The L78xx series of three-terminal positive regulators is available in TO-220, TO-220FP, TO-3 and D2PAK packages and several fixed output voltages, making it useful in a wide range of applications. These regulators can provide local on-card regulation, eliminating the distribution problems associated with single point regulation. Each type employs internal current limiting, thermal shut-down and safe area protection, making it essentially indestructible. If adequate heat sinking is provided, they can deliver over 1 A output current. Although designed primarily as fixed voltage regulators, these devices can be used with external components to obtain adjustable voltage and currents.
The L78xx series are three‑terminal positive voltage regulators offered in TO‑220, TO‑220FP, TO‑3 and DPAK packages. They deliver up to 1.5 A output current and are available in a range of fixed output voltages from 5 V to 24 V. Internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and safe‑area protection make the devices robust for a wide variety of applications.
The document includes detailed electrical characteristics, maximum ratings, thermal data, pin‑out diagrams, and example application circuits. Revision history and ordering information are also provided.
| Maximum output current | 1.5 A |
|---|---|
| Available output voltages | 5 V, 5.2 V, 6 V, 8 V, 8.5 V, 9 V, 10 V, 12 V, 15 V, 18 V, 20 V, 24 V |
| Thermal overload protection | Yes |
| Short‑circuit protection | Yes |
| Output transition SOA protection | Yes |
| Storage temperature range | -65 °C to 150 °C |
| Junction temperature range | 0 °C to 150 °C |
| Thermal resistance junction‑case (DPAK) | 3 °C/W |
| Thermal resistance junction‑ambient (TO‑220) | 62.5 °C/W |
The L78xx series can deliver up to 1.5 A of output current.
The devices are offered in TO‑220, TO‑220FP, TO‑3 and DPAK packages.
They can be stored from –65 °C up to 150 °C.