The MC78M00/MC78M00A Series positive voltage regulators are identical to the popular MC7800 Series devices, except that they are specified for only half the output current. Like the MC7800 devices, the MC78M00 three-terminal regulators are intended for local, on-card voltage regulation. Internal current limiting, thermal shutdown circuitry and safe-area compensation for the internal pass transistor combine to make these devices remarkably rugged under most operating conditions. Maximum output current, with adequate heatsinking is 500 mA.
The MC78M00/MC78M0A/NCV78M00 series are three‑terminal positive voltage regulators offering 500 mA output current with internal current limiting, thermal overload protection, and safe‑area compensation. They are available in fixed output voltages of 5 V, 8 V, 12 V and 15 V and are supplied in TO‑220, DPAK‑3 and DPAK‑2 packages.
The data sheet provides detailed electrical characteristics, thermal resistance values, package dimensions, and ordering information. It also defines key parameters such as dropout voltage, line and load regulation, and short‑circuit current limit, and includes mechanical drawings for the various package styles.
| Maximum output current | 500 mA |
|---|---|
| Available output voltages | 5 V, 8 V, 12 V, 15 V |
| Dropout voltage | ≈ 2.0 V |
| Short‑circuit current limit | 350 mA |
| Peak output current | 700 mA |
| Junction‑to‑case thermal resistance | 5.0 °C/W |
| Input voltage range | 5.0 V – 18 V |
The device can deliver up to 500 mA of output current when adequately heatsunk.
The typical dropout voltage is about 2.0 V.
Fixed output options are 5 V, 8 V, 12 V and 15 V.