NXP Semiconductors TDA3608Q/N3C,112

Overview

TDA3608Q/N3C,112 from NXP Semiconductors (formerly Philips) is a triple-output automotive voltage regulator IC with integrated power switch, designed for car radio systems with or without microcontrollers. It delivers regulated 8.5 V/600 mA (REG1), 5.0 V/150 mA (REG2), and 5.0 V/400 mA (REG3) outputs, features load dump protection up to 50 V, reverse polarity safety down to −18 V, and open-collector reset/hold outputs for MCU interface.

For engineers reviewing the TDA3608Q/N3C,112 datasheet, TDA3608Q/N3C,112 pinout, TDA3608Q/N3C,112 application, or TDA3608Q/N3C,112 equivalent, this page provides verified functional specifications, validated pin functions, confirmed thermal and protection behavior under automotive transients, and real-world design implications for backup capacitor sizing, reset delay timing, and foldback current limiting in 12 V/24 V vehicle electrical systems.

Technical Context

The TDA3608Q/N3C,112 integrates three independent linear regulators and one protected high-side power switch on a single die, all sharing a common VP supply input rated for −18 V to +50 V operation. REG2 remains active during load dump and thermal shutdown, enabling fail-safe microcontroller supervision, while REG1 and REG3 are controlled via dedicated Schmitt-trigger enable pins (EN1, EN3) with 2.2 V typical threshold and 0.2 V hysteresis.

Its protection architecture includes delayed foldback current limiting for the power switch (triggered by CRES capacitor voltage crossing 6.4 V), clamping of SW output to ≤17.2 V at VP ≥18 V, and simultaneous short-circuit safe operation of all regulators and SW to ground and VP. The hold output activates only when REG3 > 1.3 V, ensuring reliable power-good signaling under partial regulation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: DBS13P (SOT141-6), plastic DIL-bent-SIL power package with 13 leads, 12 mm lead length, and 2 K/W junction-to-case thermal resistance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar multiple-output automotive regulator applications.

Compared with TLF35584QVVS1 and MAX16920ATL+T, the TDA3608Q/N3C,112 uniquely combines triple independent regulators, an integrated protected power switch, and MCU interface signals (RESET/HOLD) in a single DBS13P package - delivering higher functional integration and lower total system cost for automotive audio applications without safety certification requirements.

Availability

TDA3608Q/N3C,112 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive infotainment, car radio power management, and microcontroller supervision systems requiring stable component supply across extended temperature (−40 °C to +85 °C) and harsh electrical environments.

Supply support for TDA3608Q/N3C,112 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

NXP Semiconductors is a global semiconductor leader focused on automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with deep expertise in power management and automotive-grade analog ICs.

The TDA3608Q/N3C,112 belongs to NXP's legacy automotive power management portfolio, specifically engineered for cost-effective, robust power delivery in car audio systems - emphasizing load dump resilience, backup retention, and seamless MCU integration without external supervision components.

FAQ

What is the maximum load dump voltage the TDA3608Q/N3C,112 can withstand?

The TDA3608Q/N3C,112 is rated for load dump protection up to 50 V for durations ≤50 ms with rise time ≥2.5 ms. During such events, REG1 and REG3 automatically shut off above 18 V VP, while REG2 remains active to sustain microcontroller operation. The power switch output is clamped to ≤17.2 V to prevent downstream circuit damage, and all regulators are DC short-circuit safe to ground and VP.

How does the hold output (HOLD) of the TDA3608Q/N3C,112 behave during load dump?

During load dump activation, the HOLD pin of the TDA3608Q/N3C,112 is forced LOW regardless of REG1 output voltage - providing a definitive fault indication to the microcontroller. This behavior is explicitly defined in the functional description and ensures the system recognizes the transient event even if REG1 remains temporarily within regulation. HOLD resumes normal operation only after load dump ends and REG3 exceeds 1.3 V.

Can the TDA3608Q/N3C,112 operate from a 24 V truck battery system?

Yes, the TDA3608Q/N3C,112 supports VP inputs up to 50 V, making it fully compatible with 24 V commercial vehicle systems. REG2 maintains 5.0 V ±0.25 V output across 18–50 V VP at ≤150 mA, and the power switch delivers 1.8 A continuous current at VP = 16 V. All protections - including load dump, reverse polarity, and thermal shutdown - remain fully active across the entire 9.5–50 V operating range.

What is the purpose of the BU pin on the TDA3608Q/N3C,112?

The BU (backup) pin on the TDA3608Q/N3C,112 connects to an external capacitor that stores energy to sustain REG2 output when VP drops to 0 V - for example, during engine cranking or battery disconnect. This allows the microcontroller to execute a controlled shutdown sequence or save critical state data. The charge from the BU capacitor powers REG2 continuously at 5 V until the stored energy depletes, with duration dependent on capacitor value and load current.

How is reset delay time set on the TDA3608Q/N3C,112?

Reset delay time on the TDA3608Q/N3C,112 is set by an external capacitor connected to the CRES pin. With a 47 nF capacitor, the typical delay is 47 ms (range 32–70 ms). The internal charge current is 3 µA, and the rising threshold voltage is 3.0 V. This delay ensures the microcontroller receives a clean, debounced reset signal only after REG2 has stabilized - preventing erratic startup due to VP ripple or slow regulator settling.