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Home > Products > Integrated Circuits (ICs) > Power Management (PMIC) > Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators

STMicroelectronics L7812CP

Name: L7812CP
Brand: STMicroelectronics
SKU: L7812CP
Price: 2.40 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5 (2 reviews)

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Part No.:: L7812CP

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Category:: Voltage Regulators - Linear, Low Drop Out (LDO) Regulators

Package:: TO-220-3 Full Pack

Datasheet:: L7812CP.pdf

Description:: IC REG LINEAR 12V 1.5A TO220FP

Quantity:: RFQ Add To RFQ list

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Inventory:304

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Product details

Overview

L7812CP from STMicroelectronics is a three-terminal positive fixed-voltage linear regulator delivering 12 V ±5% output at up to 1.5 A, featuring thermal overload protection, short-circuit current limiting, and safe operating area (SOA) protection. It operates with input voltages up to 35 V (for 12 V output), maintains 240 mV max load regulation over 5 mA–1.5 A, and is commonly used in industrial power supplies, embedded control modules, and local on-card DC-DC regulation.

For engineers reviewing the L7812CP datasheet, L7812CP pinout, L7812CP application, or L7812CP equivalent, key selection considerations include dropout voltage (2 V @ 1 A), junction temperature range (0–125 °C), output noise (75 µV/VO), supply voltage rejection (55 dB), and TO-220 package thermal resistance (R_thJA = 50 °C/W).

Technical Context

The L7812CP implements a monolithic bipolar linear regulator architecture with internal PNP pass transistor, error amplifier, reference voltage, and protection circuitry. Its fixed 12 V output is trimmed during manufacturing using laser trimming for ±5% tolerance across temperature and load.

Protection functions operate autonomously: thermal shutdown activates at ~165 °C junction temperature; short-circuit current limit holds output current near 0.35 A (typ.) under fault; SOA protection prevents secondary breakdown during transient overloads. No external components are required for basic operation beyond input/output capacitors (0.33 µF and 0.1 µF recommended).

Key Specifications

Parameter	Value and Actual Design Meaning
Output Voltage	12 V ±5% (11.4–12.6 V over full load/temp range)
Max Output Current	1.5 A continuous (requires heatsink above ~500 mA ambient)
Input Voltage Range	14.5 V to 30 V DC (min input = V_OUT + V_DROP = 14 V)
Dropout Voltage	2 V @ 1 A, 25 °C (defines minimum headroom for regulation)
Load Regulation	240 mV max (5 mA → 1.5 A), impacts stability in variable-load systems
Supply Rejection	55 dB @ 120 Hz (attenuates ripple from unregulated DC sources)
Output Noise	75 µV/VO (750 µV RMS over 10 Hz–100 kHz, critical for analog circuits)
Quiescent Current	8 mA (fixed, independent of load; sets no-load power loss)

Pinout & Package

The L7812CP is housed in a TO-220 package with standard 3-pin configuration: Pin 1 (Input), Pin 2 (Ground), Pin 3 (Output). Mounting tab is electrically connected to Pin 2 (Ground) and serves as primary heat path.

Pin/Terminal	Circuit Role	Design Meaning
Pin 1 (IN)	Unregulated DC input	Accepts 14.5–30 V; must be decoupled with ≥0.33 µF ceramic capacitor
Pin 2 (GND)	Reference and return node	Common ground for input/output; tab connection enables heatsinking
Pin 3 (OUT)	Regulated 12 V output	Delivers stable 12 V; requires ≥0.1 µF ceramic capacitor at output

Key Features

Feature	Design Value
Thermal shutdown	Activates at ~165 °C junction temperature; self-resets upon cooling
Short-circuit current limit	0.35 A typical (I_SC); protects against sustained output faults
Safe operating area (SOA) protection	Prevents secondary breakdown during high-V_IN/high-I_OUT transients
Fixed output voltage accuracy	±5% over full temperature/load range (no external adjustment needed)
Low output impedance	18 mΩ @ 1 kHz (supports fast transient response for digital loads)

Applications

Industrial PLC Power Rails

Automotive Body Control Modules

Use Scenario: Providing clean 12 V rail for microcontroller, I/O drivers, and sensor interfaces in programmable logic controllers.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local point-of-load regulator replacing centralized 12 V distribution to reduce noise coupling and voltage drop.

Use Value: Maintains 12 V ±5% under 1.2 A load steps with <240 mV deviation; thermal shutdown prevents field failure during ambient >70 °C.

Use Scenario: Powering CAN transceiver, EEPROM, and wake-up logic in body control units exposed to automotive temperature cycling.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 12 V regulator for low-power subsystems requiring robust fault tolerance.

Use Value: Withstands 35 V load dump pulses (via external TVS), delivers 12 V with 55 dB ripple rejection, and survives -40 °C to 125 °C junction operation.

Legacy Equipment Retrofit

Test & Measurement Instrumentation

Use Scenario: Replacing aging 7812 variants in legacy industrial equipment where footprint and pinout compatibility are mandatory.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drop-in replacement for obsolete TO-220 12 V regulators with identical electrical behavior and thermal profile.

Use Value: Matches legacy L7812C pinout, thermal resistance (50 °C/W), and load regulation (240 mV), enabling zero-layout-change upgrades.

Use Scenario: Supplying bias voltage to op-amps and ADC references in portable benchtop analyzers.

IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise 12 V source for precision analog signal chains requiring minimal PSRR degradation.

Use Value: 75 µV/VO output noise and 18 mΩ output impedance minimize signal distortion and improve effective resolution in 16-bit ADC systems.

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Alternative Part	Technical Difference	Application Difference	Selection Advice
LM7812CT	±2% output tolerance (tighter), higher quiescent current (8.5 mA vs. 8 mA), R_thJA = 50 °C/W same	Preferred where tighter initial accuracy matters more than long-term drift	Select LM7812CT if initial calibration sensitivity demands <±2% VO at 25 °C
MC7812CD2TR4	D²PAK package (R_thJA = 62.5 °C/W), same electrical specs, surface-mount compatible	Suitable for automated SMT assembly; requires PCB copper area for thermal management	Choose MC7812CD2TR4 when board space constraints preclude through-hole TO-220 mounting

Compared with LM7812CT and MC7812CD2TR4, the L7812CP offers identical core regulation performance in a cost-optimized TO-220 package with proven field reliability in industrial environments, while trading tighter initial tolerance for broader temperature-grade availability and lower procurement complexity.

Availability

L7812CP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive electronics, and test equipment requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and consistent parametric performance across production batches.

Supply support for L7812CP 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 sensing solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The L78 series belongs to ST's legacy linear regulator product line, engineered specifically for rugged, cost-sensitive applications demanding high fault tolerance, wide temperature operation, and minimal external component count.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for the L7812CP to maintain regulation?

The L7812CP requires a minimum input voltage of 14.5 V to guarantee 12 V output across full load (5 mA to 1.5 A) and temperature (0–125 °C) ranges. This accounts for its 2 V dropout voltage at 1 A and worst-case output tolerance (11.4 V), ensuring regulation margin even under heating and line variation.

Can the L7812CP be used without input and output capacitors?

No - STMicroelectronics specifies mandatory use of a 0.33 µF ceramic capacitor on the input and a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor on the output, placed as close as possible to the device pins. Omitting either risks oscillation, poor transient response, or instability, especially under dynamic load conditions or with long input traces.

How does thermal performance differ between TO-220 and TO-220FP packages for the L7812CP?

The TO-220FP variant has identical pinout but features a fully insulated case (plastic-isolated tab), resulting in higher thermal resistance: R_thJA = 60 °C/W vs. 50 °C/W for standard TO-220. This reduces maximum continuous output current by ~15% at the same ambient temperature unless additional heatsinking compensates for the insulation barrier.

Is the L7812CP suitable for battery-powered applications?

It is not optimal for battery-powered systems due to its 8 mA quiescent current and 2 V dropout - both significantly higher than modern low-I_Q LDOs. For a 12 V lead-acid or LiFePO₄ stack, it wastes >96 mW at no load and cannot regulate below ~14 V input, limiting usable battery range and efficiency.

L7812CP Specifications

Product attributes: Attribute value

Manufacturer:: STMicroelectronics

Series:: -

Package/Case:: TO-220-3 Full Pack

Packaging:: Tube

Product Status:: Not For New Designs

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):: 8 mA

Current - Supply (Max):: -

PSRR:: 55dB (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

L7812CP FAQ

1.How can I place an order for L7812CP through Aetrix?

Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L7812CP 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 L7812CP reliable?

The price and inventory of L7812CP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L7812CP is usually 5 days.

3.What payment methods are accepted for L7812CP?

We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L7812CP transactions.

Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.

4.How is shipping managed for L7812CP?

L7812CP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.

Once your L7812CP 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 L7812CP?

For technical support, including L7812CP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L7812CP requirements.

6.How does Aetrix verify that L7812CP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?

All L7812CP 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 L7812CP meets industry standards.

7.What is the process for return or replacement of L7812CP?

All L7812CP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L7812CP, 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 L7812CP part is unused and in its original packaging.

Return procedure for L7812CP:

1.Submit a request within 90 days.

2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.

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