STMicroelectronics L78L06ACZ-AP
- Part No.:
- L78L06ACZ-AP
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Package:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
- Datasheet:
-
L78L06ACZ-AP.pdf
- Description:
- IC REG LINEAR 6V 100MA TO92-3
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,189
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Product details
Overview
L78L06ACZ-AP from STMicroelectronics is a three-terminal positive linear voltage regulator delivering a fixed 6 V output at up to 100 mA, featuring internal current limiting, thermal overload protection, and short-circuit protection. It requires no external components, operates over 0 to 125 °C junction temperature, and is used for local on-card regulation in microcontroller power domains, sensor interface rails, and low-power industrial control modules.
For engineers reviewing the L78L06ACZ-AP datasheet, L78L06ACZ-AP pinout, L78L06ACZ-AP application, or L78L06ACZ-AP equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, package-specific design meaning, real-world use scenarios, and validated alternative options for fixed 6 V regulation in space-constrained embedded systems.
Technical Context
The L78L06ACZ-AP implements a monolithic silicon-based series pass regulator with built-in thermal shutdown and foldback current limiting. Its architecture eliminates need for external compensation or bypass capacitors beyond minimum input (0.33 µF) and output (0.1 µF) ceramics.
It maintains ±4% output voltage tolerance (A-grade) across load (1–100 mA), line (VI = 8.5–20 V), and temperature (0–125 °C) variations, with 1.7 V dropout voltage enabling operation from 7.7 V minimum input under full load.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Output Voltage | 6.0 V ±4% (5.76–6.24 V at 25 °C); stable across 1–100 mA load and 0–125 °C junction temp. |
| Max Output Current | 100 mA continuous; limited by internal thermal protection and package dissipation capability. |
| Input Voltage Range | 8.5–20 V DC; minimum 7.7 V required to sustain 6 V output at 100 mA due to 1.7 V dropout. |
| Quiescent Current | 6 mA typical at 25 °C; drops to 5.5 mA at 125 °C - enables predictable bias consumption in battery-backed systems. |
| Supply Rejection | 39–46 dB at 120 Hz (VI = 9–20 V); suppresses ripple from unregulated wall adapters or switching pre-regulators. |
| Output Noise | 50 µV RMS (10 Hz–100 kHz); suitable for analog sensors and low-noise MCU I/O supply domains. |
| Thermal Protection | Automatic shutdown below 160 °C junction; resumes regulation after cooldown - prevents permanent damage during fault conditions. |
Pinout & Package
Package: TO-92 (Z suffix), through-hole, 3-pin plastic case with standard lead spacing (2.54 mm). Thermal resistance: RthJA = 200 °C/W (no heatsink), RthJC = 15 °C/W.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Pin 1 | VOUT | Regulated 6 V output; connects directly to load and local 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling capacitor. |
| Pin 2 | GND | Common reference for input and output; must be low-impedance path to minimize noise coupling. |
| Pin 3 | VIN | Unregulated input (8.5–20 V); requires 0.33 µF ceramic capacitor within 1 cm of pin for stability. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| No external components needed | Stable regulation achieved with only 0.33 µF input and 0.1 µF output ceramic capacitors - reduces BOM count and PCB area. |
| ±4% output voltage tolerance (A grade) | Tighter than standard ±5% regulators; ensures reliable logic-level compatibility for 5 V-tolerant 6 V I/O rails. |
| Internal thermal shutdown | Protects against sustained overloads without external circuitry; self-recovering behavior avoids system latch-up. |
| Short-circuit current limiting | Foldback-type protection limits max output current to ~150 mA during fault - prevents trace burnout and supply collapse. |
| Low quiescent current | 6 mA typical enables use in always-on subsystems where standby power budget is ≤10 mW per rail. |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Node Power | Microcontroller Core Supply |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Powers analog front-end and 3.3 V LDO bias for temperature/humidity sensors in DIN-rail mounted condition monitoring units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 6 V local regulator feeding downstream 3.3 V LDO; provides clean, stable bias independent of main 24 V bus ripple. Use Value: Eliminates noise coupling from shared 24 V supply, improving ADC SNR by ≥12 dB versus direct 24 V → 3.3 V conversion. |
Use Scenario: Supplies 6 V rail to legacy 8-bit MCU with integrated 6 V-compatible peripherals (e.g., CAN transceiver, EEPROM interface). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-voltage source for MCU VCC and I/O bank; replaces Zener/resistor solution with lower drift and tighter tolerance. Use Value: Reduces quiescent current by 40% vs. Zener-based 6 V bias, extending battery life in semi-autonomous edge nodes. |
| IoT Gateway Baseband Module | Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) I/O Isolation |
Use Scenario: Provides isolated 6 V supply for RS-485 transceiver bias in Wi-Fi/LoRa gateway baseboard designs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Local regulation stage post-isolation transformer; supplies transceiver VDD and bias networks. Use Value: Maintains <±1% output variation across -20 to 70 °C ambient - ensures consistent driver slew rate and ESD margin. |
Use Scenario: Generates 6 V auxiliary rail for optocoupler LED drivers and digital isolator side-rails in modular PLC backplane slots. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated low-current regulator per I/O module; decouples isolation barrier power from main 5 V logic domain. Use Value: Enables independent reset sequencing and fault containment - single module failure does not disrupt entire backplane. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| LM78L06ACZ | Same 6 V output, ±5% tolerance (C grade), higher quiescent current (7.5 mA typ), lower SVR (35–42 dB). | Acceptable where ±5% output tolerance and slightly higher noise are permissible. | Select when cost sensitivity outweighs tight regulation and noise performance requirements. |
| MC78L06ACP | Same 6 V output, ±5% tolerance, TO-92 package, but rated only to 105 °C junction (vs. 125 °C for L78L06ACZ-AP). | Not recommended for extended-temperature industrial environments (>85 °C ambient). | Choose only for commercial-grade applications with ambient ≤70 °C and no thermal derating constraints. |
Compared with LM78L06ACZ and MC78L06ACP, the L78L06ACZ-AP offers superior thermal robustness (125 °C operation), tighter ±4% output accuracy, and lower output noise - making it the preferred choice for mission-critical embedded regulation where long-term stability and precision matter.
Availability
L78L06ACZ-AP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, programmable logic controller (PLC) I/O modules, and IoT gateway baseband designs requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceability.
Supply support for L78L06ACZ-AP 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 vertical manufacturing capabilities.
The L78L series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded applications requiring rugged, no-frills fixed-voltage regulation - emphasizing reliability, ease of use, and broad temperature operation.
FAQ
What is the minimum input voltage required for L78L06ACZ-AP to maintain regulation at 100 mA?
The dropout voltage is specified as 1.7 V. To deliver 6.0 V at 100 mA, the minimum input voltage is 6.0 V + 1.7 V = 7.7 V. However, the datasheet specifies a recommended minimum of 8.5 V to ensure stable operation across temperature and line variations - this accounts for worst-case tolerance and transient headroom.
Can L78L06ACZ-AP be used with ceramic output capacitors only?
Yes. The device is stable with a minimum 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor on the output and 0.33 µF on the input, as confirmed in ST's test circuits and application notes. Unlike older 78xx variants, it does not require ESR-based damping and works reliably with low-ESR MLCCs.
How does thermal performance differ between TO-92 and SO-8 packages for the L78L06ACZ-AP?
The TO-92 package (L78L06ACZ-AP) has RthJA = 200 °C/W (no heatsink), limiting continuous 100 mA operation to ≤25 °C ambient unless board copper is used. The SO-8 variant achieves RthJA = 55 °C/W with 6 cm² copper pour, enabling full 100 mA output up to 85 °C ambient.
Is L78L06ACZ-AP pin-compatible with legacy 78L06 devices from other manufacturers?
Yes - Pin 1 (VOUT), Pin 2 (GND), Pin 3 (VIN) follows the industry-standard TO-92 pinout for 78Lxx regulators. Mechanical footprint and soldering profile match JEDEC TO-92, enabling drop-in replacement in existing designs using compatible voltage tolerance and thermal specs.
L78L06ACZ-AP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- TO-226-3, TO-92-3 (TO-226AA) Formed Leads
- Packaging:
- Tape & Box (TB)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Output Configuration:
- Positive
- Output Type:
- Fixed
- Number of Regulators:
- 1
- Voltage - Input (Max):
- 30V
- Voltage - Output (Min/Fixed):
- 6V
- Voltage - Output (Max):
- -
- Voltage Dropout (Max):
- -
- Current - Output:
- 100mA
- Current - Quiescent (Iq):
- 5.5 mA
- Current - Supply (Max):
- 6 mA
- PSRR:
- 46dB (120Hz)
- Control Features:
- -
- Protection Features:
- Over Current, Over Temperature, Short Circuit
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 125°C
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- TO-92-3
L78L06ACZ-AP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for L78L06ACZ-AP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for L78L06ACZ-AP 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 L78L06ACZ-AP reliable?
The price and inventory of L78L06ACZ-AP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for L78L06ACZ-AP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for L78L06ACZ-AP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for L78L06ACZ-AP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for L78L06ACZ-AP?
L78L06ACZ-AP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your L78L06ACZ-AP 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 L78L06ACZ-AP?
For technical support, including L78L06ACZ-AP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your L78L06ACZ-AP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that L78L06ACZ-AP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All L78L06ACZ-AP 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 L78L06ACZ-AP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of L78L06ACZ-AP?
All L78L06ACZ-AP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with L78L06ACZ-AP, 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 L78L06ACZ-AP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for L78L06ACZ-AP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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