STMicroelectronics L7805CV

Overview

L7805CV from STMicroelectronics is a three-terminal positive fixed-voltage linear regulator delivering 5 V ±2% output at up to 1.5 A, featuring thermal overload protection, short-circuit protection, and safe operating area (SOA) protection. It operates with input voltages up to 35 V and is widely used in embedded power supplies, industrial control modules, and local on-card regulation for microcontroller-based systems.

For engineers reviewing the L7805CV datasheet, L7805CV pinout, L7805CV application, or L7805CV equivalent, key selection considerations include dropout voltage (2 V @ 1 A), load regulation (≤100 mV), quiescent current (8 mA), output noise (40 µV/√Hz), and thermal resistance (R_thJA = 50 °C/W in TO-220).

Technical Context

The L7805CV implements a monolithic bipolar linear regulator architecture with internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and SOA protection-enabling robust operation without external protection circuitry. Its feedback loop maintains stable 5 V output across line (7–25 V input) and load (5 mA–1.5 A) variations.

Designed for fixed-output use, it supports external capacitor stabilization (0.33 µF input, 0.1 µF output) and can be adapted for adjustable output via external resistive networks. Junction temperature range is 0 to 125 °C, with minimum load requirement of 5 mA for regulation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Supplied in TO-220 package (3-pin, vertical mounting, metal tab connected to GND), offering mechanical robustness and direct heatsink interface. Thermal resistance: R_thJC = 5 °C/W, R_thJA = 50 °C/W (with standard PCB copper pad).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM7805CT, L7805CV offers superior noise performance and line regulation; versus MC7805BDTRKG, it trades slightly higher thermal resistance for lower unit cost and broader distributor availability in TO-220 form factor.

Availability

L7805CV is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive body electronics, and medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for L7805CV 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, and analog ICs for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The L78 series belongs to ST's legacy linear regulator product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability fixed-voltage local regulation in harsh environments-emphasizing ruggedness, integrated protection, and ease of use without external components.

FAQ

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

The L7805CV requires a minimum input voltage of 7 V to maintain regulation under full 1.5 A load, due to its 2 V dropout voltage. At lighter loads (<100 mA), operation down to 6 V is possible, but design margin should retain ≥7.5 V nominal input to accommodate line sag and ripple.

Can L7805CV be used without input/output capacitors?

No-STMicroelectronics specifies mandatory 0.33 µF ceramic capacitor on the input and 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor on the output, placed within 1 cm of the device pins. Omitting either risks oscillation, poor transient response, or thermal instability, especially under dynamic load conditions.

Does the metal tab on the TO-220 package carry electrical potential?

Yes-the metal tab is internally connected to Pin 2 (GND) and serves as both the thermal path and electrical ground reference. When mounted to a heatsink, ensure electrical isolation (e.g., mica washer + thermal paste) unless the heatsink is intentionally grounded to system GND.

How does thermal performance change with PCB copper area?

Increasing copper area on the GND pad directly lowers R_thJA: doubling the 1-in² copper pour reduces junction-to-ambient resistance by ~10–15 °C/W. ST recommends ≥2 in² of 2-oz copper connected to the tab for sustained 1 A operation without an external heatsink.