STMicroelectronics LF60ABV

Overview

LF60ABV from STMicroelectronics is a very low-dropout linear voltage regulator with logic-controlled electronic shutdown, delivering 500 mA output current at 6.0 V ±1% (AB grade) with 0.45 V dropout at 200 mA. It features 50 µA quiescent current in OFF mode, operates from −40 °C to 125 °C, and is qualified to AEC-Q100 for automotive use in DPAK/PPAK packages. It serves as a local power supply for microcontroller core rails in engine control units.

For engineers reviewing the LF60ABV datasheet, LF60ABV pinout, LF60ABV application, or LF60ABV equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage at 500 mA load, shutdown logic compatibility (TTL), thermal resistance in DPAK (R_thJA = 100 °C/W), and stability with only 2.2 µF output capacitance.

Technical Context

The LF60ABV implements a PNP pass transistor architecture enabling ultra-low dropout (0.45 V typ. at 200 mA) and high PSRR (80 dB typ. at 120 Hz). Its internal current and thermal limiting protect against fault conditions without external circuitry.

Shutdown is controlled via a dedicated TTL-compatible input (pin 2 in PPAK), allowing board-level power domain isolation. The device maintains regulation across input voltages from 7.0 V to 16 V while sustaining 6.0 V output with ±1% initial accuracy and ≤15 mV load regulation over 5–500 mA.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LF60ABV is supplied in the DPAK (TO-252) package with three terminals: Input (pin 1), Ground (pin 2, tab-connected), and Output (pin 3). The thermally enhanced exposed tab is electrically tied to GND, enabling direct PCB copper pour for thermal management.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LDL112PU60R and TLV73360PDBVR, LF60ABV uniquely delivers 500 mA output, AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, and 0.45 V dropout in DPAK - making it the only choice for thermally demanding, safety-critical automotive 6 V rail generation.

Availability

LF60ABV is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, ADAS camera modules, body control modules, and infotainment subsystems requiring stable component supply across automotive production lifecycles.

Supply support for LF60ABV 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, MCU, power, and sensor solutions for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

LF60ABV belongs to the LFXX family of very low-dropout regulators engineered specifically for automotive power domains requiring high accuracy, low quiescent current, and robust thermal performance in harsh environments.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for LF60ABV to maintain 6.0 V output at 500 mA?

The dropout voltage is 0.4 V max at 500 mA per automotive-grade specs (Table 8), so minimum input is 6.0 V + 0.4 V = 6.4 V. However, absolute maximum ratings require VI ≥ 7.0 V for guaranteed operation - thus 7.0 V is the practical minimum input for full-load regulation.

Does LF60ABV have built-in reverse polarity protection?

No. LF60ABV lacks integrated reverse-voltage protection; an external series Schottky diode (e.g., STPS1L60) is required if battery reverse connection is possible in the target application, as specified in Section 3 (Maximum Ratings) of the datasheet.

Can LF60ABV be used with aluminum polymer capacitors instead of ceramic?

Yes - the stability requirement specifies CO = 2–10 µF with ESR between 0.1 Ω and 10 Ω. Aluminum polymer capacitors meeting those ESR and capacitance ranges (e.g., PANASONIC SP-Cap 6.3SEPF220M) are acceptable and commonly used in automotive designs for improved ripple handling.

Is the DPAK package of LF60ABV lead-free and RoHS compliant?

Yes. Per STMicroelectronics' packaging documentation (DocID15956), the DPAK package for LF60ABV uses lead-free matte tin plating on leads and complies with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and REACH SVHC regulations, with full material declarations available upon request.