STMicroelectronics L7805CV-DG

Overview

L7805CV-DG from STMicroelectronics is a fixed +5 V, 1.5 A three-terminal positive voltage regulator in TO-220 package, featuring thermal overload protection, short-circuit protection, and safe operating area (SOA) protection. It delivers stable local regulation for microcontroller power rails, sensor interfaces, and industrial control modules with ±2 % output voltage tolerance at 25 °C and operation across 0 to 125 °C junction temperature.

For engineers reviewing the L7805CV-DG datasheet, L7805CV-DG pinout, L7805CV-DG application, or L7805CV-DG equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage (2 V @ 1 A), load regulation (≤100 mV over 5 mA–1.5 A), quiescent current (8 mA), supply voltage rejection (62 dB @ 120 Hz), and thermal resistance (R_thJA = 50 °C/W in TO-220).

Technical Context

This linear regulator uses internal bandgap reference, error amplifier, and series pass transistor architecture to maintain regulated output under varying input (7–25 V) and load (5 mA–1.5 A) conditions. Its SOA protection dynamically limits power dissipation during transient overloads without latch-up.

Designed for fixed-voltage use but supports external adjustment via feedback resistors or current boosting with external transistors. Input-to-output differential must remain ≥2 V for regulation; minimum load current is 5 mA to ensure stability with standard 0.33 µF input / 0.1 µF output capacitors.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TO-220 package with vertical mounting orientation, metal tab electrically connected to ground (pin 2), requiring insulated mounting hardware when heatsinked to chassis ground.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar fixed +5 V linear regulator applications.

Compared with LM7805CDT/NOPB, L7805CV-DG adds SOA protection for robustness in intermittent overload scenarios; versus MC7805BDTRKG, it offers through-hole TO-220 mechanical reliability and simpler heatsinking, at the cost of slightly higher output noise.

Availability

L7805CV-DG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O modules, automotive body control units, medical diagnostic instrumentation, and point-of-sale terminal power requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for L7805CV-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, Switzerland, designing and manufacturing analog, microcontroller, power, and sensor solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

L7805CV-DG belongs to the L78 positive voltage regulator IC family, engineered for cost-effective, rugged local regulation in harsh industrial and automotive environments where reliability under thermal and electrical stress is critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for regulation?

The L7805CV-DG requires a minimum input voltage of 7 V to maintain +5 V output under full 1.5 A load, based on its 2 V dropout specification. At lighter loads (<100 mA), regulation holds down to ~6.5 V, but design margin should preserve ≥2.5 V headroom to accommodate line drop and ripple.

Can L7805CV-DG be used in parallel for higher current?

No - L7805CV-DG lacks built-in current-sharing circuitry. Parallel connection causes unequal current distribution due to output voltage tolerance (±2 %), risking thermal runaway in one device. For >1.5 A, use a single higher-current regulator or external pass transistor with ballast resistors.

Is a heat sink always required?

A heat sink is required when power dissipation exceeds ~1.5 W - e.g., at 1 A load with 10 V input (5 W dissipated). With TO-220's R_thJA = 50 °C/W, ambient >50 °C or >500 mA loads at >12 V input necessitate heatsinking to stay below 125 °C junction limit.

Does L7805CV-DG need input/output capacitors?

Yes - STMicroelectronics specifies a minimum 0.33 µF ceramic capacitor at the input (within 1 cm) and 0.1 µF at the output (within 1 cm) for stability. Omission risks oscillation or poor transient response; tantalum or aluminum electrolytics may be used but require series ESR ≥10 mΩ for phase margin.