Texas Instruments TL750M12CKCSE3

Overview

TL750M12CKCSE3 from Texas Instruments is a 12-V, 750-mA low-dropout linear voltage regulator in TO-220 (KCS) package, featuring dropout voltage <0.6 V at full load, 60-V load-dump protection, and internal thermal/overcurrent limiting. It is designed for battery-powered automotive and industrial systems requiring stable 12-V supply under transient stress.

For engineers reviewing the TL750M12CKCSE3 datasheet, TL750M12CKCSE3 pinout, TL750M12CKCSE3 application, or TL750M12CKCSE3 equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout performance at 750 mA, load-dump survivability, thermal impedance (28.7°C/W), and compatibility with 10-µF tantalum output capacitors per stability guidelines.

Technical Context

The TL750M12CKCSE3 uses a bandgap-referenced control loop with integrated overvoltage shutdown and current-limiting circuitry. Its architecture supports operation across 13–26 V input range while maintaining ±1% output regulation (11.76–12.24 V) over 0°C to 125°C junction temperature.

Protection features are hardware-based: reverse-battery tolerance to –50 V (100 ms), 60-V transient input survival, and thermal shutdown activation before junction exceeds 150°C. Quiescent current remains ≤75 mA even at 750 mA load, enabling use in always-on vehicle modules.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TL750M12CKCSE3 is housed in a 3-pin TO-220 (KCS) package with exposed mounting base electrically connected to COMMON terminal. The case serves as thermal path and functional ground reference.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with TL750M12CKCSE3, the KVU variant offers SMT compatibility at the cost of higher thermal resistance, while the KTT variant delivers superior thermal performance but demands stricter reflow control and layout area - choice depends on assembly method and power density constraints.

Availability

TL750M12CKCSE3 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, telematics systems, and industrial control applications requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for TL750M12CKCSE3 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 is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, delivering analog and embedded processing solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The TL750M series was developed specifically for battery-powered automotive systems requiring high transient immunity, low quiescent current, and robust thermal protection - targeting engine control, body electronics, and infotainment power domains.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for TL750M12CKCSE3?

The TL750M12CKCSE3 has an absolute maximum continuous input voltage of 26 V and can withstand transient inputs up to 60 V (per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 5a). This rating is validated for short-duration events (e.g., 60 V for ≤100 ms), not steady-state operation. Operating continuously above 26 V risks permanent damage, and design must ensure input stays within recommended 13–26 V range for reliable 12-V regulation.

Does TL750M12CKCSE3 require an external capacitor on the output?

Yes, TL750M12CKCSE3 requires a minimum 10-µF tantalum capacitor on the output with ESR between 0.8 Ω and 2 Ω for stable operation across all loads and temperatures. Ceramic capacitors alone are not recommended due to insufficient ESR; if used, a series resistor must be added to emulate required ESR per Figure 1 in the datasheet. Input requires ≥0.1 µF ceramic placed close to the INPUT pin.

How does the thermal protection in TL750M12CKCSE3 operate?

TL750M12CKCSE3 incorporates internal thermal-overload protection that disables the output when virtual junction temperature approaches 150°C. The device self-resets once temperature falls below the hysteresis threshold (~135°C). This protection is independent of external circuitry and activates before permanent silicon damage occurs. Thermal performance depends on PCB copper area, heatsinking, and ambient conditions - θJA is specified at 28.7°C/W for the KCS package.

Can TL750M12CKCSE3 be used in reverse-battery conditions?

Yes, TL750M12CKCSE3 is rated for –50 V reverse input voltage for up to 100 ms and –15 V continuously, making it suitable for automotive applications where battery terminals may be accidentally reversed during service. No external blocking diode is required, reducing power loss and component count. However, sustained reverse bias beyond ratings will cause irreversible damage.

What is the dropout voltage specification for TL750M12CKCSE3 at 750 mA load?

The dropout voltage for TL750M12CKCSE3 is specified as 0.6 V maximum at 750 mA output current and TJ = 25°C. At full load and elevated temperature (125°C), measured values remain below this limit. This enables regulation with input as low as 12.6 V - critical for maintaining system operation during automotive cold-crank events where battery voltage sags below 13 V.