STMicroelectronics LF50ABV
- Part No.:
- LF50ABV
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package:
- TO-220-3
- Datasheet:
-
LF50ABV.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 5V 500MA TO220AB
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,013
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Product details
Overview
LF50ABV from STMicroelectronics is a very low-dropout linear voltage regulator delivering 5.0 V ±1% output at up to 500 mA, featuring 0.45 V dropout (typ. 0.4 V @ 500 mA), 500 µA quiescent current in ON mode, and TTL-compatible inhibit control for battery-powered automotive and industrial systems.
For engineers reviewing the LF50ABV datasheet, LF50ABV pinout, LF50ABV application, or LF50ABV equivalent, this part supports precision local regulation with minimal board space (2.2 µF output capacitor), AEC-Q100 qualification for under-hood use, and thermal/current protection in DPAK/PPAK packages.
Technical Context
The LF50ABV implements a PNP pass transistor architecture enabling ultra-low dropout and stable operation with only 2.2 µF ceramic output capacitance (ESR 0.1–10 Ω). Its internal reference and error amplifier maintain ±1% output accuracy over -40 °C to 125 °C and load currents from 5 mA to 500 mA.
Logic-controlled shutdown (pin 2 in 5-pin PPAK) enables TTL-compatible enable/disable with 50 µA OFF-mode current. Input voltage range spans 6 V to 16 V, with internal thermal and current limiting ensuring robustness in automotive transients and thermal stress scenarios.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 5.0 V ±1% at 50 mA, -25 °C to +85 °C - ensures stable MCU core or sensor rail under nominal conditions |
| Dropout Voltage | 0.4 V max @ 500 mA - enables regulation from 5.4 V input, critical for 12 V battery systems with voltage sag |
| Quiescent Current | 500 µA typ. in ON mode, 50 µA in OFF mode - minimizes standby power in always-on vehicle modules |
| Output Current | 500 mA continuous - sufficient for powering microcontrollers, CAN transceivers, and small peripherals |
| Supply Rejection | 76 dB @ 120 Hz - suppresses alternator ripple and switching noise on automotive 12 V rails |
| Operating Temp | -40 °C to +125 °C junction - qualified per AEC-Q100 Grade 1 for engine compartment deployment |
| Stability Cap | 2.2 µF ceramic (ESR 0.1–10 Ω) - eliminates need for bulky electrolytics, reduces PCB area and cost |
Pinout & Package
LF50ABV is packaged in DPAK (TO-252-3) and PPAK (PowerSO-10) variants. The DPAK version uses a 3-pin configuration (Input, Output, GND); the PPAK version adds Inhibit (INH) and Sense (SENSE) pins for enhanced control and accuracy.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (IN) | Input voltage supply | Accepts 6–16 V DC; internal clamp limits to 40 V absolute max; requires 0.1 µF bypass capacitor |
| 2 (INH) | Inhibit control input | TTL-compatible logic: ≤0.8 V = OFF (50 µA IQ), ≥2.0 V = ON; enables system-level power gating |
| 3 (GND) | Ground reference | Common return for input, output, and control; electrically tied to exposed tab in DPAK/PPAK |
| 4 (OUT) | Regulated output | Delivers 5.0 V ±1%; requires 2.2 µF ceramic capacitor (ESR 0.1–10 Ω) for stability |
| 5 (SENSE) | Remote output sensing | Compensates for PCB trace IR drop; improves load regulation accuracy when routed to point-of-load |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Very low dropout | 0.45 V max @ 500 mA - sustains regulation during cold-crank (6.5 V battery) without dropout |
| AEC-Q100 qualification | Grade 1 (-40 °C to +125 °C) with PAT/SYL/SBL testing - meets automotive reliability requirements |
| Low-noise operation | 50 µV RMS output noise (10 Hz–100 kHz) - suitable for analog sensors and ADC reference rails |
| Thermal & current protection | Internally limited; no external foldback or shutdown circuitry required - simplifies BOM and layout |
| Small footprint stability | Stable with 2.2 µF ceramic cap - avoids large tantalum/electrolytic capacitors and associated ESR drift |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Module | Industrial PLC I/O Power Rail |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Local 5 V supply for microcontroller, LIN transceiver, and door lock actuator drivers in BCM. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary LDO regulator providing clean, stable 5 V rail with fast transient response to pulsed loads. Use Value: AEC-Q100 qualification and 125 °C operation ensure reliability in dashboard-mounted modules; 50 µA OFF current extends battery life during vehicle sleep mode. |
Use Scenario: Dedicated 5 V rail for isolated digital I/O expansion cards in modular PLC backplanes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local post-regulator converting 12 V or 24 V system bus to precise 5 V for FPGA configuration and level-shifting logic. Use Value: 0.4 V dropout allows operation across wide input range (6–16 V), accommodating brownouts and field wiring losses without rail collapse. |
| Medical Patient Monitor Sensor Subsystem | Telematics Control Unit (TCU) |
|
Use Scenario: Powering low-noise analog front-end (AFE) and temperature/humidity sensors in portable monitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, high-PSRR LDO supplying reference-sensitive signal chain components. Use Value: 50 µV output noise and 76 dB PSRR at 120 Hz suppress line-frequency interference from AC adapters and internal SMPS. |
Use Scenario: Regulating 5 V for GPS/GNSS receiver, cellular modem, and CAN controller in automotive TCU. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System-level power manager with logic-controlled shutdown synchronized to vehicle ignition state. Use Value: TTL-compatible INH pin enables direct connection to microcontroller GPIO, eliminating discrete MOSFET gate drivers and reducing component count. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-dropout regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCP1117ST50T3G | Fixed 5.0 V, ±2% tolerance, 1.2 V dropout @ 800 mA, no inhibit function, SOT-223 package | Lacks shutdown control and automotive qualification; suited for cost-sensitive consumer designs | Select if AEC-Q100 is not required and board space permits larger thermal footprint |
| TPS7B6750QPWPRQ1 | 5.0 V, ±1%, 300 mV dropout @ 500 mA, integrated enable, AEC-Q100 Grade 1, 5-pin HTSSOP | Lower dropout and smaller package but requires 10 µF output cap; higher cost | Prefer for new designs needing <0.35 V dropout and tighter thermal constraints in compact layouts |
Compared with NCP1117ST50T3G, LF50ABV offers automotive qualification and logic shutdown; versus TPS7B6750QPWPRQ1, it trades slightly higher dropout for lower output capacitance requirement and proven field reliability in DPAK/PPAK formats.
Availability
LF50ABV is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial programmable logic controllers, medical sensor subsystems, and telematics control units requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for LF50ABV 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 analog, microcontroller, power, and automotive ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.
LF50ABV belongs to the LFXX family of very low-dropout regulators engineered specifically for automotive and industrial applications demanding high reliability, low quiescent current, and AEC-Q100 compliance in thermally demanding environments.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for regulation at full 500 mA load?
The LF50ABV maintains regulation down to 5.4 V input (5.0 V + 0.4 V dropout) at 500 mA. Below this, output voltage drops linearly with input. Operation is guaranteed from 6 V to 16 V per datasheet Table 14, with absolute maximum input at 40 V (shutdown above 18 V).
Can LF50ABV be used without the SENSE pin connected?
Yes - in standard 3-pin DPAK configuration, the SENSE pin is unimplemented. In 5-pin PPAK, leaving SENSE unconnected defaults to local sensing (output pin), resulting in typical load regulation of ±25 mV. For ±5 mV accuracy under varying trace resistance, connect SENSE directly to the load's ground reference.
Is an input bypass capacitor mandatory, and what value is recommended?
Yes - a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the IN pin is mandatory for high-frequency stability and transient immunity. Larger bulk capacitance (e.g., 10 µF tantalum) may be added upstream for low-frequency hold-up, but the 0.1 µF local cap is non-optional per Figure 3 test circuit and layout guidelines.
How does thermal performance differ between DPAK and PPAK packages?
DPAK (TO-252-3) has RthJC = 8 °C/W and RthJA = 100 °C/W; PPAK (PowerSO-10) achieves RthJC = 5 °C/W due to enhanced copper slug and thermal pad design. In PCBs with 25 cm² 2-oz copper pour, PPAK delivers ~15 °C lower junction temperature at 500 mA, enabling higher ambient operation or reduced heatsinking.
LF50ABV Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 16V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 5V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 0.7V @ 500mA
- Current - Output:
- 500mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 1 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- 12 mA
- PSRR:
- 76dB ~ 60dB (120Hz ~ 10kHz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Current, Over Temperature
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220
LF50ABV FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LF50ABV through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LF50ABV on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for LF50ABV reliable?
The price and inventory of LF50ABV are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LF50ABV is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LF50ABV?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LF50ABV transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for LF50ABV?
LF50ABV orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LF50ABV order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for LF50ABV?
For technical support, including LF50ABV datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LF50ABV requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LF50ABV is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LF50ABV products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that LF50ABV meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LF50ABV?
All LF50ABV units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LF50ABV, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The LF50ABV part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LF50ABV:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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