Low drop regulator with overvoltage protection and reset function for automotive environment

A bipolar high-voltage process makes possible the integration of a voltage regulator that can operate with a minimal drop (0.6 V) and can withstand positive and negative overvoltages up to 80 V. A power lateral p-n-p transistor fully surface protected, makes possible this large range of operation which is required by automotive and industrial applications. A Zener-zap trimmed reference (/spl plusmn/2% precision) makes possible a precise power on/off reset logic function without any adjustable or high-precision external components.