Texas Instruments LM9070SX/NOPB

Overview

LM9070SX/NOPB from Texas Instruments (formerly National Semiconductor) is a 5 V, ±3% accurate, 250 mA automotive-grade LDO voltage regulator with dual logic-controlled ON/OFF and Keep-Alive inputs, active-low delayed reset output, and 60 V load-dump transient protection. It enables fail-safe microprocessor power sequencing in vehicle body control modules and infotainment head units.

For engineers reviewing the LM9070SX/NOPB datasheet, LM9070SX/NOPB pinout, LM9070SX/NOPB application, or LM9070SX/NOPB equivalent, key selection criteria include its −40°C to +125°C operation, <800 mV dropout at 250 mA, 60 µA max OFF quiescent current, and safety latch-off behavior under short-circuit conditions.

Technical Context

The LM9070SX/NOPB implements a PNP-based low-dropout architecture with integrated saturation detection to suppress input current surge during dropout. Its two-input control logic decouples ignition-switch signaling (ON/OFF) from system-controller arbitration (Keep-Alive), enabling deterministic power-down sequencing without battery drain.

Reset generation uses an externally programmable capacitor (0.1 µF → 7–31 ms delay) and monitors VOUT deviation ≥−300 mV to assert active-low flag. Protection circuitry includes reverse-battery clamping, thermal shutdown (>150°C), and internal 12 kV ESD rating on VIN/ON-OFF pins-validated for RF immunity up to 300 V/m (2–400 MHz).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

LM9070SX/NOPB is supplied in a 7-lead TO-263 (D²PAK) surface-mount package with backside metal internally connected to ground. Thermal resistance θ_J-A is 80°C/W (still air, no heatsink); PCB copper area under the tab directly reduces junction temperature.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TLV73350PDBVR and TLE42744G, LM9070SX/NOPB uniquely combines programmable reset delay, Keep-Alive safety latch-off, and validated 300 V/m RF immunity-making it the only choice for ASIL-B-compliant power sequencing where deterministic shutdown and interference resilience are mandatory.

Availability

LM9070SX/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, infotainment head units, ADAS camera ECUs, and telematics control units requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and transient-voltage conditions.

Supply support for LM9070SX/NOPB 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

Texas Instruments acquired National Semiconductor in 2011 and maintains its automotive analog portfolio with rigorous AEC-Q100 qualification and long-term product longevity commitments.

The LM9070SX/NOPB belongs to TI's automotive power management line, engineered specifically for fail-safe microprocessor power delivery in 12 V vehicle electrical systems with stringent EMI, thermal, and transient robustness requirements.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage the LM9070SX/NOPB can withstand during load-dump transients?

The LM9070SX/NOPB is rated for +60 V positive transients lasting up to 100 ms per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a. This built-in protection eliminates the need for external TVS diodes in standard 12 V automotive designs. The device remains functional and does not latch up during such events, ensuring continuous operation of downstream 5 V logic. This specification is guaranteed across the full −40°C to +125°C operating range and is validated in TI's automotive reliability lab.

How does the Keep-Alive feature prevent battery drain when the ON/OFF input is de-asserted?

When the ON/OFF input goes high (ignition OFF), the LM9070SX/NOPB remains enabled only if the Keep-Alive input is held low by the system controller. This allows the MCU to execute firmware save routines before pulling Keep-Alive high to disable the regulator. Once disabled, LM9070SX/NOPB draws ≤60 µA-reducing parasitic drain to negligible levels during vehicle sleep mode. The safety latch-off function further guarantees ≤50 µA current even under output short-circuit conditions.

Can the LM9070SX/NOPB be used without connecting the CDELAY capacitor?

No-the CDELAY pin must be connected to a capacitor (typically 0.1 µF) to define the reset delay interval. Without this capacitor, the RESET output will not release after power-up or fault recovery, leaving the microprocessor permanently held in reset. The LM9070SX/NOPB datasheet specifies a minimum CDELAY of 100 pF and maximum of 1 µF; values outside this range cause unpredictable delay timing or failure to assert reset correctly. TI recommends X7R ceramic capacitors with tight tolerance for production designs.

What thermal management is required for the LM9070SX/NOPB in TO-263 package at 250 mA output?

At 250 mA and 14 V input, LM9070SX/NOPB dissipates ~2.25 W. With θ_J-A = 80°C/W (no heatsink), junction temperature rise would exceed 180°C-triggering thermal shutdown. TI mandates ≥0.5 in² (323 mm²) of 1-oz copper connected to the backside tab to reduce θ_J-A to 50°C/W. For sustained 250 mA operation, use ≥1.0 in² copper area or add thermal vias to inner layers. The LM9070SX/NOPB thermal shutdown threshold is >150°C and is non-latching-output resumes once junction cools by 20°C.

Does the LM9070SX/NOPB meet AEC-Q100 qualification requirements?

Yes-the LM9070SX/NOPB is AEC-Q100 qualified for Grade 1 (−40°C to +125°C ambient) and has passed all stress tests including HTOL, TC, UHAST, and ESD (HBM 2 kV, MM 200 V, CDM 1 kV). TI's official documentation confirms qualification status under part number LM9070SX/NOPB, with full test reports available upon request. This qualification covers the TO-263 package variant and validates reliability for automotive powertrain, chassis, and body electronics applications.