STMicroelectronics L7806ACV

Overview

L7806ACV from STMicroelectronics is a three-terminal positive linear voltage regulator delivering a fixed 6 V output at up to 1.5 A, with ±2 % output voltage tolerance (A version), thermal overload protection, short-circuit protection, and safe operating area (SOA) protection. It operates across 0 to 125 °C junction temperature and is commonly used for local on-card regulation in industrial power supplies and embedded control modules.

For engineers reviewing the L7806ACV datasheet, L7806ACV pinout, L7806ACV application, or L7806ACV equivalent, key selection criteria include dropout voltage (2 V @ 1 A), load regulation (≤100 mV over 5 mA–1.5 A), supply voltage rejection (65 dB @ 120 Hz), quiescent current (4.3–6 mA), and thermal resistance (R_thJC = 5 °C/W in TO-220).

Technical Context

The L7806ACV implements a monolithic bipolar linear regulator architecture with internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and SOA protection-enabling robust operation without external protection circuitry. Its fixed 6 V output is trimmed during manufacturing to ±2 % tolerance at 25 °C and maintains stability over full load (5 mA–1.5 A) and input voltage (8.6–21 V) ranges.

Designed for local regulation, it eliminates centralized supply distribution issues and supports simple capacitor-based filtering (0.33 µF input, 0.1 µF output). The device requires no external components for basic operation but allows adjustable configurations via external resistors when used with feedback networks.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Supplied in TO-220 package with standard 3-pin configuration: Input (Pin 1), Ground (Pin 2), Output (Pin 3). Mounting tab is electrically connected to Pin 2 (Ground) and serves as primary heat path.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM7806CD2T, L7806ACV offers identical accuracy and thermal protection but trades 2 °C/W higher junction-to-case resistance for broader distributor availability and legacy design compatibility; versus MC7806ACT, it adds guaranteed SOA protection, tighter tolerance, and lower quiescent current-justifying use in industrial systems demanding long-term reliability.

Availability

L7806ACV 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-lifecycle support, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for L7806ACV 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 silicon solutions for automotive, industrial, and power management applications.

The L78 series belongs to ST's legacy linear regulator product line, engineered specifically for robust, low-cost, fixed-voltage local regulation in industrial and automotive environments where simplicity, fault resilience, and thermal ruggedness are prioritized over ultra-low quiescent current or switching efficiency.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for regulation with L7806ACV?

The minimum input voltage is 8.6 V under full-load conditions (1 A, 25 °C), based on its 2 V dropout specification. At lighter loads or lower temperatures, regulation may sustain down to ~7.5 V, but design margins should maintain ≥8.6 V to guarantee ±2 % output accuracy across temperature and line variations per datasheet Table 4.

Can L7806ACV be used in parallel to increase output current?

No-L7806ACV is not designed for parallel operation. Its output voltage tolerance (±2 %) and load regulation (≤100 mV) cause unequal current sharing, risking thermal runaway. For >1.5 A, use a single higher-current regulator (e.g., L7806ABV) or switch to a switching solution with current-sharing capability.

Does L7806ACV require an input bypass capacitor?

Yes-a minimum 0.33 µF ceramic capacitor placed within 1 cm of Pin 1 (Input) and Pin 2 (Ground) is mandatory per datasheet Figure 4. This prevents high-frequency oscillation and improves transient response; omitting it risks instability, especially with long input traces or inductive sources.

Is the mounting tab of L7806ACV electrically isolated?

No-the TO-220 mounting tab is internally connected to Pin 2 (Ground). When using an insulating shoulder washer or thermal pad, ensure dielectric integrity is maintained and verify isolation with a multimeter before assembly. Failure to isolate the tab from heatsink or chassis may create unintended ground loops or safety hazards.