, featuring 0.2 V typical dropout voltage, 50 µA quiescent current in OFF mode, ±1% output voltage accuracy (A-grade), and TTL-compatible inhibit control. It operates across –40 °C to 125 °C and supports battery-powered instrumentation requiring stable, low-noise local regulation with standby capability.

For engineers reviewing the LE80CD datasheet, LE80CD pinout, LE80CD application, or LE80CD equivalent, this device is selected for ultra-low-power embedded systems where supply rejection (80 dB @ 120 Hz), minimal external capacitance (2.2 µF), and thermal robustness (R_thJA = 55 °C/W in SO-8) are critical design constraints.

Technical Context

The LE80CD implements a PNP pass transistor architecture enabling sub-0.5 V dropout at full 100 mA load across its full operating temperature range. Its inhibit function uses a dedicated TTL-compatible input (pin 5 in SO-8) that forces the regulator into high-impedance shutdown with 50 µA standby current, decoupling downstream circuitry without removing input power.

Internal protection includes current limiting (150 mA typ.) and thermal shutdown, while stability is ensured with only 2.2 µF ceramic output capacitance (ESR 0.1–10 Ω). The SO-8 package integrates pins 2, 3, 6, and 7 to the die attach flag for enhanced thermal dissipation (R_thJC = 20 °C/W).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LE80CD is available in SO-8 package with exposed thermal pad (pins 2, 3, 6, 7 internally connected to die attach flag). Pin 5 is the TTL-compatible inhibit input; floating or high disables regulation, low enables output.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LDL1117S80R and TPS7A16A-Q1, LE80CD uniquely combines 0.2 V dropout, 50 µA OFF current, SO-8 thermal performance, and pin compatibility with legacy L78Lxx-making it optimal for space-constrained, ultra-low-power upgrades of existing designs.

Availability

LE80CD is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical sensors, automotive body control modules, industrial PLC analog I/O, and smart energy metering requiring stable component supply with long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for LE80CD 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 microcontrollers, power management ICs, sensors, and analog components for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The LE series regulators were developed for ultra-low-power, high-accuracy local regulation in battery-operated and thermally constrained systems-emphasizing dropout minimization, standby efficiency, and ease of integration with minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage for LE80CD?

The absolute maximum DC input voltage is 20 V, as specified in Table 2 of the datasheet. Operation above 18 V is not recommended for continuous use due to thermal limitations in SO-8 packaging. At 100 mA load and ambient 85 °C, input voltage should remain ≤15 V to maintain junction temperature below 125 °C with standard PCB copper area.

Does LE80CD require an input bypass capacitor?

Yes, a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor is required between VIN and GND, placed as close as possible to pins 3 and 2/4/6/7. This stabilizes the internal reference and prevents oscillation during transient load steps. The datasheet test circuits (Figure 3) explicitly include this capacitor, and omitting it risks instability or increased output noise.

Can LE80CD be used without connecting the INHIBIT pin?

Yes-LE80CD defaults to ON when INHIBIT (pin 5) is left floating or tied to V_IN. However, STMicroelectronics recommends grounding pin 5 if inhibition is unused to prevent noise-induced toggling. No external pull-up or pull-down is required for basic operation, simplifying designs where shutdown is not needed.

Is LE80CD compatible with lead-free reflow soldering?

Yes, LE80CD in SO-8 package conforms to JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 3 and supports standard lead-free reflow profiles (peak 260 °C, 10-second dwell). The device is qualified per AEC-Q100 Grade 2 for automotive applications, ensuring reliability under thermal cycling and humidity exposure after assembly.