Infineon Technologies TLE4251GNTMA1

Overview

TLE4251GNTMA1 from Infineon Technologies is a monolithic low-drop voltage tracker IC in PG-TO263-5-1 package, designed for automotive sensor supply under harsh conditions. It delivers 400 mA output current with ±0.2% tracking accuracy (≤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 TLE4251GNTMA1 datasheet, TLE4251GNTMA1 pinout, TLE4251GNTMA1 application, or TLE4251GNTMA1 equivalent, key selection criteria include tracking tolerance at high temperature (±10 mV up to 125 °C), drop voltage (280–520 mV at 300 mA), PSRR (60 dB @ 100 Hz), EN input logic thresholds (ON ≥2 V, OFF ≤0.5 V), and AEC-Q100 qualification for automotive use.

Technical Context

The TLE4251GNTMA1 implements an adjustable tracking architecture where output voltage VQ follows an external reference applied to the ADJ pin via resistor divider or direct connection. Its internal error amplifier compares ADJ voltage against internal bandgap reference and drives a pass transistor to maintain tracking.

Protection circuitry includes thermal shutdown triggered at Tj ≥ 150 °C, foldback current limiting during short-circuit events, and reverse-polarity blocking that prevents damage when input polarity is inverted. The EN pin enables full system-level power gating with <2 µA off-state current consumption.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: PG-TO263-5-1 (D²PAK), surface-mount, thermally enhanced with exposed drain pad for PCB heat sinking (R_thjc = 3 K/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar low-drop voltage tracker applications.

Compared with TLE4251GNTMA1, TLE4278G sacrifices tracking flexibility and current capability for simplicity and cost, while TLV71718PDRVR omits automotive-grade protections and thermal robustness-neither matches the combination of 400 mA, ±0.2% tracking, reverse-polarity immunity, and AEC-Q100 Grade 0 compliance.

Availability

TLE4251GNTMA1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine management systems, ABS control units, and body electronics requiring stable component supply with automotive qualification, high-temperature operation, and integrated fault protection.

Supply support for TLE4251GNTMA1 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 ICs, and industrial control solutions, with global manufacturing and qualification infrastructure.

The TLE4251 belongs to Infineon's automotive linear regulator product line, engineered specifically for supplying sensors and actuators in demanding vehicle subsystems where reliability, protection, and precision tracking are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for regulation?

The TLE4251GNTMA1 requires VI > VADJ + VDR, where VDR is 280–520 mV. With typical VADJ = 5 V, minimum VI is ~5.3 V. At lower VADJ (e.g., 2.5 V), VI must exceed ~2.8 V. Operation below this threshold results in dropout and loss of regulation.

Can the ADJ pin be connected directly to a 5 V reference without a resistor divider?

Yes - the ADJ pin accepts direct connection to a stable 2.5–40 V reference. When tied to 5 V, output VQ tracks within ±10 mV. No external divider is needed unless a non-standard output voltage (e.g., 3.3 V) is required using VQ = VADJ × (1 + R1/R2).

Is an external output capacitor mandatory, and what type is recommended?

Yes - a minimum 22 µF capacitor with ESR ≤3 Ω at 10 kHz is mandatory on the Q pin. Tantalum or polymer capacitors are recommended; ceramic-only solutions may cause instability due to excessively low ESR unless carefully damped per datasheet guidelines.

Does the TLE4251GNTMA1 support parallel operation for higher current?

No - the TLE4251GNTMA1 is not designed for parallel operation. Its tracking architecture and internal current limiting do not support master-slave or current-sharing configurations. For >400 mA, select a higher-current regulator such as TLE7272-2 or redesign with discrete pass elements.