L4931CZ50-AP

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Overview

The L4931CZ50-AP is a fixed-output low-dropout linear voltage regulator manufactured by STMicroelectronics. It provides a stable 5 V output with a maximum continuous current of 250 mA. The device operates within an input voltage range of 4 V to 20 V and features a typical dropout voltage of 400 mV at full load, with a maximum of 800 mV. Quiescent current is specified at 600 µA in the active state. The unit is housed in a three-pin TO-92 through-hole package and supports operation across a temperature range from -40 °C to +125 °C.

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Feature Summary

• Provides a fixed 5 V regulated output suitable for digital logic circuits
• Features very low dropout voltage enabling efficient power management near battery limits
• Includes internal thermal overload and short-circuit current protection mechanisms
• Requires minimal external capacitance for stability, reducing component count

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Applications

• Battery-powered portable electronic devices requiring low quiescent current
• Local voltage regulation for microcontroller or sensor supply rails
• Low-noise power supplies for analog signal processing stages
• Standby mode control in systems utilizing TTL-compatible shutdown logic

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Procurement Notes

Verify the specific suffix 'C' indicates a 2% output voltage accuracy tolerance at 25 °C, distinct from higher precision variants. Confirm the 'Z50' designation corresponds to the fixed 5.0 V output level. Ensure the 'AP' suffix aligns with the required RoHS compliance and packaging specifications for your manufacturing process. Cross-reference the datasheet revision date to ensure compatibility with current design constraints.

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Selection Notes

Select this component when a fixed 5 V rail is required with moderate current demands up to 250 mA. The TO-92 package is appropriate for through-hole assembly or low-volume prototyping where surface-mount space is not critical. Consider the 600 µA quiescent current impact on total system power budget during active operation. Evaluate the thermal dissipation requirements based on the difference between input voltage and the 5 V output under maximum load conditions.

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Part Context

This part belongs to the L4931 family of very low drop regulators designed for low-power applications. The family offers various output voltages and packages, including SO-8 and DPAK, with some variants featuring logic-controlled shutdown functions. The L4931CZ50-AP specifically utilizes the TO-92 package without the inhibit pin found in other form factors, focusing on simplicity and cost-effectiveness for basic regulation tasks.

Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators Replacement Considerations

Direct substitutes include other L4931 series variants such as L4931CD33Y for different voltage outputs, though package changes may be necessary. Verify that any replacement maintains the 250 mA output current capability and compatible dropout characteristics. Check if alternative packages like SOT-89 or SO-8 require footprint modifications.