Diodes Incorporated AP78L08VL-A
- Part No.:
- AP78L08VL-A
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
AP78L08VL-A.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 8V 100MA TO92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,803
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Product details
Overview
AP78L08VL-A from Diodes Incorporated is a fixed-output +8.0 V, 100 mA three-terminal positive linear voltage regulator in TO92 package with ±5% output tolerance, internal thermal overload protection, and short-circuit current limiting. It delivers stable local regulation for logic supplies in consumer audio, optical drives, and set-top boxes without external components.
For engineers reviewing the AP78L08VL-A datasheet, AP78L08VL-A pinout, AP78L08VL-A application, or AP78L08VL-A equivalent, this page provides verified specifications, TO92 pin configuration, real-world use cases in DVD players and communication modules, and validated alternative parts with documented functional differences.
Technical Context
The AP78L08VL-A implements a monolithic series pass transistor architecture with built-in safe-area protection that reduces short-circuit current as input-to-output differential voltage increases. Its thermal shutdown activates at 150°C junction temperature, and internal current limiting caps peak output at 140 mA.
It operates across -20°C to +125°C ambient temperature with 10.5 V to 23 V input range, requires no external capacitors for basic operation (though 0.33 µF input and 0.1 µF output are recommended), and achieves 37–46 dB ripple rejection at 120 Hz under specified conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | +8.0 V ±5% over -20°C to +125°C - ensures stable logic rail for TTL/CMOS circuits |
| Max Output Current | 100 mA continuous - supports multiple low-power ICs on same board node |
| Input Voltage Range | 10.5 V to 23 V - compatible with unregulated 12 V wall adapters and battery-derived supplies |
| Line Regulation | 36–125 mV over 11 V–23 V input - maintains tight output despite input ripple or sag |
| Load Regulation | 10–40 mV over 1–40 mA load - minimizes voltage droop during dynamic current changes |
| Ripple Rejection | 37–46 dB at 120 Hz - suppresses AC line noise in offline power supplies |
| Quiescent Current | 2–5.5 mA - enables low standby power in always-on consumer devices |
Pinout & Package
AP78L08VL-A uses the plastic TO92 package (3-pin, through-hole), with lead-free finish and RoHS compliance. Pin assignments are defined per bottom-view orientation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Left) | VIN | Unregulated input supply - must exceed 9.7 V to maintain regulation |
| 2 (Center) | GND | Reference ground return - shared with system ground plane for stability |
| 3 (Right) | VOUT | Regulated +8.0 V output - connects directly to load without series resistance |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Fixed +8.0 V output | Eliminates need for external feedback resistors - simplifies layout and reduces BOM count |
| Internal thermal shutdown | Prevents permanent damage during sustained overload or poor heatsinking - self-recovering after cooldown |
| Short-circuit current limit | Clamps peak output to 140 mA - protects both regulator and downstream circuitry during fault events |
| No external components required | Enables single-chip local regulation - ideal for space-constrained PCBs in consumer electronics |
| Lead-free TO92 package | Complies with EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU - suitable for global commercial product shipments |
Applications
| CD-ROM Drive Power | DVD-Player Logic Supply |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Provides clean +8 V rail to servo motor drivers and digital signal processors inside CD-ROM mechanisms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local linear regulator - replaces Zener/resistor network to improve impedance and reduce quiescent draw. Use Value: Low 2–5.5 mA quiescent current extends idle time; ±5% tolerance ensures reliable microcontroller boot sequencing. |
Use Scenario: Supplies regulated +8 V to MPEG decoder ASICs and front-panel display controllers in DVD players. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-voltage LDO substitute - delivers stable voltage despite varying input from switched-mode power supply. Use Value: 37–46 dB ripple rejection suppresses switching noise from upstream DC/DC converter, preventing video artifacts. |
| Set-Top Box Tuner Module | Communication Interface Board |
Use Scenario: Powers QAM demodulator ICs and RF front-end bias circuits in cable set-top boxes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local point-of-load regulator - isolates sensitive tuner analog sections from noisy digital supply domains. Use Value: Safe-area protection limits energy dissipation during transient overloads, enhancing field reliability. |
Use Scenario: Generates +8 V for RS-485 transceiver bias and isolated CAN interface level-shifting circuits. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Auxiliary voltage source - supports dual-rail signaling where main supply is +3.3 V or +5 V only. Use Value: 100 mA output capacity supports up to four half-duplex RS-485 nodes simultaneously. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output linear regulator applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MC78L08ACP | Same +8 V output, but TO92 package has higher θJA (200°C/W vs. 176°C/W) and wider output tolerance (±10% vs. ±5%) | Less precise for logic-level-sensitive loads; requires larger input margin for dropout | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs output accuracy and thermal performance |
| LM78L08ACZ | TO92 package with ±5% tolerance, but no integrated safe-area protection and lower peak current (120 mA vs. 140 mA) | Lacks pass-transistor fault-energy limiting - less robust in intermittent short-circuit scenarios | Choose only if legacy design reuse mandates exact LM78Lxx footprint and qualification history |
Compared with MC78L08ACP and LM78L08ACZ, AP78L08VL-A offers tighter output tolerance, superior thermal resistance, and integrated safe-area protection-making it preferable for new designs requiring reliability in thermally constrained consumer enclosures.
Availability
AP78L08VL-A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for DVD players, set-top boxes, and communication interface boards requiring stable component supply, RoHS compliance, and through-hole assembly compatibility.
Supply support for AP78L08VL-A 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
Diodes Incorporated is a global manufacturer of discrete semiconductors and analog ICs, specializing in high-reliability power management and signal integrity solutions for consumer, industrial, and computing markets.
The AP78LXX series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications needing simple, robust local regulation - targeting optical storage, audio equipment, and digital entertainment hardware.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for AP78L08VL-A to maintain regulation?
The AP78L08VL-A requires a minimum input voltage of 9.7 V to sustain line regulation across its full operating temperature range (-20°C to +125°C). Below this threshold, output voltage drops nonlinearly and regulation is lost - design margins should account for worst-case input ripple and temperature drift.
Can AP78L08VL-A be used without input or output capacitors?
Yes, AP78L08VL-A functions without external capacitors, but Diodes Incorporated recommends a 0.33 µF ceramic input capacitor (if >3 inches from bulk filter) and 0.1 µF output capacitor to ensure stability and suppress high-frequency noise. Omission may cause oscillation under certain PCB layout or load conditions.
How does the safe-area protection function in AP78L08VL-A?
Safe-area protection dynamically reduces short-circuit current as the input-to-output voltage differential increases - preventing destructive power dissipation in the pass transistor. This feature limits energy during fault conditions without triggering thermal shutdown, enabling graceful recovery once the fault clears.
Is AP78L08VL-A pin-compatible with other AP78LXX variants?
Yes - all AP78LXX TO92 variants (e.g., AP78L05VL-A, AP78L12VL-A) share identical pinout (VIN-GND-VOUT), package dimensions, and mounting footprint. Only output voltage and input voltage range differ; substitution requires verifying input headroom and load voltage requirements.
AP78L08VL-A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Diodes Incorporated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 23V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 8V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 100mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 5.5 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 46dB (120Hz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Temperature, Short Circuit
- Operating Temperature:
- -20°C ~ 85°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92
AP78L08VL-A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AP78L08VL-A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AP78L08VL-A on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for AP78L08VL-A reliable?
The price and inventory of AP78L08VL-A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AP78L08VL-A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AP78L08VL-A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AP78L08VL-A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AP78L08VL-A?
AP78L08VL-A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AP78L08VL-A order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for AP78L08VL-A?
For technical support, including AP78L08VL-A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AP78L08VL-A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AP78L08VL-A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AP78L08VL-A products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that AP78L08VL-A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AP78L08VL-A?
All AP78L08VL-A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AP78L08VL-A, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The AP78L08VL-A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AP78L08VL-A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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