STMicroelectronics L7824ACV

Overview

L7824ACV from STMicroelectronics is a three-terminal positive linear voltage regulator delivering a fixed 24 V output with ±2 % tolerance at 25 °C, 1.5 A maximum output current, thermal overload and short-circuit protection, and 2 V dropout voltage at 1 A - used for stable local regulation in industrial power supplies and embedded control systems.

For engineers reviewing the L7824ACV datasheet, L7824ACV pinout, L7824ACV application, or L7824ACV equivalent, key selection criteria include input voltage range (27.3–38 V), load regulation (≤100 mV over 5 mA–1.5 A), supply voltage rejection (54 dB at 120 Hz), junction temperature range (0 to 125 °C), and TO-220 package thermal resistance (R_thJA = 50 °C/W).

Technical Context

The L7824ACV implements a monolithic series-pass transistor architecture with internal current limiting, thermal shutdown, and safe operating area (SOA) protection - enabling robust operation without external protection circuitry. Its feedback loop maintains regulation across line (VI = 27.3–38 V) and load (IO = 5 mA–1.5 A) variations while sustaining 24 V ±2 % accuracy over temperature.

Designed for fixed-output use, it requires only two external capacitors (CI = 0.33 µF, CO = 0.1 µF) for stability and ripple suppression. The device operates within a 0 to 125 °C junction temperature range and delivers up to 1 A continuously with adequate heatsinking - peak short-circuit current reaches 2.2 A under pulse conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

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

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with LM7824CT and MC7824ACT, the L7824ACV offers superior output accuracy (±2 %), lower quiescent current, and guaranteed SOA protection - making it optimal for industrial applications demanding long-term stability and fault resilience.

Availability

L7824ACV is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC power supplies, 24 V sensor interface modules, motor drive logic supplies, and embedded HMI controller boards requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for L7824ACV 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, specializing in automotive, industrial, and power management ICs with broad manufacturing and quality certifications.

The L78 series is ST's flagship family of three-terminal positive linear regulators, designed specifically for rugged, cost-effective local regulation in industrial control, factory automation, and embedded power systems.

FAQ

What is the minimum input voltage required for regulation with L7824ACV?

The minimum input voltage is 27.3 V DC under full-load (1 A) and 25 °C conditions, based on its 2 V dropout voltage specification. At light loads or lower temperatures, regulation may begin slightly below this value, but 27.3 V is the guaranteed minimum per datasheet Table 9. Input below this threshold causes output collapse or unregulated behavior.

Can L7824ACV be used without a heatsink?

Yes, for low-duty-cycle or light-load operation (≤300 mA), but continuous 1 A output requires a heatsink. With R_thJA = 50 °C/W and 2 V dropout (2 W dissipation at 1 A), junction temperature rise exceeds 100 °C above ambient - exceeding the 125 °C max without thermal management. A 10 °C/W heatsink reduces rise to ~30 °C, ensuring safe operation.

Does L7824ACV require input and output capacitors?

Yes: a minimum 0.33 µF ceramic capacitor at the input and 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor at the output are mandatory for stability and transient response, as specified in DS0422 Rev 38. Omitting either risks oscillation, overshoot, or regulation loss - especially under fast load steps or high-impedance input sources.

How does the L7824ACV differ from the L7824CV variant?

The 'A' suffix denotes ±2 % output voltage tolerance at 25 °C and guaranteed operation from 0 to 125 °C; the 'C' suffix (e.g., L7824CV) specifies ±5 % tolerance and 0 to 125 °C operation but lacks the tighter initial accuracy and extended test coverage of the 'A' grade. Both share identical pinout, protection features, and thermal specs.