Infineon Technologies TLE4251GATMA1

Overview

TLE4251GATMA1 from Infineon Technologies is a monolithic low-drop voltage tracker IC designed for automotive sensor supply under harsh conditions. It delivers 400 mA output current with ≤ ±0.2% tracking accuracy (at ≤300 mA load), operates from 4 V to 40 V input, features enable-controlled standby mode (≤2 µA quiescent current), and includes short-circuit, overtemperature, and reverse-polarity protection.

For engineers reviewing the TLE4251GATMA1 datasheet, TLE4251GATMA1 pinout, TLE4251GATMA1 application, or TLE4251GATMA1 equivalent, key selection criteria include tracking tolerance at high temperature (–40 °C to 150 °C), drop voltage ≤520 mV at 300 mA, PG-TO263-5 thermal resistance (R_thJA = 52 K/W), and AEC-Q100 qualification for automotive power rail regulation.

Technical Context

The TLE4251GATMA1 functions as a precision voltage-tracking regulator: its output (Q) replicates the voltage applied to the ADJ pin-either directly (e.g., 5 V reference) or via resistor divider-with minimal error. Tracking is maintained across wide input (6–40 V) and junction temperature (–40 °C to 150 °C) ranges, enabling stable sensor biasing even during cold cranking or engine bay thermal transients.

Internal saturation control and protection circuitry actively limits current during overload, clamps output during reverse polarity, and shuts down operation above 150 °C. The EN pin provides high-active logic-level control, reducing total current draw to ≤2 µA in OFF state-critical for always-on battery-supplied modules like door controllers or occupancy sensors.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PG-TO263-5 (D²PAK), surface-mount, thermally enhanced, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar voltage-tracking regulator applications.

Compared with TLV71718PDRVR and MAX1725EUT+T, the TLE4251GATMA1 uniquely combines adjustable tracking, 400 mA capability, ±0.2% accuracy, AEC-Q100 qualification, and integrated reverse-polarity protection-making it the only viable choice for production automotive sensor supply where reference fidelity and fault resilience are mandatory.

Availability

TLE4251GATMA1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, body control modules, ADAS camera systems, and electric power steering applications requiring stable component supply, automotive qualification, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for TLE4251GATMA1 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 is a German semiconductor manufacturer specializing in power management, automotive electronics, and industrial control ICs, with global manufacturing and quality certification aligned to ISO/TS 16949.

The TLE4251 belongs to Infineon's OPTIREG™ linear regulator product line, engineered specifically for automotive sensor supply and ECU auxiliary rails where precision tracking, extreme temperature operation, and integrated fault protection are required.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for regulation with TLE4251GATMA1?

The TLE4251GATMA1 requires input voltage (V_I) to exceed the ADJ voltage plus the drop voltage (V_DR). With V_ADJ = 5 V and V_DR ≤ 520 mV, minimum V_I is 5.52 V. However, functional range starts at 4 V input when V_ADJ is reduced-e.g., 3.3 V reference allows regulation from ~3.8 V, verified per datasheet Table 2 (P_3.2.1).

Can TLE4251GATMA1 be used without an external capacitor on the Q pin?

No. The datasheet mandates a minimum 22 µF output capacitor with ESR ≤ 3 Ω at 10 kHz on the Q pin for loop stability and transient response. Omitting it causes oscillation, overshoot, or failure to regulate-confirmed in Section 4.1.6 and Figure 2 layout guidance. Tantalum or low-ESR ceramic capacitors are recommended.

Does TLE4251GATMA1 support adjustable output voltages higher than the ADJ pin voltage?

No. The device is a voltage tracker-not a boost or adjustable LDO-and only replicates V_ADJ at the Q pin. Output cannot exceed V_ADJ; attempting to set V_Q > V_ADJ violates functional range (Table 2, P_3.2.2/P_3.2.3) and results in unregulated dropout or shutdown. Output is strictly V_Q ≈ V_ADJ ±10 mV.

How does the enable (EN) pin behave during power-up sequences?

The EN pin is high-active with V_EN(ON) ≥ 2 V and V_EN(OFF) ≤ 0.5 V. During power ramp-up, the regulator remains disabled until V_EN crosses 2 V-preventing uncontrolled output turn-on. Internal hysteresis is not specified, so clean GPIO control or RC delay is recommended to avoid chatter near threshold.