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STMicroelectronics L7812ACP
- Part No.:
- L7812ACP
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package:
- TO-220-3 Full Pack
- Datasheet:
-
L7812ACP.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 12V 1.5A TO220FP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,525
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Product details
Overview
L7812ACP from STMicroelectronics is a three-terminal positive fixed-voltage linear regulator delivering 12 V ±2.5% output with up to 1.5 A continuous current, thermal overload and short-circuit protection, and 2 V dropout at 1 A - used for local on-card power regulation in industrial control modules, embedded sensor interfaces, and legacy automotive body electronics.
For engineers reviewing the L7812ACP datasheet, L7812ACP pinout, L7812ACP application, or L7812ACP equivalent, this page provides verified electrical characteristics, TO-220FP package details, thermal resistance data (RthJC = 5 °C/W), load/line regulation limits, and real-world substitution guidance - all extracted from STMicroelectronics DS0422 Rev 38.
Technical Context
The L7812ACP implements a monolithic series-pass transistor architecture with internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and safe operating area (SOA) protection. Its feedback loop maintains regulation across input voltages from 14.5 V to 30 V and junction temperatures from 0 °C to 125 °C.
No external components are required for basic operation; input and output capacitors (0.33 µF and 0.1 µF respectively) stabilize transient response. It does not support adjustable output or current boosting without external circuitry.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 12 V nominal, ±2.5% tolerance over load (5 mA–1.5 A) and temperature (0–125 °C) - ensures stable MCU core supply under varying conditions |
| Dropout Voltage | 2 V at 1 A and 25 °C - requires minimum 14 V input for regulated 12 V output |
| Line Regulation | ≤240 mV over VI = 14.5–30 V - limits output shift due to input rail variation |
| Load Regulation | ≤240 mV over IO = 5 mA–1.5 A - maintains voltage accuracy across full load range |
| Supply Rejection | 55 dB at 120 Hz, VI = 15–25 V - attenuates ripple from unregulated DC sources |
| Quiescent Current | 8 mA typical - contributes <100 mW no-load dissipation at 12 V output |
| Short-Circuit Current | 0.35 A typical - limits fault energy during sustained output shorts |
| Thermal Resistance | RthJC = 5 °C/W (TO-220FP) - enables ~20 W dissipation with modest heatsinking |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO-220FP (3-pin, vertical mounting, insulated tab, plastic body).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Input) | Unregulated DC input | Accepts 14.5–30 V; must be decoupled with ≥0.33 µF ceramic capacitor near pin |
| 2 (Ground) | Common reference node | Low-impedance return path shared by input and output capacitors and load |
| 3 (Output) | Regulated 12 V output | Delivers up to 1.5 A; requires ≥0.1 µF ceramic capacitor within 1 cm of pin |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Internal Thermal Shutdown | Activates at ~165 °C junction temperature, latching off until cooldown - prevents permanent damage during overload |
| Current Limiting | Fixed ~2.2 A peak (non-dissipative pulse limit) and ~0.35 A sustained short-circuit current - controls fault power |
| SOA Protection | Embedded safe operating area logic prevents second breakdown of pass transistor during transients - eliminates need for external foldback |
| Extended Temperature Range | 0 °C to +125 °C operating junction range (C version) - validated for industrial ambient environments |
| Low Output Noise | 75 µV/V RMS (10 Hz–100 kHz) - suitable for analog sensor front-ends without added filtering |
Applications
| Industrial PLC I/O Module | Automotive Body Control Unit |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powering isolated 12 V logic rails for digital input conditioning and relay driver stages in DIN-rail mounted controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local point-of-load regulator providing clean, protected 12 V for microcontroller peripherals and optocoupler interfaces. Use Value: Eliminates single-point regulation distribution losses and withstands 35 V transients per ISO 7637-2 Pulse 1/2a without external TVS. |
Use Scenario: Supplying 12 V to window lift motor drivers and door lock actuators in non-safety-critical vehicle subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-output linear regulator handling battery voltage fluctuations (10–16 V) while maintaining stable gate drive levels. Use Value: Internal short-circuit and thermal protection prevent latch-up during motor stall events, reducing field failure rates. |
| Legacy Embedded Instrumentation | DC-DC Post-Regulator |
Use Scenario: Replacing aging 7812 variants in medical-grade panel meters and calibration equipment requiring long-term stability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 12 V supply for op-amp signal chains and 12-bit ADC references. Use Value: 1 mV/°C output drift and 55 dB ripple rejection preserve measurement accuracy across 0–50 °C ambient ranges. |
Use Scenario: Tightening output tolerance downstream of switching regulators in mixed-signal systems where noise-sensitive analog sections demand ultra-low ripple. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise post-regulator improving PSRR beyond what buck converters achieve alone. Use Value: Reduces residual switching noise by >40 dB compared to direct buck output, enabling sub-LSB ADC performance. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM7812CD2T | TO-263 (D²PAK) package; RthJC = 3 °C/W; higher SVR (60 dB); same 12 V ±2% spec | Better thermal performance in high-density PCBs; requires different footprint and reflow profile | Prefer when board space allows surface-mount layout and >1.2 A continuous load is expected |
| MC7812BD2TR4 | TO-263 package; tighter initial tolerance (±2% vs ±2.5%); lower quiescent current (6 mA typ) | Slightly improved regulation accuracy and efficiency; identical protection features | Choose for cost-sensitive industrial designs needing marginally better VO stability without redesign |
Compared with LM7812CD2T and MC7812BD2TR4, the L7812ACP offers lower unit cost and through-hole assembly compatibility, while trading 2 °C/W higher junction-to-case thermal resistance and 0.5% wider output tolerance - making it optimal for legacy-replacement and medium-power through-hole applications.
Availability
L7812ACP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O modules, automotive body control units, legacy embedded instrumentation, and DC-DC post-regulation circuits requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for L7812ACP 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 automotive ICs - with over 40 years of linear regulator design heritage.
The L78 series was engineered for robust, low-cost local regulation in harsh industrial and automotive environments - prioritizing fault resilience, thermal survivability, and ease of use over programmability or ultra-low IQ.
FAQ
What is the maximum input voltage for L7812ACP?
The absolute maximum DC input voltage is 35 V for output voltages ≤18 V, as specified in Table 1 of DS0422 Rev 38. Operation above 30 V is not recommended due to excessive power dissipation and thermal stress, even with heatsinking. For reliable 12 V output, keep VI ≤27 V under full 1.5 A load.
Does L7812ACP require input and output capacitors?
Yes - STMicroelectronics specifies a minimum 0.33 µF ceramic capacitor at the input and 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor at the output, placed within 1 cm of their respective pins. Omitting either degrades transient response and may cause oscillation or thermal instability, especially under fast load steps.
Can L7812ACP be used in parallel for higher current?
No - the L7812ACP lacks current-sharing capability. Its output voltage tolerances (±2.5%) and thermal gradients cause unequal current division, risking thermal runaway in one device. For >1.5 A, use a single higher-current regulator or a discrete pass transistor configuration with external current sensing.
Is L7812ACP pin-compatible with older 7812 variants?
Yes - the L7812ACP uses standard three-terminal TO-220FP pinout (Input-Ground-Output), matching legacy 7812 devices from Fairchild, ON Semiconductor, and TI. Mechanical fit and electrical behavior are functionally identical, though L7812ACP adds improved SOA protection and tighter thermal shutdown thresholds.
L7812ACP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-220-3 Full Pack
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 35V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 12V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- 2V @ 1A (Typ)
- Current - Output:
- 1.5A
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 6 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- -
- PSRR:
- 60dB (120Hz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Temperature, Short Circuit
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-220FP
L7812ACP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for L7812ACP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L7812ACP 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 L7812ACP reliable?
The price and inventory of L7812ACP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L7812ACP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for L7812ACP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L7812ACP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for L7812ACP?
L7812ACP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your L7812ACP 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 L7812ACP?
For technical support, including L7812ACP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L7812ACP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that L7812ACP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All L7812ACP 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 L7812ACP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of L7812ACP?
All L7812ACP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L7812ACP, 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 L7812ACP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for L7812ACP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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