STMicroelectronics L7805ACV-DG

Overview

L7805ACV-DG from STMicroelectronics is a three-terminal positive fixed-voltage linear regulator delivering 5 V ±2 % output with up to 1.5 A continuous current, thermal overload and short-circuit protection, and operation across 0 to 125 °C junction temperature. It serves as a local on-card power supply in industrial control modules, embedded sensor interfaces, and legacy microcontroller power rails where low-noise, robust DC-DC conversion is required without switching complexity.

For engineers reviewing the L7805ACV-DG datasheet, L7805ACV-DG pinout, L7805ACV-DG application, or L7805ACV-DG equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 2 % output tolerance at 25 °C, 2 V dropout voltage at 1 A, 68 dB supply voltage rejection at 120 Hz, 10 µV/√Hz output noise (10 Hz–100 kHz), and TO-220FP package thermal resistance of 5 °C/W junction-to-case.

Technical Context

This IC implements a monolithic series pass transistor architecture with internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and safe operating area (SOA) protection-enabling fault resilience without external circuitry. Its regulation loop maintains stable 5 V output under line variations from 7.5 V to 18 V input and load changes from 5 mA to 1.5 A.

Designed for fixed-output use, it supports external adjustment via feedback resistors but requires no compensation components in standard configurations. The device operates with minimal external capacitance: 0.33 µF input and 0.1 µF output ceramic capacitors suffice for stability per ST's test circuits.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Supplied in TO-220FP package-a full-molded, isolated-tab variant of TO-220 with improved creepage and simplified mounting. The tab is electrically connected to Pin 2 (Ground), enabling direct heatsink attachment without insulating hardware when isolation is not required.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed-output linear regulator applications.

Compared with LM7805CDT/NOPB and MC7805BDTRKG, L7805ACV-DG offers superior thermal performance (5 °C/W R_thJC) and tighter line/load regulation (7–25 mV), making it optimal for high-reliability, thermally demanding applications where mechanical heatsinking is feasible.

Availability

L7805ACV-DG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive body electronics, test equipment, and embedded controller designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across manufacturing lots.

Supply support for L7805ACV-DG 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

STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Geneva, specializing in power management, microcontrollers, sensors, and automotive ICs with vertical manufacturing capability and ISO/TS 16949-certified processes.

The L78 series belongs to ST's mature positive voltage regulator IC portfolio, engineered for robustness in harsh environments and designed specifically for cost-effective, maintenance-free local regulation in industrial, automotive, and consumer equipment.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for stable 5 V output at 1.5 A?

The L7805ACV-DG requires a minimum input voltage of 7.5 V under all operating conditions per datasheet Table 3. At 1.5 A load and 25 °C, the 2 V dropout voltage means ≥7 V is theoretically sufficient-but ST specifies 7.5 V minimum to guarantee regulation across line, load, and temperature extremes including worst-case 5.2 V output and 100 mV load regulation error.

Can this regulator be used without an input capacitor?

No. ST's DS0422 explicitly requires a minimum 0.33 µF ceramic capacitor placed within 1 cm of Pin 1 (Input) to prevent high-frequency oscillation caused by trace inductance. Omitting it risks instability, audible noise, or thermal runaway-especially with long input traces or high-impedance sources like batteries or unregulated wall adapters.

Does the TO-220FP package require electrical isolation from the heatsink?

Yes-the TO-220FP variant has its metal tab internally connected to Pin 2 (Ground). If the heatsink is grounded, no isolation is needed. However, if the heatsink is at a different potential (e.g., floating or connected to chassis ground), an isolating pad and shoulder washer must be used to avoid shorting Ground to the heatsink, which would compromise safety and EMC compliance.

How does the L7805ACV-DG handle reverse polarity input?

The device lacks reverse-voltage protection. Applying negative voltage to Pin 1 relative to Pin 2 can cause destructive latch-up or junction breakdown. A series Schottky diode (e.g., 1N5819) on the input line is recommended in battery-powered or field-serviceable applications where accidental reverse connection is possible.