Infineon Technologies TLE4242EJXUMA1

Overview

TLE4242EJXUMA1 from Infineon is a single-channel automotive-grade high-side adjustable constant current source delivering up to 500 mA, with 4.5–42 V input range, 175 mV reference voltage for current setting via external shunt resistor, integrated open-load and overtemperature protection, and PWM-enabled brightness control - designed for driving high-power LEDs in headlamp and daytime running light (DRL) systems.

For engineers reviewing the TLE4242EJXUMA1 datasheet, TLE4242EJXUMA1 pinout, TLE4242EJXUMA1 application, or TLE4242EJXUMA1 equivalent, key selection criteria include its high-side topology, 8-pin PG-DSO-8-27 package, 0.1 µA off-state current, status output with configurable delay, and AEC-Q100 qualification for under-hood lighting control.

Technical Context

The TLE4242EJXUMA1 implements a precision bandgap-referenced current regulation loop that maintains 175 mV across an external shunt resistor (R_REF = 0.39–1.8 Ω), enabling output currents from ~97 mA to 449 mA. Its high-impedance PWM input supports both brightness dimming and sleep-mode entry (0 V), reducing input current to 0.1 µA.

Protection architecture includes thermal shutdown at 150 °C junction temperature, reverse-polarity tolerance up to –42 V, short-circuit and open-load detection via status output ST, and delay-adjustable fault reporting using capacitor C_D on pin D (t_ST(HL) = 10 ms × C_D/47 nF). The device operates across –40 °C to +150 °C ambient with R_thJA = 39 K/W on standard FR4.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Supplied in PG-DSO-8-27 surface-mount package with exposed thermal pad (pin 9, GND) for enhanced heat dissipation in automotive PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-side LED driver applications.

Compared with NCV7683 and BD1602MUV, the TLE4242EJXUMA1 delivers superior single-channel current capability (449 mA), lowest off-state consumption (0.1 µA), and field-configurable fault timing - making it optimal for high-reliability, thermally constrained automotive exterior lighting.

Availability

TLE4242EJXUMA1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive headlamps, daytime running lights, commercial vehicle lighting, and industrial LED signage requiring stable component supply, AEC-Q100 compliance, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for TLE4242EJXUMA1 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

Infineon Technologies AG is a German semiconductor manufacturer specializing in power management, automotive electronics, and industrial control ICs, with global manufacturing and quality certification to ISO/TS 16949 and IATF 16949.

The LITIX™ Linear product line delivers robust, AEC-Q100-qualified linear LED drivers optimized for automotive exterior lighting, emphasizing precision current regulation, integrated diagnostics, and thermal resilience in compact packages.

FAQ

What is the minimum shunt resistor value supported for full 500 mA output?

The TLE4242EJXUMA1 supports a minimum R_REF of 0.39 Ω, yielding ~449 mA (175 mV / 0.39 Ω). True 500 mA is achievable only under transient conditions; the datasheet specifies 476 mA minimum current limit and 500 mA absolute maximum - sustained operation above 449 mA risks thermal violation given R_thJA = 39 K/W and 0.4 V drop.

Can the ST pin drive a microcontroller GPIO directly without a level shifter?

Yes - the ST pin is an open-drain output rated for 16 V maximum, compatible with 3.3 V and 5 V logic inputs. A pull-up resistor ≥4.7 kΩ to MCU V_DD ensures clean logic-low assertion during faults; no level shifter is needed, and the pin tolerates 16 V even if MCU runs at lower voltage.

How does the device behave during cold-crank (4.5 V battery dip)?

At 4.5 V input, the TLE4242EJXUMA1 maintains regulation down to its minimum operating voltage. With a 3-LED string (typ. 8.4 V forward), it enters dropout - but the datasheet confirms functional operation across the full 4.5–42 V range, and the status output remains active to report undervoltage-induced open-load conditions if current falls below detection threshold.

Is the exposed thermal pad (pin 9) electrically isolated or tied to GND internally?

The exposed pad (pin 9) is internally connected to GND and must be soldered to a PCB ground plane. It serves dual purposes: thermal conduction (reducing R_thJA by ~25%) and EMI suppression. Leaving it floating or connecting to non-GND nets violates the thermal model and may cause instability or premature thermal shutdown.