Texas Instruments TLV70012QDCKRQ1

Overview

TLV70012QDCKRQ1 from Texas Instruments is an AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive LDO linear regulator delivering 1.2V fixed output at up to 300mA, with 2% DC accuracy, 35μA quiescent current, and 68dB PSRR at 1kHz - designed for powering camera sensors and HUDs in harsh-temperature environments (–40°C to 125°C).

For engineers reviewing the TLV70012QDCKRQ1 datasheet, TLV70012QDCKRQ1 pinout, TLV70012QDCKRQ1 application, or TLV70012QDCKRQ1 equivalent, key selection considerations include its ultra-low IQ, 0.1μF minimum stable output capacitance, thermal shutdown (165°C), undervoltage lockout (1.9V), and enable pin logic thresholds (0.4V low / 0.9V high) compatible with low-voltage GPIOs.

Technical Context

This LDO uses a PMOS pass transistor to achieve low dropout voltage and maintain regulation down to VIN = VOUT + VDO, where VDO scales with load current. Its precision bandgap reference and error amplifier ensure 2% output accuracy across –40°C to 125°C ambient temperature.

Internal protection includes thermal shutdown (trip at 165°C, reset at 145°C), current limiting (320–860mA), undervoltage lockout (1.9V rising threshold), and HBM/C3B ESD rating per AEC-Q100. The EN pin enables active-high control with sub-1μA shutdown current.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TLV70012QDCKRQ1 is housed in a 5-pin SOT-23 (DDC) package measuring 2.9mm × 2.8mm, optimized for space-constrained automotive PCBs with exposed thermal pad capability via GND connection.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar LDO regulator applications.

Compared with TLV70012QDCKRQ1, TLV70012QDBVRQ1 offers marginally improved thermal performance in a functionally identical package variant, while TPS7A0512PDBVRQ1 trades 100mA output capacity for deeper ultra-low-power operation - making TLV70012QDCKRQ1 the optimal balance of current drive, thermal robustness, and automotive reliability.

Availability

TLV70012QDCKRQ1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive head units, camera sensor modules, and heads-up displays requiring stable component supply with full AEC-Q100 compliance and long-term production continuity.

Supply support for TLV70012QDCKRQ1 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, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and automotive-grade power management solutions.

TLV70012QDCKRQ1 belongs to TI's TLV700xx-Q1 family of automotive LDOs, engineered specifically for power-sensitive, high-reliability domains including ADAS imaging, HUD illumination, and telematics connectivity - where low IQ, thermal resilience, and AEC-Q100 validation are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the maximum input voltage rating for TLV70012QDCKRQ1?

The absolute maximum input voltage for TLV70012QDCKRQ1 is 6.0V, but the recommended operating range is 2.0V to 5.5V. Exceeding 6.0V risks permanent damage per the Absolute Maximum Ratings table. Operation below 2.0V triggers undervoltage lockout (UVLO) at ~1.9V, disabling regulation until VIN rises above threshold. This ensures safe startup behavior in automotive battery-sourced systems experiencing cranking dips.

Does TLV70012QDCKRQ1 require an external output capacitor, and what value is recommended?

Yes, TLV70012QDCKRQ1 requires an external output capacitor for stability and transient performance. It is stable with a minimum effective capacitance of 0.1μF, but TI recommends a 1.0μF X5R or X7R ceramic capacitor placed close to the OUT and GND pins. The effective capacitance must remain ≥0.1μF under actual operating bias voltage and temperature - meaning rated 0.1μF capacitors are insufficient due to dielectric derating. ESR should be <200mΩ.

How does the enable pin (EN) function on TLV70012QDCKRQ1?

The EN pin on TLV70012QDCKRQ1 is active-high with defined thresholds: the device enables when EN ≥ 0.9V and enters shutdown when EN ≤ 0.4V. In shutdown, ground current drops to 400nA (typical), minimizing system leakage. If enable functionality is unused, EN may be tied directly to IN. This low-threshold logic interface supports direct connection to 1.8V GPIOs without level shifters - a key design advantage in modern automotive SoCs.

What protection features are integrated into TLV70012QDCKRQ1?

TLV70012QDCKRQ1 integrates thermal shutdown (trip at 165°C, reset at 145°C), output current limiting (320–860mA depending on conditions), undervoltage lockout (1.9V rising threshold), and reverse-voltage protection via internal PMOS body diode (with external current limiting advised if OUT > IN). All protections are fully qualified per AEC-Q100 Grade 1, ensuring robust fault handling in automotive environments without external circuitry.

Is TLV70012QDCKRQ1 compatible with ceramic capacitors having high temperature/bias derating?

Yes, TLV70012QDCKRQ1 is explicitly designed to remain stable with effective output capacitance ≥0.1μF - a specification that accounts for real-world derating of X5R/X7R ceramics under bias voltage and temperature. This allows use of smaller, lower-cost capacitors in space-constrained automotive modules, provided their effective capacitance (not nominal rating) meets the 0.1μF minimum under worst-case operating conditions - verified via manufacturer derating curves.